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Using comment emails for marketing

Is it a HUGE no-no if a company that sponsored a giveaway then went and emailed those that left comments, telling them about specials, sales, new products or asking if they'd want to be on their newsletter list?

Is this a major no-no? Or an OK since ppl left their email on a public blog?

Thoughts? mahalo, Sarah

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Permalink Reply by Jen on August 4, 2008 at 7:53pm

I think that's a no no and I'd be peeved if I started getting emails from them!

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Permalink Reply by KatieLyons on March 14, 2009 at 7:39pm

Definitely a no-no! They entered the giveaway, they didn't sign up for the companies newsletter. That's why I like using Contest Machine, when people use that instead of the comment form on my blog, their email addresses are private to me, and I don't use them unless I'm contacting a winner or if they signed up to subscribe. Keeps away potential spammers and also stops companies from signing everyone up for their newsletter if they get tempted.

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Permalink Reply by Esther Owens on March 15, 2009 at 5:19pm

Major No-No

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Permalink Reply by Mom Bloggers Club on March 15, 2009 at 5:23pm

Oh, gosh. This is horrible. A HUGE no-no!

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Permalink Reply by kristen andrews on March 18, 2009 at 9:22am

a no no for sure.

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Permalink Reply by forgetfulone on March 18, 2009 at 11:36pm

Completely unethically. People who enter giveaways are usually assured that their email addresses will not be released to these companies, so unless it is part of the terms of the giveaway, this would be a no-no. I do giveaways, and I've never heard of the sponsor using my entrants for direct marketing. I believe they would lose reviewers that way.

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Permalink Reply by Melinda on March 19, 2009 at 11:40pm

that's a no-no
they need to require newsletter sign-up or email subscription. That's just sneaky

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Permalink Reply by Jannifer Stoddard on March 20, 2009 at 4:00am

I've never heard of Contest Machine. Where can I learn more about that? Thank you!

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Permalink Reply by Ohana Mama on March 20, 2009 at 4:03am

Wow, this is still getting replies! Just to let ya know, no one has done this, I was a freshie back then and was just curious about all of this. Love all the responses! Thanks! Sarah

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Permalink Reply by Catherine on March 20, 2009 at 2:51pm

Actually, I entered a giveaway on a blog recently and now the sponsor is sending me emails. There was nothing in the original giveaway post that stated the sponsor would use the email address we were required to leave for marketing.

I am pretty frustrated with this and do not plan to enter giveaways from the sponsor or the blog that hosted that particular giveaway again.