interesting email

[martin_alston]

I got this email the other day about posting a profile about my company in a

magazine. First of all I have no idea how they got my email. Second, it looks

kinda fishy since they want me to send high resolution photos. I've already

decided not to reply butI was curious if anyone else had gotten something

similar. Here is the email:

 

Good afternoon,

 

I am the Publisher of Executive Summary, a new electronic business and

lifestyle publication specifically designed for senior executives, business

owners and other high net-worth individuals. Our distribution is the United

States and Canada.

 

We are publishing a special report on Executive Portrait Photographers

(publication date is September 2006). This Report will include a directory

of professional photographers, portfolios, profiles of photographers, style

guides, articles by image and wardrobe consultants, etc.

 

We would like to include information about your firm in this report (there

is no cost to be included). Accordingly, I kindly ask that you provide the

following information before August 11th:

 

1) Company name

2) Company address

3) Telephone number

4) Fax number

5) Website

6) E-mail address

7) Name of primary contact

 

In addition, I am interested in publishing one to four photographs which

would appear in your Portfolio page. The Portfolio page will include your

name, portfolio photographs, personal bio (up to 140 words) and your

photograph. Each portfolio photograph will include information about the

subject (name, title and company). Once again, there is no cost for this

service. To participate, simply email me your portfolio photographs (300

DPI, JPEG format preferred) and the corresponding subject information. We

will send you a mock-up of the Portfolio page for your review and approval.

 

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

 

Best regards,

 

John Calderon

Publisher

Executive Summary

84 Moynahan Cr.

Ajax, Ontario L1Z 1M4 (Canada)

T: 905-426-7916

F: 905-426-2908

john.calderon@constructad.com

[tnbandmom]

Well if you go to www.constructad.com the website is under construction for almost every link. Seems like if they are really legit the website would be a bit better.

[wedding-photography-denver]

I dare say it is legit.

 

If you want to have a go, it would appear you have little to loose.

[martin_alston]

I'm not really sure how to take that response David, but it sounded a bit like a low blow to me. And as I said, I am in no way thinking of replying back. I was just curious if anyone else had received a similar email.

[craig_gillette]

Aug.11 for submissions for a September publication (date) seems compressed, especially with a turnaround/approval anticipated. I think it reads like a fishing expedition, not necessarily for your info but perhaps to tap the "client"info.

 

Nor do I think that the "subjects" would necessarily be happy about inclusion in something like this. Even if there is a possibly suitable "release" onm file.

[phillip hurd - atlanta ga]

Looks Like a scam... Sounds like a Scam....

 

Recently I got a similar correspondence (I am in the US) where the company wanted to list me a "Who�s Who" up an coming executive. The wording and flow was very similar to what you posted. I found that it was a scam. They get you to give the information and then tell you must buy the finished product (directory) for some exorbitant fee such as $400. The only people that actually see it are the people who pay the $400.

 

Money is to hard to earn to give it away to people like that.

[mark_jacoby___raleigh__nc]

Martin, not that David needs me to answer for him (lol) but I think he means that you are not being asked to send any money or credit card data. My guess is that these directories are for sale to people who need their ego stroked!

 

I've received some inquires like this in the past too.

[sal ali]

Seems like there is little risk to you. You are not being asked to send anything that couldn't be found on your web site. I called the phone number since I am local and got My Calderon's voice mail. Also the address is likely the guy's house. That part of Ajax is primarily residential. Maybe he is just trying to start a business from his home. Can't fault the guy from that. Until and unless you are asked for dough, seems harmless.

[lou korell]

Hate to say it but there are so many scams out there it is hard to sort them out from legitimate offers. It could be someone collecting images to promote themselves as an executive portrait photographer without building their own portfolio. It happens.

If you really are curious you could go fishing yourself and inquire about their business and how they operate. I'd also check to see if they are affiliated with any other professional organizations or if something like a Better Business Bureau has any registered complaints.