Re: Is it spam?

From: Gil Lavie <coffee_at_netvision.net.il>
Date: Thu 07 Sep 2000 11:29:07 -0500

ILONA JERABEK <ilona_at_queendom.com> WROTE:
> I must say that this approach

(Ilona refers to an attempt at a polite but indirect
"cold call," with the sales person first inquiring
about the other person's product or business)

> irritates me much more than when someone offers
> me their service in an e-mail. First of all,
> I see it as a deception or manipulation.

TO WHICH JOHN WALKER <jcfwalker_at_home.com> REPLIED:
> First, I would bet that Ilona is European, and not just
> from her name. Europeans dislike the indirect approach
> Americans often take in business conversations, while
> we Americans often find our European cousins to be
> blunt...

This is an interesting topic.

Generalizations and stereotyples--the great paradox of
mankind. While we all stand against them, we all see
some truth in them.

As an Israeli born and raised in America, I live that
conflict everyday. Much like our European
counterparts, we sometimes criticize Americans for
their overly polite and indirect approach. It can be
interpreted as being phony and insincere.

However, I refute that claim. I appreciate "American"
kind indirect approach just as much as I appreciate the
more direct blunt approach.

Certain mannerism is nice to have--it makes the day
brighter.

The bottom line--sincerity! If a person is sincere in
his or her intention, I would not mind the direct
approach, just as long as it's not rude.

By the same token, a kind insincere approach would not
cut through my cynical consumer radar.

Gil Lavie
IncrediMail Ltd.





Received on Thu Sep 07 2000 - 11:29:07 CDT