Broadcast message mistakes - damage limitation and how to avoid them.

[Ed]

Capitalizing on the latest Broadcast message I (and I guess everyone else) got from Ning, I thought I'd share an anecdote from my early days as an NC and at the same time share a little tip to avoid sending out those "Test" messages to your entire network before they're ready.

You're a couple of months old and you pretty much want to worship every member you have. Everything you write is quadruple checked, then checked again. When it comes to broadcast messages, you fill your inbox up with trial runs. 

Then you go and click SEND on a broadcast message which not only isn't word perfect but also includes "this is a test. your bottom smells"

Ok, it's out there. Damage limitation time.

1. First of all, you can't do anything about it. You're still breathing. Keep doing it.
2. If it's just that your message was a bit rubbish and not ready for public viewing, it can often be worse writing an apology - if just for the fact that it only draws attention to the errors. On the other hand of course, if you've been as naughty as I or Eric have, it's probably worth mentioning that the bottom you were talking about wasn't that of any of your members.
3. To avoid repeating the mistake, don't write anything you wouldn't want published and most importantly of all, don't write your broadcast message TITLE in until the very end. You have to add a broadcast message title before it allows you to send so just don't add one. That way, if you click SEND by mistake, you get taken up to the top to fill in your title. 

I guess now's the time to open up the discussion for any other amusing Broadcast Message mishaps. I'd love to hear them. I'm sure Eric would too

Cheers,

Ed

P.S. at least we know there's a real person over there.

[Eric Suesz]

Ed, God bless you, sir. You are absolutely right about the write-the-title last trick. That is a great idea. 

[Debby de Wilde]

like

[Connie Mettler]

it was just a little stunning... so glad to know that Ning wasn't just picking on me

[Lynne Fowler]

Always, always, always send yourself the message first, before you send it to all. There is much to see and check. Like links not working or mis-spellings or things moving around where you don't want them, especially if using a template. Plus, I notice differences in the presentations in Yahoo and Google mail. It's nice to look it over as a member would see it, first.

(I am saving Eric's message, it was classic.)

[Eric Suesz]

You are right, Mauricio. It was inappropriate. I apologize if this was offensive. This is a phrase that "the kids" use these days (I guess I can say "the kids" because I am already getting old), but it's absolutely not something that we should send to our customers. It was something I thought I was sending to my co-workers who are participating with me on test networks.

I'll do what I can to try and make it up to everyone. Pretty dumb move. 

[Charlie]

It was one of those moments where it was great to see that I am not the only one who makes those crazy 'in your face' mistakes, so please don't worry about it Eric. Personally I found it very funny, so it's all good as far as I am concerned ;-) LOL 

[Apostle Solael]

It is good to see you are still with us though, because though I saw your apology before I opened your email, my first question after the gasp was "I wonder if that person still has their job!"

blessings,

[MAC]

Mauricio thank you for pointing out that the content was offensive as it was.  Very few people would find this endearing and it reminds me of an old saying "familiarity breeds contempt".  In today's society where political correctness has run amuck using this term could get you in a law suit, work place or not.  Beware of the written word it is there forever.  Isaiah 62:10...lift up a standard for the people. lol

[Debby de Wilde]

Thanks Ed, really like the last tip on the title. Never thought of that. 

It did not happen to me yet but hey, we are all human! I laughed when I saw Eric's broadcast. I can see the message being in-office terminology. Not one hair on my head (and I have a LOT) thought Eric was referring to any of us...................

[Apostle Solael]

Translated as:

I understand ... all, or at least most, think it's just a mistake and give your eyes .... the restro, shut up, shut up, shut up ...

[Neil Norton]

I sent a broadcast last month by mistake with some typos.  My chefe wanted me to send an apology, I said most would not notice, and those that do would probably be aggravated by an extra email.   Thanks for vindicating me with your tip about it "often being worse writing an apology." In Eric's case, apology was necessary.  I would like to say I am incapable of writing such nonsense, but it is possible so I feel your pain and many of us learned an important lesson, so there is that.