open letter to cafepress.com

To: Fred Durham, CEO Cafepress.com
Date: May 2, 2006
RE: Your Marketing Message

Dear Mr. Durham,

Today I received in my email a message from your company with the subject header, Final Days of Free Shipping for Christine's Mom. At first glance, most people might agree that there is nothing wrong with such a subject, until perhaps I tell you that Christine's (my) Mom is dead.

Sure, you had no way of knowing that. And honestly I don't think your staff were being intentionally cruel or sent the email in hopes to cause emotional distress. Still, I don't believe that you should hit the send button without thinking. Ignorance is not an excuse.

My inbox and mailbox are currently flooded with Mother's Day specials and offers. Free shipping, special discounts, gifts just for mom - they are all there, and yes on some level they all upset me. Your company however is the first to actually be so direct, and insensitive. While it is true that all of us have mothers, they are not all of this earth, nor does everyone have a warm and fuzzy relationship with their mother (I'd encourage you to rent "Mommy Dearest" if you need an example).

Truth be told, I have bought gifts for other moms in my life since my Mom died almost seven years ago. So in some ways targeting me in your marketing campaign isn't wrong - being unthinking and self-centered is.

I suspect other people will be equally if not more so upset by your marketing staff's thoughtless email. I hope you and your staff will be more considerate in the future. Father's Day is just around the corner.

Most sincerely written,


A CafePress Customer


currently reading :: MOMMY WARS