Embargoed

I've been getting things in my email from people and companies announcing new services, and increasingly I am getting stuff with the condition "embargoed until _____." Now, I know what it means but never having been on the "com" side of marcom I do find it curious that I am now the target of this practice.

The question I am left with is this notion of unsolicited PR and the obligation that one has who receives it. The honor system would suggest that I abide by their embargo not as a condition for receiving future missives, but in the general sense of fair play. However, I didn't ask to get this material and I certainly did not agree to any conditions before opening the message, so should I feel so obligated?

Comments

[TechCrunch]

Jeff, I get these too, but there is always a preliminary email asking if I will honor the embargo before they send additional information. In about half the cases the embargo is a trick to make the product seem more interesting, in other cases there is some "there" there. I don't have any advice for you on whether to honor them or not. You are certainly under no legal obligation to.

[John Cook]

Jeff,

As a blogger and journalist, this is one of my biggest pet peeves.

As I said on my blog after reading your post:

If you want something held by a reporter or blogger for a certain date, pick up the phone and negotiate with him or her individually. Otherwise, the information is free game.

[jeff]

Hi John,
Just wanted to tell you that I really enjoy your blog.

j