I just came home and read John Reese’s amazing email in which he apologizes to women marketers and to his readership in general for promoting the Rich Jerk’s event.
I felt battling emotions as I read.
I felt relieved.
Relieved that he didn’t know what that sales letter contained when he promoted it.
Of all the ‘Jerks by Association’ that send promos – I was most shocked by John’s participation. Shocked, confused – saddened. It is a relief to know he wasn’t privy to the horrible message of that salesletter.
I felt renewed respect.
Respect because it took major character on his part to write the apology. I can understand how he came to the decision to send the promos – and I can accept and respect his feelings about the Playboy Mansion even if I do not agree.
Lots of people make mistakes and experience regret and never open up their mouths to admit it. It takes a big man to step up and admit a mistake so publically.
I felt valued.
As a woman – I felt valued by John. Qouting his email:
“More than anything I am concerned about how the
marketing of this event was damaging to the
hard-working WOMEN of the Internet Marketing
industry.The marketing was very sexist and took the position
that the networking event was purposely only for men—nearly implying that Internet Marketing was no place
for women and that they weren’t allowed.This was extremely poisonous.
The Internet Marketing industry is what it is because
of MANY great women marketers. Women like Lynn Terry,
Alice Seba, Rosalind Gardner, Alexandria Brown,
Lorrie Morgan-Ferrero, and Liz Tomey just to name a
few.Many of them have contributed to this industry equally
if not MORE than many of the men have. They bust their
butts and work extremely hard. And they all (including
many, many more I didn’t mention) deserve RESPECT
as well as RECOGNITION for their contributions.”
Thank you John. These remarks brought tears to my eyes. You named good friends of mine, women who I love and respect and have learned more from than any male marketer out there.
I deeply appreciate your willingness to be transparent about your decision to go to the event. I respect your reasons and I admire your determination to not leave other people who responded to your recommendation hanging.
It proves that you take the responsibility of your reach seriously.
It proves – at least in my eyes – that you are not a jerk – even if for one small moment you appears to act like one ;)
Sat, Jul 7, 2007
Working at Home