Anyone else receive a message from www.SlenkDeeLLC.com

It says that they are making a book with bloggers. The website looks impressive, but I have no idea why they write me, and whether they are just writing everyone (which seems likely). Have anyone received similar messages? Anyone know what it is? I suppose I am a bit intrigued since the website is so fancy.

Anna Reply to this

Yes, I was thinking that myself. And to be honest, I don't believe that people buy books full of other peoples travelblogs, especially when they can read such for free on the internet. And yes, power to TravelBlog.

My intrigue lies in that it looks like a really fancy site and I imagine a lot of hours was put into creating it. It seems like someone is trying to work out his dream here.

Moreover, I keep wondering whether this guy targeted me personally (which I imagine highly unlikely) or sents out messages to everyone on various travelblogs.

If the latter, can it then be formulated as a new kind of spam, where he tabs into other peoples dormant dreams of being recognised writers and in that way attempt at his own entreprenurial dream to publish a travel book.

Jezz, does this even make any sense.

Anyhow, the email which was very long and detailed fascinated me and got me thinking about this sort of entrepreneurial thing and these kinds of emails. And I was interesting in knowing if anyone else got the message and what they thought of receiving them.

Cheers, Anna Reply to this

If the latter, can it then be formulated as a new kind of spam, where he tabs into other peoples dormant dreams of being recognised writers and in that way attempt at his own entreprenurial dream to publish a travel book.

Sometimes it is an attempt by other sites to poach bloggers from well established sites, to starter sites. They usually offer some minor incentive to get the blogger to their site. Of course, there is always the chance that a major publisher or media body will contact bloggers, and that of course would be an opportunity not to miss, both for the bloggers and for TravelBlog.
What did they say they will offer you, in return for your blogs, Anna? Do they take the copyrights for your blogs, or do you get to hold onto it?

We have not yet had any other reports of this, so maybe you are the only one.

I don't believe that people buy books full of other peoples travelblogs, especially when they can read such for free on the internet.

There was a TravelBlog book one year, produced by TravelBlogs partners, droptheworld.com
I dont know how well it sold.

I will send a message to Ali, to ask him if he will comment on this thread, about if this site is making a good offer or not, and if they should be allowed to approach bloggers like this. 😊

If you want, you can send a copy of the email to webmaster (at) travelblog.org, in case we can find out more about this site and its reputation.
Reply to this

I also received an email from David Slenk. He wanted to include my blog on the Marathon in Rome; why he picked that I don't know as there are many more interesting blogs, both by me and by others. I haven't committed to anything yet, and would be interested in what others have to say, before I proceed. Reply to this

Thanks everyone,

To be honest I don't know if I should be flattered or irritated that someone is spamming me. I could imagine that both Mell and Ali are right. That this dude wants to attract bloggers and perhaps seeks a profit. However, it was interesting what Home and Away said, about this guy wanting a particular blog. In my case he didn't specify. Anyhow, I'll send the mail to the webmaster, because if it is a scam he should be stopped, but if it is merely visionary spamming from someone who truly thinks publishing such a book is a good idea, I don't want to stop him in his quest, though I don't really fancy participating either.

Thanks guys for sharing your thoughts,

Anna Reply to this

The comforting thing is that the consequences are severe in terms of plagerism and publishing without permission. These are serious issues. While you don't take it lightly, if you have all emails and contract information in writing, there is really no way around him delivering what he promises you. Just be very clear about all expectations and compensation. Reply to this

In response to: Msg #149636
Hmm..but then what about travel books that are published in general? Storytelling is away for people to learn how to do things they have not yet experienced. By reading essays and blogs, they can learn where to do, how to do it, how to handle situations, they can feel like they are traveling through the perspective of the narrator and the experiences of the characters. Im sorry but I really don't agree with this statement. It sort of implies travel writing as some sort of easy, willy-nilly thing. People publish things and find their sources in all sorts of places. That is exactly WHY they would contact you and pay you..as they recognize the value in it even if you may not. While I can't specifically go into detail, trust me, I have confronted many people thinking I was scamming them when I requested photos for articles at NGT. Reply to this

Haha, exactly! Good luck! Reply to this

I just looked at your blogs and found that you are in the business so know what you are talking about.

I received a Kindle for Christmas so will download the books your recommended, although the autobiography by your friend may be a bit edgy for me.

I also subscribed to your blog, so you now have another reader out here.

Before moving to Colorado I lived in Falls Church for 10 years so know something about what you are living through, although your blogs are much better written than mine. Reply to this

I'll send you a message with a response. I started to write, but it became too long, and it's off topic. Reply to this