is this part of the job

18 years ago

I do commercial blog for a lawn chemical company (don't whine they pay and its a job). The entry is one per week and I tout their weed and feed etc. My email/web page is at the bottom which if they use the web page clearly states I am a freelance writer. But... this guy keeps asking me questions. Should he put the stuff down now or later, what do I mean by 'spring?' is it just a line that the company uses that is delivers at the right time etc; this last one was his state advises 5 lawn treatments per yr 3 in spring 2 in fall - weird I thought, and he wanted to know how this stuff with slow release needed only 2 applications/yr.

So my question is - is this part of my job? I do not work directly for the company, but I don't want to take their side vs a state and the guy is annoying. Oneor two quesions is one thing, but this is like he wants me to be his personal lawn care coach.

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Comments (5)

eddie_ga_7a
18 years ago
I think we all have run into people like that who want you to actually go to their house and hold their hand while they apply the stuff. Try this; look up the Extension office in the state he lives in then answer all his questions by saying "Since I do not live in the same state as you, it might be best if you contact your LOCAL county agent for specific advice related to your zone." Then give him the Extension link and if he asks again, repeat the information.
jsmadge
18 years ago
You may want to refer him to the customer service department of your client. I have been in a similar situation and this tactic seems to work. Good luck!
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katycopsey
Original Author
18 years ago
>>You may want to refer him to the customer service department of your client. I have been in a similar situation and this tactic seems to work. Good luck! This I did do and got a the answer that they know him well! The prevailing wisdom right now is that he has transferred his needs to me, and I should keep the answers short, polite and link to the ext office.

Its the tone of the guy that is weird - its as though he wants me/the company to admit that we use 'a line' to grab customers; or that he wants us to battle against the state ag.people. I don't get the mentality of the guy and frankly don't want to. I would be really worried if he lived anywhere withing 100 miles of me too.
ginny12
18 years ago
That's a bit scary. How about sending out a bland "Thank you for your inquiry but at this time we are not able to answer individual questions" or some version of that. And then don't answer any more questions from him. And I hate to say it, but make sure the company, your family, and others know about this situation, including the guy's name and address. The key is not to reply, ever. And maybe take your email and website out of the company's site and have any future inquiries directed thru their site instead.
gudipudi
17 years ago
puzzled \!:!!

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