There is a new term being used to describe the email you receive that is not SPAM, but is also not something you have time to pay attention to. It is being referred to as “BACN” (for more info go here). BACN is all the email newsletters, announcement lists, social network alerts, etc that make it to your inbox. It’s not that you don’t want them, it’s that you don’t have time for them.
BACN is a bit of a problem. I’m reading at least 10 email newsletters a day to keep up. Mostly I scan them, since I really don’t have that much time. I also get a million MySpace friend requests, even more Facebook notifications, notifications form the systems I work with to do my job, and tons of direct email for lists I have opt-ed in to. Sometimes I’m surprised my Delete button doesn’t wear out. But I did ask for it all, so I need it.
It is something to keep in mind. Most of the information pushed out for recruitment purposes is BACN - job alerts, direct emails, email newsletters, etc. It means that you have to be very smart with your email marketing initiatives. Use subject lines that are descriptive and get attention. Also, be conservative in the number of communications you send out. I still think email is a great tool for many reasons. But when using it, be conscious of all the BACN & SPAM that people are receiving. Basically, make your BACN really yummy, so it seems like treat and not something to trash.
September 4, 2007 at 9:09 am
Ditto! How did I get by before I received all this important information?
September 12, 2007 at 7:18 pm
[...] The One Thing That Isn t Better With BACN - Email There is a new term being used to describe the email you receive that is not SPAM, but is also not something you have time to pay attention to. It is being referred to as “BACN” (for more info go here). BACN is all the email newsletters, announcement lists, social network alerts, etc that […] [...]