I’d like to share with you a string of emails I sent and received recently.

Dear [Editor],

I would like to offer you this feature idea for [publication]– hopefully I haven’t missed your print deadlines for your next issue. If you’re interested, please get in touch.

[My pitch went here -- you think I'm gonna show off my technique? Pfft!]

I hope you are interested in the piece and I look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards,

Dave

The reply:

Dave,

Thanks for getting in touch. We have already lined up an article about [my pitch] for next month.

Regards

[EDITOR]

Balls. My reply:

Hi [EDITOR]

Not to worry — thank you for getting back to me so quickly.

Best wishes,

Dave

End of discussion. Or was it? A few moments later:

Dave,

I see from your blog that you write about media & technology. We had half an idea for looking at [story]. Is this something you’ve  been following?

[EDITOR]

Ah ha! Looks like Mr jBlog has helped me out — yet again!

My piece went into the magazine last week, earning me a modest yet satisfying sum.

Is it worth starting a blog? This piece alone has covered hosting/domain costs for the next two years. You’d be a fool not to!