Ask for Writing Help

"There are no stupid questions" admonishes the old adage [a redundancy to avoid], however, stupid approaches abound. Two popped up in my email this week at quite different ends of the continuum. One wanted me to quote a price for website writing, the other wanted me to critique her writing, apparently for free. Both were fairly anonymous, hiding behind screen names and using different websites' "personal messaging" systems (which send an email to my computer to go online and check my personal mailbox, in one case).

Let's take the latter example, which happens to be the person who wants help with her writing. She PM'd me, although my signature clearly states "No PMs -- email Writers-Edge@gmail.com". I had a free second or two, so I indulged this kid's whim. I presume it is a kid. Who else would be so rude? My signature also clearly indicates that I am a professional editor as well as a writer. I have had no previous communication with this person, however she feels free to ask:

I've read some of the other advice you've given other writers on their submissions, and I was wondering if you'd take a look at my short story. "XXX" in Literary fiction. I'd appreciate any advice you have.

No compliment. No sucking up. Not even a greeting or a signature! And not even the courtesy of an email asking if I'd do this favor and perhaps attaching the story in manuscript format. I have no idea who she is and wonder why she thinks she can presume.

Then, through a different website, came this gem of an inquiry:

HI
i am looking for a content writer (online) if you are interested please pop
me a email with your capacity and quotes.

Thanks
SAM
This message was sent to you by Nutrition Jobs.

Thanks, but I don't think I want to work for someone with such an inadequate grasp of grammar. A glance at this person's Profile gives no clue as to her real name or website. I did reply to her, asking for more information in detail, but I will be surprised to receive a response.

People, people, courtesy and common sense did not walk out the door when PCs were invented! Disguising your identity is a good method to encourage that you not be taken seriously. Whether or not an email message is a casual note between friends or a business letter depends on the intent. A job offer requires a formal approach. Asking a favor with no attention to first building a relationship is professional suicide.