Not to get off on a rant here, but today's inbox is filled with subject lines of misleading topics.

One came today from a well-known program labelled, "Question."

Now, what do you think that was about? Yes, you're right, nary a question inside, just another ad for some program this person was interested in getting me to look at.

You know what? I deleted it. Yep, right into the delete box with that one. You know why? Because I felt I was mislead to begin with and wasn't going to give it the time of day. And I'll be leery from this point on about incoming messages from that person. I may still look, but I'll remember.

We've all read from "on high" everything from make it catchy to tell the truth.

I'm definitely in the Tell the Truth category. You're much more likely to get my undivided attention for at least a minute to look at your offer. Lie to me, and that delete key is just a nanosecond away.

Tell the truth! If YOU believe it in, why try to hide what "it" is under a false cover? Aren't you sure enough about it, as is, to trust an honest subject line to help you?

If not, step back. Maybe that's not the program for you. You must have confidence and knowledge to sell anything well, and feel good about what you are doing while doing it.

DO try to be original. If you've seen the same subject over and over, do change your subject line. But, please don't lie to me, or request my help, or pretend you need to ask me a question when that is not the intent of your incoming message. It won't do you a bit of good.

Marketing means testing to determine what works and what doesn't. Honest advertising will stand head and shoulders above the rest and do for you what all other "methods" will never achieve.

In the meantime, winding down my rant and awaiting the next influx of emails, the very best of success to you in all your marketing endeavors!