I like public relations professionals. Really, I do.

That’s why I’ve compiled my list of top PR no-nos. Because I want to keep liking you (and I want you to keep liking me). By the way, it goes both ways. I also have a list of 10 things I’ll never do to a publicist. Once you’ve had a look at this list, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

10. Asking me for an exact air date or publication date on a story. Although it is your right to know when a story is going to appear (and I will gladly tell you) I often don’t know the precise date until just before publication.

9. Sending me an unsolicited press kit. Come on. Do you have any idea how many trees you’re killing?

8. Asking what my “angle” is. I often don’t know until I’m done with my reporting. Rest assured, you will know what the story is about when I’m running my fact-check with you.

7. Calling to find out if your client is in the story. I don’t know until the story is published. Often, neither does my editor.

6. Requesting a letter of assignment. I wouldn’t ask for information and then not write about it. What kind of travel writer do you think I am? ;-)

5. Mailing me something “embargoed” or asking me to sign a nondisclosure statement. I’m a journalist — I get paid to break news, not keep your clients’ secrets.

4. Sending me an e-mail that begins, “Dear {USER_FIRSTNAME}” Look, if you’re gonna spam me, at least learn how to use the software.

3. Pitching me for an outlet I haven’t written for in years. Everything I write is online. Take a few minutes and read up. I’ll love you for it.

2. Calling my editor when you’re not happy with a story. I’ll find out, and when I do, we’ll both be unhappy.

1. Following up with a phone call to “see if I got the press release.” Honestly, they should expel people from PRSA for doing this.

Ready to contact me? I read and respond to all queries.