I agree with the sentiment. In general, I think there's a large value to "not asking anything of your customer" from time to time. Note that Brian's blurb did

I agree with the sentiment. In general, I think there's a large value to "not asking anything of your customer" from time to time. Note that Brian's blurb did not mention a coupon, or a promotion, or any insinuation of buying something right now. I think sales / marketing people often send promotions thinking they're doing a favor for the recipient ("Here's $5 off!"), but really, they're just creating pressure to buy stuff. Obviously, not every marketing message can be like this. But, a certain portion of B2C messages should acknowledge / compliment / convey information, and ask nothing in return. After all, you don't constantly ask favors of your real-world friends ... no reason to think it's different in commerce.