There's an old warning, never pick a fight with a man who buys ink by the barrel. You'd think the Internet-age applications of that maxim would be clear, but apparently not. So let's be explicit: When attempting to game a contest run by a notoriously bitchy blog, don't send a mass email announcing your intention. It's bound to get forwarded around and end up someplace where it will embarrass you. Like, say, here:

From: Patrick McGregor
Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2005 2:21 PM
To: xxxx@bcbg.com
Subject: Nominate Eric Wilson as Men of The Times Hottie

Greetings!

Please vote to nominate Eric Wilson as the Men of The Times Hottie. You have until noon tomorrow (Wednesday) to do this. You need to send you message to tips@gawker.com

Actual voting will begin on Thursday. You'll find a copy of today's Gawker item regarding this contest. Please know that "identically phrased nominations" for Eric have been sent out. This is working against him so please try to be original - there's so much about him to rave about. Feel free to enlist other friends, ex-lovers, dogs, etc.

Get to it now!!!

Patrick xxx

It strikes us as bad press relations for BCBG Max Azria if one of its employees got a Times reporter who covers the company kicked out of the contest. But, then again, we're not P.R. folks. So what do we know?

Earlier: Gawker Hotties: Operators Are Standing By!

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