Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash
By: Stella Orange
I want to tell you a true story about something we’ll call “style.”
It goes something like this:
I follow an artist on Instagram who is being impersonated by a scam account.
I didn’t know this until last week, when the scammer DMed me:
Hello, [wave emoji] Drawn to you the beloved, would you like to be considered for a reading? [three star-in-orbit emojis, two twinkling star emojis]
This struck me as both tacky and odd.
It didn’t seem like the “style” of the artist – who is also an astrologer.
But let’s back up. I’ve bought post cards and a wall calendar from this woman. Her art is clever and wise and thoughtful and makes me feel things. I listen to her monthly podcast and read her monthly blog.
In fact, I’d go so far as to say that discovering this woman and her work has been a bright light in my year.
So when I got this DM, it triggered a conflict in my brain.
On the one hand was my experience of this artist, her work, and the delight, value, and gifts she’d consistently and congruently shared.
On the other hand, there was this DM, which didn’t match that vibe, felt sticky and unctuous in my body, and pissed me off.
I should have known, friend!
I should have suspected that it wasn’t actually her.
The styles didn’t match!
Especially when the next DM came: “I was drawn to you and I got an important message and insights to share with you once you book a reading session. [heart emoji]”
Eww, gross.
Anyway, I felt all my feels and wanted to get in touch to let her know that it didn’t feel good, receiving this message, and that it wasn’t in sync with what I’ve come to know of her “style.”
I checked this out with a couple people, including Rebecca, who advised sending an email instead of responding via DM.
It took me several drafts to strike the right relational tone (I was too self-righteous in my sh*tty first draft, I’ll admit it), but I eventually got there. I pressed “send.”
And when I received her response – she’d never do something like that, she’s being impersonated by a scam account that she’s reported but they’re slow to shut it down, thanking me for giving her a chance to describe what’s happening – my whole body felt a visceral sense of relief.
Like, ooooooooh. Of course it wasn’t her! Of course it was a fake account.
The “style” of the DM did not match who she is and how she rolls!
And then I had a good chuckle with myself, because Rebecca and I do this work every day with clients. We help people make sure their “style” is congruent and consistent – and matches who they are and how they roll.
Oopsie! Guess one slipped past me. {wink}
Stella is cofounder and copywriter at Las Peregrinas, a creative and consulting agency. As our resident word nerd, she writes copy and points out the stories everyone is living and telling through their work. She is also fun at parties.
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