Everyone has something that drives them up a wall. You may be surprised at what aggravates reporters.

They deal with horrors like jargon-filled press releases, poorly-written news advisories, and gimmicky pens and mousepads, but reporters consistently and overwhelmingly name one habit of publicity-seekers as their number one peeve.

What is it? It's when someone calls after a press release has been sent and asks "Did you get my press release?"

This is the single worst way to follow up after sending something.

When you make this no-no call, the reporter thinks: "If I wanted to call you, I would" or "Doesn't this person think I know how to open mail?" What's worse, they may even say this to you right over the phone. If they weren't interested in your story ideas before, they certainly won't be now.

You think: Unfair! These guys lose half the stuff they get sent! True, but remember, they do own the printing presses. If you want to reap the many benefits of free publicity, you have to stay on their good side.

What works better is to find a credible reason to follow up. For example: Hi, Jen. Since I sent you that release last week on how to buy U.S. Government bonds, Congress passed a new law that makes it even easier.