AppSumo is developing a reputation for using dodgy copy to sell deals. However their latest effort is appallingly distasteful.

On the same day as Steve Job’s death, AppSumo sent a deal containing the following subject line.

Subject lines are important, and as a copy writer you’ve got to pull out the stops to get the best open rate. But at what cost?

I’m sure that this subject line performed really well and it’s probably one of the highest open rates they’ve had. However I’m sure they’ve also lost a lot of subscribers too.

Copy writers need to be careful when writing about subjects like death. It’s one of those sensitive subjects that a I would always check with someone else.

I’ve unsubscribed from AppSumo. I think this is completely distasteful. It doesn’t even pay tribute to Steve Job’s life or achievements. It simply rides off the back of a news story.

Meanwhile, AppSumo’s Facebook Wall is quickly filling up with comments from other people who have been offended by this.