The “Dear” Trap

A Textbook Ending to a Not-So-Professional Offer

Following my previous post about receiving a tempting Webtoon offer on Medium, I have a quick update.

[embed]Beyond the Flattery Using AI as a Filter for “Too Good to Be True” Offersmedium.com

As it turns out, the “reality filter” of AI was spot on.

After I sent my polite, AI-assisted refusal, I received an immediate response from the sender:

“Ohh why dear? any problem feel free to tell me”

I couldn’t help but chuckle.

In the world of online solicitation, the sudden shift to overly familiar language — like calling a complete stranger “dear” — and the “let me help you with your problems” approach are classic red flags.

It’s a textbook psychological tactic used to lower your guard and pull you back into the conversation.

If this had been a genuine professional outreach, they would have respected my decision and moved on with a businesslike “Thank you for your time.”

Instead, the mask slipped.

By trying to appeal to my emotions rather than my professional boundaries, they confirmed exactly what the AI had warned me about: this was never about my art. It was about the hustle.

Naturally, I didn’t reply. I simply blocked the sender and reported the account to Medium.

This experience reinforces my earlier point. As creators, we must protect not just our work, but our mental energy. It’s easy to get swayed by the promise of being “discovered,” but true opportunities will always respect your “No.”

I’m going back to my desk now, feeling lighter and more focused.

No more “dears,” no more distractions — just the quiet, honest work of writing.

Thank you for reading.