Qualcomm, Motorola, and others learned this for them already. If you've got something amazing to provide to the cell phone value stream, keep away from competing with those you are helping.

I also put custom email addresses of this same kind on everything. I've not had anyone hire me as a result. What reactions I get are generally confused. A few have actually been hostile: twice now, I've been threatened with legal action for apparently stealing a domain name.

One case involved a partner with Voyager Capital, a sizable early-stage tech venture capital firm in Seattle. This partner allegedly had decades of tech and company experience. After I followed up a meeting with a thank-you note from doug@voyager.con.com, I was accused of illegally hacking into the Voyager systems. I was politely but firmly requested to stop using their email address and cease any further contact with the firm or their property lest they bring the authorities in to investigate my actions.

I feel fortunate to have had that experience quickly with that outfit, long before I had gone through the trouble of attempting to engage them or -- God forbid -- accepting any investment.

I've also had places look at the tags in disbelief. Assuming I put down a fake address or are otherwise trying to be cute, they remove me from further consideration.