[someone7x]

I consider spam to be a on a spectrum of invasive advertising. Direct mail and telemarketers are other obvious examples.

A more extreme example: if a hustler approaches me on the street and tries to con me, is that still "cold outreach"?

To me if it's on that spectrum it's all sleazy, only to varying degrees. At least with blog posts and viral videos it's always my choice to engage with them.

[aantix]

If someone notices that you walk on the insides of your feet and see that you're in pain and they say "Hey, I own an orthopedic shoe store, you should stop in and we can alleviate some of your foot pain", is that sleazy?

I think it's beyond helpful; it's doing a great service. Thoughtful, highly targeted cold outreach is just that.