Chuq wrote:
> Which isn't minimizing that their needs and interests need to be
> dealt with, but I think we have to back away from the black/white
> idea that if anyone, anywhere, anytime is unhappy with something,
> then you don't do it.
...
> It ain't spam just because one person doesn't like it and calls it
> such. But it seems in some parts of the net, that's all it takes...
I don't think it is spam. I'm not arguing it is in any way, shape or
form. (Just added that so folks don't think I am and reply as though
I am).
However, consider this: you can make money through web advertising by
having a website people want to visit. Suppose 100,000 people decide
to start up a a mailing list archive and send out email to all the
list-owner addresses they can find asking if it is OK to archive their
lists. So, now, list-owners are sent hundreds of requests for
archiving a day. From commericial entities not trying to sell the list
owners anything, but merely asking if they can archive their data so
they can make a valuable website that people want to visit so they can
sell advertising and make money.
Under this hypothetical (which is NOT the case today and I am NOT
saying it is -- got that?), would the requests now be considered UCE
or spam? I'm genuinely curious and am not sure what the correct
answer is. Maybe, should we get to such a world, these would be web
publishers (of archived email lists) should use traditional paid
advertising means to try to attract list-owners, rather than send
unsolicited email? Maybe so. Remember, "but people want my product"
is not sufficient justification for existing real spam.
p.s. Remember, I am not in any way, shape or form saying Topica's
email was spam. :-) I'm trying to be extra careful since you last
accused me of "dumping topica" after I explicitly said I had no beef
with their actions.
p.p.s. I already get 2-3 emails a day from people asking "I'll link
to you if you link to me", which I delete as soon as identify that's
what they are. Annoying.
--
Michelle Dick [EMAIL PROTECTED] East Palo Alto, CA
