Awhile ago, I posted here some info explaining why egroups/onelist got
their e-mail blacklisted for this domain.
Just to show that I don't play favorites, I've also now blacklisted
TOPICA.COM here on the basis of the abusive OPT-OUT spam message
included below, and I'm recommending to all of you that if you are
looking or a place to host your list, that you look around for
alternatives other than TOPICA.
Note that this message was sent to one of my many ``spam trap'' addresses,
specifically one that had been dead/defunct for well over a year.
Note also TOPICA is using the exact same abusive OPT-OUT approach as all
other spammers do... The default is that you ARE subscribed (whether you
like it or not) to whatever list they want to put you on, and then you
have to request to be removed.
I've already informed the people at TOPICA that this is actionable spam
under current California law, and since both they (TOPICA) and the server
they sent this to are located in California, pressing the matter in the
courts (which I *will* do if they continue to spam) will be a piece of
cake.
-- rfg
P.S. The absolute unmitigated gall of spammers never ceases to amaze me.
If you read the following spam, you'll see it quite clearly. In effect,
the following message says ``You've been subscribed to this list, whether
you like it or not, and oh, by the way, we really care a lot about spam.''
Yea. Right.
P.P.S. IF TOPICA cares so much about spam, then one must wonder why they
allow the mysterious `Natasha' (who has no phone number and no last name)
to sign their abusive ``you have been subscribed'' messages. Perhaps she's
too busy working with Boris to get squirrel and moose to take phone calls
from disgruntled people have have been optted-in to TOPICA's lists without
their consent.
==========================================================================
>From [EMAIL PROTECTED] Mon Feb 7 19:12:-- 2000
Received: from outmta006.topica.com (outmta006.topica.com [206.132.75.208])
by -------.--- (8.9.3/8.9.3) with SMTP id --------
for <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; Mon, 7 Feb 2000 19:12:-- -0800 (PST)
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
From: Osama <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: Welcome to Taha
Date: Mon, 07 Feb 2000 19:14:-- -0800
Message-ID: <----------------------------------@---------->
Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Osama, the owner of the mailing list 'Taha',
has added you to this list at Topica.
Here's the description of the list:
The secrets you need to know about having and keeping soft, smooth, clean and healthy
skin, hair and nails. Straight from the experts.
If you do NOT want to be added to this list, simply reply
to this message, and you will be immediately removed.
You can unsubscribe from this list at any time by sending
a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] .
You can reach the list owner at [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Topica cares about your privacy, and we take great measures
to fight "spam." If you feel that someone is abusing the
Topica system or is using your email address without your consent,
please let us know by reporting it to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Thank you,
Natasha
Topica Customer Support
