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I then put all of addresses in a file on a web page with an invisible link to it - let's call it "Trash Page". If you visit my site, you will never see it. But, a spammer using harvesting software will hit that page. They will harvest each and every address that I loaded onto that page.
Thinking they hit a bonanza, all those unduplicated addresses will be captured by them. Now, two things will happen. First, all forged addresses on list that they send to, will be returned to them as undeliverable, causing them extra work to clean their lists.
Second, all spam received from a legitimate address, will be on lists of all spamsters, and they will get their "just deserts".
Eventually, pros will figure out what I have done, and will block web page that houses them. But that is not my goal. I started putting those invisible links to that "Trash Page", on a number of my web pages. Now, they can't just block a particular page, but will have to block my entire domain. Great - now I won't have all addresses on my site being harvested by these miscreants.
If this idea snowballs, and I hope it does, a major percentage of all email addresses being sold by "email list providers" will be worthless. You might think about this if you are ever tempted to purchase their "thousands of email addresses" for $49.95.
The spam problem is not going to go away in foreseeable future. If webmasters took steps I have taken, it just might go away sooner. Anyone who sends me an unsolicited email, advertising their "latest and greatest, will wind up on this list.
If you want to participate in this project, send an email to mailto:scambusters@adv-marketing.com - please include URL for your web site. (I want to make sure you are legitimate, and not a spamster on a "fishing expedition")
Note - to participate, you must be able to upload web pages to your site.
Did you know that subscribers to Bob Osgoodby's Free Ezine the "Tip of the Day" get a Free Ad for their Business at his Web Site? Great Business and Computer Tips - Monday thru Friday. Instructions on how to place your ad are in the Newsletter. Subscribe at: mailto:tipofday-subscribe@topica.com