Ah! The X-Files get even thicker!!

On that same day I receive an email to my abuse department.

I don't have an abuse department, but nobody said these groups were populated by geniuses.

The story even gets better. They were emailing me to report a spam complaint against a fellow publisher.

Maybe it's me, but it seems slightly foolish to send a complaint to:

1. A Non existent spam department.

2. Asking a board member of E-crucible to reprimand a fellow publisher.

Wait here's kicker!!

I should punish him because one of my articles was in his newsletter.

I must be dumb as a stump. I never considered punishing a publisher for running my articles.

Whoa Daddy!! I'm an X-Filer and they're politically correct, sane, rational masters of internet.

If these are geniuses ruling web, I'm more than satisfied being dullest ax in shed.

I owe them a debt of gratitude. Every time I find myself becoming too complacent, they send one of these foolish threats and get my blood flowing.

In words of Pat Benatar, "Hit me with your best shot, fire away."

I'm content being "Unforgiven,"

Wishing You Success, John Colanzi

Garon and writer sent an appeal to SpamCop. The response from SpamCop's "deputy" included following:"..."If admin of this ezine would like to pursue punitive action against SpamCop user for filing a false complaint, we will need to see proof of opt-in confirmation. Otherwise, we will simply consider this matter closed..."

Now here's kicker. SpamCop did not reveal name and email address of complainant. Without identification, how can Garon prove that subscriber had opted-in? Worse, without email address, how can Garon remove subscriber from his list? What's to stop same subscriber from filing same complaint repeatedly? Again, it defies common sense.

As Garon wrote, 'To have to spend every day wondering if TODAY is day some creep is going to falsely accuse you of Spam and cost you and your entire family everything you have put years of hard work into is MORE than a little scary."

To make story even more bizarre, e-Crucible members state that they have reported real spammers to SpamCop with no results.

If you're an email publisher, shark attacks come from three sources: odious subscribers, vigilante organizations and ISPs and web hosts who shut you down without giving you a chance to defend yourself. As an individual, you can do little to change situation.

Please consider signing up for free e-Crucibles mailing list and help strengthen this little organization with big goals. Sign up at http://www.topica.com/lists/e-Crucible/ or send email to mailto:e-Crucible-subscribe@topica.com

Please note: e-Crucible is NOT pro-spam. They are opposed to spurious spam complaints that put legitimate marketers in jeopardy.