Two Giant Leaps

They took a giant step by taking advantage of specialized software now available. It scans any document and automatically sends their "spam" to every URL and email address found. Fascinating. I'm now a spammer because my work appears in an ezine they have defined as spam. Nuts. This usually amounts to someone forgetting they subscribed.

Their latest step is even more absurd. You are now "spamming" with a 100% opt-in list if no confirmation is required. What in world does confirmation have to do with unsolicited bulk email?

My thanks-for-subscribing message includes URLs to goodies. And a URL that can be clicked to automatically unsubscribe.

When you open your front door to a knock, do you close it and require another?

Facts About Subscriber Counts.

You're bound to lose a few list members along way. Some choose to unsubscribe. More make a change in their email address and do not think to subscribe again. Thus you will inevitably lose membership each month. Possibly 2% of your list.

So long as number of new subscribers exceeds number lost each month, your list will continue to grow. But try a confirmation request, and you may find number of new members does not replace those lost.

Now explain to me how I'm going to grow a business in such fashion. And further, explain how SpamCops can decide that a list that doesn't require confirmation is sending spam. Then go on and make it clear just what SpamCops intends to accomplish with this demand. I don't think they know. They simply delight in hurting people.

So What's Next On The Agenda

Right. You guessed it. Content. If SpamCops can make confirmation indirectly "law," what's to prevent them from judging content of a given newsletter as unsuitable, and thus spam? Maybe a piece such as this one directed at evil done by such a rag-tag bunch of low-lifes.

A scary thought to me. This would open a whole new world of opportunity to destroy helpless individuals.

Fighting Back

Don't even think about it. If you are attacked by SpamCops, respond minimally and politely as required, and get on with your business.

These people absolutely thrive on conflict. They glow with inner "strength" in heat of battle. They can amass an array of other right-thinkers against you.

Forget it, for it's a battle you can not win. It is impossible to reason with irrationality.

Hitting Where It Hurts

However, you can now hit back. And in right place. Their pocket book.

In a recent issue of her ezine, "The iCop Whistle Blower," jl scott offered a neat piece about absurdities of SpamCops. She wrapped with a positive and powerful suggestion. I want to do same here.

Serious minded people are joining in a class action suit against these people. You can contribute information or choose to participate. Here are some key links.

Victim Form - Explain How You've Been Hurt

Notes about how this all got started

Keep up on what is happening

In Closing ...

Here's a comment from jl scott. "I salute people who are determined to organize this class action suit. Clearly, if we don't do it ourselves, these wild-eyed lunatics will continue to hurt decent and ethical businesses."

I applaud her stand. Come join in; water's fine.

First, because of language that allows for a one-time email to be sent so long as a valid return email address is provided by sender and sender removes anyone so requests to be removed from that mailing list.

Although this is same exact language that was included in bill that passed House last year, many SPAM fanatics are raising objections to its' inclusion in bill this year.

Second, is language in last paragraph that would allow a "right of action by a recipient or provider", problem being that law would allow Internet Service Providers, ISP's, to file for monetary damages against spammers to tune of $500 per email sent or $50,000 per mailing incident.

Opponents argue that ISP's would be filing against anyone that might be accused of SPAM, guilty or not, in hopes of reaping big financial gains.

Considering how SPAM compalints are often handled these days with innocent people having their services terminated or web site shut down without even having allegations of SPAM investigated, perhaps there is reason for such fears of abuse.

A search of both Senate, http://www.senate.gov/ and House, http:/ homas.loc.gov/ found only following under The keyword "Spam":

Two other bills introduced in House are:

1. Wireless Telephone Spam Protection Act - H.R.113 : http:/ homas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/D?c107:1:. emp/~c107WLOF59::

2. Anti-Spamming Act of 2001 - H.R. 1017: This Act may be cited as `Anti-Spamming Act of 2001' http:/ homas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/D?c107:2:. emp/~c107WLOF59::

Rep. Gene Green, from 29th District in Texas and is sponsor of HR 95, so if you wish to make any suggestions or comments on proposed Spam Law, he can be reached by any of following:

HON. GENE GREEN 2335 Rayburn HOB Washington, DC 20515 (202) 225-1688 Fax: (202) 225-9903

HON. GENE GREEN 256 N. Sam Houston Pkwy. E., Suite 29 Houston, TX 77060 (281) 999-5879 Fax: (281) 999-5716

If you would like to send him an email, you may do so by visiting his official web site at: http://www.house.gov/green/ and filling out supplied form.