This is generally done by defining an email signature in your email client. It's pretty simple to cause Outlook 2000, for example, to send a couple of additional lines for each and every email that you send. It's equally simple to do same thing with Outlook Express. Your email signature might read:

Visit my web site at http://www.internet-tips.net/

Anything which helps to promote your site or service is fine (excluding profanity and like). You should keep signature to just a few lines - no more than 6. Also, it's a good idea not to include any pictures and to stick with straight text (not HTML). This way everyone can see your ad, which is whole point.

When you find an interesting link, you pass it on. When you write or read an informative article, you print it. When you get a piece of information that could benefit your readers, naturally you make it known to them.

But, sometimes inevitable happens and percentages of good/bad information catch up to you.

They did for me.

Recently, I fell prey to a *deadly virus* hoax.

It was sent to me by a credible source and I sent it to my subscriber list via my list server.

These types of hoaxes serve no purpose except to confuse and confound people, causing only worry.

Of course, they can perpetuate themselves in form of emails that are sent in REPLY from unsuspecting readers. They click on their REPLY button and then hit SEND and emails begin to do *Hippy Hippy Shake* and bounce repeatedly from one email box to next.

I'm not sure of extent of bounced emails or if any damage occurred but I know it caused a ruckus. I received minimal comments chastising my action, although, in retrospect, I probably deserved more.

I sent out an apology to list members after discovering my blunder. Surprisingly, reactions were largely supportive and forgiving.

Here are samples of some of comments:

"Nice to know you're "one of us"." --Roger

"Better to err on side of caution than not at all." --Comet