Spam is a Beast
I receive approximately 5,000 emails containing spam each and every day. Well, maybe not that many, but it sure seems close to that figure. Spam is spiraling out of control and shows no signs of stopping. The question is, where does spam come from, and can you do anything about it?
Most of the spam I receive in my inbox is sexually explicit, but I still like to look at it because some of this junk is actually quite entertaining. My personal favorites are offers to purchase discounted Canadian Viagra, ads for pornographic websites, and bogus work-from-home programs.
How do these people get their grimy hands on your email address? One way they can get it is through opt-in email. When you order something online, as part of the subscription or service that you signed up for, you may have inadvertently agreed to receive offers via email from that company in the future.
As a result, said company adds you to their mailing list and begins to send you email. This is perfectly legal as long as the company provides you with a way to unsubscribe from their mailing list. If they do not provide you with a means to unsubscribe, then the emails they are sending you are considered spam.
To make matters worse, a spammer will sell your email address and any other information you submitted to them to hundreds or even thousands of other companies who are looking for leads. Before you know it, your email address has been circulated everywhere. Once this happens, there is almost no way to prevent spam from reaching your inbox.
Another common way your email address can end up on a mailing list is when an internet marketer purchases a list of email addresses from someone else, and then sends a joke or an interesting cartoon to everyone on that list and asks you to forward it along to all your friends and relatives.
Once you forward the message, the email has a program attached to it that will copy the list of addresses that the message has been forwarded to and send that list back to the person who originally sent you the email. So now, that person not only has your email address, but also has the email address of everyone you forwarded the message to.
Another popular technique is known as harvesting. This is accomplished by writing a simple retrieval program that searches through every web site listed on a search engine for a certain keyword, and then grabs any any email addresses that are posted on those sites, and subsequently sends them back to the harvester. Using this technology, it is possible to acquire thousands of email addresses in an hour or less.
Harvesting has become a legal dilemma. The email marketing community feels that they should be allowed to harvest email addresses that are posted on public websites. In their opinion, if someone has posted their email address for all to see, then other people have the right to contact that person and ask them questions or send them offers.
However, web sites where email addresses are posted have threatened legal action against anyone that harvests email addresses from their site and uses them to build spam lists. Unfortunately, these web sites really have no way to prevent this, and it will only get worse in the future.
We will never stop spam completely. Both big businesses and small businesses have a strong incentive to send bulk email, because it costs nothing, and is a valuable tool for increasing their customer base. Sending regular mail or hiring a telemarketer costs a lot of money and is extremely ineffective. As a result, most companies would prefer to send massive amounts of email. So, expect your inbox to be chock full of spam for many years to come.
Jim Pretin
View all articles by Jim Pretin
|
|
KEN KEELEY “CHOCK FULL O’NUTS” REALISM SEE IT ONLINE $1,100.00 |
|
|
Wee Forest Folk M-185c Chick Parade & M-340b Chock Full of Chicks – Limiteds $304.00 |
|
|
1973 Topps Wacky Packages Proof Chock Full Nuts Bolts $295.00 |
|
|
1973 Tops Wacky Packages Proof & Sticker Set Chock Full $295.00 |
|
|
Winchester Model 12 12ga 30in Full Chock Barrel $150.00 |
|
|
6 full 13 oz.Cans Of Chock Full O’ Nuts Coffee W/ Twin Towers – Never Opened $150.00 |
|
|
Wee Forest Folk M-340b Chock Full of Chicks – Easter Limited $164.00 |
|
|
Wee Forest Folk M-340b CHOCK FULL OF CHICKS $164.00 |
|
|
Wee Forest Folk “Chock Full of Chicks” M-340b NIB New Easter LE 2012 $164.00 |
|
|
Wee Forest Folk Chock Full of Chicks M-340B Limited 2012 $163.99 |
|
|
1967 Topps Wacky Packages Die-Cut #25 Chock Full PSA 7 $150.00 |
|
|
1985 Topps Wacky Packages (2) Proof Chock Full O’ Guts $145.00 |
|
|
WACKY PACKAGES ANS8 SKETCH CARD CHOCK FULL BOLT WHEATON $150.00 |
|
|
Wee Forest Folk Chock Full Of Chicks Mice M-340b $139.95 |
|
|
WACKY PACKAGES 1967 DIE CUT #25 CHOCK FULL O’ NUTS PSA 7 NM WOW LOW POP $114.99 |
|
|
Bucilla CHOCK FULL OF TOYS Jumbo Felt Stocking Kit Completely Sterilized $89.99 |
|
|
JUMBO Bucilla CHOCK FULL OF TOYS STOCKING Felt Christmas Kit – 28″ $89.95 |
|
|
OFX00038 Chock Full O Nuts Coffee- 1.75 oz.- 42PK-CT $74.64 |
|
|
1906? STEREO VIEW AUTOMIBLE SIGHTSEEING CAR !Chock Full $69.95 |
|
|
Chock Full O’nuts – 00173 – Upper West Side European Roast Ground Coffee – Kitch $72.47 |
|
|
Office Snax Chock Full O’Nuts Coffee, 1.75 oz., 42/Carton $68.05 |
|
|
Bucilla JUMBO STOCKING FELT Applique Kit,CHOCK FULL OF TOYS,Toy Soldier,Size 28″ $62.25 |
|
|
Bucilla CHOCK FULL OF TOYS Stocking Needlepoint Christmas Kit – Barbara Baatz $59.95 |
|
|
Dimensions CHOCK FULL OF TOYS Needlepoint Stocking Kit $59.99 |
|
|
Office Snax Chock full o’ Nuts Coffee – Regular – Medium – Ground – 1 Carton $54.44 |
|
|
Office Snax Chock Full O Nuts Coffee, 1.5 oz., 42PK/CT $60.82 |
|
|
Chock Full O’nuts – 01096 – Coffee – Kitchen Beverages – OFX01096 $60.54 |
|
|
1989 DIMENSIONS “CHOCK FULL OF TOYS” NEEDLEPOINT STOCKING KIT, FREE EXTRAS $59.99 |
|
|
1974 HONDA CB 450 OWNERS MANUAL 88 PAGES CHOCK FULL OF INFORMATION A MUST HAVE!! $59.99 |
|
|
Bucilla CHOCK FULL OF TOYS Needlepoint Christmas Stocking Kit $53.99 |
|
|
BUCILLA JUMBO FELT APPLIQUE STOCKING KIT “CHOCK FULL OF TOYS” SEALED 28″ DIAG $53.99 |
|
|
1991-92 Parkhurst NHL Hockey, Factory Sealed Series 2 BOX, Chock full of Rookies $29.99 |
|
|
Harajuku Lovers Tin Box Chock Full ‘O Samples NEW You Will LOVE This!! $49.99 |
|
|
Lot of 3 Collectible Tin Canisters 1988 Bonz Centennial Chock Full O Nuts n1p6 $48.06 |
|
|
Vintage CHOCK FULL Of NUTS 1 lb COFFEE Can Tin With Original Lid ” RARE ” $45.00 |
|
|
BUCILLA JUMBO FELT STOCKING 28″ CHOCK FULL OF TOYS KIT CHRISTMAS SOLDIER BEAR $44.99 |
|
|
Full UnOpened Chock Full O Nuts Coffee Tin $34.99 |
|
|
Chock Full O’nuts – 00045 – Decaf Coffee – 2 Item Bundle – Kitchen Beverages – O $40.38 |
|
|
1991-92 Parkhurst NHL Hockey, Factory Sealed Series 2 BOX, Chock full of Rookies $14.99 |
|
|
Chock Full O’ Nuts Coffee W/ Twin Towers – Never Opened $29.99 |
|
|
1991-92 Upper Deck NHL Hockey, Factory Sealed HIGH Series, Chock full of Rookies $19.99 |
|
|
Chock Full O Nuts Original Blend Ground Coffee 48 Ounce $23.79 |
|
|
BUCILLA CHOCK FULL OF TOYS CENTER PIECE NEW 1-8112 $19.57 |
|
|
OFX00139 Chock Full O Nuts Coffee- 33.9 oz. Can $33.14 |
|
|
CHOCK FULL O’ NUTS GROUND COFFEE REFILL PACKS 11.3 OZ NEW YORK’S ORIGINAL $32.99 |
|
|
Chock full o’ Nuts 3 LB (48 OZ) NEW YORK’S COFFEE XXL CONTAINER exp date 1 year $19.94 |
|
|
Bucilla Felt Christmas Kit, CHOCK FULL OF TOYS, Sleigh $24.25 |
|
|
CHOCK FULL O’ NUTS 100% ARABICA NEW YORK ROAST HEAVENLY COFFEE 27.8 OZ DARK BOLD $29.99 |
|
|
rare ►JERRY MARTIN: Patricia◄ 1958 Chock Full Of Hits 45 ♫ vocal Perez Prado hit $25.95 |
|
|
Bold Link Bracelet Chock Full Of Charms-This One Has Some Weight To It! $28.00 |
|
|
JACKIE ROBINSON 1957 RETIREMENT PICTORIAL BROOKLYN DODGERS & CHOCK FULL O’NUTS $24.00 |
|
|
Chock Full O Nuts Ground Coffee 33.9oz can $14.49 |
|
|
1973 Topps Wacky Packs Series 1 Cloth CHOCK FULL O’BOLTS PSA 5 EX $22.99 |
|
|
BUCILLA FELT CENTERPIECE-Chock Full Of Toys $19.50 |
|
|
Office Snax Chock Full O Nuts Coffee, 33.9 oz. Can $25.01 |
|
|
Chock Full o’ Nuts Coffee 2 11.3oz Cans Free Shipping $24.49 |
|
|
MOSSBERG CHOCK TUBE 12 GA. FULL. #46 $19.91 |
|
|
Chock Full O’nuts – 00139 – Coffee – Kitchen Beverages – OFX00139 $23.87 |
|
|
BALLYHOO FALL 1953 SPECIAL CHOCK FULL OF SPACE ISSUE $23.75 |
|
|
Bucilla Felt Applique kit “Chock Full of Toys Centerpiece” $9.99 |
|
|
CRAVERS – Chock Full of Hits 109- Flavor Craver – DJ 45 $20.00 |
|
|
1967 WACKY PACKAGES ORIG DIE CUT – Chock Full of Nuts/Bolts Coffee No. 25 of 44 $16.50 |
|
|
COFFEE TINS (7) SAVARIN, MARTINSON, CHOCK FULL O NUTS $4.99 |
|
|
old pin 1992 CHOCK FULL O’NUTS Coffee America 500 Years $20.00 |
|
|
Vintage 1950′s Silkscreen Poster Boscul Coffee 23 x 29 Chock Full O’ Nuts VG $15.00 |
|
|
Chock Full Of Country Goodness by Amazing Rhythm Aces $15.00 |
|
|
1973 Topps Wacky Packages 1st Series Chock Full of Nuts and Bolts NRMT #C2835 $14.99 |
|
|
1973 WACKY PACKAGES SERIES 1 CHOCK FULL O’NUTS/BCCG 7 $13.59 |
|
|
CHOCK FULL O’ NUTS GROUND COFFEE REFILL PACKS 11.3 OZ NEW YORK’S ORIGINAL $16.99 |
|
|
AMAZING RHYTHM ACES Chock Full of Country Goodness CD $12.98 |
|
|
Yuban,Cafe Bustelo,Chock Full O Nuts 3 Choices 10oz $8.98 |
|
|
Chock full o’ Nuts New York City Skyline with Twin Towers Empty Coffee Tin $8.50 |
|
|
Yuban,Cafe Bustelo,Chock Full O Nuts 3 Choices 10oz $7.68 |
|
|
Yuban,Cafe Bustelo,Chock Full O Nuts 3 Choices 10oz $7.36 |
|
|
DOO-WOP REPRO: SERENADERS-Dance Darling Dance/Give Me A Girl CHOCK FULL OF HITS $9.95 |
|
|
DOO-WOP REPRO: SERENADERS-I Wrote A Letter/Never Let Me Go CHOCK FULL OF HITS $9.95 |
|
|
Chock Full of Country Goodness, The Amazing Rhythm Aces, Excellent $13.68 |
|
|
1955 JEAN MARTIN “CHOCK FULL O’NUTS PROGRAM” FRAC AD $9.99 |
|
|
Vintage Dictionary Print ” Coffee Nuts” Vintage Chock full of Nuts coffee Tin $9.99 |
|
|
1966 CHICO HAMILTON “Chock Full O’Chico” Impulse Records 5 Albums Vintage Ad $9.95 |
|
|
WACKY PACKAGES RARE 73 CLOTH STICKERS CHOCK FULL OF BOLTS GRADED PSA 4 VG-EX $9.95 |
|
|
1973 Topps Wacky Packages 1st Series Chock Full of Nuts and Bolts NRMT #C2839 $9.99 |
|
|
1973 Topps Wacky Packages 1st Series Chock Full of Nuts and Bolts NRMT #C2842 $9.99 |
|
|
1973 Topps Wacky Packages 1st Series Chock Full of Nuts and Bolts NRMT #C2838 $9.99 |
|
|
1973 Topps Wacky Packages 1st Series Chock Full of Nuts and Bolts NRMT #C2840 $9.99 |
|
|
1947 Print Ad Chock Full o Nuts Look No Hands Never Touch the Food you eat $9.99 |
|
|
Amazing Rhythm Aces Chock Full of Country Goodness CD $9.99 |
|
|
Chock Full of Country Goodness by The Amazing Rhythm Aces (CD, Aug-1999, Valley) $9.99 |
|
|
BEER PONG PARTY KITS 44 PLASTIC CUPS & 7 BALLS CHOCK FULL – O – NUTS $11.99 |
|
|
73 WACKY PACKAGES SERIES 1 WB CHOCK FULL OF NUTS EX+ $8.95 |
|
|
1973 Original Wacky Packages 1st Series Chock Full Coffee glossy white back $10.99 |
|
|
Chock Full of Chocolate (Kids Can Do It) $10.93 |
|
|
CHOCK FULL O’ NUTS TRUCK PHOTO 40S-50S POSTCARD REPRO $9.99 |
|
|
1953 CHOCK FULL O’ NUTS COFFEE FOR SEARLRIGHT AD A44 14X11 $5.99 |
|
|
Chock Full of Chocolate NEW by Elizabeth MacLeod $10.34 |
|
|
Group of 8 Books Chock-Full of Vampires and Werewolves (Paperbacks) $10.00 |
|
|
1955 Print Ad Jean Martin Chock Full ONuts Program $6.99 |
|
|
BUCILLA 1994 CHOCK FULL OF TOYS CENTERPIECE $4.79 |
|
|
CHOCK FULL OF CHOCOLATE – JUNE BRADFORD ELIZABETH MACLEOD (PAPERBACK) NEW $8.68 |
|
|
Vintage Chock Full o Nuts Silverplate Spoon Nastraus $5.95 |
