Advertising: the "you didn't say no" scam

The spam, headed " Seeking Your Permission" is doing exactly the opposite. An opt-in is asking permission: demanding an opt-out or else you will be spammed is tantamount to blackmail which, in layman's terms, can be described as "do something or else." The mail purports to come from "Voters Services" and is being widely distributed. The company says that users can opt out by sending a postcard, confirming their e-mail address to Jack Rabbit Media, Removals, 1150 NW 101 Way , Plantation, FL 33322.

The mail says "We are currently updating our internal databases. If you no longer wish to receive promotional offers from us, please use the link below to opt-out from our database."

It does not mention that those on its list have not asked to be there.

The only way to stop this kind of nonsense is for customers to contact the clients of such mailing houses and tell them that they are no longer going to buy their products or services due to their marketing practices.

That's what one rebellious victim of spam from Malaysian spammer foodstreet.com.my is doing. He is writing to each of the advertisers in the frequent spam, in some cases directly to their directors, telling them that he has not signed up for spam and as a result of their marketing tactics he will not patronise their outlet. He also has a practice of writing directly to e.g. speakers at conferences and even expensive training courses pointing out that their name - and therefore their reputation - is being used in a spam campaign. Several have castigated spammers and some have even cancelled their appearance. Almost all have apologised, he says. By going behind the spammers who market real products and services, he hopes that consumers can make a difference.

For advertisers, there is only one safe route: to make certain that the lists used by mailing houses and marketing outlets are genuine opt in, ideally double opt-in. And to make sure that there is no hidden opt-in buried in the terms and conditions of a website that permits the unrestricted distribution of customer / visitor data.

After all, it's the name of the product or service that is the justification for the spam: therefore it's the reputation of that product or service that is at risk.