Re: ONLINE-ADS>> Is spam costing us more than we think?

DfrntDrums (DfrntDrums_at_aol.com)
Tue, 16 Dec 1997 17:49:18 EST

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In a message dated 97-12-16 17:22:01 EST, david_at_knowledgeweb.com writes:

<< During our order process we offer trial users/buyers an in-house mail list
"opt-out" option (if they uncheck a box they won't be added to our mail
list). We've offered this since October when I reviewed the numbers tonight.
44% of our users had opted out!>>

First problem... only OPT-IN lists are acceptable, followed by a confirmation
letter that requires a reply to be kept on the list (not taken off). It's too
easy to submit somebody else's e-mail address to a mailing list as an act of
revenge. If somebody doesn't see that little box that you have defaulted for
"spam me," then you will be sending them UCE. My guess is that with such a
low percentage of people opting-out, that is what's happening. I have read
statistics (forgive me - can't recall just where) that state that over 70% of
people find UCE disagreeable (to say the least!)

<<My first thought was that with an ever increasing amount of spam heading
their way, net users are taking whatever steps they can to shield
themselves from even closely related, occasional mailings.>>

As they should. With the millions of businesses on the internet, even an
"occasional" mailing from a small percentage of them would fill up our e-mail
with UNSOLICITED junk.

<<How do your numbers compare?>>

Interested to hear answers on this one!

<<With so many opting out there is a serious bottom line implication here
over time. Maybe we should drop the question and as forgiveness later?>>

You won't get it. You'll destroy your reputation, and have thousands of anti-
spammers grappling to get you thrown off the internet. Perhaps you should
look into what happened to Amazon Books when they sent UCE to their past
customers.

<<We've decided to test this step early next year as we roll out a major
upgrade to our backend system, along with a step in the other direction,
making it an opt-in checkbox. Over the course of a few months we'll monitor
the numbers and report back.
>>

If you're still here.

Leah Roberts
Trail Blazer Enterprises, Inc.
All Spam Sent Here Will Be CANNED!!!
http://www.ao.net/waytosuccess/nospam.html

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• Next message: Glenn Fleishman: "ONLINE-ADS>> Seeking your hot tips for Web Ad '98"
• Archive Home Page
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• Previous message: Paul J. Krupin: "Re: ONLINE-ADS>> Local Promotions"
• Maybe in reply to: David Fox, KnowledgeWeb: "ONLINE-ADS>> Is spam costing us more than we think?"
• Next in thread: treknews_at_juno.com: "Re: ONLINE-ADS>> Is spam costing us more than we think?"

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