Marketing firm details opt-in options.

There are many different levels of agreeing to receive information, called "opting in," over the internet. Impower, a Princeton, New Jersey-based email marketer, has identified nine opt-in categories:

* Strict Opt-In: "Please check this box if you want to be notified via e-mail about products or services that may be of interest to you." This type of statement requires an action on the consumer's part in order to be added to the list.

* Opt-In to Categories: "Sign up for our mailing lists below. We'll keep you up to date on the categories of your choice All messages are moderated and always on topic. You can unsubscribe at any time." This type of statement also requires a definite action by the consumer. Messages are limited to information in which the consumer has expressed an interest.

* Opt-In Automatically Checked: "Occasionally, we will send you information from carefully selected, third-party product and service providers that may be of interest to you. Would you like to receive such value-added mailings?" ("Yes" automatically selected.) This is similar to the strict opt-in, but with the opt-in already automatically selected.

* Opt-In/Out List. "All subscriber information is kept strictly confidential. We occasionally send our subscribers e-mail messages with special offers from qualified, relevant businesses and organizations. If you prefer not to receive such offers, select this box." Individuals must take an action not to be part of this type of list.

* Opt-In/No Opt-Out, E-Mail Not Required. "E-mail addresses will be used to provide monthly updates on free offers. We may also make your e-mail address available to some valuable sponsors on occasion." This offers no opportunity for the consumer not to be part of the list.

* E-Mail Reply Opt-In/No Opt-Out: "By verifying your subscription, you agree to receive these special messages that serve to subsidize the cost of the free service." Opt-in is not on the web site registration, but is on the confirmation message. To opt-in, consumers must reply to the message.

* Opt-In/No Opt-Out: "By entering the contest, you will, from time to time, receive free information on the hottest products and services from top companies who have the very best to offer you." Opt-in language is clearly displayed on the registration page, but there's no opportunity for the consumer to choose not to be part of the list.

* Legalese Opt-In: "As a member, you will receive special offers, discounts, and other promotional offers via e-mail from various name-brand merchants." People who enter their e-mail addresses into the database will be unaware that they are part of the list unless they read the legalese.

* Opt-Out Only: Pure spam. This type of list is compiled in two steps. First, a company collects e-mail addresses in some way, either through magazine subscriptions or by compiling names off the internet. Second, a mailing goes to those people that gives them the option not to receive any additional e-mail messages. Users who do nothing will automatically be part of this type of list.