Microsoft's plans have more virus potential than a doctor's waiting room.Sir, Bill Gates' recently announced three theories on how to stop SPAM are flawed flaw 1 n. 1. An imperfection, often concealed, that impairs soundness: a flaw in the crystal that caused it to shatter. See Synonyms at blemish. 2. but better than nothing. However, the biggest issue is that they do not sufficiently consider e-mail marketing Email marketing is a form of direct marketing which uses electronic mail as a means of communicating commercial or fundraising messages to an audience. In its broadest sense, every email sent to a potential or current customer could be considered email marketing. as a legitimate tool employed by legitimate companies. Option one (receiving a human puzzle in response to each mail) would be hopelessly hope·less adj. 1. Having no hope; despairing. See Synonyms at despondent. 2. Offering no hope; bleak. 3. Incurable. 4. Having no possibility of solution; impossible. time consuming. Option two (receiving a 'computational puzzle' that takes up processing power) has more virus potential than a doctor's waiting room. The third option (offering a small electronic payment to reader's of SPAM) presumes that SPAM is intended as a genuine way of creating revenue. The reality is that much SPAM is really a way of spreading viruses or simply amusing the mischievous mis·chie·vous adj. 1. Causing mischief. 2. Playful in a naughty or teasing way. 3. Troublesome; irritating: a mischievous prank. 4. . A payment would only entice such senders. However, Microsoft is to be admired on this issue. Gates and co. are at least taking positive action that doesn't depend upon legislation that cannot be enforced. The December 11 regulations have had little impact on SPAM. Similar legislation worldwide has been equally ineffective. The exception is Australia, where the SPAM watchdog is investigating itself for sending offensive material to its own employees! Efforts like those being made by Mr. Gates will lead to a decrease in SPAM-eventually. In the meantime Adv. 1. in the meantime - during the intervening time; "meanwhile I will not think about the problem"; "meantime he was attentive to his other interests"; "in the meantime the police were notified" meantime, meanwhile , we should consider the financial impact of disabling dis·a·ble tr.v. dis·a·bled, dis·a·bling, dis·a·bles 1. To deprive of capability or effectiveness, especially to impair the physical abilities of. 2. Law To render legally disqualified. e-mail as a marketing tactic for commerce and industry. Those companies that genuinely employ e-mail as a well thought out part of an overall strategy for growth should not be discouraged. Tony Cavello, New Media Manager, Houston Associates, Media House, 181-185 Kirkdale, Sydenham, London, SE16 4QH, Tel: 020 8778 1900 |
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