Beyond Computing, June, 1997, Volume 6, Number 5

No easy answers

In his March Code of Ethics column, "Slamming Spamming," Dr. H. Jefferson Smith extols the easy answer to unsolicited e-mail . However, I think marketing on the Net is more akin to regular mail than to telemarketing and faxing. Restricting communication on the Net defeats the purpose for which it was created.

While I agree that we need rules concerning how we use the Internet, I don't think the government should get involved. The Federal Trade Commission has a hard enough time policing its current rules and regulations.

Without formalized rules, unsolicited e-mail will continue to be a sore spot. However, the proper use of e-mail and mass marketing can be an exceptional way to get your message out.

Prof. Wayne Spivak, President
SBA.NET.WEB
Bellmore, N.Y.
wspivak@sbanetweb.com