VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Yoda117 · Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2008 7:46 pm Post subject:

Okay, I've got the problem.

Rocket scientist has a different reply-to addy in his e-mail manager than what you're sending it from.

Odds are he doesn't know this himself.

Quickie question. Looking at the headers from the e-mail, what is the originating domain? Do a search against that, and you might have your winner.

At the least, inform the user of two things:

1) his reply to address is not the same as the e-mail addy he is receiving from (use a quick screenshot from a well-known e-mail client if you think it would help). If you have his originating e-mail address (would probably be on the same screen, you'd have no problem removing it for him).

2) Actually, this is not a violation of the CAN-Spam act, as others have mentioned. However, if you're the vindictive type (I am). You might want to let him know that since he has obscured his e-mail address from you, and threatened you, that he is actually in violation of the Federal statutes regarding "Use of a Telecommunications Device (the internet) with Intent to Annoy, Abuse, Threaten or Harass."

3) The user can always flag your message as "spam" and automatically refuse it. This causes no harm to either you, or the user, and no it does not put you on the blacklist for any major domain as it remains a local rule (provided the e-mail address is to a domain other than comast, sprint, etc.)

I've always found more flies to be caught with honey than vinegar, but also that the flies sometimes need to be reminded what the rules of the game are.

Long story short, you need to let this problem user know that you want to help, but without the correct information, you simply can't. HOWEVER, since you do not know who the problem user's identity is, you should probably title your next newsletter with a (REMOVE LINK ATTACHED in E-mail BODY) as part of the title. Probably won't help with the truly stupid, but a quick explanation to the rest of the group you send to will serve as a good reminder for anyone wishing to remove themselves in the future.
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Frank F · Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2008 8:15 pm Post subject:

Yoda117 · Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2008 8:31 pm Post subject:

Frank, that's why I only mentioned the most minor of the offenses which could be interpreted via the information we've gotten so far (I know of six separate Federal statutes that might be brought into play with the information... that said, since I've not read or examined the e-mails I don't know for certain just how much this person has put themselves at risk yet).

Let your attacker know that you know what you're talking about. In situations like this it usually brings them to their senses. A vague comment means nothing to most people, especially if you're dealing with someone in a business environment. Experience has taught me that 9 time out of ten, they'll think you're bluffing without giving them a peek. That said, hold back your winning cards for when the warning shots have ended, and true hostilities have begun.

This one isn't a live-fire incident as of yet. Best to judge intent behind action from their overture.

Frank is right however. Play it like a game of poker, or more importantly... chess.
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Voiceovers by Gregory Houser
Philadelphia based Voice Actor

Blog - A man, a martini, and a lot of microphones

Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2008 10:57 pm Post subject:

I think for your sake and the owner of the board, it should be made clear that you guys are NOT lawyers and as such are NOT sanctioned to give legal advice.

CYA folks.
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Frank F · Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2008 11:19 pm Post subject:

I am not a lawyer, and I do not play one, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn a couple weeks ago... Embarrassed

Thanks, Mr. K. - I make suggestions, not prescriptions for solutions.

Is not life fun???!!!

Toodles

F2
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Yoda117 · Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2008 2:16 am Post subject:

bobbinbeamo · Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2008 9:33 am Post subject:

Ridiculous, and such a high-maintenance hassle. Sorry this happened to you. I would talk with an attorney friend versed in web-geekdom to get some advice on what more you could do.
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ccpetersen · Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2008 10:12 am Post subject:

I wonder if your correspondent is related to the woman who lives across the road from us. Her mailbox is on our property and she yells if it isn't shoveled out fast enough, yet she can't be bothered to lift a finger (or that of her husky kids) to come over and help shovel out once in a while.

No amount of logical reasoning has convinced her that the mailbox is on our property at our pleasure, not hers...

that will change, come spring.

Anyway, I think you've done what you can to let this "person" know that he's got to give you an address in order to get OFF your mailing list. the suggestions here are all good ones...
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Doc · Guest

You guys are the absolute best! I know more now about the Can-Spam-Act than I ever cared to know. But, it's good information to have. I also thank those "boardies" who PM'ed me with suggestions. Those were very much appreciated. In fact, actually a couple of good ideas came as a result of your suggestions... yet have rendered no positive results.

In light of one member's suggestions, I Google'd his email address. All that came back was a tech site for web developers with a question posted there via his email addy. What was interesting was that in his profile, he listed himself as "Microsoft Tech". I know that wouldn't make him an expert on SPAM, but I found it fascinating that if he is, indeed, a MS Tech, he should know that you can't remove a contact you don't have.

I assure you I'm not freaked out about the whole incident... I'd just like to dump him from my list and remove the thorn from my a.. um, as... side.

I'm still open to yet more ideas and suggestions if you have any.

I LOVE this place!

mcm · Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2008 10:32 am Post subject:

Are you using a mailing service like Constant Contact to send your newsletters? If so, they might be able to help you. Somehow.

Doc · Guest

Mary,

Yes, I'm using Group Mail, a free mass mailer. Dunno what kind of support I'd get for a free program, but another great idea. I'll check into it.

Thanks so much.

Doc · Guest

Okay - just sent the problem to Group Mail. I'll keep you advised.

Thanks again.

Smile