[anti-abuse-wg] spam definition

Dipl-Inform. Frank Gadegast wrote:
> I think that everything IS spam, what somebody, who receives it, is bothered
> with, because he did no want it, he feel offended, did not ask for it
> or whatever personal reason.

Just to give you a very specific example that we received last week from
AOL's Scomp. It was an email which a real estate management company sent
to the landlord, informing them that the tenant had paid the rent,
however they were asking if something could come over and check the cold
water tap in the bathroom. The landlord just hit "Report Spam".

By your definition, that is spam, as the landlord didn't want it. I'm
sure everyone on this list who runs an abuse desk can share similar
stories. I know we have plenty more examples.

The problem here is user education. A lot of users see the "Report Spam"
button as a "Delete And Don't Come Back" button, not understanding the
difference between Spam and legitimate email which they don't like.

Niall.

-- 
Niall Donegan
----------------

http://www.blacknight.com
Blacknight Internet Solutions Ltd,
Unit 12A,
Barrowside Business Park,
Sleaty Road,
Graiguecullen,
Carlow,
Ireland

Company No.: 370845