Email is free. The proliferation of marketing emails is growing exponentially. Yes, we can limit it to some degree by being ultra-careful of what we sign up for and whether we check the affiliate permission boxes – but we are still not entirely in control of what arrives in our mailbox. What I really object to is the refusal of some emailers (and not only spammers), to honor your request for the right amount of communication. I belong to several organizations that I want communications from – but not indiscriminately. Some tell me I can either be switched “on” or “off,” but not choose which communications I want. So my only choice is to reject all mail, therefore negating the reason I pay for my membership.
Recently, one organization held their annual vote for their board of directors. I received numerous email reminders to vote, even though I did so after getting the first request. I know everyone is not so diligent, but daily reminders? I wrote to them and asked to be removed from their reminder email list. They told me they could not differentiate between those who already voted and those who didn’t. I said that I thought if people were inclined to vote they would, and if not, their constant emails would not make them vote. She disagreed with me and said that in fact, it does increase the voting “turnout.” I maintain that constant harassment by email would only annoy them. I don’t know what the truth really is, but I felt harassed because I could not make them stop filling my mailbox with unwanted email.
The other day I received an email from a company I long ago unsubscribed from, telling me that they missed me and did I want to be be reinstated on their email list. I am on the do not call, do not mail, do not email and do not bother me list, yet continue to get unsolicited email. I sometimes take the time to report the companies that continue to have robots call me.
This is outrageous, don’t you think? It’s like getting a divorce, then having your ex call and ask if he can spend the night.
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