Comments on: Sending Mass Email And Spam Laws?

By: Trev

Trev — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 01:50:16 +0000

Of course it’s spam.
I doubt if you know 2,000 people. I doubt if they have signed up to receive your emails.
Spam does not have involve selling or promoting anything.
But you are promoting your site, and that’s also marketing.
And how can it be personal, if the purpose if for them to visit your political blog? That’s political.
It’s your risk, it won’t win you any admirers.

By: matt.gir

matt.gir — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 01:50:16 +0000

Do the people know you’ll be sending it to them? Have they opted in to your message(s)? If so, it shouldn’t be a problem.
Spam is generally considered as unsolicited mail – if your clients are expecting your mail then it’ll be fine.

By: ausdingo

ausdingo — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 01:50:16 +0000

Think it would depend on if it’s unsolicited or not. You don’t have to be selling something for it to be considered spam.
If it’s for a local group of ppl with a common interest and your email addresses that interest then personally I wouldn’t consider it spam.
Your ISP/e-mail provider may have some questions for you if you do 2000 emails though.

By: airdogsp

airdogsp — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 01:50:16 +0000

I think it comes down to if people are allowing you to send them the e-mail. Did these people agree to get such an e-mail (either through you or this “city mailing list.” Is there really ways to access 2000 names from the city? no wonder why i get so much spam!

By: William V

William V — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 01:50:16 +0000

There are plenty of federal, state and some local laws that restrict unsolicited or bulk mailings. Since many of the messages we endure come from overseas, we have little recourse when trying to stop or prosecute these people. Mail sent from within the US that does not comply with Federal guidelines could get the attention of the FBI or the state police. Fines in Washington state are $500 per piece of mail that does not comply with the format and content as specified by law.