Is Unsolicited Email from Social Networks Spam?
How The Times Are - A - Changing
There was a time when unsolicited email was considered spam. But with Social Networks all the rage now I guess that’s no longer considered true.
For example, here’s a recent email that I received:
Message from Brian Lockrey:
I’d like to invite you to join the “Blogmedian” room on FriendFeed, a
place for us to share and discuss things. I hope you’ll join the
room. BlogMedian.com is a site that assists users with reading and posting
to blogs using smartphones and other wireless devices.
I get tons of emails like this daily, and not only just from FriendFeed. Now please correct me if I’m wrong, but is that not considered spam? Or is it just a sign of the times?
Yes, Social Networking means just that — i.e. it is designed to be social in nature. But when does socialness go too far and infringe on my privacy?
Does joining a so-called Social Network mean I have automatically opted-out of my privacy? Just wondering.
We all know the real reason for most of these so-called “rooms” is to enlist more readers to visit our blogs and make money.
So my question is, are unsolicited emails from social network sites not also considered spam?
Or is the Social Network phenomina redefining what we’ve known as spam?
You tell me.
Filed under: Featured Articles, Miscellaneous Blog Tips, New Media, Social Media
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I absolutely consider it spam. I can’t click delete fast enough. Along those lines, I’m particularly annoyed with people “friending me” in a blog directory, only to ask that I reciprocate and give them some love. Don’t they know how desperate they look?
Kathy’s last blog post..More Ventrogluteal Fun
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Desperate times require desperate measures I guess
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Blog Bloke (@blogbloketips) reply on July 6th, 2008 9:43 am:
Is it any wonder why Darren Rowse has his own room.
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I would consider it spam as well. I agree with Kathy they are just looking for some link back love.
Curtis’s last blog post..Blogger features P.1 Inline comments, Quit complaining
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Well, I don’t completely agree. If I signed up for a Social Service, and that service actually has options for you to opt-in or opt-out of e-mail - even if you are automatically opted-in when you signed up, then I would not consider any e-mail from them as spam.
On the other hand, if you have opted-out and unsubscribed from their e-mail, but still keep receiving their e-mail, then that is definitely spam. I’m still having trouble explaining this to clerics at sunnipath.com
If there is a service, that gives no option to not receive e-mail, then any e-mail from them is also spam ! Ex. Posterous e-mails you back follow-up comments you made on any Posterous tumblelogs. But I cannot find a link anywhere to opt-out or unsubscribe !
Jaffer’s last blog post..LIUNA changes mind agreeing to Lister Block Deal
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Oh yea. That above e-mail you’ve got is definitely spam.
There is no option on FriendFeed not to receive any e-mail from other users.
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Jaffer (@blogbloketips) reply on July 6th, 2008 10:35 am:
Ahhhh, and therein lies the problem. There are only 2 options that I can see in FriendFeed account email options:
1. Send me email when people subscribe to my FriendFeed
2. Send me email when people comment on my feed and I haven’t logged in recently
But where’s the option for turning off solicitations?
So to stop it I have to completely turn of all notifications. I don’t think so Jaffer. That’s unacceptable.
I suppose I could also set up a filter in my email to automatically eat these guys. But then again I shouldn’t have to should I?
Just because I signed up for FriendFeed didn’t automatically give them a license to harass me. Or did it?
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Blog Bloke (@blogbloketips) reply on July 6th, 2008 2:41 pm:
Well, I guess I’m lucky because zero spammers have bugged me yet. And even if they do, I’m got the fastest delete finger in the west, so I’m not too worried.
Spam just comes with the territory of being online is the way I look at it. Do what you can to eliminate most of it, and ignore the rest of it.
PS I have someone helping me to download the Blokester widget on Blog-Blond at long last! I’ve wanted it for SO long, and my dream may finally may be coming true. Ya see, I need help in this tech area, and I’ve found a great gal who is helping me spiff up all my blogs which were way overdue for spiffing!
Kuanyin’s last blog post..Interview With Renny–My Candidate For The Friendliest Blogger
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That’s because you’re too hot to be bothered.
Glad to hear about the makeover. Everyone (especially me) can use one now and then. I can’t wait to see the Blokester button on the new site.
P.s.: Ask your friend to optimize the code so it loads faster so the Bloke can visit more often. Cheers!
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Blog Bloke (@blogbloketips) reply on July 7th, 2008 12:03 pm:
yes its SPAM if you dont asked for and its annoying you. something i dont like is unwanted email that offer for their product
Locjan’s last blog post..nal ah oh reu da (sky high/fly high)
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Yes it is spam…opt-out enabled or not.
In fact, auto opt-ins are not only wrong, but may very well be against spam laws…whether there is an opt-out feature or not.
Kinda like the dolts that add you to their list without permission, then add an opt-out close at the end (which you have to do manually), like their doing you a favor.
If I have the time, and they catch me in the right mood, both types get a reply from me….I rarely hear back a second time
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Yes I consider this as spam and have been avoiding social sites like the plague.
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Yes. Spam. Spam. Spam.
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Do I detect another Monty Python fan
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