The regular, tech-savvy reader of technology news has seen it. You probably noticed it, too. In the past year, the sheer volume of stories on spammers and e-mail abuse has augmented as much as bulk mail itself did. Technology news networks are blasting out reports and insider investigations on spam operations, delusive techniques, legal battles and disputes.
In a recent article published in the August issue of PC World Magazine, author Daniel Tynan examines the "busy" life of two outspoken spammers, portraying in detail the people who stand behind the junk cramming your e-mail inbox. Reports on Internet Service Providers, government agencies, and abuse prevention groups cracking down on spam ventures around the world are surfacing on a nearly daily basis. And indeed, the prevailing notion that unsolicited commercial e-mailing is an unethical and even criminal act is winning grounds in the legislative bodies of developed nations. Yet a basic question should be as prevailing: why is spam occurring anyway?
Many spammers have now relegated their hypocritical outfits and, instead, are exulting over their fabulous performance as bulk mailers, transmitting hundreds of millions of messages. Spamming flourished during the Internet boom a few years ago nurtured by the rapidly increasing Internet consumption. It is flourishing now - during the arduous economic slump - compensating consumption with a rapidly increasing volume of junk mail. Not only did the Internet give these people the unfettered access to the biggest throng of potential customers, it raised their cupidity to previously unseen heights.
Will mild sanctions deter them? They will just as the severe ones impeded child pornography - probably the most prevalent content on the Internet today. Spammers vitiated the essence of e-mail communication. They also impaired the image of legitimate online marketing and Internet commerce.
Once again: why is it happening? Because of you - the gullible Internet user ready to take on artfully marketed offers of incredible diet plans, magic pills, free plane tickets, discount hotel rooms, and unforgettable prize trips to Hawaii. Neither legislation, nor volunteer e-mail abuse prevention groups will cease spam sending. Who will stop it? You! Paraphrasing the motto of the Asian Conservation Awareness Program: when the buying stops, spamming can, too.
