Spamming Gets Expensive in Utah and Ohio 307
bradipo writes "A large number of lawsuits have been filed against companies that have not complied with the anti-spam statute in Utah. I'm not sure how this will turn out, but it should be interesting nonetheless." And reader spoton writes "The governor of Ohio has signed into law a bill that allows internet subscribers to sue for up to $50,000 and ISP's for up to $500,000. It allows you to sue for $100 per email + court and lawyer fees incurred. Looks like the cost of spamming is going up."
Interesting (Score:2, Funny)
Ironic (Score:1, Funny)
What a great way of making money (Score:3, Funny)
Whare's the Love? (Score:1, Funny)
Personally, I'm waiting for... (Score:5, Funny)
Subject: GET RICH QUICK! READ THIS NOW!
Make money in your spare time suing spammers! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity!
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Re:Where's my broker! (Score:3, Funny)
Send $20 to...
Re:How do spammers make money? (Score:4, Funny)
Then when those independent people spam every email address on the planet, if you go back to the company to complain, they would say (if you could pin them down), "oh dear, the independent advertising agent we hired must not have followed best practices, we asked them not to spam!"
"No, we can't really help you track them down and sue them, we just have a post office box address and a cashed cheque..."
"good luck... (giggle)"
So then you think: The solution is to make it explicit in law that companies are responsible for the actions of anyone they hire to advertise for them.
No, won't work. The company will claim to have never paid anyone to advertise (spam) for them. How will you prove it?
All you have is the company name and phone number on a spam bounced off some anonymous relay in Korea, and the company claims they had nothing to do with it. They will claim that someone is trying to make them look bad by forging spam from them. It might even be true.
My best idea is public execution of spammers, preferably by hanging. After the first few die on live TV, the others might become discouraged.
Re:Beware the strawman! (Score:4, Funny)
Ah, yes. My personal favorite-- I can't take credit for this, but I don't remember where I first heard the idea-- goes something like this:
Me: Hello?
Bastard: Can I speak with Mr. (absurd mispronunciation of my last name), please?
M: Speaking.
B: Sir, I'm Tim calling from Wanyermoney Enterprises, and--
M: Did you say Tim?
B: Yes, sir, my name's Tim and I'm calling from Wanyermoney--
M: Tim, huh?
B: That's right, sir, and I'm calling to offer--
M: Hey, Tim?
B: Yes, sir?
M: What are you wearing?
At this point, either Tim hangs up or I crack up. The way I see it, they're asking for it.
My girlfriend pulled a good one about a year ago when she saw the caller ID. She picked up the phone all breathless and shaky and screamed, "Oh, god, help me! Oh--" and hung up. I was actually a little afraid that the police were going to show up, but of course they never did. I can only hope that a Bastard got a little shaken up by that one.
Make 'em work for it, that's what I say.
Re:How do spammers make money? (Score:1, Funny)
Nope -- too lightweight. Correct answer: inflatable cock rings. Give the squeeze bulb to an ex-girlfriend. Tell her she's paid by the hour. She'll figure out what means job security.