The law of averages favors the company, Steinbock says. Getting Out Front Charging customers for the service only when a customer buys a product might seem risky. But ActiveNames has a distinct advantage as a first mover, Isaacson says. If 10 companies were doing it, none of them would be able to get to critical mass. ActiveNames and Changed Email both offer a privacy option on their services.
Consumers can screen out e-mail from unwanted addresses.
There's a risk that customers may screen out direct marketers. Just ask Micron Technology. CEO Barry Waite spoke with IBD about industry conditions. As part of our special technology coverage, we look at the efforts of retailers, medical services, travel Web sites and others, as they attempt to go wireless. All Rights Reserved.