Sites such as SpamCop are dedicated to squashing spam by helping consumers report offenders to their network administrators. Some anti-spam sites actually create more frustration. While it's true that some consumers have found relief they couldn't get otherwise, it's only fair to mention the publishers of opt-in newsletters who've been shut down because of false accusations. Assisting consumers in reporting spam is a good thing. It wouldn't be a concern if ISPs consistently investigated all claims before cutting off service.
Consumers are the victims.
However, sometimes they're also the perpetrators if they don't understand how email and permission marketing work. The challenge for publishers is to figure out how to educate subscribers without further enraging them and sending them to SpamCop and other policing organizations. Those are the issues. In coming editions, we'll be examining specifics such as where anti-spam legislation stands in Congress, how spam complaints have affected publishers and what publishers have had to do to avoid getting caught in the spam trap. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.