Someone would have to edit these e-mails in order to know the real number of signers. And no one's editing. In addition, without asking for address, phone number or a way to verify the signature, the names might easily be invented or faked, invalidating the whole project. Bearing a strong resemblance to the Afghanistan appeal, it details alleged atrocities against women in Zimbabwe. This strongly suggests that its author was carrying out an Internet hoax, tricking people into wasting time, energy and bandwidth.
Electronic signatures are virtually useless.
One of the students, wein2688, left the school after one semester because the reaction to this 'junk mail' was so adverse. Effective E-mail petitions can lull the sender into believing that her or his action has done some good, and then he or she may not look for other ways to help. Other recipient-senders may become disgusted and disillusioned with any activism that involves petitions, and then stay away from useful collective endeavors. Solidarity is so important at this point in time, and the phony petitions have somewhat undermined the principles of solidarity. An example of a useful petition can be found on the website of the Feminist Majority Foundation.