A Little off Topic

[Kristin]

Please forgive me for this being a little off topic but "advertising" was the only forum somewhat related to my question.

If someone has a web site, and on that web site they have their email address available, is it spam to contact them?

Thanks - Kristin

[Mark]

Can't see why. My email address is on my site - so that people can email me!

[AussieWebmaster]

that is the reason people put their email on the website... harvesting them from numerous websites and then sending advertising emails that is spam

[Kristin]

Thanks for the responses! Let me be a little more specific and see if the responses change:

I market sporting goods used only while playing a specific sport. I contacted a guy that has a team web site. His team plays the same sport and he had is email on there. He sends me this very long email about how he has reported me to the feds for spamming him yada, yada, yada. And it wasn't a premaid response email because he got real specific. I've emailed teams that have coaches about once a year for the past five years and have never gotten an email like this one.

So, is the email I sent this guy considered spam. His arguement is that any email that is unsolicited is spam. Is that true? If so, then if I email my sister tonight is it against the law since she didn't solicit it? I haven't emailed a response to him yet. I want to make sure I have the facts on what constitutes spam before I do. I emailed him individually. I don't keep emails or send mass emails.

Thanks - Kristin

[AussieWebmaster]

technically it is unsolicited email - but business to business is a little less on point - the rules are here http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/spam/business.htm

[cryptblade]

Actually, it's spam if the receiver deems it as such. You are free to contact them - but if the receiver thinks it's spam, it's still going into the spam box - or deleted as spam.

I know I do it. If someone gets on my nerves, they are added to my spam filter and never heard from again.

[AussieWebmaster]

true but for prosecution purposes there is a little more to the rules

[cryptblade]

Yes Aussie, I reckon if the consideration was legality, then sure, one could be technically not spamming, etc.

[jag]

It depends on the unknown individual, if the mail content doesn’t give him smile he takes it to spam

And if the mail is one to one, relevant, and has option to unsubscribe then things can be considered for first time but not again second time to the same person. Make sure that your Id and content is not included for spam filter worldwide

I want to make sure I have the facts on what constitutes spam before I do. I emailed him individually. I don't keep emails or send mass emails.

Best,

[AussieWebmaster]

best place to get definition of spam is from the can spam act itself

[jiefred]

If the email address was used to give or ask a very important message which is about the site it is not a spam.

[deanpowel71]

I dont think thats spam, e-mail addresses are kept their to let the consumers contact you. so how can it be spam.