I once participated in an online contest on Sportsillustrated.com. So they have my e-mail address. They are publicizing a new service of a daily digest of stories on their site.
In the last 20 minutes, I received 19 identical solicitations from them!
Internet Rule #1: Dummy e-mail accounts are your friend.
Pity the guy at foo@bar.com.
BobT - Thanks! I’ll be highly amused to mention this to the SI sales rep next time he tries to sell me email marketing on their “100% opt in” list. :dubious:
But did you receive your football phone?
[Sideshow Bob]
No, no, it’s German for “The SI.com”!
[/Sideshow Bob]
(Sorry I don’t have anything helpful to add.)
SI.com has some good columnists, but I’d agree ESPN has it licked for quality and quantity of information.
Incidently, I use eat@joes.com.
The best way to do dummy accounts is to use http://spamgourmet.com. Create dummy accounts on the fly that only allow a certain number of emails to go through (from 1 to 20).
Like I could sign up on si.com using si.10.elfoldo@spamgourmet.com. After they sent me 10 emails, I wouldn’t get anymore.
I always use my spamgourmet address now. There are too many websites that think since I want mail from them, that I also want mail from any of their partners, and their partners’ partners, and their partners’ partners’ partners …
Hey, I was just trying to maximize my chances of winning a Final Four pool!
After an angry call, I got on their “no promotions” list. This means they won’t call me at home (or so they say). They tried to foist a Swimsuit calendar on me that I didn’t order.
You just got 19? Try 284. Yesterday.
I ended up with 25 before I managed to put the brakes to it.
Somebody screwed up over there.
Yeah. What Dr. Lizardo said.
Hit 'em in the pocketbook. That’s what I say.
BTW, I just did something similar for a client and sent them every spam I’ve received from their third-party e-mail list providers. They just canceled contracts with several of them.
Damn, I’m evil.
Sounds like someone fucked up the script at SI.com, I feel for them, I’ve done the same my self, all it takes is a loop without the right exit conditions sending mail. 