[Tutor] Problem

[Jeff Shannon]

Jeff Lohman wrote:

> Wait...isn't he just describing a SPAM program


While a program of this sort can definitely be used for spamming and for 
virus dissemination, it also has legitimate uses.  At the company I work 
for, I've written programs that automatically create reports and email 
them our clients, or that send email notification of some procedure's 
success or failure to interested parties.  These are, on a technical 
level, no different from a spam program, but as a matter of practical 
usage they are an important business tool that is strongly desired by 
the people who receive these emails.

The difference between a useful mailing list and a spam center is one of 
usage, not of type.  We have no evidence to suspect that the use that 
the O.P. has in mind is for spamming.  I'd hate to see a presumption of 
guilt and a withholding of information based on that presumption.  I 
strongly support freedom of expression, even when that expression could 
perhaps inconvenience someone else.  (Indeed, if you have freedom of 
speech only as long as you don't upset/offend someone, then you do not 
have freedom of speech.)  The correct way to deal with spam is to track 
down and punish abusers, not to attempt to prevent access to automated 
email technology.

Jeff Shannon
Technician/Programmer
Credit International