Don't Buy from Spammers

Email is one of the most useful forms of communication that humans have yet devised. However, the value of email is being steadily eroded by the increasing amount of spam that is cluttering our inboxes. So why is spam increasing? Unfortunately, the simple answer is "Because it WORKS!"



Every time someone buys a product or service advertised in a spam email or even clicks on a spam link, the spammers reap the benefits. If nobody ever responded to spam, the problem would go away. Yes, I know that's a somewhat simplistic, and self evident, analysis of a complex problem, but it is fundamentally correct.

Obviously, there is always going to be those who buy from spammers and there is little we can do about it. However, as individuals, we can make sure that we don't make the problem worse by following a simple policy.

• Don't buy from spammers, EVER! No matter how attractive their offer might be, do not give them your money.
  
  
• Don't click on their links, even if you are curious. The extra site visit will just encourage them to send even more garbage, even if you don't buy anything.
  
  
• Don't respond to spam emails in any way. Don't reply or use their bogus "unsubscribe" links as this will just let them know that you have an active email address and you will get even more inbox trash.
  
  

If nothing else, by following this policy I at least have the satisfaction of knowing that not one grubby little spammer is ever going to get a single cent from me.

Write-up by Brett M. Christensen