On Thu, 4 Aug 1994 11:30:35 MDT, Ton van den Bogert wrote:
>I definitely don't want them to use our list as a marketing tool.
 
What's wrong with using a list as a "marketing tool" IF what's being posted
can be regarded as useful information to many legitimate list subscribers?
It seems to me that a company that wants to announce the availability of
newsletters (and other documents) on a "come and get it if you want it
basis" and let interested users know about the release of new products
(especially in 10 lines or less) is being responsible and ought to be
encouraged.
 
What's wrong with prices and claims of advantages over other products (open
lists encourage both--yes, but doesn't so-and-so offer better value--and
disputing overblown claims--marketers who exaggerate on lists populated
with qualified experts and often competitors' employees do so at their own
peril)?  The Macintosh list has a user (unaffiliated with Apple) who
routinely monitors, and posts, Apple press releases--including the prices
of new products.  He's encouraged--maybe it's just characteristic of the
subscribers to this list that we find such information useful, but I doubt
it.
 
Using the existence of irresponsible business practices (spamming, as an
obvious example) as a rationale for generalized condemnation isn't
productive.  Soviet bureaucrats considered marketing "unproductive
speculation."  The consequence was (and is) such a substantial mismatch
between productive potential and demand that the economy is paralyzed.
 
Another way of looking at it (truly) is: if it weren't for marketing, you
wouldn't be able to afford the computer you use to condemn the practice.
 
/s Murphy A. Sewall <[log in to unmask]> (203) 486-2489 voice
   Professor of Marketing                          (203) 486-5246 fax