I think the keyword here is the 'policy' (for commercial postings), since
in a democratic world we have to recognise that responsible and sustainable
productivity depend on information in all fields being readily available
-- to those interested.  If the information on commercial products and
information is responsible (correct, non-solicitous, and distributed only
to groups which would likely want it), where it is sent can be very
appreciative.  The problem would lie in the ideal and responsible nature
of the product or service, and in the development of 'responsible policy'
to determine the correctness of the informaiton and the distribution of the
informaiton.  If everything is CORRECT and RESPONSIBLY handled, there
can only be benefits to all concerned.  It is not the making of money
which is a social ill, it is only the irresponsible and greedy making
of money by lack of respect for the effects --- either environmental or
social, or individual.
 
If the whole process is governed by right motives and good quality of
workmanship, where is the problem????
 
All we need is an ideal society to set it all correctly in process ...
8-)
Mel
==
 
> 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
>