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