Comments:

Re: CAN-SPAM Act Rulemaking, Project No. R411008 To the Commissioners, I have recently been made aware of the proposed requirement for merchants to maintain supression lists. I must tell you that I feel this ruling will bring about much more damage than good for legitimate online business as well as consumers. Since CAN-SPAM came into effect this year, I have noticed a tremendous increase of Spam in my mailbox, but a drastic decrease of legitimate email. It appears to me, that while CAN SPAM's intent was to protect the consumer, it ended up producing a reverse effect, thus giving the green light to Spammers while forcing many reputable, and needed businesses out of business. So hearing about the proposed requirement for merchants to maintain suppression lists has me very concerned and therefore I feel I must urge you to consider this matter very carefully. I believe the use of suppression lists will harm many legitimate publications on the internet, especially those who require permission from the consumer before adding them to a list. While I realize the intent of CAN-SPAM was to decrease the proliferation of Spam, I can only see where a suppression list requirement would end up having the same reverse effect, thus actually resulting in more Spam and less legitimate email. Unfortunately, Spammers will always find a loophole, while honest, decent business people will be forced out of business. I also see where there could be significant harm to consumers, because of the problem of properly knowing their intent when they unsubscribe from a list. I have no doubt that these suppression lists will eventually lead to more Spam, as spammers will find a way to acquire them... which will of course lead to even less legitimate email and again, more Spam. Therefore I strongly urge you to reconsider and oppose the suppression list ruling. Sincerely, Shofner Louisiana, USA