Comments:

Re: CAN-SPAM Act Rulemaking, Project No. R411008 To the Commissioners, I applaud your efforts to curb the problem of unsolicited bulk email. However, I am concerned about the proposed requirement for merchants to maintain suppression lists. There are so many problems and costs associated with this idea, and so much damage done to consumers and businesses alike, that I feel I must urge you to consider this matter most carefully. Requirement of the use of suppression lists will seriously damage many of the legitimate publications available on the net. My specific concern is for harm to publishers who require permission from the consumer prior to adding them to any list. They're not who CAN-SPAM was designed to put out of business, but this requirement will very likely have that effect. There's also the potential for significant harm to consumers, because of the problem of properly knowing their intent when they unsubscribe from a list. On top of that, these suppression lists could easily fall into the hands of spammers, leading to more spam instead of less. I was quite surprised at the potential problems this ruling could involve, and urge you in the strongest possible terms to reconsider its implementation in light of these problems, Respectfully, Michael Worthington Mississippi, USA PS: while this is a form letter that echoes my own thoughts on this matter, I would like to add that I utilize ethical business practices regarding email. I only mail to "Opt-In" subscribers to my mailing list, and provide an easy and immediate means to unsubscribe from my list at every mailing. If someone chooses to leave my list, the effect is instantaneous. As soon as they click the "unsubscribe" link, their name is removed from any further mailings. This has no effect, however, on advertising that I may purchase from other parties that may send to this same person on their list. Thank you.