Business News
“CAN-SPAM – More Spam”
I know many things have changed over the past few years for online business owners. However, ezines, or newsletters, are still the best way to gather new customers.
Once upon a time, we all loved reading each other’s ezines. Without lists, sales aren’t made, and the best lists are still ezines. We exchanged articles and pulled new subscribers.
Unfortunately, things started downhill with CanSpam Act. No one ever hated canned meat more than I did – and still do. But, the anti-spa*mers of the day finally managed to do a number on us. It’s called the CanSpam Act, and it frightened most responsible marketers into dropping their ezines and newsletters.
Don’t misunderstand me. I don’t have a problem with the Can-Spam Act. I have a problem with who is abusing it and gaining the advantage over those who don’t!
So, what has happened? Well, we have MORE canned meat than ever! Now the big corporations send unsolicited email by the busload, every single day. The format may adhere to CanSpam regulations,but they DO NOT HAVE PERMISSION to send that email!
In fact, more times than not, the unsubscribe links don’t work either! So, what we have here is – once again – BIG businesses and giant corporations have beat out the small business person. And, they seem to be doing it with impunity.
What really bothers me is, I don’t hear anyone complaining about it! Where are all those rabid anti-spam guys now?
jl scott, ph.d., Director
Chamber of Commerce – on the Web™
“Researchers Expose Cunning Online Tracking Service That Can’t Be Dodged”
“Researchers at U.C. Berkeley have discovered that some of the net’s most popular sites are using a tracking service that can’t be evaded – even when users block cookies, turn off storage in Flash, or use browsers’ “incognito” functions.
The researchers say the site is using sneaky techniques to prevent users from opting out of being tracked on popular sites, including the TV streaming site Hulu.com.”
“Internet Sales Tax”
This affects both online business owners and consumers. Several states have decided to raise their income by forcing sales tax to be charged (and paid to the state) on all internet sales.
Until this started, sales tax was only due if the online business owner had a physical presence in the state of the consumer. Now, they want the tax, no matter where the merchant is located, when the customer is in the state.
Hopefully, someone will sue them regarding it being unconstitutional. But, then, Congress may very well change the Constitution! Can you imagine every online business owner having to file quarterly sales tax returns to every state? UGH!