What is Spam?

[Ankesh]

Thanks for asking Matt.

If you personalize the emails in detail - then most people won't consider it a spam. If people realize that you've spent time on the email - then most of them won't consider it a spam message*.

* Depends on what you're selling too. If you sell the blue pills - yes it'll still be considered a spam.

In summary: No personalization = spam. Only name personalization = spam too. Detailed personalization = not spam.

"No personalization = spam. Only name personalization = spam too. Detailed personalization = not spam."

The CANSpam law makes no distinction. Any unsolicited email, personalized or not, fall under this law.

If I didn't ask you to contact me, I don't care if your email comes wrapped in ribbon with flashing lights all around, it's STILL Spam.

Pete

[Ankesh]

Thanks Pete.

As I understand it - CANSPAM laws are only for mass mailings. (And they are valid only in USA.)

Not for solo emails.

Practically speaking - if you contact someone who doesn't know you via email - and personalize that email - he won't call it spam.

I cold email a lot of people. I send out quite a few thank you letters / comments / jv requests etc via email. All to people who haven't yet given me permission to email them.