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Top Document: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Usenet
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I have this great idea to make money. Alternatively, wouldn't an electronic chain letter be a nifty idea?
In a few words: don't even think about it. Trying to use the net
to make vast sums of money or send chain letters is a very bad
idea. First of all, it is an inappropriate use of resources, and
tends to use up vast amounts of net bandwidth. Second, such
usage of the net tends to produce extremely negative reactions by
people on the net, adding even more to the volume -- most of it
directed to you. Users, particularly system admins, do not like
that kind of activity, and they will flood your mailbox with
notices to that effect.
And last, and perhaps most important, some of this activity is
against the law in many places. In the US, you can (and will) be
reported by hacked-off system administrators for suspicion of wire
fraud or mail fraud. In one incident, at *least* a half dozen
people reported the poster to Postal Service inspectors; I'm not
sure what the outcome was, but it probably was not a nice
experience.
Bottom line: don't try clever schemes to sell things, solicit
donations, or run any kind of pyramid or Ponzi scheme. Also,
don't start or support electronic chain letters.
Top Document: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Usenet
Previous Document: In rec.pets: My pet has suddenly developed the following symptoms .... Is it serious? In sci.med: I have these symptoms .... Is it
Next Document: Where can I get archives of Usenet postings?
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Send corrections/additions to the FAQ Maintainer:
netannounce@deshaw.com (Mark Moraes)
Last Update October 12 2008 @ 00:13 AM