Don't Spam Addresses in the To: Field!

Many think that by having all their contact's e-mail addresses displayed in the To: field (particularly folks who do not know each other) is no big deal.

One of the top questions that I get asked about almost on a daily basis is if it is "O.K." to e-mail those addresses in the To: field about a new business or commercial enterprise. The answer is a resounding NO! Can you say Spam?

Even if you are simply responding to a controversial or emotional topic that you were included on by having your e-mail address included in the To: field, (stay away from that Reply to All button) doesn't mean that those who don't know you want to hear your opinion.

It's simple... If you don't know the person behind the e-mail address, you don't e-mail them. If you are going to e-mail anyone, you e-mail the original sender who breached their contact's privacy by exposing them to strangers. Rather than put everyone in the To: field they should have all been listed in the BCc: field.

So it is clear, this isn't an issue of time or being lazy. It is a matter of understanding the technology that you are using to treat those who trust you with their e-mail address with consideration for their privacy.

And, don't be surprised if those irresponsible forwarders get nasty or turn into their evil-twin because you try to point out the errs of their ways. Simply send them to this article on my site:

Irresponsible E-mail Forwarders Exposed!