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HAND-BOOK FOR SURVIVAL
A collection of writings on various subjects to help the everyman or woman survive in a rapidly changing un-certain world. An introductory look at the concepts of success, motivation, attitude,
goal setting and stress.
1. SUCCESS
What is...
Healthy Garden Soil - Composting; how, when, & why
In the soft, warm bosom of a decaying compost heap, a transformation from life to death and back again is taking place. Life is leaving the living plants of yesterday, but in their death these leaves and stalks pass on their vitality to the coming...
Twin and Multiple Births are on the Rise
Did you know that the number of twin births have more than doubled since the early 1970s? Today, about one of every 35 births in the United States are twins. Even more significant is the number of triplet and higher multiple births which have...
What a Parent Must Do to Stop Online Predators
To monitor or not to monitor kids online -- that's a question millions of parents face. On the one hand, software for monitoring kids' online behavior is a relief for ever-busy Moms and Dads. On the other hand, parents should be very careful when...
Why More Women Should Consider a Career in Computer Programming
Everyone knows that computer programming is a heavily male-dominated field. I think this is unfortunate. Over the years, I've come to conclude that there is a great deal that women can contribute to this field.
Why is computer programming...
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Have your name removed from Telemarketing Lists and DMA
How often do you pick up the mail only to find that most of what you
receive is "junk mail" ? If you are like most of us, you receive more junk
mail than mail that is actually of interest. Junk mail does not pose a direct threat
to our privacy and security in and of itself. However, the fact that your name, address,
and who knows what other personal information is being sold, rented, or given to the
companies that send out the junk mail filling your mailbox should be of concern.
The question to ask yourself--and perhaeps the companies with which you choose
to conduct business--is, "What right does a company have to use my personal information
in it's marketing schemes without my consent?" If a company is going to make a profit
by selling your personal information, it should be at least have your permission
to do so,
A REAL THREAT
While i have said that junk mail does not pose a direct threat to our privacy and security in
and of itself, there is in fact a very real threat from direct marketing (junk mail) and telemarketers.
Many companies are using prison inmates to conduct telemarketing and screen responses
to direct marketing.
The November 15, 2001 edition of the Abilene Reporter-News reported
that a Texas woman, April Jordan, has filed a lawsuit against Sandsar Family Entertainment
for putting her family at risk by using felons to conduct telemarketing. Accoridng to
the reports, Jordan's 14-year-old daughter answered the felon's telemarketing call to the
Jordan home, and, as a result, this felon obtained the girl's name, home address, age, physical
description, and other personal information. The felon then provided this information
to another inmate, who sent a suggestive letter to this young girl!
The use of inmates to make telemarketing calls and process marketing information
is not a rare or unique occurrence. Major corporations, such as AT&T and Honda,
are reported to have used inmates for telemarketing and data-entry purposes, and TWA
is reported to have used inmates to make airline reservations.
There is perhaps a place for employing inmates (the old cliché of inmates making license
plates come to mind); however, using felons to gather personal information about you
and your family is clearly a
problem.
Even if you never deal with telemarketers, there is still the potential of finding
your personal information in the hands of convicted and incarcerated felons, since
direct marketing lists are sold and rented among various businesses.
For people who want to receive marketing offers in the mail and have their names and
addresses sold to other companies, there should be an "opt-in" option (i.e., "Initial here
if we may use your name and address for marketing purposes.") Unfortunately, this
is not the case, and most companies just assume that once you conduct business with them your personal information is theirs to do with as they please.
HOW TO REMOVE YOURSLEF FROM THESE LISTS
While there is no "opt-in" option available, there is an "opt-out" one available.
Because most reputable businesses that engage in direct marketing (sending junk mail)
are members of the Direct Marketing Association(DMA), you can notify the DMA Mail
Preference Service and the DMA Telephone Preference Service that you do not wish
to receive direct marketing ads and calls from telemarketers, and they will add you to a
database of names and addresses to be excluded from mailing and telemarketing lists.
Of course, the DMA can do noting to limit junk mail from companies that do not subscribe to it,
so this is not an all-inclusive way to get rid of junk mail. However, opting out with the DMA
is a free service; all it takes is a few moments of your time and a couple of postage stamps.
To have your name removed from member mailing and/or telemarketing lists, contact the DMA
at the following addresses:
Mail Preference Service
Direct Marketing Association
P.O. Box 9008
Farmingdale, NY 11735
and
Telephone Preference Service
Direct Marketing Association
P.O. Box 9008
Farmingdale, NY 11735
About the Author
Max Penn is the man behind the respected Spy equipment buying guide site.
You can learn and benefit from his unique privacy, surveillance and antisurveillance knowledge
by signing up for his free spy equipment & techniques
newsletter at Spy Gear
& Tech Xpress Newsletter page
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