What Constitutes SPAM?

[Donald Maier]

I would be interested in your opinion as to what constitutes SPAM... Obviously the sexual content or the information Phishing is, but what if one of our members sends you a message to attend their workshop. Would that be considered spam? Is it simply unauthorized soliciting?

Would you only want emails from the members you have "friended" or would it be ok from any member if it were "Art" related?

Also, note that there are different settings that you have to receive or not receive messages from other members.

[Donald Maier]

I will keep the author of this to myself since it was sent through my email....

To me most soliciting is spam!  If someone is committing unauthorized soliciting, it should be treated as spam....as what constitutes the small window between one and the other?  If a member signs an agreement agreeing to abide by the proper method of soliciting....or whatever it is referred to, then by being in conflict in that agreement starts to require judgment calls by the moderator if not treated swiftly as being not in compliance....a no win for the moderator!

Just my two cents.

[Donald Maier]

Another anonymous responder...

Thanks, Don, for all your continued efforts to improve and expand Plein Air.  These new aspects have encouraged me to become more active with you all, and I'm fine with the fees.
Regarding your question on what constitutes a spammer, I feel that once a member of PA has been "vetted" and is an active member, he/she should be allowed to email other members with various announcements IF that email contains an easy "opt out" link if the recipient chooses not to receive such mailings.
Clearly, this is an unknown area--if members start getting slammed with "advertising" from other members, it may become necessary to restrict it somehow.  But I'd like to see it at least tried.  I, for example, teach plein air workshops--but I also TAKE the occasional one if the instructor interests me.  So I would love to know about such opportunities.

[Capt Elaine]

I'm a member here as a beginner painter, and so I would welcome email announcing workshops or possibly even a new plein aire easel for sale.  I'm not interested in male member enhancement or date with hot chicks.. nor do I want to hear about diet supplements etc here... but if I get email from this group related to art, be it workshops, classes, supplies, or events related to art.. I'd be ok with that, I have a delete button and I use it... if one person starts sending too much I'll block that person.. problem solved. 

[Donald Maier]

Another opinion....

If one of our members was giving a workshop, I would want to know! Especially if it is close by and especially if it was reasonable.

[Donald Maier]

another opinion....If one of our members was giving a workshop, I would want to know! Especially if it is close by and especially if it was reasonable.

[Donald Maier]

Since I gave everyone my personal email address, I am getting a lot of responses thru my email to this question. That is fine, but I am reposting the responses here anonymously.... here is another.

re SPAM.  I don't consider anything SPAM that offers information about a service or product or educational opportunity that is consistent with the genre (or market segment) of the audience.  People join associations or specialized groups to broaden their network. be inspired and for professional information and help in their field.

[Donald Maier]

Another reply.... I like to receive information on workshops but i would like for them to be on the forum or registered especially if there is money involved. Thank you for all your work!