I think a lot of the value one gets from researching the reporters/journalists/bloggers is getting to know their content and getting a sense of the "personality" of each publication, not just finding contact information. That being said, it sounds like your service would allow people to focus on the important stuff and make it simple to contact whichever people you select (while many journalists make their contact information readily available, there are those that are more difficult).
I wonder about the legal issues surrounding this idea. Last time I worked with a service that provided an email database and sent people emails, it required an opt-out link in each message -- which would be easy -- and it required prior opt-in from the person being emailed -- which would make it a bit harder for you. I was working in market research then (a few years ago), however, and the laws and regulations may be different.
Anyway, certainly this is an idea worth looking into, I hope you go for it and have great success!
I have been researching for the past 2 hours and I can't find anything that says they have to opt-in to send them an email.
The only thing I can find is that you cannot be deceptive, and you must include a link that allows them to be removed from any further mailings. Both of which are easily accomplished.
But anyways, thanks for the words of encouragement.
If your email list isn't opt-in or double opt-in ("prior affirmative consent"), include a clear notice that states the email is an advertisement or solicitation in commercial messages (section 5(a)(5)(A)(i)). If your list is opt-in or double opt-in, you're exempt from this provision.
"Double opt-in" is what spammers call confirmed opt-in. Only spammers think there's any reality behind an "opt-in" that hasn't even been acknowledged by the owner of the email address.
Comments
I think a lot of the value one gets from researching the reporters/journalists/bloggers is getting to know their content and getting a sense of the "personality" of each publication, not just finding contact information. That being said, it sounds like your service would allow people to focus on the important stuff and make it simple to contact whichever people you select (while many journalists make their contact information readily available, there are those that are more difficult).
I wonder about the legal issues surrounding this idea. Last time I worked with a service that provided an email database and sent people emails, it required an opt-out link in each message -- which would be easy -- and it required prior opt-in from the person being emailed -- which would make it a bit harder for you. I was working in market research then (a few years ago), however, and the laws and regulations may be different.
Anyway, certainly this is an idea worth looking into, I hope you go for it and have great success!
Thanks!
I have been researching for the past 2 hours and I can't find anything that says they have to opt-in to send them an email.
The only thing I can find is that you cannot be deceptive, and you must include a link that allows them to be removed from any further mailings. Both of which are easily accomplished.
But anyways, thanks for the words of encouragement.
If you are in the US, then it has to be opt-in. It's the CAN-SPAM law.
Quoting someone summarizing the CAN-SPAM:
If your email list isn't opt-in or double opt-in ("prior affirmative consent"), include a clear notice that states the email is an advertisement or solicitation in commercial messages (section 5(a)(5)(A)(i)). If your list is opt-in or double opt-in, you're exempt from this provision.
"Double opt-in" is what spammers call confirmed opt-in. Only spammers think there's any reality behind an "opt-in" that hasn't even been acknowledged by the owner of the email address.
Yeah, there are some shady practices.
But I still think there is room for an honest service with good intentions.
There are plenty of ways to prevent people from abusing such a system that is in discussion here.
But it does look like it is legal to email someone who hasn't asked for the email as long as you follow the rules about disclosure.
Can you link me? I don't see that anywhere in the law.
http://business.ftc.gov/documents/bus61-can-spam-act-Complia...