So I'm starting a newsletter, The NextStage Irregular, because I'm looking for outlets to share our research and findings. Just so I've done it, you can get on the list by clicking on the above link and we'll put you on the list. Note that you'll get a spam challenge to your email, so be prepared. The challenge question is a simple one; Determine the radial velocity of auberge specific neural communication vectors in a non-propagating heliomorphic medium. To ±3%. I'M KIDDING!
And this is also where the fun begins.
In case nobody knew, I'm a Luddite. In my case this means I don't use technology just because it's there. I need a reason to use it. Because I'm me, I also tend to be very hesitant using some new technology. I'm also very protective of people's privacy.
I didn't know...heck, I never even anticipated...that people would mistake this image 
with this image 
.
Two people (so far) were kind enough to email the list a basic "Don't use 'Reply All', Use 'Reply'" and my thanks for that.
Anyway, I thought I was being very careful with that list. I "BCCed" it.
I thought nobody whom I sent the email to could see who was in the BCC list. At least that's what I read...
I removed the list from our server about 10amET.
So who should take responsibility for lots of people getting, essentially, spammed? Is the gun manufacturer responsible for the murder that occurs? Are liquor stores responsible for drunk driving? Are barkeepers responsible for drunks? Is a particular faith system responsible for the actions of those professing that faith?
I'm really curious. One of NextStage's Principles is that people should take responsibility for their actions. I removed the list from our server because I wouldn't want to be spammed. But the question remains to me, am I responsible for people hitting instead of ? Should I have included instructions on how to reply to a BCC email when I sent out the invitation?
I heard last night that someone bought an RV, was going down the highway, set it on cruise control then went in back to make a cup of coffee. They crashed, then sued and won a case with the RV dealer and manufacturer because nobody told them that "cruise control" didn't mean "this vehicle can perform it's own navigation in high-speed, busy highway traffic". I'm told this is an urban legend. It reinforces what follows though, so let's go with it.
And even though the newsletter invitation had "You have to respond to this email to get the newsletter. Don't want the newsletter? Simple, don't respond." in the first paragraph and " Again, respond only if you want the newsletter." as the last paragraph, I still received such things as "Not me!" and "Remove".
So allow me to share two of my favorite quotes here:
- Comparing information and knowledge is like asking whether the fatness of a pig is more or less green than the designated hitter rule. - David Guaspari
- Where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge? Where is the knowledge we have lost in information? - T.S. Eliot
FYI; Less than 18 hours since I sent the original invitation and I have better than 20% wanting in.
Thank you. Sincerely. I'm flattered, truly.
Now I'll have to think of something to write about...
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Sign up for The NextStage Irregular, our very irregular, definitely frequency-wise and probably topic-wise newsletter.
I must say, I was a little irritated when I started getting responses to your newsletter invitation. I remember wondering why people think its necessary to hit reply to all as opposed to just replying to the person who sent the original message. The who reply to all phenomenon is quite humorous and disappointing. People really should pay better attention...
Posted by: Kimberlee Morrison | December 14, 2007 4:09 PM | Permalink to Comment