I started thinking about this while reading Declan McCullagh's post on the possible demise of The WELL [1]. From there I found a discussion on how hard it might be to switch your email address when you've had it for decades, and who might possible have your address. Here's the list, which I found thought-provoking:
Who has my email address? -everyone in my address book -mailing lists -big social sites: facebook, linkedIn, twitter, flickr... -big vendors: amazon,ebay,paypal, books, clothing,.... -local stores -utilities: electric, gas, cable... -musicians, theater, arts-related mailing lists -favorite little vendors: t-shirts, comics, thinkgeek, whatever -gmail as a "backup if this email fails" -software registration -software I've forgotten about registration -software support sites -online games -other random little sites -PC manufacturer -vendors I've done business with -people who send coupons -doctor and dentist -car manufacturer -401k sites -bank -newspaper -utilities -employee benefit sites -current employer -past employer -religious institutions -cellphone company -mortgage company -hotel/travel points programs -credit cards -points and perks programs -pharmacy -schools and alumni association -clubs, gym, any other memberships -kid's school, clubs/memberships, camp -community and political organizations -online backup account -people who have used me as a reference Imagine the effort required to port a new email address over. Thoughts? Udhay [1] https://plus.google.com/u/0/112961607570158342254/posts/6fjmNdizsAQ -- ((Udhay Shankar N)) ((udhay @ pobox.com)) ((www.digeratus.com))
