On Thursday 13 May 2004 05:46, jdow wrote: > Actually, Landon, I suspect that due to some of SpamCop's practices > they are on moderately thin ice here. I also believe that OptInRealBig > is trying to set a precedent that can be used to go after other > blacklists if SpamCop caves in. It may even go so far as to reach > the point of questioning tools like SpamAssassin and Rules Emporium.
In terms of their policy of not informing spammers who the complainant is surely it's a complainant's right to remain anonymous, particularly since SpamCop isn't doing anything *directly* against the spammer. I've no idea what the situation is on your side of the pond with respect to protecting the identity of 'whistleblowers'. SpamAssassin and the Rules Emporium merely answer questions I ask of them, I find it hard to believe that that could be questioned. They're tools to analyse the mail I receive (or then choose not to receive). They aren't imposed by anyone, and are merely a sophisticated way of lots of users sharing information. Surely if another user considers a piece of mail to be spam, he/she is perfectly entitled to let others know which open relay it came through, or which characteristics identify ot as spam? > I believe the technical term for what these black hole lists are > doing is "secondary boycott". I believe that is an illegal activity > in the US. So this suit will be interesting to watch. In addition to my points above I would suggest this means either US laws need changing or the RBLs need to reside outside the US ;-) > I have mixed opinions about public black lists and blocking protocols. > I prefer a good set of rules in a tool like SpamAssassin and do not use > any of the black lists. I use the blacklists as part of my SA ruleset (rather than at MTA level) - no single list will block an email, but together they contribute significantly. I've had no FPs as a result of the RBLs. > I still think the positive cure for spam is something really gruesome > happening to some spammers. If the government will not do what we demand > of them then it is time to change our government. That opportunity is > coming up in a few months. Maybe it is time to get active with your > local opposition leaders? And what will your government do about spammers in Europe, Asia etc? Bob
