-----Original Message----- From: Dustin Decker

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-----Original Message----- From: kclug-bounces On Behalf Of Isaac C.

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This idea didn't sound like a good one the first time I heard about it years ago, and it still doesn't now.

I have to agree with you on this one. The thoughts I share here aren't very original either, considering I've snagged 'em from /. (and gave this guy one of my mod points for the day as well.) I think we will ALL suffer if this sort of thing continues.

I have to agree too, and dang I wish I had some mod points on /.

<rant back at rant>

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It's funny when people use terms like "business model" in relation to spammers because it paints a picture of spammers as clean, intelligent, well-organized business professionals which I think is rather inaccurate. Rather, I see spammers as a very untidy bunch of no-account hoodlums of various shapes, sizes, and dispositions.

The reason I use those terms is the worst spammers are both organized and hoodlums at the same time. Oftentimes these will be people in criminal syndicates with both legitimate and black-market businesses. You think that just because someone is a hoodlum they are disorganized? No, generally the opposite is true. Successful criminals must be highly organized to avoid capture and conviction. Spamming is big business, and it is definitely run by underworld characters. There was a time when cracking systems was the venue of teenagers, but it's gone mostly to criminal syndicates these days. That is not to say *all* spammers are organized or criminals. Some may be victims of get rich quick schemes. Et cetera, et cetera, et cetera.

</rant>