in reply to (OT) Is retaliation ethical if a spam source can be identified beyond a reasonable doubt?

I say no.

You won't convince anyone.

If they haven't hidden their identity, then they think they aren't doing anything wrong. As such, they'll consider themselves an innocent victim of misdirected "retaliation." If they have hidden their identity, the source can't be identified beyond a reasonable doubt. Even if you can identify someone who knows they've sinned, your retaliation confirms what they already know, and they are again not convinced.

Whoever made the decision to spam you probably will not be who bears the cost of your retaliation. I haven't worked anywhere that such a decision-maker is also the mail systems maintainer.

Where's the police when you need them?

If you think what they're doing is wrong, send the authorities after them. If that's not going to work, maybe it's not really wrong but merely annoying.

An analogy

When driving, a car behind you is following too closely. Do you slam on the brakes to teach the driver a lesson? This is dangerous. The practice of following too closely isn't illegal (I think), merely annoying. If there's a collision, you'd be partly responsible.

A suggestion

Write a polite but firm letter explaining why you think you should not be getting this mail in the first place and urging the organization to stop emailing others in this fashion. Make phone calls if you want. Try to reach whoever it was that actually made this decision. Explain that this is damaging to the organization's image.

If all else fails,

Meditate. Become one with the fundamental 1 and the fundamental 0. Ponder the nature of truth and falsehood. Take deep breaths and be grateful you sought guidance before seeking vengeance.

  • Comment on Re: (OT) Is retaliation ethical if a spam source can be identified beyond a reasonable doubt?

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Re^2: (OT) Is retaliation ethical if a spam source can be identified beyond a reasonable doubt?
by hangon (Deacon) on Jul 16, 2008 at 21:42 UTC
    When driving, a car behind you is following too closely. Do you slam on the brakes to teach the driver a lesson? This is dangerous. The practice of following too closely isn't illegal (I think), merely annoying.

    Actually, just like spamming, following too closely is illegal. However, just like spamming it's for the most part unenforceable, except in the most heinous cases.

Re^2: (OT) Is retaliation ethical if a spam source can be identified beyond a reasonable doubt?
by leocharre (Priest) on Jul 16, 2008 at 21:16 UTC
    Thank you.

    If someone were to bite the bait- it would be an unsophisticated act. It would be like slashing the neighbor's car tires because they drive too fast down the street.

    I don't know why one would stoop so low to entertain the notion even.

    Well written and covered a lot of ground in a clear manner. I think you understood that a)I'm not looking for help with spam and b) my comments about karma and 'not doing stup..' was not in reference to the spammer- but to the imaginary other party.