Email etiquette question [Update - have another problem now!]

You get an email at your personal email address from a company you have done business with in the past.

In the "To" field of the email is your first and last name, your spouse's first and last name, and your email address.

Also in the "To" field are the full names and email addresses of about 50 other customers of theirs.

Do you feel this is bad email etiquette? Why or why not?

ETA: if you feel it's bad etiquette, would you complain?

**Update 8/31/2009

Ok so I didn't complain because I'm trying out new vendors to replace this one. I didn't want to complain while I possibly still needed services from them, just in case.

However... Over the weekend I got a newsletter via email from a charity that I've never given money to, asking for support. I was confused why it didn't go into Spam but when I saw it was local, I thought, maybe I signed up for something? I didn't want to mark it as spam so I replied to them asking about how I'm affiliated with them.

Then I saw the name of the person who sent it. The same person who works for the company that was sending out all those emails with full names and addresses.

So not only is she divulging my full name and email address to other clients, now she is taking my name (and possibly others who do business with this company?) and adding them to lists that they didn't ask to be added to. The vendor has absolutely nothing to do with the charity, it's not like a 3rd party affiliation deal.

NOW what would you do if you were me? What I would like to do is some homework on what laws are in place for this, and then call her and nicely explain to her why what she's doing is wrong. Maybe she just is ill informed and needs some information. I just find it really presumptuous to take names from your day job and use them for your personal charity work!

Message edited 8/31/2009 8:16:09 AM.

Re: Email etiquette question

Yes, bad etiquette... Whether or not I would complain would depend on a variety of factors. Likely I would.

Re: Email etiquette question

yes, that is bad email etiquette - i do not give random strangers my full name and email address, so why should they?

i would absolutely complain.

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Its not only bad etiquette- it violates can-spam legislation- report it to th FTC and opt-out.

Thats how spammers get email addresses, which is why it is a provision in can-spam

Re: Email etiquette question

What are they emailing you? An advertisement or a solicitation? that is annoying but it wouldn't be a big deal to me. As soon as you give an email address out it's not really private anymore they can wind up on so many forwards. For the time it takes to hit delete I wouldn't care.

Re: Email etiquette question

I'd say bad ettiquette, but wouldn't complain. We've had young interns make that mistake too, could have been an innocent mistake not knowing about the BCC option. If it happens again, then I'd say something.

Re: Email etiquette question

Yes, it's bad etiquette. I would email & complain that I expect that they abide by their privacy policy (I'm assuming they have one & that you've agreed to it).

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They can not include everyone's email address in the to field. Sounds like someone made a mistake and didn't use BCC. I would definitely say something about it. They can be fined I think.

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Re: Email etiquette question

I have received "mass emails". I hate them for the very reason other posters mentioned. I don't want other people to know who I shop with (unless I tell them!), my name and email address.

I am not sure about etiquette but I think this is completely unprofessional.

I have been included in mass emails from previous teachers.

It is was a business I would mention something to remove my email address immediately from mass mailing as it would be a violation of my privacy.

Re: Email etiquette question

Re: Email etiquette question [Update - have another problem now!]

Update in first post, I have a new issue I'd like your feedback on, if you wouldn't mind.

Re: Email etiquette question [Update - have another problem now!]

Posted by greenfreak

Update in first post, I have a new issue I'd like your feedback on, if you wouldn't mind.

Re: Email etiquette question [Update - have another problem now!]

I send advertising emails professionally, and there are rules we have to adhere to, but I'm not sure if this situation violates CAN-SPAM.

I found this webbsite that interprets Can-SPAM for charities, but I am not sure if it addresses your exact issue ( I didn't read the whole thing)
Can-Spam & charities

And this is the summary of Can-Spam from the FTC. Can-Spam

I am not sure if this person is violating anything, but they are not adhering to industry best practices.

Best practices

Re: Email etiquette question [Update - have another problem now!]

Did you ever sign a disclaimer acknowledging that your name could be used by a 3rd party?

I would be all over this.

Totally unethical!!!