Today I got an email from Dave Henley, owner of Nerd Books.com.

According to Dave, they’re the largest technical bookstore in the US. They’ve got a cute little logo and they’re giving away free t-shirts. (Well, free after you buy something.)

Unfortunately, I don’t remember buying anything from Dave. (I often conveniently forget purchases, however.) Also, when I do buy something, I certainly don’t give out my "direct" email address. Instead, I give out our general business email address to keep my email deluge manageable. Dave’s missive came to my direct email.

The only people who know this address are my clients, my friends, and anyone who has bought a list from an email harvester. My direct email address appeared in my signature file on a listserv I use that unfortunately posted that address on their Web site. C’est la vie…

So I don’t harass Dave unfairly, and slam a company that shouldn’t be slammed, I followed up with him via email:

Dave,

I’m curious to know how my email got on your list. I don’t remember buying anything from you (although my employees often use my credit card for books, software, and adult movies at hotels.)

The email isn’t one I usually give out, but recently I’ve begun to receive spam at it, ever since a listserv I posted to put my email on their Web site.

Just trying to figure things out.

Rich

To give Nerd Books credit, they do have their physical address listed and include a method of unsubscribing. Apparently they’ve heard of CAN-SPAM. I’m just pissed about how they (may have) got that email address.

If Dave gets back to me I’ll be sure to let you know. [He did, and boy is my face red!]

Rich Brooks
I Won’t Leave You Hanging…