Hello,

Very nice email. Thank you for sending me information on your upcoming event/opening/new jewelry/family news/little Sally’s birthday/funniest picture you’ve ever seen/etc.

I would like to say that I was a bit distressed to see my email address within 352 other email addresses of your nearest, dearest, friends and potential fellow promoters.

Some people might be upset by their email address becoming public – especially if they are PAYING for an email account ($99/year for a .mac, MobileMe, me.com, etc.), or if they are celebrities, public figures, doctors, lawyers, and like to protect their privacy.

Here’s a couple of things that you might want to keep in mind next time you plan on a mass mailing so you don’t alienate some on your list, or run into other trouble:

Use the BCC (Blind Carbon Copy) field when sending your mailing. Putting your addresses in the BCC (Blind Carbon Copy) means that all email addresses will remain private. Limiting the occurrence of one’s email address in public posts and messy email headers is the best way to limit spam. Spam often contains malicious code as well as code which tracks what email address has received and opened their mail. Knowing this confirms to the marketer that they have a “live” address.

IF your email program doesn’t immediately show the BCC field, check the instructions. If your free email provider doesn’t offer this, you may have to pony up and use a real one.

When you use the CC list as you have here, everyone’s address is made public, as attached.

Last you should read, be familiar with, and conduct your mailings within current commercial
email guidelines. Doing so will help with your professionalism, and keep you from ever having
your email account terminated by your service provider, your website shut down, or being fined (possible, but not likely): http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/ed/pubs/business/ecommerce/bus61.shtm

Your email should offer the individual a way to exercise their right to not receive mailings from you (“opt-out”). This is a courtesy I am certain that you would want if the situation were reversed.

At your current number of email recipients you might want to consider using a commercial mailing service which will keep you in compliance and help you send your mails effectively, along with powerful marketing tools. Fees are reasonable.

I hope you find some useful information in this note.