Editorial

There has been a lot of e-mail traffic between various USNA Parents Club members around the country recently concerning a particular "for profit" organization in the Annapolis area which provides care packages to Mids at the Academy.   Apparently, this organization has been in the habit of sending e-mail to people on thier mailing list advertising a special package deal at various times throughout the academic year.   While most members do not object to receiving such mail, some have expressed their objections particularly since the e-mail addresses were obtained from information posted on Club sites.

Technically, the transmission of unsolicited e-mail advertising is a violation of FCC Regulations Section 64.1200(a)(3) that says "No person may use a telephone facsimile machine, computer, or other device to send an unsolicited advertisement..."   While it is against regulations, it is NOT illegal. Violation of the regs could, however, result in the phone company or an Internet Service Provider denying service to the offending party.   In computerese, unsolicited e-mail is called SPAM and is specifically prohibited by most hosting services, particularly AOL, of late.

As a responsible nonprofit Web Site, we will not endorse or promote commercial advertising on our site.   A link that had been posted for this particular organization HAS BEEN REMOVED from our "Other Links of Interest" page.   It was posted there originally as a convenience to our members but due to the concerns of some, we feel it is not necessary (or appropriate) to continue listing it on this site.