14 December 1997

It amazes me what lengths spammers will travel to avoid the appearance of unsolicited email. Just last night I received a piece of email from someone named "Susan P." with the subject "Re: Mars site to add to XMAS list." I instantly knew this was bogus for two reasons:

1) I don't know anyone named Susan P.
2) I don't have a Christmas list

Still, I read the email.

The body of the message wasn't your typical "Hello Friend" spam mail. Instead, I had apparently stumbled across a private conversation between Susan and her friend Jen. Susan bought something for Bill's birthday that he simply adored, so she sent the URL to Jen. Jen, seeing this delightful opportunity for the gem it is, forwarded Susan's message around her office. Somehow Mary got involved, but that part was cut off.

The best part about the whole message, though, is what Susan and Jen are trying to sell. The URL is for a place called The Martian Consulate, which will sell you property space on the planet Mars. Not interested in investing? Don't worry, you can buy your limited edition Consulate Mug for only $15.95. Just in time for the holidays.

I fear I will not be contributing to this little venture, mainly because I doubt my mug would glow orange as brightly as theirs do on the web page.

To Amber's Menu.

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