New e-mail charges cause an Internet storm

[DarrenC]

A new system for e-mail delivery announced by AOL and Yahoo has caused controversy, particularly among businesses that rely on mass mailing to stay in touch with customers and publicise their products. If implemented, the system will see charges of up to one cent per e-mail, which will guarantee the arrival of messages and ensure they avoid spam filters. Critics have accused AOL and Yahoo of trying to create a two-tier Internet.

Source: Businesslink newsletter

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4684942.stm

What do you think about this? Would affect Small businesses for sure.

Darren

[confused]

Critics have accused AOL and Yahoo of trying to create a two-tier Internet.
IMO there has always been a difference between AOL's "version" of the internet and the "real" internet.
That said, usually once someone starts a "trend" others arnt that far behind.
I wonder what would happen should some poor person get some sort of worm that mass mailed from their machine? would they get a whopping bill I wonder?

CALV

[DarrenC]

Good point Calv.

I suppose I wouldn't mind paying an annual fee, for my emails not to hit filters, and if it'll stop the amount of spam, that's good too - what I don't want though is an unexpected bill just because I have sent an email to a number of clients who have a Yahoo or AOL account.

[confused]

Another thought, what happens if you dont use AOL and your ISP blocks the mail anyway? bit of a waste of money, and I cant for the life of me imagine anyone actually switching to AOL for any reason let alone to pay them for email !

CALV

[Lee Mark Thomas]

It's something that has been knocked about in the industry for years - consumers will benefit from this and will receive cash for receiving emails...both business and consumers will benefit from this I think.

[Lee Mark Thomas]

Sorry forgot to ad - totally agree with the AOL comments...it's a waste of space - may be good for China

[Mac Yeti]

I don't see why this is a bad idea - it won't stop companies doing mailshots, it'll just mean they have to be legitimate.

[creospace]

yeah but where does it all end, don't let these corporate hoars loose, beleiv eme folks they are far more dangerous than any spammer can be annoying!

the end of the free net is in sight.

a sad sad day if this really happens.

[Mac Yeti]

But for years companies have paid to have their mail scanned to be free from viruses/spam and porn.

Yes it's a shame such things exist but as far as email is concerned it'll get worse not better, so it's good to see there are more options being offered as to what we can do to protect our businesses.