To put things into better perspective, here is the letter from the B&N CEO that was sent out some weeks ago informing Borders' customers of the acquisition of some assets. The sale was approved by a federal bankruptcy court.
I drew a different conclusion when I got that email from Barnes & Noble. While I dislike B&N buying Border's customer list, B&N was transparent about it and pre-emptively offered a clear opt-out before they started sending advertising material. The opt out process tried to convince you that being on the list was worthwhile, but also made it clear about how to finish the process.
B&N did something shady, sure, but in very plain language told you what they'd done, how to be removed, and during the process suggested why it would be worthwhile to be on their list. Their transparency is respectable.
Exactly. At least they let you know that they have the data and the opt-out was easy enough (I also did it).
Organizations share gtheir mailing lists ALL THE TIME. If I pay a membership to museum for a year, I suddenly have five similar museums sending me their marketing info in the mail.
I used to work at a non-profit where this happened constantly. Sure, it wasn't a lot of data about what I have done, but it was basic demographic stuff. To me it made no sense, you'd think that you'd want to protect your donation base at all costs, but this is how deals/partnerships are made between organizations.
Who knows what Facebook is doing with all of that data. If only they were as transparent as B&N with it.
This is a bit tin foil hat. They're a book store, borders was a book store. Cross business customer relevance couldn't be higher. They offer a simple opt out.
It was my understanding that they bought Borders, and the list came along for the ride. As one of the assets of the company, and since everyone opted into the list, it doesn't violate CANSPAM.
They are now giving you a very visual notice that you can opt out.
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[ 2.1 ms ] story [ 22.0 ms ] threadhttp://www.barnesandnoble.com/container/stores.asp?PID=39742
I think that they've done a fine job with disclosure and much better than many companies have done.
B&N did something shady, sure, but in very plain language told you what they'd done, how to be removed, and during the process suggested why it would be worthwhile to be on their list. Their transparency is respectable.
Organizations share gtheir mailing lists ALL THE TIME. If I pay a membership to museum for a year, I suddenly have five similar museums sending me their marketing info in the mail.
I used to work at a non-profit where this happened constantly. Sure, it wasn't a lot of data about what I have done, but it was basic demographic stuff. To me it made no sense, you'd think that you'd want to protect your donation base at all costs, but this is how deals/partnerships are made between organizations.
Who knows what Facebook is doing with all of that data. If only they were as transparent as B&N with it.
They are now giving you a very visual notice that you can opt out.