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FEC Permits Anonymous SMS Spam
crm114 writes "The Washington Post is running a story about the Federal Election Commission's decision today to waive the requirement that SMS broadcast messages indicate their origin..." And it'll only cost you ten cents to read each one. For what it's worth, you can read the agenda item which describes the issue before the FEC. It's rather interesting because it includes drafts of two possible responses by the FEC, depending on which way the commissioners actually voted at today's meeting. Although the company seeking the opinion suggested alternatives like providing a toll-free phone number in the message (preserving the spirit of the campaign finance disclosure rules), the FEC doesn't appear to have taken them up on it.
Dispute the charge. If the telcos get enough gripes, this problem with solve itself. Just answering the phone costs the telco at least $5.
Oh no, candidates are going to aggravate and thus isolate the 12-16 year old female demographic! The elections will be in turmoil!!!
Oh waaaaiiiiiit. . . .
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Dear Senator Jacka$$,
Thank you for your recent communication to my cellphone. While I appreciate your message, "WNT2BYurVOTE", especially it's efforts at minimizing my time, I would like to refer you to the enclosed copy of my the bill I received from my wireless carrier.
Also enclosed you will find an invoice charging you the $.10 I was charged for the reception of this unsolicited message. While I understand [Insert Political Party Here]'s fundraising isn't what it used to be, I still think this is reprehensible behavior.
Lastly, you'll notice the bill includes a $30,000 handling fee for the disposal of your message.
Thank you for your time, and if you really need to buy votes, please try Florida.
Er... was there some spam that you did want?
Karma
I can hardy wait to start receiving spam from the penis enlargement party.
Dear FEC:
FEC YOU!
Signed,
Poot Rootbeer
FROM: +614042511111
Did checking this SMS message while you were driving cause you to have an accident. We are offering 30% off autobody work at Spackle Kings Autobody. Plus you get some free DHEA and a university degree with every fender straightening.
Hello ........
There
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Did you
know
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that you
can
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increas
e your
---
income
in
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only
three
---
weeks
with
Oh yeah.. gonna be great...
lets just say his penis is 3 1/2 feet long...
The Kruger Dunning explains most post on
According to the article, the SMS spams wouldbe limited to political messages only.
Yeah, sure, I can see it now..
Dear registered Democrat voter,
Your support in the upcoming election is crucial. You can't let Jesse Helmes get reelected *again*, can you? Help us get rid of him! Our plan is to send him a kit comprising our patented Herbal Viagra, our Miracle Penis Enlargement pill and our Female Attractor Pheromone After-Shave. Pretty soon the old geezer will be too busy to leave home, and then he'll die of sheer exhaustion.
But we need to test the kit first. That's why we're offering it to you for only $199.99. We figured that as it is, you probably don't get much. Why else would you be a registered Democrat voter?
Don't delay, act now, call 1-800-SMS-SPAM.
See why I have my doubts about the political message only exemption?
P.S. I could have picked Hillary and the Republicans. Nothing personal.
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...add three inches to my cellphone!