However, I think this also points out a way in which email could be made better. There should really be a standardized way to unsubscribe from mailing lists, so that every mail client automatically shows an "unsubscribe" button inside any mailing list email. The problem with current unsubscribe methods is that they require too much effort (even clicking a few links is "too much effort" in comparison to the "spam" button... moreover many sites make you go through numerous confusing web-forms). Also, an integrated "unsubscribe" button in an email client would send the "please unsubscribe" signal, and simultaneously add the address to a personal blacklist (but not add it to the spam detection list).
There is already a mechanism for this. It's called the List-Unsubscribe header, though only Hotmail does anything with it. The problem is a question of trust. A spammer can put in an unsubscribe link that says "Hey, this guy read my email, let's send him more crap!" Not only did you not unsubscribe, you just telegraphed the fact that the spam got to your inbox.
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However, I think this also points out a way in which email could be made better. There should really be a standardized way to unsubscribe from mailing lists, so that every mail client automatically shows an "unsubscribe" button inside any mailing list email. The problem with current unsubscribe methods is that they require too much effort (even clicking a few links is "too much effort" in comparison to the "spam" button... moreover many sites make you go through numerous confusing web-forms). Also, an integrated "unsubscribe" button in an email client would send the "please unsubscribe" signal, and simultaneously add the address to a personal blacklist (but not add it to the spam detection list).
There is already a mechanism for this. It's called the List-Unsubscribe header, though only Hotmail does anything with it. The problem is a question of trust. A spammer can put in an unsubscribe link that says "Hey, this guy read my email, let's send him more crap!" Not only did you not unsubscribe, you just telegraphed the fact that the spam got to your inbox.