Snake Oil
An example of benign misuse

Some people might wonder how misuse of the internet really is... I'm not an expert but I guess dangerous misuse might be rare. However, I get messages like this one every week. 
Subject: Your Web Page
To: webmaster@pacsky.org
From: xxxyyy@zzzz.com
Date: Sat, 3 May 1997

Nice web page! Scouting has sure come a long way since I was
involved many, many years ago.  Back then the web wasn't even a dream
yet, and the tandy TRS-80 hadn't been invented. 

Anyhow I've got an interesting fund raising opportunity for your
council, and I'd like to speak with someone about it.  If you would,
please forward this note to the individual who would be responsible for
fund raisers in your council.  I can be reached at the return E-mail
address.  
I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Thank you
John Doe
This might even be a genuine inquiry, but it fits the pattern of many messages I get: It is hard to resist doing whatever favor is asked after the well placed compliment. That is at least one reason why it is necessary to supervise youths on the web.

Further thinking about this message raised these two questions in my mind:
    Why is he sending me a message now, if his scouting experience is many, many years back.
    Why isn't he sending a letter to the council office if he really wants to speak to somebody responsible for xyz in the council? (xyz not related to the web page).

A possible reply

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Chris Jacobi, May 5, 1997