I just read the post Kathy put up about predators, and the comments others contributed.  What a sad statement about what some honest, hardworking people, like Kathy, Becky and Gloria, have to put up with!

I’ve seen a lot of posts about Spam and anonymous, rude emails received.  So, why do we have an email/internet system that allows anonymous communications like these? 

I believe Microsoft tried to create a system where users could register their email addresses, identifying themselves and that info was checked at some level.  The intent was to allow receivers of email the option to block emails that came from unknown senders, other countries, and emails that were routed from one server to another to mask the identity of the sender (common tactic for the “Nigerian Money Letter” we all get too often).  The Microsoft program failed….I’m sure many were more afraid of “Big Brother Microsoft” than of spammers.

If I receive a letter with no return address, at least there’s a postmark identifying the sender’s location.

When I receive a phone call using a phone number that is blocked from view, I have the option of not answering, our using the phone company’s recorded message that says blocked numbers are not allowed.

But generally speaking, 95% of all calls I get, I can “see” the phone number and if that person made a threat, for example, I could act accordingly by reporting the number to the proper authority.

As for me, I don’t ever want anonymous emails from another continent, or that have passed through a far away country.  I know I might miss that one sale every now and then, but if they are coming from my website, the P2A system as I have it set up would pass the email through.  (I use the "feedback form, rather than showing my email address.)

Would it be inhibitive to have registration?  Or at least the option?  Thoughts?

Thank you all.

Phil Anderson

www.NewPortlandHome.com