Optimistic Rebel

Interesting note from Peter Shankman in today’s Help A Reporter:

A quick note - Yesterday, two members were banned for adding reporters to email lists to promote their products without being asked. Here’s my question - Seeing how HARO is built entirely on trust and the concept of a “family,” (as opposed to the other service that doesn’t really give a hoot what you do,) do you honestly think that it WON’T GET BACK TO ME IF YOU SPAM? To me, that you think it won’t is even more insulting than the fact that you’re spamming to begin with! So let’s keep it simple. Don’t add reporters to lists without their express written permission. I’ll find you. I’ll boot you. And if you’re super-annoying about it, I’ll out you to 25,000 of your closest friends

Bravo Peter! Building a reputable email list is hard work. You can’t let a few bad apples spoil your social networking equity. Take action quickly and use it as a teachable moment to set expectation for the rest of the network. Your social network will be stronger for it.