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van zdnet:
MSN turns users into spammers

A change of address notification for new users generates MSN Explorer
endorsements to colleagues and friends. Make that former friends.


By Robert Lemos, ZDNet News
September 26, 2000 3:20 PM PT

Users of the MSN Explorer beta may inadvertently be sending their friends
seemingly personal e-mail gushing praise over the new Microsoft program.
The catch is, the spam was written by Microsoft and attached to
change-of-address e-mails sent by some users who have signed up for MSN
Explorer.

Users can opt out of the message, but many have not been aware of the problem.


"I recently began using a new product from Microsoft called MSN Explorer," the
message begins. "With MSN Explorer, you can send and receive e-mail, exchange
instant messages with me and the millions of other people who use MSN Explorer,
browse the Web and much more. MSN Explorer even offers an exciting new look for
using the Web and makes it easy to find and play music online. Want to try it
out? It's FREE! Just click on the link below and follow the download
instructions."

The letter is generated by the beta version of Microsoft Network's Explorer,
according to Woody's Office Watch.

MSN Explorer is Microsoft's attempt to create an integrated Internet portal
that will lure new users to the MSN service. The current beta version -- called
"Preview 2" by Microsoft -- includes a Web browser, e-mail box, instant
messenger and even a music player.

Click here to spam
Three innocent clicks -- or three presses of the Return key -- turn Explorer
users into spammers.

It works like this: During installation, the MSN Explorer setup program asks
whether users would like to import their Outlook address book. Next, users who
press the "return" key are asked if they would like to notify the people in
their address book of a change in e-mail.

For users who select "yes," the set-up program creates an e-mail with the line:
"I am writing to let you know that I have a new e-mail address: "(new e-mail)."
The short message is followed by the endorsement. Clicking "send" results in the
e-mail going out to every one listed in the user's Outlook address book.

A Microsoft spokesperson confirmed the ads were being sent out and that users
could not edit the wording. It's not automatic, by any means, but many users
trying the beta have inadvertently sent the messages to others.

Community backlash
Several users of the beta software have complained to Microsoft in a public
forum, requesting that the company pull the ad-based e-mail before the software
goes gold.

Recipients of the e-mail pitchers aren't happy either.

But, in one reply to an angry customer who received the e-mail, Hotmail -- a
Microsoft subsidiary -- denied that the message was spam.

"The e-mail you received was an invitation from MSN Explorer, sent on behalf of
an existing user who changed their e-mail address and wants you to try MSN
Explorer," said Microsoft customer support in a letter that appeared to be an
official statement.

Nevertheless, even Hotmail may be ready to pull the plug on such messages in
the future.

"We have been in discussion with the MSN Explorer Team about these
invitations," the letter continued. "And they are considering revising them so
as not to confuse users."




Steven