July 21, 2005

Merck Training Video

This Merck trial has a wealth of information about how a major drug company engages in deceptive advertising. Today's New York Times reports that a Vioxx training video, although never used for training, instructs salespeople to deny the link between the drug and heart attacks:

After playing a portion of the videotape to the jury, W. Mark Lanier, a lawyer for plaintiffs in the case, asked Dr. Nancy Santanello, a senior Merck scientist, why Merck had told its sales representatives that Vioxx did not cause heart attacks or raise blood pressure.

Dr. Santanello responded that at the time the training video was made, Merck did not know if Vioxx raised the risk of heart attacks. In addition, the tape does not show the actress actually denying that Vioxx raises blood pressure, Dr. Santanello said.

Instead, the actress merely sidesteps the issue, she said. Dr. Santanello's response appeared to take the jury aback.

"Is that how you train people to sell your product?" Mr. Lanier said.

Merck made the videotape in 2000, as it struggled to increase Vioxx sales despite concerns by doctors and independent scientists that the drug might damage the heart.

Merck stopped selling Vioxx last September after a clinical trial showed patients taking Vioxx had a substantially higher risk of heart attacks and strokes than those taking a placebo.

July 19, 2005

PLOS Publishes Ways Drug Companies Cook Study Results

Bang! Richard Smith writes in PLOS that drug companies are having their way with major medical journals. They do this by "asking the right questions" rather than by attempting to influence results. As a result, the drug companies can sponsor studies that support their products:

Fortunately from the point of view of the companies funding these trials—but unfortunately for the credibility of the journals who publish them—these trials rarely produce results that are unfavourable to the companies' products [7,8]. Paula Rochon and others examined in 1994 all the trials funded by manufacturers of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for arthritis that they could find [7]. They found 56 trials, and not one of the published trials presented results that were unfavourable to the company that sponsored the trial. Every trial showed the company's drug to be as good as or better than the comparison treatment.

By 2003 it was possible to do a systematic review of 30 studies comparing the outcomes of studies funded by the pharmaceutical industry with those of studies funded from other sources [8]. Some 16 of the studies looked at clinical trials or meta-analyses, and 13 had outcomes favourable to the sponsoring companies. Overall, studies funded by a company were four times more likely to have results favourable to the company than studies funded from other sources. In the case of the five studies that looked at economic evaluations, the results were favourable to the sponsoring company in every case.

Smith even gives a roadmap to getting the study results that a drug company wants:

Examples of Methods for Pharmaceutical Companies to Get the Results They Want from Clinical Trials

• Conduct a trial of your drug against a treatment known to be inferior.
• Trial your drugs against too low a dose of a competitor drug.
• Conduct a trial of your drug against too high a dose of a competitor drug (making your drug seem less toxic).
• Conduct trials that are too small to show differences from competitor drugs.
• Use multiple endpoints in the trial and select for publication those that give favourable results.
• Do multicentre trials and select for publication results from centres that are favourable.
• Conduct subgroup analyses and select for publication those that are favourable.
• Present results that are most likely to impress—for example, reduction in relative rather than absolute risk.

Response to Knowledge @ Wharton Price Discrimination Article

Mania may be setting in again...because I'm finding myself writing to more professors about their work. This time, it's marketing professors at Wharton. I know...low-hanging fruit.

Anyway, Knowledge @ Wharton is running a shallow critique of a recent paper (PDF) by Professor Joe Turow of Annenberg on price discrimination.

Turow's paper received a lot of attention because most people don't know about "first degree" price discrimination, a practice where a company can determine the maximum that an individual is willing to pay for a product, and engage in "dynamic" pricing. This enables sellers to hawk the same products at the same time to different people at different prices. Turow's report showed that consumers object to price discrimination. The report also found that the respondents incorrectly believe that "stores cannot charge them different prices based on what they know about them."

The Wharton response reads like a press release, it employs fallacious arguments, and arguments that one normally finds in industry briefing materials, such as the argument that discriminatory pricing is here to stay, so consumers should just get used to it. I could go on. Here's my reply to the professors.

Dear Professors Hochs, Fader, & Zhang,

I came across the Knowledge @ Wharton press release, and wanted to suggest a closer read of Professor Turow's paper. Turow specifically discussed the difference between senior citizen discounts and what has been labeled as "first degree" price discrimination. The report recognizes the social utility of the former, and asks hard questions about the latter.

The report is online at:

http://www.annenbergpublicpolicycenter.org/04_info_society/Turow_APPC_Report_WEB_FINAL.pdf

Allow me to make a few more comments:

To be sure, not all pricing strategies are permissible. Collusion by competitors in an industry to fix prices violates the law, as does the use of race or gender to target customers for different prices or other discriminatory treatment. In addition, if retailers use dynamic pricing in such a way that it angers customers, they can erode customer loyalty, spark a backlash and lose business.

The concern here is that discriminatory pricing based on personal information may not intend to discriminate on race, sex, or age, but it might have that effect. (Direct marketers' segmentation categories smack of racial, class, sex, and age divides.) There also is a concern among some that it will result in poorer people paying more for products.

Turow's work builds upon a number of studies that question whether first degree price discrimination benefits consumers. Many of these studies have found that companies that rely upon personal data to make pricing decisions end up charging consumer more. Even the Wall Street Journal found that supermarkets without loyalty cards had significantly lower prices than stores in the same area with loyalty cards.

"Dynamic pricing has always been with us,

and

There is nothing really new here,

and

Most observers agree that consumers will have to become accustomed to flexible pricing because it is here to stay.

Argumentum ad antiquitatem...

The point of this paper was to measure consumer attitudes about these practices and to inform the public about them. At some level, the paper demonstrates how out of touch the direct marketing industry is with Americans' values. It is an industry that values secrecy, and when a light is shined on the industry, legislators start drafting laws. If it is here to stay, it may be subject to transparency requirements; assurances that it does not have a discriminatory impact on race, sex, or age; or other regulation.

Companies will try it, and some will do it stupidly. But some will do it well and find ways to keep customers locked in and keep revenue flowing in."

In a way, this comment recognizes the fear of consumers--that they would be locked in to a retailer. What happened to competing on the basis of having the best product at the lowest price?

Retailers are frustrated by price shoppers, so they're trying to figure out ways to trap people into paying more (read DMNews, the proponents of these pricing mechanisms discuss getting people to pay more by enticing them into loyalty programs). The point of these practices is to exercise more power over the consumer, so images of "big brother-style" (strawman argument) retailers, while extreme, are on some level appropriate.

Regards,
Chris Hoofnagle

July 18, 2005

Tivo is dead. Long live Tivo

Today's Wall Street Journal reports that Tivo, that expensive device you bought to avoid advertising (and time shift), is going to extensive efforts to put the advertising back in ad-free TV:

TiVo, based in Alviso, Calif., announced plans to insert symbols that identify advertisers during commercial breaks, making them more visible even when a customer is fast forwarding through them. Advertisers who sponsor TiVo's "ad tags" can include additional graphics, such as their corporate logos, to the pop-ups. Moreover, the pop-up tags now will be able to lead viewers to additional content, such as infomercials, movie trailers and even mailings.

The company said General Motors Corp. and the WB Television Network will be the first to use the new features. Starting this week, TiVo users who see GM's commercials for OnStar, GMC, Chevrolet or Saturn will see a branded pop-up tag that leads them to special promotional footage or lets them request additional information directly from GM. Viewers who want to follow through won't need to press more than a few buttons or type in their addresses or phone numbers since TiVo already has them on file and can supply them to GM.

The good news is that the Tivo alternative is now available.

Advertisers Ranking Dead People

This week's Ad Age helps those "in search of the right dead celebrity" answer the question "How Do You Find the Best One for Your Ad Campaign?"

OK, so you’re thinking that maybe a certain dead celebrity is just the thing to help your upcoming advertising campaign really cut through the clutter. But how can you be sure that sufficient numbers of your target audience actually recognize or even like the deceased entertainer you plan to bring back to life via digital magic?

[...]

To assess the potential "fit" and marketability of...deceased celebrities as contemporary product icons, Marketing Evaluations now calculates every two years what it calls its “Dead Q” scores, measuring the current consumer appeal of 150 deceased performers.

Top ranking dead celebrities

In its latest 2005 Dead Q tallies, Lucille Ball, Bob Hope and John Wayne top the list of the public’s favorite dead celebrities. Although Elvis was Forbes’ top-earning dead celebrity, he ranks at No. 12 on the Dead Q list. Also among the top 15 are Jimmy Stewart, Katherine Hepburn and the Three Stooges.

Two recent deaths made this year’s Dead Q list: Johnny Carson, who is ranked No. 7, died Jan. 23, and John Ritter, who is ranked No. 8, died Sept. 11, 2003.

Marketing Evaluations extracts its data from the responses of 1,453 adults who replied to a mailed questionnaire asking whether they recognized a celebrity’s name, and then whether they’d rank that particular celebrity as being among their “favorites.” The respondents were taken from a national sample of approximately 2,500 people who agreed to participate in the company’s national consumer panel.

July 12, 2005

Word of Mouth Advertising Gets Measurement Standards

Just imagine what life will be like in a world of word of mouth advertising.

...WOMMA [Word of Mouth Marketing Association] released, as part of a 226-page book, a terminological framework for discussing the trade. Put simply, it's a way of describing the processes by which viral ideas spread that WOMMA hopes will become standard.

At the center of this new framework is the WOM Unit. That's a media-neutral way of referring to a consumer comment. As the book has it, "If a company purchases an ad, it's an ad. If people talk about the ad, it's a WOM Unit." WOMMA provides a host of ways to describe a particular WOM Unit -- whether it's on message or timely, positive or negative. It also includes "depth" -- which evaluates the "richness" or amount of information available in a WOM Unit "assuming that these aspects increase message persuasiveness." That means, a video e-mail would be deeper than, say, a text message.

9/11 Children Will Be Conformists, Marketers Say

Someone at Ad:Tech Chicago has clarified our personalities:

CHICAGO---Marketers should keep in mind that the 9/11 generation, or children born after 2001, will be conformists as they grow older, said a speaker at yesterday's NCDM conference.

[...]

During their formative years, this generation is being over-protected: at home because of the rash of kidnappings and Amber Alerts; at school because of Columbine-type incidences; and in society because of terrorism.

"An overprotected generation tends to be risk-averse and therefore conformists as adults," said Fishman, who also offered her interpretation of the other generations. They include:

GI generation (those born between 1901 and 1924): This group is up to date, is literate and respects old ways and old values.

Silent generation (1925-42): This group is made up of vital, active people, and marketers should always focus on "lifestyle and lifestage, never age." Fishman said members of this group value the opinions of experts and "it's now-or-never time to indulge." She also said they like to help others, particularly their grandchildren.

Baby boomers (1943-60): This group loves values, cares about the environment, distrusts authority and wants to be in control. Its members think they will be young forever, are nostalgic, spend money more than save it and love to learn -- but they want the information in short takes. She also said they have an overwhelming sense of entitlement.

Generation X (1961-81): Generation Xers demand an honest, straight-forward approach. No other generation is so market savvy. Xers have been shopping all their lives -- on television, on the Internet and at the mall. They expect you to deliver on your marketing promises "Burn them once, lose them forever," Fishman warned.

Generation Y (1982-2000): Influenced by their brand-conscious boomer parents, this group is attracted to brands at an early age and remains loyal. A brand name means a company stands behind its product, the product is of a certain quality and it will be recognized by their peers.

July 05, 2005

NY Daily News Subscriber List for Sale

The New York Daily News is selling its subscriber list. Read more in Technorati privacy.

New York Daily News Walter Karl New Select Description: This file contains names of subscribers to the New York Daily News, which long has served as the main news source for New Yorkers throughout the region. It offers the No. 1 source for news, sports, entertainment, gossip, investigative reporting and movie and theater reviews. The Sunday issue offers special sections including NOW!, which is an entertainment and lifestyle magazine. These individuals responded to a direct mail solicitation for home delivery. The majority prepaid for their subscriptions. The average age is 40, and 56 percent are male. The average income is $43,000. Selects: 185,144 active subscribers, quarterly hotline, contest entrants, quarterly expires, paid, demographic and lifestyle enhancements, business address, credit cards, change of address, renewals, new to file, gender, state, SCF and ZIP Contact: your list broker or Walter Karl, 1 Blue Hill Plaza, Pearl River, NY 10965 Phone: 845/620-0700; Fax: 845/620-1885 E-mail: maureen.northey@walterkarl.infousa.com

June 29, 2005

Subscribe to a Computer Mag? Your Data is Sold!

Do you subscribe to PC Magazine, Computer Gaming World, Electronic Gaming Monthly, Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine or ExtremeTech.com? Your data is being sold! See this datacard and read more about privacy on Technorati.

Ziff Davis Consumer E-Mail Master File Walter Karl E-mail List Description: This file contains subscribers to PC Magazine, Computer Gaming World, Electronic Gaming Monthly, Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine and ExtremeTech.com. These are educated, proven mail buyers. This upscale audience seeks the latest information about technology, gaming and next-generation electronics. They are at home address and respond to offers including consumer publications, consumer catalogs, online offers and fundraisers. Selects: 500,000 total subscribers, home/business address, recency/hotline, age, occupation, home value, lifestyle, state, SCF and ZIP Contact: your list broker or Walter Karl, 4 Gannett Drive, White Plains, NY 10604 Phone: 914/697-5823 Fax: 914/697-5822 E-mail: tamaraf@wkinteractive.com

June 28, 2005

KQED is Selling its Membership List

KQED Public Radio
MKTG Services has become the inaugural manager of KQED Public Radio's list members and contributors. The California station has 33,000 active members and 15,000 who donated in response to direct mailings. The average donation is $40. Sources of contributions are on-air pledge drives (50%), direct mail (40%) and space advertising (10%). Selections: Hotlines, gender, state/SCF/ZIP Price: $85/M (active members); $90/M (direct mail members) Contact: MKTG Services, 215-968-5020

KQED/Bay Area Public Broadcasting Based in San Francisco, KQED operates Northern California's largest public broadcasting center, including KQED Public Television. As the nation's most-watched public TV station, KQED provides an ever-increasing audience with some of the most powerful and perceptive programming available. The KQED members are affluent, well-educated men and women who live predominantly in the San Francisco Bay Area. They share a strong appreciation for the arts, enjoy attending cultural events and frequently contribute to worthy causes. The KQED members are recommended to fundraisers seeking support for community services, health, children’s, educational, environmental and animal causes. COUNTS: Quantity Segment Rate 132,079 Active Members $80/M 95,765 Direct Mail Members $85/M COUNTS THRU: 04/07/05 SELECTIONS: * 3 Month Hotline $7.00/M * 6 Month Hotline $5.00/M * State/SCF/Zip/Gender $7.00/M * Key Coding $1.00/M SOURCE: 70% Direct Mail/20% Pledge Drives/10% Space Ads UNIT OF SALE: Average $40.00 DEMOGRAPHICS: * Average Age 45+ MINIMUM ORDER: 5,000 UPDATED: Quarterly ADDRESSING: * 4-Up Cheshire Labels N/C * Pressure Sensitive Labels $7.00/M * Magnetic Tape/Zip Tape $30 Flat * Email $50 Flat RESTRICTIONS: * AVAILABLE TO 501(C)3 NON-PROFITS ONLY. * Mailer must submit 501(C)3 forms with orders. * Sample mailing piece required for approval. * Mailer must comply with industry ethics on list use. NET NAME: 85% on orders over 50,000 plus $8.00/M running charge. TERMS: * Net 30 days from mail date. * 10% commissionable to recognized brokers. LIST USAGE: ACLU of Northern California Alameda County Food Bank American Cancer Society American Conservatory Theatre America's Second Harvest Berkeley Reportory Theatre California Film Institute California State Parks Fdtn. Canine Companions/Independence Care Children's Cancer Res. Fund City Teams Ministries Commonwealth Club Of Ca. Consumer Checkbook Magazine Consumer Health Publications Consumers Union Doctors Without Borders USA Dodd Smith Dann Layher-LA East Bay Center For Perf Arts Elderhostel Evergreen Valley College Family Service Agency Of S.F. Friends of the Urban Forest Girls, Inc. Glide Golden Gate National Park Habitat for Humanity Hanna Boys Center - Donors Heifer Project International Human Rights Watch Humane Societies Consortium International Rescue Committee Int'l Campaign For Tibet Lambda Legal Def & Educ Fund Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Libraries Consortium Marin Agricultural Land Trust Marin Conservation League Marin County School Volunteers Marin Theatre Company Meals On Wheels Co-Op Mountain Play Association, The National Geographic Society Nature Conservancy Oakland Public Library Fdtn Omega Boys Club Peninsula Open Space Trust Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra Planned Parenthood Fed/America Point Reyes National Seashore Project Open Hand Recording For Blind/Dyslexic San Fran. Mus. Of Modern Art San Francisco Symphony San Jose Repertory Theatre Seva Foundation Smile Train Special Olympics Susan G. Komen Foundation Trust for Public Land U.S. Fund for UNICEF U.S. Olympic Committee Univ. of CA, Berkeley Art Mus. Wildlife Waystation Yosemite Fund Youth Radio CONTACT: Sarah Lewin slewin@mktgservices.com Tel: 215.968.5020 x148 Fax: 215.579.8059

A List of People Who Believe in Free Money

Here, ladies and gentlemen, is a list of fools who believe there is such a thing as free money. Send them your scams.

Money Prize and Contestant Entrants Macromark New List Description: This file contains highly responsive contest enthusiasts who have dreams of winning money, home appliances, shopping sprees, exotic vacations, TV's and digital cameras. Selects: 19,255 May hotline, 3-month, 6-month and 12-month Contact: your list broker or Macromark, 185 Route 312, Brewster, NY 10509 Phone: 845/230-6300; Fax: 845/278-0650 E-mail: bill@macromark.com

June 27, 2005

List Broker Selling Database of "Suffering Seniors"

Visit Beach List Services and you'll find a database for sale of "Suffering Seniors," individuals over 55 who were unfortunate enough to be sick and fill out a survey telling the direct marketers about it.

Suffering Seniors

Contact: Jim Ballengee / Sales Director
Email: jim@beachlistservices.com
Phone: Toll Free (877)295-8968

There are many ailment sufferers among today's age 55 and older crowd. These seniors receive and complete surveys through the mail and online that address their specific problems and illnesses including heart disease, diabetes, insomnia, high cholesterol, and much more.

Those included in the Suffering Seniors file are perfect prospects for a variety of offers including health products and services, subscriptions, mobility and therapeutic products, investments, insurance, continuity clubs, credit cards, luxury and leisure products and services, telecommunications, travel, entertainment, retirement, automobiles, specialty services, medical supplies and services, catalogs, and fundraising opportunities.

Source: Self-reported via direct mail and Internet registration.

Selections With Counts
Minimum order 5,000 records.
Selections Counts $/M
Last 12 Month Recency 11,325,000 $100.00
30 Day Hotlines 329,500 + $ 20.00

Other Selections
Ailments: $ 10.00
Allergies 1,659,100
Arthritis 565,500
Asthma 646,600
Cholesterol 581,000
Diabetes 719,200
Erectile Dysfunction 378,600
Headaches 592,300
Hearing Impaired 353,800
Heartburn 512,800
Heart Disease 462,500
Insomnia 305,500
Sensitive Skin 554,000
Yeast Infection 248,800

Age of Adult $15.00
Credit Card $15.00
Gender $10.00
Income $15.00
State/SCF/Zip/County $8.00

Method of Addressing:
Diskette $40.00/Flat
E-Mail Delivery $25.00/Flat
Key Coding $3.00/M
Magnetic Tape $50.00/Flat
Run Charges $10.00/M

Commissions, Credit Policy - 20% commission to recognized brokers. Cancellation Charges: Cancellation before mail date: $100.00 flat fee, plus $10.00/M run charges, plus output media, shipping, and handling charges. Cancellation after mail date incurs full charge. Prepayment required for all first time renters.

Delivery Schedule - Delivery from 5 to 7 working days.

Restrictions - Minimum order 5,000 records. Sample direct mail piece required for list owner's approval. Telemarketing script and SANS number are required for all telemarketing rentals. One year unlimited use available. Please inquire. Net name arrangements available. Please inquire. 90% accuracy and deliverability guaranteed.

Maintenance - Updated monthly. NCOA'd monthly.

Usage:
American Diabetes Association (T)
Mobility product direct marketer (T)
Gem Products (T)
Healthy Living (T)

List Manager - Beach List Services, Inc.

Contact: Jim Ballengee / Sales Director
Email: jim@beachlistservices.com
Phone: Toll Free (877)295-8968
Phone 2: 615-356-1100

Read more about these issues at Technorati Privacy Blogs.

June 23, 2005

Rock the Vote is Selling its Membership List

In today's DMNews, you'll find this datacard offering for sale the names, addresses, dates of birth, party affiliation, and sex of 720,000 people who registered with Rock the Vote.

Rock the Vote Walter Karl New List Description: This file contains registrants to Rock the Vote, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that engages youth in the political process by incorporating the entertainment community and youth culture into its activities. It aims to increase youth voter turnout. Rock the Vote coordinates voter registration drives, get-out-the-vote events and voter-education efforts. The average age is 18-34, and 51 percent are female. Selects: 720,744 12-month, 6-month, 3-month members, date of birth, party affiliation, gender, state, SCF and ZIP Contact: your list broker or Walter Karl, 1 Blue Hill Plaza, Pearl River, NY 10965 Phone: 845/620-0700; Fax: 845/620-1885 E-mail: Maureen.Northey@walterkarl.infousa.com

June 20, 2005

Database Sellers Being Sold

Directory & Online Database Publishing Executives the Infocommerce Influential International Bethesda List Center New Management Description: This file contains senior management and company owners at the most important and innovative directory and online database publishers. Selects: 4,584 directory and online database publishing executives, geography and gender Contact: your list broker or Bethesda List Center Inc., 7508 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, Maryland 20814 Phone: 301/986-1455; Fax: 301/907-4870 E-mail: info@bethesda-list.com

June 17, 2005

Gas Company Execs for Sale

This would be a good list for military recruitment solicitation...

Petrochemical Industry Executives Dunhill International List Co. New List Description: This file contains executives and engineer types working in the petrochemical industry. Selects: 2,387 executives, firms, job function, main/branch, telephone, title slug, gender, state, SCF and ZIP Contact: your list broker or Dunhill International List Co. Inc., 621 N.W. 53rd St., Boca Raton, FL 33487 Phone: 561/998-7800; Fax: 561/998-7880 E-mail: sales@dunhills.com

privacy

Milliom Mom Marchers Sold For Direct Marketing

Today's DMNews offers for sale the personal information of people who donated to the Million Mom March.

Million Mom March Names in the News New Select Description: This file contains donors to the Million Mom March. Founded in 1999, this national grassroots, chapter-based organization is dedicated to preventing gun-related deaths and injuries and to supporting victims and survivors of gun violence. On Mother’s Day 2000, more than 750,000 people marched in Washington, DC, and tens of thousands of others marched in towns across America to demonstrate their support for sensible gun laws. The average donation is $37. Selects: 11,476 36-month donors, gender, state, SCF and ZIP Contact: your list broker or Names in the News, 1300 Clay St., Oakland, CA 94612 Phone: 415/989-3350 Fax: 415/433-7796 E-mail: name@nincal.com

privacy

June 16, 2005

Clickitgolf.com, Kiddomusic.com Are Selling Your Personal Information

In today's DMNews, you'll see that both Clickitgolf.com and Kiddomusic.com are selling the personal information of those who have registered on the site or purchased products. Clickitgolf.com's privacy policy claims to be "committed to protecting your privacy online," and goes on to say, "We do not sell, trade or rent your Personally Identifiable Information to others." So, how do they justify this sale of personal information advertised below?

Kiddomusic.com seems to have a page on website security, but no apparent privacy policy.

Clickitgolf.com Registered Users Wild West New List Description: This file contains individuals who are golfers who registered to clickitgolf.com to receive timely information on bidding for tee times, equipment special offers, travel and lodging promotions, and more. Selects: 137,205 total universe, 30-day, 90-day hotline, credit card buyers, gender, state, SCF and ZIP Contact: your list broker or Wild West Inc., 328 Willowbrook Ave., Rock Hill, SC 29730 Phone: 803/366-0231; Fax: 803/366-1068 E-mail: rdl@wildwestinc.com

Kiddo Music & Video for Kids
D-J Associates
New List
Description: This file contains buyers from Kiddo Music, an online retailer specializing in children’s music and videos. It offers 7,000 titles from artists including Raffi, The Sugar Beats, The Rebops and Joe Scruggs as well as classic series such as “Sesame Street,” “Blue’s Clues” and Disney. Eighty-six percent of these customers are female. The average age is 32, and the median household income is $63,000. The average unit of sale is $29.17.
Selects: 9,980 12-month buyers, total buyers at postal address, $25+, $50+, $75+, state, SCF and ZIP
Contact: your list broker or D-J Associates, 38A Grove St., Ridgefield, CT 06877
Phone: 203/431-8777
Fax: 203/431-3302
Web site: www.djassoc.com

privacy

June 13, 2005

Personal Info of Papists Sold

Back in April, a company called "Universal Museum Collections" was offering "free" cards featuring the Pope. These were described as "closely guarded" images of the J2P2, "near the end." The "Curt Jester," a blog with punditry from the Papist perspective, commented on the ad and linked to an article in the Cleveland Plain Dealer about the ads. The ads were pulled from the Plain Dealer because of complaints:

…the "free" cards are being used as an opportunity to market $11 rosaries - and that photo might not be as rare, or as recent, as the ad implies…

Universal Museum Collections ran its half-page ad in Wednesday's Plain Dealer. Newspaper officials said they will not run the ad again because of reader complaints.

When a reporter called Universal Museum Collections' toll-free number to ask about the free card, a telemarketer launched into a pitch for the rosary ($13.85, including shipping and handling) and added that a 5½x7-inch color memorial card, "blessed by a local priest with holy water from Rome, Italy," was included free.

Now, in today's DMNews, you'll find an ad offering for sale the personal information of 153,000 people who ordered the "free" card.

Universal Museum Collections — Religious

List Services Corp.
13-JUN-05

New List

Description: This file contains responsive individuals with traditional values who responded to an offer to receive Pope Prayer Cards, Pocket Crosses and other religious items. Many of them opted to pay for additional cards, custom lamination and more in response to a direct mail piece. These are ideal prospects for collectibles, ethnic, religious, fundraising and family offers. The average unit of sale is $9.

Selects: 153,000 last-3-month buyers and inquirers, monthly hotline, state, SCF and ZIP

Contact: your list broker or List Services Corp., 6 Trowbridge Drive, P.O. Box 516, Bethel, CT 06801

Phone: 203/743-2600
Fax: 203/778-4299

Here is the original ad (warning, mega size pdf).

privacy

BY K.J. TEDESCHI
Universal Media Syndicate
(Syndicated)--People of all faiths are flooding call lines
to get the emotionally gripping “Final Prayer and Blessing
of Pope John Paul II.”
With all the news surrounding the Pope’s passing, this
final “Prayer and Blessing” is being received as a lasting
sacred gift. Now, arrangements have been made to send the
free memorial prayer cards directly to all who mourn the
loss of the Pope.
The Vatican has authorized the release of these memorial
prayer cards which are being given away free for use
at all memorial services. It has been announced that
money can not be accepted for “The Final Prayer and
Blessing of Pope John Paul II.” Those requesting the
cards are only asked to help by volunteering $1 to cover
postage, handling and order confirmation
costs.
This special devotion pictures the
remarkably young looking Pope,
caught deep in reflection while praying
his highly favored papal Rosary,
a gift he was particularly fond of
blessing for special visitors to
the Vatican. The Pope’s touching
final prayer itself appears below
his image which appropriately
begins “I leave you now with this
prayer...”
“This closely guarded official
Vatican photograph is truly stunning.
It miraculously captures the
Pope near the very end of his long
Spiritual walk,” said John T. White,
Director of Universal Museum
Collections which has been granted special
permission to give the prayer cards away
free. “It is the most tranquil image of the pope
ever,” White said.
Because of his worldwide following, it can not be guaranteed
that there will be enough for everyone. But for at least
the next ten days from the date of this publication, all those
who request one will be assured of getting the special prayer
card free.
Universal Museum Collections is providing the information
needed for all to get the Pope’s free memorial Prayer
Card along with information on how to protect it. Readers of
this publication can call now 1-800-236-7918 Toll Free to
get the free prayer card. A controlled number of larger full
color laminated cards blessed with Holy Water from Rome
are also available free and have been specially reserved for
those requesting one of the special rose scented Papal
rosaries (shown, right).
Pope John Paul II gave his entire life in service and
dedication to people everywhere. And now, the world is
flocking to honor this humble man of God in the most fitting
way possible.
The release of these sacred gifts gives people everywhere
something special to remember him by. He was a great
leader and a truly great man of God.

The Pope’s Final Blessing is now being sent free to
use at all memorial services
Public to get free memorial prayer cards
© 2 0 0 5 U N I V E R S A L M E D I A S Y N D I C A T E ™ S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S E M E N T F E A T U R E U N I V E R S A L M E D I A S Y N D I C A T E , 5 7 0 1 M AY F A I R R O A D N W, N O R T H C A N T O N , O H I O 4 4 7 2 0

FREE: This is the closely guarded photograph of the late beloved Pope John Paul II taken by an
official Vatican photographer. It appears at the top of the special large hymnal size Prayer Card. The heart
wrenching final prayer is printed in its entirety below the Pope’s image, and is free to all who request it.
How to get them right now
The Vatican has authorized the release of the Prayer Cards to the general
public through the exclusive Universal Museum Collections. To get a special
prayer card and the papal Rosary delivered to your home call the National
Direct Hotline 1-800-236-7918, ask for Dept. PE4336.
P0063 OF0119R-1 ©2005 UNIVERSAL MUSEUM COLLECTIONS®

CBS Sportsline Selling Subscriber Data

Are you a soccer fan who has registered on ad in today's DMNews. BTW, I posted this on CBS's soccer message board.

Soccer E-Mail Master File From CBS.SportsLine.com Worldata E-mail List Description: This file contains online buyers, subscribers and sports enthusiasts. These fans are eager to spend money on soccer and other merchandise. Individuals visit the SportsLine.com network of sites for the latest news and commentary, polls, scores and team standings, schedules and to buy merchandise, participate in fantasy sports and enter contests. Selects: 371,084 total file Contact: your list broker or Worldata, 3000 N. Military Trail, Boca Raton, FL 33431 Phone: 561/393-8200 Fax: 561/368-8345 E-mail: lists@worldata.com

privacy

Granta Subscribers Sold

In Direct Magazine, you'll see that a list of subscribers to Granta is being offered for sale, apparently by the New York Review of Books.

Granta This list contains 13,384 subscribers to this magazine. The sources are direct mail and space. Selections: Country, gender, hotline, paid, state/SCF/ZIP Price: $105/M Contact: The New York Review of Books, 212-757-8070

privacy

June 10, 2005

Register Your Palm, and Your Info Will Be Sold

Check out this datacard being sold by a company called "21st Century Marketing." It proposes the sale of 2.4 million people who have registered a Palm device (note that the source of the data is "100% Reg. Cards").

palmOne, Inc. (formerly Palm, Inc.)

Target "on-the-go” professionals and active consumers who have a tremendous need to stay organized and connected. They are tech savvy, affluent and spend via direct mail on new technology, computers, electronics and more.

Key Segments

2,425,322

Universe / Base Rate

$140.00 /M

571,261

Last 12 Month Buyers (thru 3/05)

+ $5.00 /M

308,479

Last 6 Month Buyers

+ $10.00 /M

191,657

Last 3 Month Buyers

+ $15.00 /M

56,179

March Hotline

+ $20.00 /M

Non-computer mailers, please inquire for special pricing

Audience Profile

PalmOne, INC. (formerly PALM, INC.) is a pioneer in mobile and wireless Internet Solutions and the world leader in handheld computing. PalmOne, INC. allows marketers to reach an outstanding audience of prospects - “on-the-go” professionals and active consumers who have a tremendous need to stay organized and connected! Because these business executives and consumers are busy, it’s no surprise that so many of them purchase PALM Handhelds keep their lives running smoothly. Whether they are tracking their expenses or their kids’ soccer practice times, these individuals purchase PALM Handhelds to use for everything from taking notes and making to-do lists to recording important dates and managing email.

With palmOne, INC., you can be sure you’re reaching an audience of prospects who not only value purchasing direct, they rely on it! They are sure to respond to a wide variety of offers including home/office, financial, subscription, seminar, travel, insurance, PC offers and more!

New York Times Book Review Subscribers Sold

In today's DMNews:

The New York Times Book Review Subscribers American List Counsel New List Description: This file contains subscribers to the New York Book Review. It is the only section of The Times that is sold separately by subscription. Selects: 28,000 universe, expires, age, gender, home/business, income, lifestyle, paid, renewals, state, SCF and ZIP Contact: your list broker or American List Counsel, 4300 Route 1 CN-5219, Princeton, NJ 08543 Phone: 609/580-2723; Fax: 609/580-2809 E-mail: shondell.davis@alc.com

privacy

June 08, 2005

Sandal Wearers Sold

From today's Direct Magazine.

Birkenstock Central
Within the last 12 months, 50,680 devotees to this brand of footwear have purchased sandals, clogs, shoes and boots. They spend an average of $148 per order, and all orders are generated via direct mail.
Selections: Three-, six-, 18-month buyers, six-month requestors, dollar amount spent, multibuyers, gender, state/SCF/ZIP
Price: $118/M
Contact: Direct Media Inc., 203-532-1000

privacy

June 07, 2005

IM Users Sold

In today's DMNews you'll find a database of 1.5 million IM users for sale. I wonder which IM company is selling it?

TTYL – Talk to You Later –IM/TM
Media Source Solutions
New List
Description: This file contains individuals who are mostly between the ages of 18 and 20 that use instant messaging and text messaging.
Selects: 1.5 million, average monthly hotline, age, demographic select, dwelling type, ethnicity, gender, geography, hotline, household income and lifestyle
Contact: your list broker or Media Source Solutions Inc., 274 San Felipe Way, Novato, CA 94945
Phone: 415/893-8120;
Fax: 415/893-8121
E-mail: jsalmon@mediasourcesolutions.com

privacy

June 02, 2005

United Farm Workers for Sale

From today's DMNews:

United Farm Workers
Names in the News
New Select
Description: This file contains donors to the United Farm Workers. Founded in 1962 by Cesar Chavez, it fights for those who toil in the fields. The UFW represents and organizes workers to try to secure a living wage, safe working conditions, job security, medical and pension benefits, dignity and respect. The UFW challenges companies that break labor laws and works to establish collective bargaining rights for workers. Thirty-seven percent of these donors are in California, and the average donation is $27.44.
Selects: 42,874 24-month, 25-48 month former donors, gender, state, SCF and ZIP
Contact: your list broker or Names in the News, 1300 Clay St., Oakland, CA 94612
Phone: 415/989-3350;
Fax: 415/433-7796
E-mail: name@nincal.com

Privacy

May 31, 2005

Marketers Achieve Nirvana in Korea

The Wall Street Journal reports on marketer nirvana: the conversion of entertainment into pure advertising.

One of the stars in the music video for the South Korean pop song "Anymotion" is bare-bellied teen idol Lee Hyo Lee. The other is a $600 Anycall cellphone sold by Samsung Electronics Co. In the video for the song, Ms. Lee dances with the phone and declares she can "watch anybody, sing any rhythm, show any people, call any number."

Samsung paid all the costs of making the song and the video -- and even hired the music producer and choreographer. "We hope the lyrics will remind people of Anycall when they hear the word 'any' several times," says Jong Hyun Kim, a manager at Samsung's ad agency, Cheil Communications. Samsung's Web site features a computer-generated Ms. Lee teaching teens the hip-jostling Anymotion dance...

In the U.S., fans might look down on the blatant commercialism of Ms. Lee's act. In Korea, "Anymotion" hit the top of the charts in March and April, and the dance has become a club favorite. Since it made its debut, the music video has been downloaded 1.6 million times from Samsung's Web site and fans have paid as much as $2 each to download 3.1 million copies of the song onto their phones. ("Anymotion" isn't sold on CD.)...

But American marketers still draw some lines between art and promotion that Asians don't. That became clear in 2003, when McDonald's Corp. paid American singer Justin Timberlake and Taiwanese-American singer Wang Leehom, who is active in China, to record songs using the restaurant chain's "I'm Lovin' It" slogan and jingle. Mr. Timberlake's U.S. version doesn't mention the Golden Arches and the music video doesn't feature any McDonald's restaurants.

May 29, 2005

Intellius Selling Your Phone Number, Listed or Not

Sometimes you ask:

How did that marketer get my number? I pay extra to have an unpublished or unlisted number!

This is how--Reverse ANI. Automatic Number Identification (ANI) is similar to Caller ID (CID). ANI reveals the name, address, and phone number of the telephone subscriber when the line is used to call a toll-free (800, 888), charge (900, 976), or police phone number (911). Unlike CID, a caller cannot block ANI.

So, even if you go to the trouble of paying to have your number unlisted and unpublished, all you have to do is call a single 800 number, and the business you call gets your info and can sell it to whomever they please.

Privacy

May 25, 2005

New York Times Subscribers for Sale

In today's DMNews:

The New York Times Enhanced Database American List Counsel New List

Description: This file contains subscribers to The New York Times. They share many interests from the arts to sports and they rely on it for advice in all aspects of life. Selects: more than 1.1 million universe, 6-month, 3-month, 1-month hotline, expires, age, gender, home/business, income, lifestyle, paid, renewals, state, SCF and ZIP
Contact: your list broker or American List Counsel, 4300 Route 1 CN-5219, Princeton, NJ 08543

Phone: 609/580-2769;
Fax: 609/580-2809
E-mail: reginald.higginbotham@alc.com

May 24, 2005

pch.com Whores Your Data Big Time

The Publishers Clearing House web site claims that it's "All About Winning." It's really all about selling your data! Check out the datacards sold by pch.com's list broker.

Since the late 1960’s Publishers Clearing House and now pch.com has been the definitive consumers choice for big payout sweepstakes, quality surveys and low priced magazine subscriptions. Each day, thousands of potential millionaires fill out detailed online surveys, enter online sweepstakes or purchase from the largest selection of magazines, all for a chance to win up to $10,000,000.

With the pch.com mailing list, marketers will gain access to an unmatched audience of direct mail prospects. Reach Internet savvy consumers who have taken the time to fill out a detailed survey, indicating everything from age and sex to income and hobbies. Or, target promotionally oriented individuals who have responded to an online sweepstakes, giving them the opportunity to win $10,000,000 as well as the ability to purchase magazine subscriptions and merchandise at a discount. And, while both of these groups of consumers have refused the magazine offers, you can still reach a large group that consistently relies on pch.com for all of their magazine subscriptions as well as an array of discounted merchandise.

Providing a variety of demographic and lifestyle selects, such as children, ethnicity, collectibles, computer owners and more, with pch.com, rest assured you are reaching a targeted audience of prospects who truly value purchasing direct. They are certain to respond to offers such as sweepstakes, apparel, general merchandise, finance, pets, travel, insurance, credit cards gifts and more!

pch.com - Masterfile
With pch.com, reach Internet savvy consumers who have taken the time to fill out a detailed survey, or, target promotionally oriented...

2,291,452

pch.com - Donors
win up to $10,000,000. pch.com - DONORS are certain to respond to offers such as fundraising, general merchandise, sweepstakes, apparel and more!...

657,966

pch.com - Gardeners
pch.com - Gardeners provides marketers a unique opportunity to reach an unmatched audience of direct mail prospects. Target internet savvy...

342,378

pch.com - Golfers
With pch.com - GOLFERS marketers will be provided access to an outstanding audience of mail order prospects - individuals who are...

115,984

pch.com - Health & Wellness
pch.com – Health & Wellness provides marketers a unique opportunity to reach an unmatched audience of direct mail prospects. Target...

767,235

pch.com - Hispanic Consumers
Target internet savvy, Hispanic consumers who have taken the time to fill out a ...

124,899

pch.com - Kids
With pch.com - KIDS marketers will be provided access to an outstanding audience of mail order prospects - individuals who are...

766,941

pch.com - Pet Lovers
pch.com - Pet Lovers provides marketers a unique opportunity to reach an unparalleled audience of direct mail prospects. Target internet...

866,538

May 23, 2005

Time Magazine Catalog Buyers for Sale

In today's DMNews:

Time Men’s Catalog Buyers Master File
Millard Group
New List
Description: This file contains male catalog buyers from Time Inc. who made mail-order purchases from various catalogs. From high-priced electronics to upscale apparel, your men’s catalog offer can be targeted specifically to these responsive mail-order consumers.
Selects: 1.74 million 12-month, 6-month, 3-month men’s catalog buyers, men’s apparel, 6-month, 3-month $50+, 6-month, 3-month $100+ catalog buyers, 6-month $50+ men’s high-priced apparel, men’s electronics/gadgets, men’s home improvement/safety buyers
Contact: your list broker or Millard Group, 10 Vose Farm Road, P.O. Box 890, Peterborough, NH 03458
Phone: 603/924-9262
Fax: 603/924-9420
E-mail: rlyons@millard.com

May 17, 2005

WSJ, DJ Subscriber Names for Sale to Telemarketers

In today's DMNews:

Dow Jones Telemarketing
American List Counsel
New List
Description: This file contains Wall Street Journal and Barron’s current and former subscribers that can be reached through telemarketing.
Selects: 846,057 universe, 12-month, 6-month, 3-month, 1-month, business/industry, sales volume, gender, state, SCF and ZIP
Contact: your list broker or American List Counsel, 4300 Route 1 CN-5219, Princeton, NJ 08543
Phone: 609/580-2944;
Fax: 609/580-2901
E-mail: dennis.mala@alc.com

May 09, 2005

Bra Buyers

New Datacard on people who bought bras from a commercial.

NaturalBra Buyers From TELEBrands List Services Corp. New List Description: This file contains women who bought the revolutionary NaturalBra from TELEBrands. NaturalBra enhances their figures in every fashion style. These are promotionally responsive buyers of value-priced merchandise from TELEBrands as marketed through television commercials and space ads. They are ideal prospects for direct mail offers including women’s apparel, health/beauty, jewelry, accessories, credit card and subscriptions. Selects: 218,000 12-month buyers, gender, state, SCF and ZIP Contact: your list broker or List Services Corp., 6 Trowbridge Drive, P.O. Box 516, Bethel, CT 06801 Phone: 203/743-2600 Fax: 203/778-4299

May 06, 2005

Compulsive Gamblers List

Among the American datacards for sale by Davis Direct is one of compulsive gamblers.

List Name: Compulsive Gamblers Special

Total Count: 243792

Cost: (USD)$125/M

List Type: Universe

Source: Multiple

Last Updated: Q1 2005

IDM#: 320484A303

Description:

Reach active buyers of Star Guided Lifestyles. These responsive mail order buyers are ready, willing and able to improve their lives with all types of mail order offers.

These buyers have purchased items such as Astrological Guides, Messages from the Stars, Star Guided Financial Improvement, Hints on Lottery and Gambling Winning Strategies, Where to Travel books, and a host of other products and services.

Selects:

Price:

Credit Cards

$15/M

Geography

$10/M

Gender/Sex

$7.50/M

Minimum Order:

10,000

E-Mail/FTP:

$50.00/file

Magnetic Tape:

$50.00 Flat

Key Coding:

$7.00/M

Nth Names:

$5.00/M

(all pricing is in US funds subject to exchange rates)

Terms: Prepayment required for first time orders; credit terms may be arranged for subsequent orders upon approval by our credit department.

Cancellation Fee: $50/F plus $10/M after receipt of purchase order up to shipping date. Full rental fee after ship date.
Davis Direct WorldWide
7525 SE 24th St., Suite 110 Mercer Island, WA 98040
Tel: (206) 275-2532 Fax: (206) 232-1321
lists@davisdirect.com
© 2004 Davis Direct WorldWide. All Rights Reserved.
We Address the World®

May 02, 2005

SF Gay Marriage Data for Sale

Check out this Datacard sold by Names in the News.

San Francisco Gay Married Couples

[...]

4,030

TOTAL FILE

175.00/FLAT

SAME-SEX COUPLES WHO OBTAINED MARRIAGES
LICENSES IN SAN FRANCISCO IN FEBRUARY AND
MARCH OF 2004.

SOURCE: COMPILED PUBLIC RECORDS.

April 29, 2005

Gun Owners, Ipod Owners for Sale

Two beauties from Direct Marketing News:

Fire Protectionists List The List Authority New List Description: This file contains individuals who have purchased or inquired about purchasing a weapon because they are afraid of being attacked or robbed in their homes or elsewhere by criminals. Selects: 49,946 2004-2005 buyers & inquirers, quarterly hotline selection, phones, state, SCF and ZIP Contact: your list broker or The List Authority, 192 Third Ave., Westwood, NJ 07675 Phone: 201/666-0100; Fax: 201/358-2395 E-mail: maria@thelistauth.com

iPod Generation
List Service Direct Inc.
New List
Description: This file contains individuals who have purchased an iPod MP3 player. Selects: more than 2.1 million total file, 3-month hotline, geography, income, age, gender, marital status, mail order buyer, magazine subscriber, computer owner, donor, ethnicity, religion, book buyer, credit card holder, homeowner, length of residence and age of child present
Contact: your list broker or List Service Direct Inc., 2 Christie Heights Street, Leonia, NJ 07605
Phone: 201/585-1447;
Fax: 201/585-1732
E-Mail: info@listservicedirect.com

April 28, 2005

Which Online Music Company is Selling Your Data?

I'm sorry, I've been behind in updating my Daily Data Marketing Wake Up Call. I had scanned in tons of direct marketing ads for your enjoyment, but they are on my brother's computer in Washington, and I can't immediately get them. So anyway, I came across this datacard today that offers up:

...subscribers to an online digital music community! These consumers pay anywhere from $9.00 to $19.99 a month to gain access to a diverse catalog of over 500,000 music downloads in a variety of genres from top independent labels. It is the only internet music service to focus on independent artists.

The datacard shows that the company has racial, religious, income, age, and gender information on its subscribers. I wonder what online music company it is? The full ad is below--click on the more link.

18-5 East Dundee Road Suite 300
Barrington IL 60010
847.304.4030 Fax 847.304.4032

Tuned In: Online Music Community Subscribers

Subscribers to an online music community featuring independant artists



SEGMENTS
17,045 30 Day Subscribers - Postal $100.00 /M
17,045 30 Day Subscribers - Email $205.00 /M
97,251 Quarterly Hostline(01/05-03/05)Subscribers-Postal $95.00 /M
97,251 Quarterly Hostline(01/05-03/05)Subscribers-Email $200.00 /M
265,236 12 Month Active Subscribers-Postal $90.00 /M
265,236 12 Month Active Subscribers-Email $195.00 /M

DESCRIPTION
Now you can reach subscribers to an online digital music community! These consumers pay anywhere from $9.00 to $19.99 a month to gain access to a diverse catalog of over 500,000 music downloads in a variety of genres from top independent labels. It is the only internet music service to focus on independent artists.

With this service, music enthusiasts can burn CDs, transfer songs to MP3 devices and make multiple copies of downloaded music for personal use.

This list should work well for a variety of offers including music and book clubs, electronics and accessories, computer hardware and software,electronics, credit cards, music related magazines, catalogs, books and much more!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Demographic Breakdown

Age
Income

18-24 2.2%
0-$14,999 4.2%

25-34 15.1%
$15,000-$24,999 7.9%

35-44 31.4%
$25,000-$34,999 11.0%

45-54 30.9%
$35,000-$49,999 20.8%

55-64 15.1%
$50,000-$74,999 25.0%

65-74 39.0%
$75,000-$99,999 12.9%

75+ 15.0%
$100,000-$124,999 6.8%

Ethnicity/Religion
$125,000-$149,999 3.8%

African-American 25,468
$150,000-$174,999 2.2%

Asian-American 16,971

$175,000-$199,999 1.5%

Hispanic 45,428

$200,000-$249,999 1.7%

Buddhist 7,497

$250,000+ 2.3%

Catholic 167,007

Presence of Children By Age

Greek Orthodox 1,656

0-3 35,572

Hindu 3,232

4-6 27,238

Islamic 3,935

7-9 23,918

Jewish 18,416

10-12 27,746

Lutheran 589

13-17 61,477

Eastern Orthodox 5,079

Catalog Buyer 199,903

Single 107,131

Married 190,140

Credit Card Users 185,483

Home Owner 216,349

New Mover 91,786

Recently Refinanced 89,915

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sample mail piece required for approval.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Orders cancelled after receipt subject to $50/F cancellation fee. Orders cancelled after processing subject to additional charges of $10/M for running, and any applicable shipping and /or material charges, applies to any cancellation. Orders cancelled after mail date are due in full.

LIST TYPE

Consumer



UNIVERSE BASE PRICE

265,236 $ 90 /M


GEOGRAPHY

Domestic (US)

SOURCE

Internet/On-Line


GENDER PROFILE

Male: 61%
Female: 35%


MINIMUM ORDER

Quantity: 10,000


SELECTS

AGE $5.00 /M
AGE OF CHILDREN $10.00 /M
CREDIT CARD BUYERS $10.00 /M
HOME OWNER $10.00 /M
INCOME SELECT $10.00 /M
SCF $5.00 /M
STATE $5.00 /M
ZIP $5.00 /M
CATALOG BUYER $5.00 /M
ETHNICITY/RELIGION $5.00 /M
NEW MOVER $10.00 /M
RECENTLY REFINANCED $10.00 /M


KEY CODING

Key Coding is available
Charges: $ 2 /M


ADDRESSING

CHESHIRE LABELS No charge
DISKETTE $ 25.00 /F
EMAIL $ 50.00 /F
MAG TAPE $ 25.00 /F
P/S LABELS $ 6.00 /M
FTP $ 50.00 /F



LIST MAINTENANCE

Counts through 03/31/2005
Update Frequency MONTHLY

Data Card Last Updated 04/25/2005



CONTACTS
NAME ROLE EMAIL PHONE

Stephanie Cuchiara Orders stephaniec@aggressivelist.com (847) 304-4030 x210

Kim Lampp Inquiries & Counts kiml@aggressivelist.com (847) 304-4030 x208

= Primary contact


CATEGORIES
Aggressive List Management, Inc.
Aggressive List Management, Inc. > Standard
Aggressive List Management, Inc. > Standard > Consumer
Aggressive List Management, Inc. > Standard > Email Lists

December 08, 2004

Amway Cofounder Dies

The Washington Post reports today on the death of Jay Van Andel, the cofounder of Amway:

Amway -- an abbreviation of American Way -- was born in 1959 and relied on a network of individual distributors who sold soap, shaving cream, furniture polish, detergent, cookware and cosmetics, among other goods. Those distributors, in turn, enlisted others to sell products and received a percentage of their recruits' orders...

A lingo developed inside the company, with those known as "Black Hats" making up to $300,000 annually. As interest in the company grew, it was posited that some of the biggest distributors were making profits at the expense of recruits by strong-arming them to buy far more Amway goods than they could sell. Plus, they were pushing the company's own self-improvement publications on the fledglings at a cost of several hundred dollars.

The Federal Trade Commission spent years investigating the company in the 1970s on the grounds that it was a pyramid scheme, but the investigation went nowhere. Other FTC charges stuck, included a ruling that Amway improperly fixed prices...

Books with such titles as "Fake It Till You Make It," written by a former distributor, and "Amway: The Cult of Free Enterprise," became bestsellers and contributed to the company's sales hemorrhages in the 1980s...

Mr. Van Andel, who saw himself as a clean-living, Christian fundamentalist, also gave more than $500,000 to an eponymous creationist scientific institute in the desert of northern Arizona. One scientist there was trying to prove that God created the world in six days.

"For me, the greatest pleasure comes not from the endless acquisition of material things, but from creating wealth and giving it away," he wrote in his autobiography, "An Enterprising Life" (1998). "The task of every person on earth is to use everything he's given to the ultimate glory of God."

November 29, 2004

Equal Sugar Data Sale

Send away for information...get your information sold...

November 22, 2004

Daily Data Marketing Wake Up Call: Omaha Steaks

Buy those steaks and they'll sell your name and dress size.

November 15, 2004

Daily Data Marketing Wake Up Call: Infomercials Sell Your Data

Big time! Trust me on this one. Don't buy anything from an infomercial. These companies sell your data, and a lot of them also sell your credit card number to shady businesses.

November 13, 2004

Daily Data Marketing Wake Up Call: Birthday Clubs

Ever join one of those birthday clubs for your kid at a restaurant?

Daily Data Marketing Wake Up Call: Victoria's Secret Whores Your Data!

Who else knows about your underwear buying habits?

Daily Data Marketing Wake Up Call: Ethnic Marketing

How do you think the Department of Justice was able to so quickly locate Arabs after 9/11????

November 12, 2004

Even Preschoolers Are Targeted by the Data Marketers

Much of this marketing is probably directed at the parents...but sometimes it is directed at the children themselves.

November 11, 2004

Georgia's Who's Rich Data Marketing Wake Up Call

Ouch! Drawn from public records!

November 10, 2004

Daily Data Marketing Wake Up Call

Subscribe to Columbia House? You've been sold! Even your musical tastes are for sale.

November 08, 2004

Who's Who [for Sale]

I recently bought a copy of the SRDS Direct Marketing List Source on efraudbay on the cheap. I've had a lot of fun scanning in the listings of consumer information that are for sale. I've scanned in dozens of pages. Major retailers, including Williams & Sonoma, Victoria's Secret, tons of magazines, and even non-profit groups like the ACLU, sell lists of information on their customers/members. Today I came across this one--Who's Who. Yeah, you're flattered because you're in Who's Who, right? Well, the marketers are getting your information! Note that although probably most people appear in Who's Who for their professional responsibilities, the company has home addresses on people in the book.

I think I'll scan in one of these listings every day to make you sick to your stomach. You're welcome.