Spam Kings - Page 3

As McWilliams writes:

The Internet didn't invent plan, brown-wrapper deliveries. But spam provides Internet users with new levels of anonymous access to the dodgiest of items. By double-clicking a hyperlink in a spam message, consumers can order cable descramblers, "free" government grants, and fake diplomas. Thanks to junk email, any consumer with an Internet connection and a credit card now has access to raunchy, and in some cases illegal, porn without the inconvenience of having to drive to the nearest adult bookstore. From the privacy of their homes or offices, spam recipients can get nonprescription access to controlled drugs via the web sites of fly-by-night apothecaries on servers in South America.

The thing about Spam Kings is this: it is fascinating to read about the bizarre characters behind so many of the bogus messages that appear in my email inbox, and it's also intriguing to learn about the odd duality between spammers and those who fight it. But it is also rather depressing to realize that yet again, "We have met the enemy, and it is us." McWilliams' Spam Kings is a good, entertaining book that ultimately may only confirm one basic principle, articulated by Davis Hawke like this: some people are stupid.

Article Author: W.E. Wallo

W.E. Wallo is a book and movie junkie whose writings have appeared in a variety of print and online publications.

Visit W.E. Wallo's author page — W.E. Wallo's Blog