[Web Comm] email addresses, mailto links, spam, etc.

[Frank Warmerdam]

Dave Patton wrote:
> I've just been catching up with the last few
> weeks emails, and noticed something. This page:
> http://wiki.osgeo.org/index.php/News_Queue
> has a mailto link for "news_item at osgeo.org",
> and has the text "announce at osgeo.org" in two places.
> 
> Also, I'm not familiar with the details, but in
> the emails I saw reference to a privacy policy review
> and a mention of email addresses.
> 
> Does OSGeo need a policy in regards to the use of
> email addresses(whether they be for an individual
> or for a 'mailing list') on OSGeo web pages?

Dave,

We have a privacy policy in regard to the use of user
provided email addresses associate with their osgeo userid.

I would agree that listing email addresses explicitly in the wiki is likely
to result in substantial spam.  The info @ osgeo.org email address already
collects a fair amount of it.  The announce email address isn't so bad since
it is moderated.  Only one person needs to delete it.  But for something like
news_item it will be a nuisance for anyone on that list (usually just the
editors).

I'll see what I can do.

> It seems to me that using 'plain text' and/or mailto
> links for any email address is just an invitation to
> the spammers.

I think we should just try and apply some common sense when it comes
to listing email addresses in the clear.  Some, like info @ osgeo.org
pretty much need to be in the clear for easy use.  Most mailing lists
will already reject email from unsubscribed senders.  But for "open"
email addresses like info, news_item and peoples address we should be
careful.

Best regards,
-- 
---------------------------------------+--------------------------------------
I set the clouds in motion - turn up   | Frank Warmerdam, warmerdam at pobox.com
light and sound - activate the windows | http://pobox.com/~warmerdam
and watch the world go round - Rush    | President OSGF, http://osgeo.org