From: Timothy Blair <tblair@us.ibm.com>
To:  xxxxxx

 . . First, I should explain IBM's interpretation
of 'spamming'. The term clearly has a negative connotation, and by our
interpretation, involves senders who knowingly conceal their identities, or
continually send you emails after you have requested that they stop doing so.
The flip side of this is that there are legitimate reasons for distributing
mass emails (in the same way mass mailings are distributed to our physical mail
boxes.)

IBM and other ISPs are working on developing tools that enable customers to
"filter-out" unwanted email.  This would empower users to make their own
choices with regards to the content they receive.  Finally, with regard to
legislation on this matter, IBM is not enthusiastic about government regulation
of the Internet.  IBM believes that the Internet will continue to thrive as a
developing medium based on the current model of limited (if any) governmental
oversight or restrictions.

I hope this information satisfies your needs. Thanks.Tim

Tim Blair
IBM
Internet Media Relations
tblair@us.ibm.com
914-766-1353