Like you, I can't stand getting spam e-mail. For discussion purposes, I'll define spam as e-mail originating from parties I don't know who are promoting products, services, or causes in which I'm not interested.

While we occasionally send out notices about third party events, specifically JavaOne and the "No Fluff Just Stuff" seminars, these are thought to be of interest to our membership.

In the past, we've permitted members to "opt out" from e-mail communications from Gateway JUG Forum Administrators when registering on the forums. However, recent experience has demonstrated this results in members failing to receive critical notifications about meetings and class changes, new classes, and meeting announcements. For instance, classes are filled "First Come, First Served" and we've had members complain they never learned that registration was open despite an announcement being sent via e-mail to all opted-in members.

As part of a communications overhaul, we intend on beefing up our member communications program to include regular e-mail blasts, opting out of e-mail is effectively opting out of the Gateway JUG.

Therefore, effective immediately:

Membership in the Gateway JUG Forums requires members be opted in for communications from the Gateway JUG. Since the forum software cannot be modified to disable opting out, we'll enforce this manually. Members who choose to opt out will have their forum access suspended. At roughly quarterly intervals, all suspended accounts will be deleted.

Of course, we welcome all to attend our free monthly Gateway JUG meetings; however, only registered Forum members whose accounts are in good standing may attend our group study classes, workshops, and seminars. Also, sponsors whose accounts are in good standing may continue to make Help Wanted postings, but sponsors with suspended accounts will not have access to the forums. ("Good Standing" simply means the Gateway JUG Forum account has not been suspended or deleted.)

I'm sympathetic with those of you who just want to reduce your e-mail volume, but timely Gateway JUG communications with its members is essential for the functioning of the Gateway JUG.

Note: If you previously opted out from occasional e-mail correspondence from forum Administrators, your settings have been changed to reflect this new membership communications policy. You are absolutely free to edit your account "Preferences" to opt-out anytime.

Thank you for your understanding.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Jack Frosch,