GLEN GODIER spoke thusly to: ALL 
GG>In the old days (a few years ago), I used to be able to use the PC
GG>as a fax machine and fax out thousands of letter introducing myself
GG>to the business community (I'm an accountant).
GG>Later on, I started getting a few calls from businesses who
GG>insisted that I delete their names from my listing.
GG>Since I only did this mass=faxing once a year or so, and since I
GG>used different sources for the names each time, I did not remove
GG>any names or make any notes as to who was upset with this form of
GG>self-advertising. Although the negative response was very small
GG>compared to the total amount faxed out (may be 10 in 2,000), I
GG>still have some comprehensiveness (?) about using this same form of
GG>advertising.
   What you fail to take into consideration is a federal law which 
prohibits you sending unsolicited fax's.
   Federal courts in two jurisdictions have heard cases revolving 
around this law.  The end results were not the same.  Nor was it 
firmly established that Congress had any jurisdiction whatsoever in 
this regard concerning strictly intrastate (vs interstate) faxing.
   Either way, you take up a valuable resource of another w/o 
permission.  And to do so just may push someone over the edge to file 
suit against you - both civilly and criminally.
   Since I do a lot of pro se / pro per work (when time allows) do you 
want to face someone like me inside of a federal courtroom for your 
unlawful actions?  Your atty costs will be guaranteed to be in the 
neighborhood of $10,000.00.  It could be even hairier if the plaintiff 
was represented by competent counsel.  How much direct mail could you 
have gotten for that amt. of cash? 
   And I am truly surprised that no one has filed a complaint against 
you with whatever regulatory agency that has oversight of your 
profession.  That includes your competition ratting you out.
GG> The system is cheaper than mailing the letters out and 
GG> everything is handled by the PC with little human intervention 
   Sometimes going "on the cheap" may be far more expensive than you 
could contemplate.
GG> and I have picked up quite a bit of business using this system 
GG>and have received good feedback from existing and potential 
GG>clients. Is there another was to go about this? I tried hand 
GG>delivery of the letters but this was too time consuming. (I 
GG>guess I'm just "scared" of some irate businessperson knowing my 
GG>telephone number (and address from the letter) tracking me down 
GG>and inflicting great pain on my home business and body.) 
   The Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 makes it unlawful to 
not identify yourself and your calling number on a fax.  So why worry 
about an alternative delivery system.  You'd be better off that way 
than sending an unsolicited fax.
   What some of us do (for revenge) is to completely color several 
pieces of paper and tape them together and "return" the fax.  That way 
we strip you out of toner and paper by sending a "loop" fax to 
you...esp. in the middle of the night.   The gist of that is hoping 
we get a message across that we do not welcome intrusive faxes.
   Besides networking (a GREAT way to make contacts), every other 
normal mode of advertising will work.  Try a year's (or a 6 month) 
contract with a local free "shopper" type mag.  Rates have got to be 
low (and you may be able to barter advertising for services) and 
continuous advertisement gives the appearance of stability.
   Or how about doing a "free" year-end 1040/schedule C (or whatever) 
form for a client who sends you a new client who actually hires you? 
Or possibly a percentage discount for a referral who becomes a client?  
Nothing beats word-of-mouth advertising, esp. with an incentive.
   Your current clients can (most likely) be faxed that offer w/o 
liability on your part.     
   If I needed the services of an accountant I'd sure ask a number of 
business friends and associates who they would recommend as my first 
logical step in finding someone to fill my needs (as well as who to 
avoid).
   Good luck with your endeavors and PLEASE, do not take what I say as 
a put down of your business practices.  Each of us has to make that 
personal decision as to how we solicit.  They are merely a commentary 
on your post and a warning of [possible] future events for which you 
may not be prepared or even aware of.
   Dick
   TheMerc@Juno.com
A little rebellion now and then is a good thing.-- T.Jefferson
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