StumbleUpon Just Violated my Address Book
First off, let me say, I really like StumbleUpon, and I have no problem promoting the site to my friends. So last night, after stumbling for a few days, I decided to see if any of my friends were using the service too… I entered my Gmail information and then hit “invite.” I thought I was searching for people that were already there; not actuall inviting EVERYONE in my Gmail address book.
Then I started getting return emails. Mailing lists telling me my message had been posted. Out of office replies from former employers, co-workers, recruiters, clients, prospects, random people I don’t want to talk to, people whose email I have but who don’t know me, ex girlfriends, and other random people.
This phenomenon needs a name… like “Address Book Rape.” I feel so violated. And how can you remedy it? Write everyone an apology email? “Hey, uh, sorry for sending that invite out, I’m a clueless tool.”
On the plus side, I’ve reconnected with a few people who had lost my address and some people have been very grateful for showing them StumbleUpon. But that DOES NOT make it OK.
Stop Address Book Rape!
