Backgrounder On Spam
The term for unsolicited bulk e-mail originated on newsgroups for messages that were repeated across several groups at once. It reminded internet users of a sketch by British comedy troupe Monty Python in which "spam" is repeated over and over, and sung by Vikings.
In April 1994, Arizona lawyers Lawrence Cantor and Martha Siegel sent out a message to all 6,000 newsgroups on the internet offering anyone who replied assistance in getting a U.S. green card.
They later published a book How to Make a Fortune on the Information Superhighway.
For you non-Canadians out there reading this, the CBC is a state-run Television/Radio network that among other things puts out "Hockey Night In Canada" and "CFL Football". They also have a fine web page and you can link
here to read all about spam.
Incidentally, if you live in Arizona you might want to look up Lawrence Cantor and Martha Siegel - all spammers should have their legs and arms broken in several places. I'm not suggesting you do it, it's just something I feel strongly about.
