Has Ab Sold My Email Address?

[Chinajan]

Received a marketing email from a 'sister company' of AB.

I haven't given permission for my email address to be used in this manner. And there appears to be no way [unless someone can direct me] to set or change email preferences, apart from Newsletter and subscription to questions.

How sneaky.

[Mamyalynne]

Can those of us without lawns have an alternative prize?

[mallyh]

been useless with computers things that pop up(behave minty) freak me out .

[Chinajan]

"Isn't there an unsubscribe option?"

Yes. But my objection is that they are obliged to obtain my permission before sending such communications.

[tonyav]

ummmm Isn't there an unsubscribe option?

Yes there is, ummmm.

You can tell us to never talk to you about gardening again by clicking the unsubscribe link in this email!

[Flonska]

This booklet produced by the ico (Information Commissioner's Office) explains the current position and the law relating to "direct marketing" activities:-

https://ico.org.uk/media/for-organisations/documents/1555/direct-marketing-guidance.pdf

[Chinajan]

Thanks Flonska. That reinforces the information I gleaned from gov.uk.

[Chinajan]

Interestingly, AB's T&Cs contain a clause which looks like a disclaimer from these obligations, but crucially, it says that you [subscribers] can opt out of marketing communications. Which is where I came in. I have the option only to tick boxes to opt in or out for Newsletter and question subscriptions, not for marketing communications.

'air Collection Notice

The AnswerBank and any successors to The AnswerBank's business will hold and process your personal information on its systems for the purposes of posting your questions, answers and comments to The AnswerBank, administration, business development, trend analysis, and marketing.

In order to provide you with the best possible service, it is possible The AnswerBank may contact you by e-mail about products, services and special offers they believe may be of interest to you.

On occasion, The AnswerBank may wish to share your personal information with affiliated companies, other commercial partners or third parties who may contact you by e-mail with details of products, services and other special offers they believe may be of interest to you. Some of those companies may be resident outside the European Economic Area. The law outside of the European Economic Area may not protect your personal information.

The information you give us as an account holder will be accessible by you at the 'Sign-in' page. This enables you to change the details and select or de-select whether you wish to receive information about goods and services. '

[anotheoldgit]

I too have received this advert, members have as much chance of winning the lawnmower as they have of winning the lottery.

Why have not the Editorial team bothered to explain why it's members are now getting this junk mail?

[ummmm]

Is it that big a deal?

[AB Editor]

Hello,
No, we haven't sold your email address, and we never would. The email is from us, introducing you to our sister company. It will have gone to the email address associated with your AnswerBank account. There is indeed a disclaimer in our terms and conditions saying you might receive email communications from us. The first email you received about Gardenlines is to let you know about the competition and to say that you can either receive these emails or unsubscribe if you would like to. All emails from us include a link at the bottom where you can unsubscribe.

[Mamyalynne]

Thanks for explaining.

[anotheoldgit]

Thank you for your explanation Ed.

[1ozzy]

Good to hear, because my email address would be worthless to any promotional company.

Delete button

[DTCwordfan]

I've just bought a new lawn mower a 'Weibang' - I think it's made from bits of North Korean missile bits and is radioactive. It now has a name, 'Kim Can Mow.'

It's brill though, slices through anything and a lot of pro gardeners are buying them.....

[Tuvok]

Its been 10 years since I read the terms and conditions!!!!!!

[wolf63]

Tuvok - you actually read them, that's weird. :-)

[vulcan42]

Just received the second e mail giving details of competition, Prizewinner has to live on the mainland. what a swizz.

[1ozzy]

So,,, has AB joined the big boys marketing committee and now after all these years selling what personal information they have about you all?

Shame shame ;-/

[sunny-dave]

Some of you chaps do need to get a bit of a grip and a sense of proportion - talk about "outraged for the sake of being outraged".

AB has sold nothing - it has sent a promotional email to you (from its own address) which is completely in line with its terms and conditions and offers a simple way of avoiding any similar emails in the future.

This isn't even reaching the starting line as a 'first world problem', let alone being worth the degree of knicker-twisting angst that some people are exhibiting.

[ummmm]

Well said Dave....