[Offtopic] Re: o/t: the VIT associated with spam email?

[stephen at melbpc.org.au]

Hmm,

It seems a poor start to a fine Teacher PD initiative.

Under my understanding of Australian law, all emails 'must' have a name 
and valid reply-address, otherwise it's illegal and the sender actionable.

The email in question was anonymous, and although I'm not game to try (in 
case it fails) I could bet the sender address bounces, or does not connect
with a human. If not, failing both counts, it's illegal spam, no question.

Of deeper concern, I don't remember giving the VIT the right to pass on my 
email address to some group or other that uses 'xmr3.com' company services.

By all means, my esteemed VIT, send me all the email you want, but I will
have it signed by a person, and from a proper VIT email address, thank you!

And I would much prefer you didn't mess with the good name of our VIT, and
a fine VIT PD initiative, with what can only be seen as a grubby promotion.

Anyway, across the three mailing lists I sent my email to, here are email
responses sent to the lists by colleagues. One can see the response to the 
VIT email is dismal. 

In closing, I feel annoyed that the VIT has shown unprofessional, possibly 
illegal, conduct regards what should be a source of pride for VIT members!
 
--
"Yes Stephen, and it automatically went to my Junk Folder...!!!" Roslyn

"Yep. Since VIT never sends anything remotely useful or relevant, I just 
assumed it was phishing and deleted it." Cameron

"Yes. It seemed to come from a respectable source so I opened it. Didn't
say much though." Robyn

"If you read Circular 7/2008 from VIT you will get a better idea of
what PDi is. I must confess, the eMail confused me as well (and i was
at a briefing recently where it was mentioned ! :( ) Not sure about VIT 
and Spam, possibly just poorly worded releases to inform teachers of new 
developments." Max

"Rather than try to work it out, I just deleted it along with a quantity
of spam." Pam

"After finding it in my junk email box, I did have a look. It all
downloaded and I went through the PD lists. Noticed only one VATE PD there 
which was disappointing so its not a very comprehensive list. VATE gives 
great value for its membership fee....and gives you a membership card that
doesn't crumple!" Jan


Original email:

Hi all,

This strange email arrived today .. did anyone else get one?

--
From: Victoria Institute of Teaching <pdi.vit.vic.edu.au at xmr3.com>
To: stephen at melbpc.org.au 
Date:   Mon, 28 Apr 2008 06:53:00 -0400 
Subject:   PDI - The Right PD Choice 

<snip, a very large graphic, which i declined to download>

"As a teacher you constantly reflect on your knowledge and look for new 
ways to engage your students in learning. Professional development is an 
integral part of the ongoing commitment to being a better teacher.

Pdi is the new online search engine that makes choosing PD easy. With the 
most powerful database of PD providers in Australia, you can search by 
course, subject, content or provider. Searching is simple and Pdi connects 
you directly with providers.

All the PD on Pdi references the standards of professional practice and 
principles of effective professional learning - your assurance of quality 
and relevance. To make the right PD choice, enter Pdi now."

<snip, another two large graphics, also declined>

<end of email>
--

So it appears the VIT are somehow associated with badly-written spam-email.

For example, at <http://www.vit.vic.edu.au/content.asp?Document_ID=833>:

--
Pdi the right PD choice
Opening Term 2, 2008
 
Online access to thousands of PD services, programs and providers. 

Pdi will help teachers meet the new professional development requirements 
by offering information on a wide range of provider programs and services. 
Teachers can use Pdi as a one-stop-shop for all their PD needs.

For more information

Email  pdi at vit.vic.edu.au

--

as proud VIT members
tell us it ain't so ..

Stephen Loosley
Victoria, Australia



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