Sponsor's Message

Just this morning, while contemplating what to write in today's column, I came up with another and I've spent the past couple of hours weighing up whether to publish it or keep it to myself.

After much contemplation, I've decided to share it with readers since I've already got enough projects on the go anyway.

The catalyst for this idea was the arrival of an even larger amount of junk mail (postal that is) in my mailbox than usual. Indeed, as I carried this sizeable wad of now sodden newsprint into the house I mused that there are obviously a lot of companies spending a lot of money to deliver this stuff to people across the country.

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Now, while I don't really have a problem with real junkmail -- after all, once today's lot has dried out it will save me buying more firelighters later in the week. Hell, I have to admit that I even read most of it -- because sometimes there's a bargain or special offer that might benefit me.

Spam however, is a totally different thing.

I *never* read spam and actively despise those who would fill my email box with such garbage.

Fake viagra, breast enlargement, pyramid schemes and other shonky offers have effectively destroyed unsolicited email as a useful direct-marketing mechanism for those selling products or services -- and that's a bit of a shame really. After all, there are probably a great number of real deals out there that you and I never know about and therefore can't take advantage of.

Sure, those selling stuff can set up a website and place their special offers there -- but there are millions of websites on the Net so the chances of stumbling across such an offer are pretty slim.

Those with websites can always buy banner advertising on more popular sites -- but once again, that's still only going to have a pretty low hit-rate.

So here's my idea...

What sellers and buyers need is a website that allows the sellers to list their special offers and which also keeps potential customers informed as to what those offers are.

If FoodTown has a special on cans of baked beans, let them log in and advertise the fact. Likewise, if Woolworths has a special on bread - they can also do the same. Footwear, clothing, car parts, holidays, furniture -- in fact anything that is sold by bonafide companies could be listed on this site.

Then, as potential customers, you and I (and a whole fist-full of other consumers) could visit the site and see what's on offer. BUT -- and here's where the real value appears -- we can also log in and set up alert criteria based on our own interests and value-points.

If you're on the lookout for a new TV set for example, you could have the site keep an eye out and email you when (say) a 29" widescreen LCD TV appears at a price of under $1999.

You would only receive email when your triggers were activated and therefore the email would be perfectly targeted to your own wants and needs. Suddenly you're happy to get emails promoting products or services because you're only getting the stuff you yourself have defined as being of interest.

What's more, your email address is never given out to the retailers, the relationship between customers and the site is a protected one.

Retailers can pay by impression and/or the number of emails that their ads trigger so there's a good strong revenue stream.

So, what do you think?

Would this fly?

Would *you* find it useful -- either as a seller or a customer?

Or am I reinventing the wheel? Has someone already implemented just such a system somewhere that I don't know about?

Go have your say in The Aardvark Forums

If you feel that this is a good thing and/or you hold a "geniune affection" for yours truly -- then you are welcome to gift me some money using the buttons provided. In gifting this money you accept that no goods, service or other consideration is offered, provided, accepted or anticipated in return. Just click on the button to gift whatever you can afford. NOTE: PayPal bills in US dollars so don't accidentally gift more than what you were intending :-)

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