open relays at Earthlink

Tue Sep 1 03:53:32 UTC 1998

Bill Becker wrote:
> Right now, UUnet in the US is the main source of spam on the internet,
> and this is due to UUnet's irresponsible policy.  US spammers have found
> that it is cost-effective to get an account from an access reseller which
> uses UUnet hardware, and spam for up to a week before action is taken
> against them.  You can send a million spams for the cost of one
> entry-level dialup account.  They do this repeatedly, as evidenced by a
> single spammer using an NYC uunet pop for at least two months now.

I don't think this is an indictment of the whole Internet, more how
UUnet gets around to applying their AUP, therefore, ....

> This has to be fixed to make spamming more expensive.  Shut off the
> spammer as soon as complaints come in, and then forward the whole mess --
> Spams, complaints, logs -- To the reseller and let them sort it out AFTER
> the spammer's access is removed.

.... I think this is a little too draconian for my taste.  A little
investigation might be in order, so we satisfy ourselves that the
accused is guilty before we cut them off.

Spammers:  Shut 'em off and let God sort 'em out!  >;)

-Steve