I got this email too, from Joe Cox.  I visited his page.  It looks like he
is just stretching his html skills.  And just because he happens to have
affiliates on his page, doesn't mean he is using the FML email addresses
for his own personal gain.  He does have info there, and he is asking for
more info, and pictures, etc.  I am sure it would have been much easier and
much less SPAMY for him to reach us all using the FML rather than emailing
each of us directly, and I won't even make a guess as to why he did that,
but I was not offended in the least by this.  When I started my lost
ferrets page, I posted here several times, and emailed the FML shelter
listings each separetly, asking for their help and participation.  I have
the Ferret Store affiliate banners on my page.  Does this mean I was using
the FML for my own personal gain?  The answer is, of course, no.  So don't
be so hard on him.  Especially if you didn't visit the page yourself, only
heard from someone else how they interpreted it.  And also especially if
you haven't talked to Joe.  His email is readily available on his page,
and also with the email he sent.  It does appear that he rather likes the
Our-Pets store and website.  (My virtual ferret is from Our-Pets, so again,
I am not worried at all about this, I rather like the idea.)  Anyway, I
think it is important for us here on the FML to support each others
ventures, online or otherwise, into the education of anyone, no matter
how big or how small.  I also feel it is important to support anyone who
takes the time to try and learn html.  (I was there once too, and I know
how it feels to get your first page up and want feedback.) I would actually
recommend visiting Joe's site, even if it is only to form your own opinion
as to whether this was a case of spam or not.
 
Melissa and the Weasel Squad
[Posted in FML issue 3033]