Spaming the Mailbox: Isn't this a no no?

[hill]

Here's what I got from a 'Zero post' person in the PM slot. Ok Moderaters ...
PLEASE Please tell me this isn't approved:



Media & Hybrid Study
Hi- My name is Kat and I’m a market researcher for Research International. I’m doing a study that I think you’d be great for since I noticed you’re a frequent poster to PriusChat.com. It’s a study about the lives and media usage of people who like hybrid cars.

If you qualify and agree to participate, Research International will send you a packet of information together with an easy-to-use video camera and digital voice recorder that you’ll use over a 1.5 week period from Sept. 29 to Oct. 9. During that time, we ask that you complete assignments in which you answer questions about your life and experiences. For instance, we may ask you to record a 5 minute video message that shows you and your friends, and the types of things you enjoy doing together. On Oct. 9, at the end of the usage period, you will send back the camera and voice recorder back to us to process.

We will reward you for your contribution to our research. You will earn $150 if you complete all the assignments over the 1.5 week period, and return the audio and video equipment to us. You’ll also be eligible to participate in a follow up interview at the end of October – you can more money for that phase of the study!

Does this sound like something you’re interested in? If so, please send me a telephone number where we can contact you to see if you qualify for the study. Feel free to contact me even if you just want to ask some questions about this project.

Kind regards,
Kat Laine

Senior Research Manager, Qualitative
Research International
222 Merchandise Mart Plaza
Chicago, IL 60654

[wchardin]

I got the same thing. Seems odd, the website is real, but I wonder what they want me to record myself doing. I wonder if you have to put a deposit down for their equipment they send you.

[efusco]

She's only PM'd a handful of people, including me. Yes, I would have much appreciated her asking permission before doing so, but it appears she's only PM'd around 15 people. B/C it seems legit I'm letting it slide for now.

[wchardin]

She isn't giving herself much time if the study starts on Monday. Anyone plan on contacting her?

[dogfriend]

I replied to her that I wasn't interested. I got back a reply that thanked me for responding and to let her know if I changed my mind.

[hyo silver]

Only 15? Curious. I deleted it as spam without reading the whole thing. Sorry, Kat, I'm sure you're a wonderful person in real life, but I'm too camera shy to join the youtube generation.

[darelldd]

I got it too. Deleted as spam.

[DaveinOlyWA]

i got it also. i emailed her for specifics since i dont mind pushing the technology and if i can convince someone to go "green" who otherwise wouldnt i would do it for free. adding a $150 payday plus potential for more is just icing on the cake.

in the email response i received, they mention 4 video "assignments" and one audio recording some of which appears to involve family and friends. so i asked her for specifics first, since i need to see if others involved would be on board for this. she did say call for any specific questions and she would be available.

i will be calling her in a few hours, so we will see what she has to say

[morpheusx]

I got it too, I am moderately interested, but probably not worth my time.

[efusco]

I got 'the call' today, they want people who've owned for < 6 months. I asked the caller to have the person who PM'd everyone to contact me for further permission. I'll PM her back today and try to put some semblance of organization to her effort.