note from PSA--in very bad taste?

[phoenix]

Am I the only one who found the email from the Lowery's that came through the PSA very offensive? He's been banned for life, which is why they can't get booth space anymore, and yet the PSA allows them to use the mailing list (and apparently forwards the message for them) to announce the closing of the business & the discounts because of it?

[Isk8NYC]

I didn't understand why I received that email in the first place, but I have been to that site at times to browse. Never bought anything though.

I didn't know the whole story, eek.

I've never been to the PSA Annual Conference before; I guess a lot of people expected them to be there with a booth?

In that case, it probably was in poor taste, as you put it.

[CoachPA]

I must not have received this e-mail or completely overlooked it if I did get it. :??

[Isk8NYC]

It arrived today from the PSA itself. They also sent an email about the proposed MITF changes, suggesting we let our club reps know our thoughts. I'm registered for the conference; maybe that's why I received the email?

I guess his being banned has little to do with a past vendor renting the list.

[LWalsh]

I'm not registered for the conference and received the email. But I am registered as a club delegate for GC. Strange indeed. I do get plenty of other PSA communications though. Almost weekly.

Lwalsh

[dbny]

I got the email. Not going to conference, don't have any particular role other than skater and coach. I think it must be part of a contract with vendors, or else a mistake on PSA's part. They also sent announcements about Paramount blades, IIRC.

[icechica88]

I know in the past, mr. lowery has had some legal troubles. As a former skater at the rink where the Lowery's used to coach I am curious as to what this email said. Could someone please post it?

[mdvask8r]

It seems PSA is sending these email ads to their Newsletter mailing list. So not only have they sold their mailing list to these companies, but they are also doing all the work of mailing their spam for them. I have emailed PSA asking about it. I don't wish to unsubscribe from the newsletter, but I do expect to receive NEWS, not ads (spam) on PSA letterhead. Very strange.

[phoenix]

I sent a note to the PSA regarding that email, basically saying I was very offended by it.

Jimmie Santee (PSA president) sent back a very nice note, apologizing for their action, and said that he had struggled with the decision to allow it. The decision was based on the fact that the business is in Rita's name and she is a PSA member in good standing. IMO, then the note should have only had her name on it, but regardless. He said that he was uneasy about it even now, and could understand my reaction.

btw, it is a form of advertising--the PSA charges a fee to send an email note on "PSA letterhead". There is probably a better way of doing that, since right now it looks like it's from the PSA, and therefore endorsed by them. It goes to all members, apparently.

[mdvask8r]

Phoenix - ITA. I also see these ads as PSA endorsements and said so in my note to PSA. I object to all of these "ads", and especially to the one signed by Mr. Lowry, a banned individual. I hope Mr. Santee will explain this "bad idea" & apologize to all members.

[Isk8NYC]

I understand what you're saying; a ban is a ban and it should include the advertising access. Since Mrs. Lowery is a PSA member in good standing, it should be allowed, but not with the banned member's name.

Moreover, I think that these mass mailings should have a different look and feel from the PSA "official" mailings. I don't mind the advertising emails because they don't arrive often. I just want it to be obvious from the first glance that this is an ad, not a PSA notification. Does that make sense?

I've received other mailings addressed to "PSA MEMBER" and I really think someone, somewhere took the the PSA directory and create their own mailing list. The return address on the emails isn't the PSA. I don't know if I saved any, but I'll see if I can find an example. I object to that situation; the directory is supposed to be for members to communicate, not for spammers to access. Just MHO.

I don't remember if you can "opt out" of PSA mass mailings when you renew membership, but that's an option that they should consider on this year's form.