Harvest email addresses?

[CleverCat]

My friend who I do a little work for asked me this:-

I know there is software that can harvest e mail addresses if one gives them
a domain.


Is this legal if it's to source info for customers? 

[Rhutobello]

I have also heard about this harvest thingy...and I am sure it must be true....that is one of our reason to deny posting email in post...there must only be one reason for such program..S P A M, and maybe for the spam companies to get hold of valid email addresses to use as sender for their garbage.

[CleverCat]

I don't think that's his intention as he wants to use for clients he already has, as a means of contacting the Buyers in various Divisions - to save searching!

I've asked him....

[Rhutobello]

and how will you sort it out?....aren't there a better way if searching for comp in the field of interest, and then contact them the proper way?....when you are harvesting then you get tons of info you don't need, but which can be used in a "not so proper way"...by "goal" seeking you get fewer address....but they all might count for what was intended

[Lashiec]

Perhaps he wants to set up an e-mail distribution system?

Otherwise, I'm a bit lost here. What he exactly want to achieve with this? I think it would be easier to asks for e-mail addresses at the various companies he wants to do business with, than to harvest God knows how many addresses without any contact info attached. Not to mention all the implications such practice have attached.

[lanux128]

sorry to say but this request does not give out a good impression. even though the intention may have some positive signs to it but the manner/method leaves much to be desired. i, for one wouldn't like my email to be 'harvested' by potential clients. if he/she wants to do business with me, all they have to do is ask. just my thoughts.

[CleverCat]

I agree and have asked him why he wants to do this!

Will keep you informed as it's probably going to be my 'job' anyway and I don't like the idea either...

[lanux128]

yeah, i feel bad that you have to handle this request. if you know him well, then some subtle hint would help. e.g. when he emails these 'clients' they are likely to wonder how your friend got their email addresses and that would mean a whole lot of explaining later.

[CleverCat]

My friend is already a Vendor for the Company, he just wants to..

"I am a vendor to the group already but not all branches and are planning to expand services to them. As far as I know it is legal because it is only software that automatically extracts mail addresses from websites that do exist in the public domain, like my site(Nothing stolen). You could do it manually but it will take forever to get the sites and get all e mails"

[f0dder]

Tell him that even if it's not illegal, people would probably regard such contact measures as spam, which isn't exactly going to be helpful for his business.

[CleverCat]

What I would do, is contact Headquarters or the Factory he deals with (South African Breweries)  and ask permission to expand his services to other branches...

Might be quickest way of getting a contact list and as it's going to be my bailiwick I can do that!