I was hopeful that the recent spate of anthrax mailings would result in less junk mail, but I hear that Direct Marketing Association is now suggesting that junk mailers "utilize an e-mail and/or telemarketing campaign in conjunction with a letter drop to notify consumers that mail will be coming."

This does not make me more receptive of the message. In fact, it makes me more upset. Hint for advertisers: I won't buy anything that's offered to me through junk mail, spam, or telemarketing. Save your energy. If I want your product or service, I will call you.

I do expect that I'll be receiving fewer pieces of mail that look like this, however:

Note the scrawled block lettering.

I thought this kind of thing was irresponsible before. Now, it just seems an Alanis Morrisette kind of ironic.