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3rd October 2011, 04:13 PM | #1 |
Critical Thinker
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 331
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Reality checking: JREF email offer?
I didn't know the JREF did this sort of thing...
(email this morning)
Quote:
The headers seem sane enough though. reply-to is D J Groeth which is jref at jref.org mail originates at a convio server. mailid is some java thing. A quick search does not show anyone talking about this either way. There are a lot of phishing attempts masquerading as iPad competitions, and spoofed mail is not uncommon either so the usual advise is not to click any links that appear in unsolicited emails. The same mail suggests increasing your chances in the competition by sending e-cards to all your friends. Advertising by chain letter now? This all seems quite extraordinary. Surely if JREF is to legitimately use a promotion like this to it's members they would choose some approach that takes into account the peculiarities of the demographic: skeptics? Before acting on this - I want to check. I'm sure everyone understands. |
3rd October 2011, 04:25 PM | #2 |
Penultimate Amazing
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 24,921
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Do NOT respond to this e-mail
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"Reality is what's left when you cease to believe." Philip K. Dick |
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3rd October 2011, 05:31 PM | #3 |
JREF Staff
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 43
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Hi guys, yes, it is real, and I am happy to say we have received a larger-than-predicted response so far.
I invite you to answer the email, and to get involved. To answer your specific question: Convio is the constituent messaging service the JREF uses (as do many other national nonprofits such as American Red Cross, United Negro College Fund, Heritage Foundation, Sierra Club, NPR, PETA, Human Rights Campaign, National Organization for Women, PBS, World Wildlife Fund, ACLU, Center for Inquiry, New York Public Library, etc.). Thanks for helping us spread the word about our digital publishing efforts — getting Randi's and other important works of skepticism more widely distributed is a project that excites us — and "good luck" if you do decide to enter the contest. Cheers, D.J. |
3rd October 2011, 07:17 PM | #4 |
Penultimate Amazing
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 24,921
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__________________
"Reality is what's left when you cease to believe." Philip K. Dick |
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4th October 2011, 01:06 AM | #5 |
Critical Thinker
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 331
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Thanks - due diligence done.
Of course it is not actually possible to produce a standard to writing a "clearly not a scam" email ... since the scammers will just adopt it. It must frustrate Nigerian diplomats who want to smuggle funds out of the country. |
4th October 2011, 05:41 AM | #6 |
TAM Volunteer Guy
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: north of Boston, Massachusetts
Posts: 2,997
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D.J. could publish his GPG public key and sign all email. That would show source and integrity. Any spoof email would fail the verification.
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__________________
-- Scott |
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4th October 2011, 05:48 AM | #7 |
Observer of Phenomena
Pronouns: he/him Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Ngunnawal Country
Posts: 87,214
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I have no problem with this offer, and have entered the draw. I have a small problem with the idea of spamming it out to everyone I know in return for extra chances to win, but whatever.
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So take that quantum equation and recalculate the wave by a factor of hoopty doo! The answer is not my problem, it's yours. Three Word Story Wisdom |
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4th October 2011, 09:10 PM | #8 |
Philosopher
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 7,508
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It doesn't have to be people you like. Maybe try uri@urigeller.com.
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I don't need to fight to prove I'm right. - Baba O'Riley |
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5th October 2011, 04:04 AM | #9 |
Observer of Phenomena
Pronouns: he/him Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Ngunnawal Country
Posts: 87,214
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Hmm. What's Sylvia Browne's email address?
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__________________
So take that quantum equation and recalculate the wave by a factor of hoopty doo! The answer is not my problem, it's yours. Three Word Story Wisdom |
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5th October 2011, 04:14 AM | #10 |
Michael McDonald 1967 - 2021
Join Date: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,947
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__________________
"In science it often happens that scientists say, "You know that's a really good argument; my position is mistaken," and then they would actually change their minds and you never hear that old view from them again. They really do it. I cannot recall the last time something like that happened in politics or religion." Carl Sagan 1934 - 1996 RIP |
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5th October 2011, 11:27 PM | #11 |
Gentleman of leisure
Tagger
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Flying around in the sky
Posts: 28,092
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Well here is her facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sylvi...e/196312131222
There would be an e-mail address associated with it. |
6th October 2011, 02:57 AM | #12 |
Michael McDonald 1967 - 2021
Join Date: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,947
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Why haven't I had the email?
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__________________
"In science it often happens that scientists say, "You know that's a really good argument; my position is mistaken," and then they would actually change their minds and you never hear that old view from them again. They really do it. I cannot recall the last time something like that happened in politics or religion." Carl Sagan 1934 - 1996 RIP |
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6th October 2011, 04:36 AM | #13 |
TAM Volunteer Guy
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: north of Boston, Massachusetts
Posts: 2,997
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Welshdean,
You don't need the email. You can register from http://www.randi.org/site/index.php/...lam-ebook.html |
__________________
-- Scott |
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6th October 2011, 02:33 PM | #14 |
Michael McDonald 1967 - 2021
Join Date: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,947
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__________________
"In science it often happens that scientists say, "You know that's a really good argument; my position is mistaken," and then they would actually change their minds and you never hear that old view from them again. They really do it. I cannot recall the last time something like that happened in politics or religion." Carl Sagan 1934 - 1996 RIP |
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23rd October 2011, 11:20 AM | #15 |
Stranded in Sub-Atomica
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,395
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23rd October 2011, 11:42 AM | #16 |
Penultimate Amazing
Join Date: Oct 2002
Posts: 28,766
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