Initial Conditions

Rather than trying to flog you viagra or Nigerian get-rich-quick schemes, spammers have now tried to use the lure of fame to get what they want. Check out this email I got today:

Dear <my email address>,

You were recently appointed as a biographical candidate to
represent your industry in the Who’s Who Among Executives and
Professionals, and for inclusion into the upcoming 2008-2009
“Honors Edition” of the registry.

We are pleased to inform you that on May 1st, your
candidacy was approved. Your confirmation for inclusion will be
effective within five business days, pending our receipt of the
enclosed application.

The Office of the Managing Director appoints individuals based
on a candidate’s current position, and usually with information
obtained from researched executive and professional listings.
The director thinks you may make an interesting biographical
subject, as individual achievement is what Who’s Who is all
about. Upon final confirmation you will be listed among
thousands of accomplished individuals in the Who’s Who Registry.
There is no cost to be included.

We do require additional information to complete the selection
process and kindly ask that you access this form on our website
at:

<website to download a virus, probably>

Sincerely,

Matthew Johnson
Managing Director

Madison Who’s Who is not associated or affiliated with Marquis Who’s Who or any other Who’s Who.
30-01 Northern Blvd. Long Island City, NY 11101

Clearly they have not done their research as I am neither an executive nor a professional. Am I the only one who actually finds spam more amusing than annoying?