Hey! Psssst! - Wanna buy a list?

This is a really great article that shows the true nature of the underbelly in the data / list brokering business. The author admits that he doesn't necessarily have any solutions, but admits that the industry could benefit from a good clean-up.

I've written recently about suggestions I have regarding data brokering services and all of the suggestions are focused on the idea of transparency. Be transparent when you collect the data from the consumer, be transparent about what data you hold on your consumers, and be EXTRA transparent in managing their opt-in permission for all forms of marketing as well as for permission relating to the sharing of data.

Of course a lot of this depends on marketers seeking out only legitimate data brokers. This means that marketers have just as much responsibility for todays situation as do the list brokers. Like the drug dealers, "as long as there is a market" defense - list brokers say the same thing. As long as marketers want access to cheap lists and don't much care how they got them or the quality of the opt-in - there will be dicey list brokers around.

Of course the best option is to take the high road and work hard to build your own list organically - never sell or rent access to your hard earned customer data and ensure that every communication with your customers is of good value to the customer. That's right - organic free range lists are the best.