AGIS moves to bag spam

Executives at Apex Global Information Services, who have been criticized for hosting spam-generating companies, think they've found a solution their dilemma: create a master list for people who don't want to get junk email.

The Michigan Internet access provider is initiating the formation of an industry trade organization to promote ethical bulk emailing practices. Any bulk emailer who wants Web-hosting services from Apex will have to join the organization.

Anyone who does not want junk email can put his or her name on a master filter list. In turn, any member of the organization must send their lists through the filter before sending it out on the Net.

"AGIS will refuse to offer service to all commercial email companies that are not part of this organization," the company stated in a written release.

While many Netizens will surely doubt the ability to ethically send out any spam, AGIS is hoping that the organization will help the Net deal with what has been, to this date, one of its most nettlesome problems.

"The organization will serve as a watchdog for the prevention of commercial email abuse," the company said.