Who to complain about offensive junk mail?

avstar

Hi all, who can I complain to about offensive junk mail?

Me and my neighbours got a leaflet dropped through the letterbox yesterday which I wasn't very happy about, promoting a local writers new e-book.

It directs you to the website where you can read the first 6 chapters of her graphic novel for free.

Fine and dandy but the leaflet explains how the content is very explicit, about "a drug addict who will do anything!!! to feed her addictions."
The leaflet explains how it's not acessable thru google or bing (prob due to it's explicit nature?) and gives a step by step guide how to access it online. It says over 18s only and not to access if easily offended. Also says the first 6 chapters are available for free now but will be withdrawn soon for "being too explicit"

I'm not easily offended "Shades of Grey" and all that, but I think dropping this leaflet through the door of houses with children is just wrong! So your child goes to the door first and gets the leaflet, the temptation is there, with a step by step guide how to access the material bypassing Google & Bing's filters :eek:

Surely putting this material through someone's door is not allowed? Am I over-reacting? Was just shocked that you get this thru the door.

bitemebankers

avstar wrote: »

Am I over-reacting?

Yes. And if you let your children surf the net unsupervised, you're to blame for anything unsavoury they might come across, which will almost certainly include a lot worse than this.

PlutoinCapricorn

I would be furious if this happened to me.

Unfortunately, as it is an individual not a company the 'writer' is the only person to complain to - but there may be laws about sending unsolicited offensive material. Perhaps someone who knows about this may help - or your local council may have views.

MSE encourages people with small businesses to do local leaflet drops, but this is going too far.

avstar

bitemebankers wrote: »

Yes. And if you let your children surf the net unsupervised, you're to blame for anything unsavoury they might come across, which will almost certainly include a lot worse than this.

My 'child' is 22.

I'm speaking for all parents in my area, we all have a duty to protect children who we don't even know from being tempted onto the internet and looking at inappropriate material.

It was this leaflet being put thought everyone's door and showing how to bypass filters that worried me. But thanks for your input.

avstar

PlutoinCapricorn wrote: »

I would be furious if this happened to me.

Unfortunately, as it is an individual not a company the 'writer' is the only person to complain to - but there may be laws about sending unsolicited offensive material. Perhaps someone who knows about this may help - or your local council may have views.

MSE encourages people with small businesses to do local leaflet drops, but this is going too far.

Thanks wasn't sure if I was over-reacting.
I can understand a writer wanting to promote their material, and it's a very enterprising move to do a leaflet drop, but very irresponsible considering the subject matter and showing how to access the site.

bitemebankers

avstar wrote: »

My 'child' is 22.

Good for you. So why the moral panic?

we all have a duty to protect children who we don't even know from being tempted onto the internet and looking at inappropriate material.

No, we absolutely don't. I have no duty whatsoever to protect anyone else's kids from stuff they might find online, legally or otherwise. Children are the responsibility of their parents/legal guardians.

avstar

bitemebankers wrote: »

Good for you. So why the moral panic?



No, we absolutely don't. I have no duty whatsoever to protect anyone else's kids from stuff they might find online, legally or otherwise. Children are the responsibility of their parents/legal guardians.

No panic, just thought I'd gauge other people's opinion on the matter, and I've got yours loud and clear thanks.

Perhaps I worded my reply badly, yes some people feel no responsibility to the wider community and children in general. But some people do feel it's their responsibility to protect children where they can and I'm one of those.

pulliptears

You know it was always going to be posted on this thread...

pulliptears

avstar wrote: »

Hi all, who can I complain to about offensive junk mail?

The person who sent it.

Me and my neighbours got a leaflet dropped through the letterbox yesterday which I wasn't very happy about, promoting a local writers new e-book.

It directs you to the website where you can read the first 6 chapters of her graphic novel for free.

Fine and dandy but the leaflet explains how the content is very explicit, about "a drug addict who will do anything!!! to feed her addictions."
The leaflet explains how it's not acessable thru google or bing (prob due to it's explicit nature?) and gives a step by step guide how to access it online. It says over 18s only and not to access if easily offended. Also says the first 6 chapters are available for free now but will be withdrawn soon for "being too explicit"


So it clearly stated it was adult material and over 18's only. You were in no doubt of that so the leaflet was clear and concise.

I'm not easily offended "Shades of Grey" and all that, but I think dropping this leaflet through the door of houses with children is just wrong! So your child goes to the door first and gets the leaflet, the temptation is there, with a step by step guide how to access the material bypassing Google & Bing's filters :eek:

I'm sure houses with children tend to supervise their web access. As there is nothing explicit in the leaflet I don't see the issue whatsoever.

Surely putting this material through someone's door is not allowed? Am I over-reacting? Was just shocked that you get this thru the door.

Yes, you are over reacting.
Bin it and move on. How other people protect their children is up to them and not your concern.

podperson

I'm sorry but I do think you are over-reacting a bit. There was nothing explicit on the actual leaflet that a child could have seen - and it clearly states 'over 18s' and 'explicit content' for the actual product.
If other people's children have unsupervised internet access and they want to find 'explicit content' then let's face they probably will do, and there is much worse out there then a graphic novel.

avstar

Thanks everyone for your responses. Interesting to get different opinions.