STL,
This is the second time this year that I have been exposed to what I feel is dubious practices by the AMA. First, it was the unrequested CD-ROM thing that asked me to return it if I didn't want it. I did not watch it, or return it ,and I was bothered by aggressive billing letters. Today I received the email below (I have removed only some personal information). I wanted to be a good member of the AMA so I made the call. I was asked questions I didn't feel comfortable answering to a stranger. I said so and was told that they had privacy policies in place and would not sell the info to mailing lists. The info is also available on a CD-ROM and I know how easy it would be to parse that data to create a mailing list. The agent told me that there was a statement in the book forbidding this. A lot of good that will do. I was also subjected to repeated attemts to sell me a directory. The email gives the impression that the AMA needed help in updating my records. No indication that a third party was going to try and sell me something (although the small print at the bottom does say it is a 3rd party acting on behalf of AMA).

This is the second time in a year I have been subjected to what I consider seedy marketing methods by the AMA. I am really getting unhappy with the current management of this organization in this regard. Mind you, I have not been active in the politics of this organization, or even paid any attention to thhe politics. However, I am getting pissed off by this behaviour. At this point, if it were not for the requirement to be a member of AMA to fly at clubs and events I would cancel my membership.

AMA please stop this kind of sleezy marketing. It cheapens your organization, and violates the trust of your members.


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