Chris,

I would not assume that your information came from ARMA, although I do not
know.  Many of us have provided our names, addresses, email addresses,
telephone numbers to countless others - sometimes in order to register for
door prizes at a variety of conferences. I receive emails every single week
with email and telemarketing firms proclaiming that they have lists of
thousands of records and information managers with complete information
available for a price, so I know that there are many other potential sources
of information for marketers.

As President of ARMA and as a vendor, my awareness of to whom we may provide
information is not at my fingertips, since it's an operational issue that is
managed by staff.  However, as a vendor over many years, I am well aware
that ARMA is quite restrictive in the handling of such lists.

There is another issue for all of us to consider.  Those who are involved
with ARMA or any other association may know that associations derive revenue
from vendors.  Those are typically not provided as "charitable donations".
There is a legitimate desire for vendors to have the opportunity to contact
and to advertise to potential customers.  It's what they do.   My experience
tells me that ARMA errs on the side of privacy protection in attempting to
balance between its need for revenues that support the profession, and the
need to protect our members' privacy expectations and desires.

I certainly expect that many non-ARMA members may also have received this
invitation.  And while it's quite tempting to speculate on how the
organization got any of our names,  I'll say that there are a host of
potential sources.  Personally, when I receive snail mail or email that is
something in which I'm not particularly interested....well, I know what to
do with it.  This mailing appears quite legitimate, whatever interest any of
us may have or may not have in it.

Doug Allen, CRM, CDIA+
President, ARMA International
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