In my other life as a direct mail insultant, I am well familiar with stories like this about direct mail scams. group using the promise of tax-free medical savings accounts to lure members. In this case, former House Majority Leader Richard Armey heads a nice little earner called FreedomWorks (formerly Citizens for a Sound Economy--I bet that title change cost them a pretty penny in consultants' fees, focus groups and polls) that is giving my beloved profession of direct mail manipulation a bad name.
As this paragraph shows, the object here is really just to sell names to other mailers.
FreedomWorks and its predecessor, CSE, were careful about the deal's financial aspects. In a Sept. 13, 2000, letter, CSE's Quinn said documents should overtly refer to dues, suggesting they be set at $12 a year, to be raised at CSE's discretion upon notifying Medical Savings Insurance Co. She also noted: "I would assume that these people will become CSE members for all purposes and therefore will go on the CSE mailing list. Since the CSE mailing list is rented, as a matter of course, those names would be rented as CSE members . . . without specific identification as MSIC insureds."
Bejewelled with right wing mantras like "Flat Tax," "Across-the-Board Tax Cuts," "Limited Government" and "School Choice" this direct mail come-on attracted enough suckers to launch a lawsuit. But when it works, direct mail gives people a chance to act on their most deeply held values and beliefs. Whether it's putting an Amnesty International sticker on your car or sending a contribution to your favorite candidate, odds are you've responded to a direct mail appeal or two. So don't blame the messenger, unless it's Dick Armey. Him, blame all you want.
Comments