Striking back at Big Tobacco in a tiny way

[Dave1982]

Somehow I've managed to get onto RJ Reynolds' mailing list, so I keep getting coupons for cigarettes and dip in the mail. Well, I neither smoke nor use any other form of tobacco, nor have I ever done so. Frankly, it's kind of embarrassing since it's usually my mother or kid brother who ends up giving them to me, despite my instructions to put them directly into the recycling bin (yet another reason to get a full-time job so I can get my own place).

Normally I just recycle them and move on, but I've gotten two in less than a week, which is rather ridiculous. Even more so since it's illegal to redeem these coupons in Massachusetts, so even if I wanted to use them, I can't without going to New Hampshire.

So I've decided to send back an unsubscribe request as per their instructions. But rather than just unsubscribe, I thought I'd poke some harmless fun at them in the process.

I have made donations to the Susan G Koman breast cancer foundation in the past, so I get return address labels and envelope seals from them from time to time.

So both the unsubscribe card AND the envelope have Breast Cancer awareness ribbons on them, and I put a sticker on the closure that says "I want to end breast cancer forever!"

Rather ironic sending these to a tobacco company (or at least to a mass mailing firm that does business with one). I'd be better if it said LUNG cancer, but it'll do.

No offense intended to any smokers on the board.

[blas]

Sorry, but that's kind of tacky and a little offending to anyone who might have breast cancer.

I'm sure there are people at RJ Reynolds who don't smoke and have known someone who has/had breast cancer.

Shame.

I don't want the weekly shopper, the Menards ads, and all the junkmail I get. That's why it's junk mail. It goes in the garbage.

[Dave1982]

Well I'm sorry you feel that way, Blas. I ran it by my mother - a TWO time survivor - and she wasn't offended.

[BookstoreEscapee]

Hey, smoking contributes to breast cancer, too.

I get tons of junk mail...and half of it isn't even for us. We've been in this apartment for a year and a half and I still see stuff for (presumably) previous tenants, and I'm even still seeing new names showing up in the mailbox. If it's clearly junk mail I just toss it (though my roomie might be able to use the Lane Bryant coupons we got last week), and if it looks like it could be something someone might want, I stick a note on it that says "Does not live here" and stick it back out by the mailbox.

I always just recylce it, but if I could stop it from coming in the first place, that would be even better.

[RecoveringKinkoid]

If those stickers weren't meant for putting onto mail, then what are they for?

Why should you have to censor what you are sticking onto your mail? There is nothing offensive about a breast cancer awareness sticker. People who are cancer survivors won't get "reminded" that they are survivors and get offended.

I think you got your message across quite well, m'self.

[Anriana]

Somehow I've managed to get onto RJ Reynolds' mailing list, so I keep getting coupons for cigarettes and dip in the mail. Well, I neither smoke nor use any other form of tobacco, nor have I ever done so. Frankly, it's kind of embarrassing since it's usually my mother or kid brother who ends up giving them to me, despite my instructions to put them directly into the recycling bin (yet another reason to get a full-time job so I can get my own place).

If the worst part of living at home is your relatives giving you all of your mail... well... that's probably not worth getting a full-time job over.

[Dave1982]

That's hardly the only reason. Just another on the list.

[Kiwi]

I typically stuff all of my junk mail in to a junk mail return envelope and send it to a company thats trying to sell me the greatest crap in the world.

Its fun

[Andara Bledin]

I typically stuff all of my junk mail in to a junk mail return envelope and send it to a company thats trying to sell me the greatest crap in the world.

Fun, yes, but not exactly right. Why stick the poor CS worker who has to process those applications with it? Plus, it won't necessarily get you off their mailing lists.

I just put "return to sender" on anything I don't want and send it back.

That way, they're still stuck for the postage, and they also get a clear indication that I don't want what they're trying to give me.

^-.-^

[Kiwi]

That way, they're still stuck for the postage, and they also get a clear indication that I don't want what they're trying to give me.

Well despite the fact we have called, written to and emailed capital one at least 10 times, they don't seem to be listening.

If they keep sending me their credit card application forms despite our many polite requests to stop, I will keep sending them back with little gifts of coupons inside them.

[RecoveringKinkoid]

I used to send those back with roofing shingles inside them. You know how much those things weigh?

Had a microburst take the roof off my old darkroom years ago. Had a big pile of ripped apart shingles on my hands. Mailed them to junk mailers using their return envelopes.

I understand Harlan Ellison mailed bricks to someone using postage paid blowcards taped to them, but I don't think postage regulations allow that anymore.

[wolfie]

If they keep sending me their credit card application forms despite our many polite requests to stop, I will keep sending them back with little gifts of coupons inside them.

Many years ago, I bought (saved-up allowance) electronic components by mail order. Apparently they sold their mailing list, because I started receiving "pre-approved" credit card applications from American Express. Eventually, I sent a them a letter saying that I wouldn't do business with a lender which sent pre-approved applications to 12 year olds who had never held a job. For some reason, I was dropped from the mailing list.