You've probably heard of the "do-not-call list", but what about a "do-not-mail" list? It's being proposed by some Michigan Legislators. They want to stop the so-called junk mail that comes to your home every day. So, far, it's getting mixed reviews.
At Kent Communications in Kentwood, workers process millions of pieces of direct mail each month. Most of it is advertisements destined for your mailbox. Owner Brian Quist believes it's an important source of revenue for Michigan businesses. He says, ?Direct mail is not an invasive type of marketing. It doesn't call during dinner time; you can deal with it on your own time."
Quist opposes a do-not-mail list. He's even set up a website, michiganmails.com, to inform people about it. The proposal was just introduced in the Michigan House earlier this month. For a small fee, less than five dollars, you could sign up to be on the list.
Steve Jacubowski says, "I don't know what are worse un-solicited calls or the junk mail. I prefer neither." Steve and his wife Lois say they would probably sign up. Lois says, ?I would say it's the time it takes to go through the mail. Especially if you're on vacation, you come home and there's a huge pile and opening it, just to make sure it's not something you need."
At Kent Communications, Quist says you need to keep in mind that some of this so-called junk mail is mail that you might want. For example, it could be a pizza coupon or a catalog from your favorite store.
If the bill passes, you would still get mail from non-profit groups, and companies that you already do business with. Brian Quist believes the legislation would be unfair and hard to enforce.
The United Postal Service says there are already some do-not-mail lists people can sign up for. For more information on that and the proposed Michigan legislation, you can click on newslinks at the bottom of the page.
Sarah Sell
In your voice
