Here's some info on what's happening on the internet about this
problem.  

-----------------------------------------------------------------
PC Week, October 21, 1996 has an interesting article about
this issue on page 43.  The headline reads:
-----------------------------------------------------------------

                   ISP E-services clogged by spam
              E-MAIL Junk Mail causing headaches, lawsuits
by Tom Davey.

The author goes on to discuss at length the "avalanche" of
unwanted E-mail sent by "spammers", and how they
are more than a nuisance for ISP's.  He also talks about some
of the ongoing lawsuits related to this.

He also lists 5 steps to PREVENT SPAMMING:
-----------------------------------------

1.) Reject it at the Source.  SMTP servers can be configured
to reject E-mail originating from certain domains.

2.)  Employ server-based rules.  Products such as Lotus Notes,
Microsoft Exchange and Novell GroupWise can be configured to
delete mail automatically before it is distributed to users.

3.) Complain to the spammer's ISP.  Use the TCP "traceroute"
utility to find a spammer's provider and send a complaint to
"postmaster".  Most ISP's have an E-mail address, called
"abuse", for complaints.

4) Don't try to spam back.  Most spam companies use an invalid
"from" address to protect themselves from return mail.  Replying
to each spam is likely to further clog your E-mail gateway.

5.) Install filters at each client.  Consdier providing E-mail
client software to users that provide filters or rules, allowing
them to block out unwanted E-mail.

-----------------------------------------------------------------


For most of us, this list isn't much help.  But you could pass
it along to your ISP (internet service provider).

I also found this interesting statement on a web page while 
searching for UNIX training material:

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Note on E-mail and Etiquette

I have recently been bombarded with junk e-mail. "Bombarded" is,
 perhaps, the wrong word, but I still find it disturbing. I do 
not know if my name has gotten on lists because of this guide or
 because of periodic posts I make. If any of you are thinking of
 adding my name to a list for money-making purposes, forget it. I never
buy products from people who cold-call me or send me junk e-mail. 
Junk mail, cold-calling, and this new junk e-mail are all rude and
 wasteful behaviors, and I do not accept or condone them. If I 
continue to receive junk e-mail, I will begin to take harsh action.
 Part of this harsh action may result in my being unreachable to
people I do not already know, which is not something I want. 

None of the above should be interpreted to mean that I do not 
welcome e-mail from strangers. If you have some question about 
PostScript or the guide (or, better yet, a correction), I am always
 glad to hear from you and to do what I can to answer your question
 or correct the problem. I'm just annoyed at people who want
my money and do not even follow the simple rules of etiquette. 
-----------------------------------------------------------------
unknown, frustrated, internet user...
-----------------------------------------------------------------

So, there ya have it.  The way it is.  Figures that the internet
would become this way.  Just like CB radio, just like TV, and 
so on.  All because human beings are involved...  lest I get
on the soapbox about sin, I'm gonna send this out...

later,
john
-----------------------------------------------------------------