To find circumvent spam filters that scan key words to block messages, a clever spammer sent their message as an image.

This spam message for drugs found its way into my inbox.

I bring this up partly because we all can relate to spam, but mostly because – like it or not – a spammer is a marketer. They are folks who attempt various tactics to deliver their message to a potential customer with the intent on building awareness, trial and purchase.

While I hate spam as much as the next person… (for clarification, I’m still speaking of unsolicited e-mail messages, not the meat product)… I’m always impressed with the ever-changing tactics spammers employ to get their messages through… clever headlines, attachments, long stories and letters – all trying to find a new way to break through.

Despite clever ways of intruding… The true question for a marketer is “Is it working?” Even if you DID get into someone’s inbox… are people finding random e-mail messages a reliable source for their sex enhancing drugs and discounted software?