I think I would agree with the IEE's stance on this. I get at least 5 emails per day from people who are trying to sell me things I don't want. I also get scam emails.
All of these come through my @iee.org email. I suspect this occurs because my email address has been and still is listed on a number of IEE web pages because I have been in the past a Honorary Officer of the IEE and still still on a IEE board. I accept this situation because if you put yourself in the open, you always risk getting some flak. If I was a member of the IEE (not sitting on any boards or committees) and I started to get these sorts of emails I would be annoyed.
I don't believe there would be much support in the membership for a open list of all members. I agree with your idea of a method of contacting other IEE members would be valuable. Especially when you are seeking a new career (for whatever reason).
If there was an open list, I believe, the IEE would need to write and ask the permission of every member to whether they could release their details (UK Law I think) and at least provide an opt-out from being in the open database. I think the cost of this could be prohibative in itself.
The IEE forums are one of the more secure services that I have come across. Maybe a little too secure for some people
There are many ways that spammers can get hold of your email address, most of which I don't understand. If you have ever sent your email address to someone else or typed it onto a webpage, used internet newsgroups. They seem to get everywhere. You could pretty much have an entire PN dedicated to the subject.
Also some companies in the UK, I believe, sell their contact lists (telephone, emails, etc) in order to raise cash.
We're considering introducing an opt-in facility for Members and Web site users to search by various criteria (name, location, university, PN memberships etc) and contact each other. This would be restricted so that only those taking part can access it, and would use a 'blind' contact method so no email addresses would be displayed.
This sounds like a wonderful idea! One of the great advantages of the IEE is the networking opportunities available and if this suggestion helps members track down and maintain contact with former colleagues and friends then it gets my vote.
I agree that the proposal from David is a very good one. It sounds similar to that on the friendsreunited website (which seems to work well).
I think that this is the only way that the IEE can resolve the two opposing tensions: 1) That one of the main benefits that the IEE offers is networking with your peers BUT 2) The IEE has a legal and moral obligation to protect the privacy of its members.
Well done for this proposal and I look forward to seeing the implementation - any idea when?
