Its funny when I tell my friends that I have an online business or I introduce myself as an online business. The first thing they ask are you one of those people who SPAM me?

Of couse this is not an advertising model that I follow but it somewhat bothers me that the perception is an online business SPAMs. Which 95% is not the case its a shame that the other 5% buts a bad wrap on the others.

But when this is asked. I seem to always go either into defense mode or just ignore it but it is fustrating to defend myself all the time

It'd be interesting to know how many of those with that opinion really do have a computer connected to the internet

The more interesting thing would be to know is if these are the people who are totally oblivous to how spam starts arriving in there inbox, eg signing up to deas that sounds way to good to be ture.

Most of people who I work with are Systems Enineers Many of these people are the ones that put SPAM Filters on mail servers in first place.

I get comments when I mention that I operate online businesses like:
So your the one asking me about refinancing my mortgage? or visit this site for get rich quick.

They know that many Online business are legit but when they get an idea that an individual (such as myself) has online business ventures they only have an individaul reference point the spamers..

Best response, "NO stop signing up to porn sites".

it will shut a lot of people up fast.

hahahahaa... that is a good one. I've gotten that incriminating accusation before as well... it's ridiculous how ignorant some people can be... at the very least, they could have the courtesy to think before they speak.