In simple terms spam (a.k.a. unsolicited commercial e-mail, unsolicited bulk e-mail, mass e-mail, junk e-mail) is a message that advertises goods or services that you send to someone without their prior consent or in the absence of a previous relationship. In one respect it is the electronic equivalent of the junk mail you receive in your postal mailbox every day. But because of the economics of Internet e-mail, it is much worse.   To learn why, see Why is spam bad? below.

In more advanced terms there are three main types of spam:   Usenet, message board, and e-mail.  Usenet and message board spam are messages sent or posted which are unrelated to the topic of discussion of the particular news group or message board. E-mail spam is any electronic mail message that is addressed to a recipient with whom the initiator does not have an existing business or personal relationship or is not sent at the request of, or with the express consent of, the recipient.

There are other types of Internet abuse that, for purposes of Direclynx policy, qualify as spam and are strictly prohibited. These include, but are not limited to, spamming of chat rooms and spamming via Internet Relay Chat or "Instant Messaging" system (such as ICQ). There are also off-line activities that, while not considered spam, are also prohibited. These activities include distributing flyers or leaflets on private property or where prohibited by applicable rules, regulations, or laws.