Since Adobe seems to update Acrobat weekly, this message seems plausible. Some quick indicators that it isn't real: I get updates through the installed Adobe Updater, not as email messages. The update site is instant-acrobat-upgrade.com, not adobe.com. The sender's … [Read more...]
Lame spam of the day: I’m in trouble!
Don't people know not to click links in weird emails from strangers? Probably not. This site says the link leads to malware. Sender: Svetlana@rlweiner.com (My domain -- no Svetlanas work at my company) Subject: Fwd: I'm in trouble! Text: I was at a party, got drunk, couldn't drive the car, … [Read more...]
Lame spam of the day: NYC traffic ticket
This is the first one like this I've seen -- a speeding ticket. If I'd driven in New York in October I might be curious enough to click (well, I wouldn't, but someone might). Apparently this one has been floating around for a while and delivers malware. Sender: support@rlweiner.com … [Read more...]
Lame spam of the day: The variant of the contract you’ve offered has been delcined.
I just love the subject line in this one. Wow, very creative syntax (though the misspelling of "declined" lessens the impact). I also got a second version, but the subject was much more prosaic. This blog says the links download malware. Version 1: Sender: Argelia Vogel … [Read more...]
Lame spam of the day: BBB service Re: Case # (various numbers)
I got 7 versions of this today, at 2 different email addresses. They included an attachment called bbb_logo.jpg but no graphics in the message body. A friend posted about them on a listserve and said that clicking the link downloads a virus. This scam has been around for a while. … [Read more...]
Want your product covered in Idealware’s Donor Management report?
Idealware is updating its 2009 report on low-cost donor databases. If you're a database vendor and want to be considered, fill out the survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RCHJNGC I assume their criteria will be similar to what they used last time, which was a starting cost of less … [Read more...]
Choosing a donor database
I get a lot of emails like the following from small nonprofits: We desperately need to get a new donor database and most of them are totally unaffordable!! Looking at the Idealware Low Cost Database report, I find that there are so many considerations that it is quite complicated to make a choice. … [Read more...]
The Limits of “Free” Software
I received an email newsletter today with the following pitch for a web-based donor database (perhaps you can guess which one): The Cloud offers you constituent relationship management (CRM) software that's less expensive, easier to maintain, more accessible, more intuitive, and with greater … [Read more...]
Thoughts on Software RFPs
I received the following email from Keith Heller, a database consultant who works with Raiser's Edge and Common Ground clients: We’ve been involved with responding to many RFPs over the years and I have a general inquiry that is in your bailiwick. I often see RFPs that are quite lengthy and … [Read more...]
Idealware’s Field Guide to Nonprofit Software: Fundraising, Communications and Outreach
Idealware recently released its Fundraising, Communications and Outreach. Unlike their earlier guides (to inexpensive donor databases, content management systems, online donation tools, etc.) this one is an actual book (84 pages, paperback) and costs actual money ($19.95, plus, I assume, … [Read more...]