Thread: New website
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Old 03-08-2007, 03:07 PM   #6 (permalink)
StupidScript
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If your area is relatively small, I could imagine a similar paid service in your area taking offense, as your free, unsolicited service might impact their bottom line.

Additionally, some of the businesses might object because their presence on your site might not be where they want a listing for them to appear. As an extreme example, by way of illustration, if Hustler Magazine (porn) started publishing free, unsolicited business listings, some of the business owners could probably sue Hustler for hurting the business' image in the eyes of their customers.

I'd say definitely contact a trade relations or business lawyer in your area and ask them about any ramifications, and start contacting businesses who would want to 'opt in' to your service. 'Opt in' is always more ethical than forcing them to discover your site and their listing on their own and forcing them to 'opt out'. In the long run, your site will do better when filled with happy business people.

Don't rush to get your site up by scraping the phone book (another entity that might object), when you could do better by taking the time to do it properly.
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