[Rose]

Now, technically the site buying the list would have done nothing wrong. If they bought and paid for legally the member list of another site, active or not, and merged it with their site it would technically be fine. The only one needing to worry is the selling site, as they would have to make sure it doesn't violate their policies in writing as well as the actual member's responsibility to read all the fine print.

That said, it also sounds like merging member list databases could have it's own set of technical problems, but I suppose a few hours of editing sql statements before merging might smooth this part of it out.

Companies sell information all the time -- some companies you might be a part of, and some you might not be. The addition of the Do Not Call list has probably helped decrease the practice, but nonetheless companies still sell your informaion. Not all companies, some credit cards, some banks, charities, etc etc. Some will "sell" your information to no one other than their own affiliates, but it turns out they are a huge conglomerate with dozens or more affiliates ... all pandering their product to you through your address/number purchased off a list.

*shrugs* Not saying it's right or wrong, but it happens offline and it most likely already happens online. The seller is the one that has to worry about the legalities, the buyer just need to make a good offer and do what's right by them.