What happens when you don't BCC: Music scenesters caught in a train wreck e-mail pile-up

It happens less often now than it used to, but every once in a while you still get a good one: someone sends a mass e-mail to a large number of recipients, using the CC field instead of the BCC field—which allows any recipient to instantly reply to all recipients. Someone does so. Then someone else does so. Than someone writes asks to be "taken off the list," and someone echoes that sentiment. Pretty soon everyone's in e-mail hell, with everyone writing to everyone and begging the madness to end...which, of course, can only happen when everyone simply stops replying to all.

This week, several dozen local music journalists and bookers have been caught up in one of these deadly CC quicksand pits; this one began with a press release from a local artist who (whoops!) forgot to BCC. Here are the highlights of the chain so far, with names and addresses redacted.

Artist: "Hello. My name is [redacted]. I am sending out a handful of my new, unreleased demos in advance of the upcoming City Pages Picked to Click..."

Blogger #1: "An open email to [artist] — http://pigeonsandplanes.com/2012/08/how-to-not-get-your-music-posted-on-blogs.html Specifically, #8."

Artist: "Hello.  I thought I would send an open apology for not correctly following email protocol with my recent music update (not using the cc feature, approaching people blind) .  I certainly did not have any bad intentions, ill will etc..."

Booker #1: "Its all good man, I say we disband the BCC completely! Keep doing your thing and best of luck!"

Booker #2: "The great irony is that it's a pretty good press list!"

Booker #3: "HAHAH! [Artist] I like your style. You have talent buddy. You keep some good company too. Get a hold of me separate from this e-mail chain!"

Blogger #2: "I'm not sure why I'm on this list, but I would like to be removed please."

Booker #4: "Hey, This is all fun, but I believe the function that you are thinking about is BCC."

Booker #5: "[Booker #4] is right...its the BCC (Blind Carbon Copy), not the CC.  As long as we're learning things we may as well teach the right things.  :)  BCC is the more 'professional' way to 'spam' people.  Beyond that.....I like being on the list.  Thanks for the update, [Artist]!  You're a great dude trying to do your thing, and to do it as long as you have....I've got respect."

Booker #6: "I love [Artist's] music and didnt mind getting the email you sent initially, but please remove me from this thread so I no longer receive the discussion around how to cc?"

Record label guy: "I would like to take this opportunity to offer you all a chance to buy my new home-made penis enlargement pills.  I make them in my garage and make my 4-year-old son put together the capsules.  I promise you these are the best penis enlargement pills you will ever need...and there's hardly any human feces in them.  feel free to email me directly and I will provide bicycle delivery to anyone in the twin cities metro area.  only $50 per monthly supply...6 month treatment recommended."

Booker #6: "Please take my name off when responding. Thanks."