I think it would still count as spam in the EU, although I'm not certain what "direct marketing" means.

(UK law here, implementing EC directive)

> a person shall neither transmit, nor instigate the transmission of, unsolicited communications for the purposes of direct marketing by means of electronic mail unless the recipient of the electronic mail has previously notified the sender that he consents for the time being to such communications being sent by, or at the instigation of, the sender.

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2003/2426/regulation/22/m...

It's unlikely anyone would bother with someone who sent 600 emails, especially if she agrees not to send any more to an individual that complains to her.

Edit: bprieto's point about individuals vs businesses is very relevant -- the emails were sent to marketing companies, so they aren't spam under this directive.

I think it wouldn't, at least in Spain, if those receiving the emails are acting not as individuals (final customers) but as company representatives. So it's OK to send an email to Jane at [email protected] but not to send another email to the same Jane at [email protected].

I'm no lawyer but Direct Marketing is a specific term and not just two words put together. I'd typically interpret it as spam but for a legitimate product/company such that it has some legitimacy. The snail mail equivalent of online Direct Marketing is very common in the UK (or at least is was - I'd hope legislation similar to the above would have clamped down on it).

nice