When I grumble about the surge of unsolicited electronic-mail messages the last week or so, my beloved chuckles: “Spring!” Indeed, even spam blossoms in spring.

Addendum (November 5, 2016)

Sadly, there are surges of unsolicited electronic-mail messages even in the fall. As of late, the main reason for checking my electronic mail is to chuck away the accumulated spam, for my mailbox is rather limited in size. Most of the mail is already designated as spam by my Internet service provider, which makes my job quite a bit easier. Still, I am amazed by the bulk of unsolicited mail. It is my guess that about one message in a hundred is not spam pure and simple. In my case, I receive quite a few of these as an alumnus of both Harvard and MIT. In addition, I receive a good number of messages from art institutions around the world, most of which contact me on account of my Ca’ Bon Gallery website. Again, it is my guess that only about one message in half a thousand comes from a person close to me. Slowly but surely, each message of this kind is becoming a real surprise. In short, electronic mail has turned into a real nuisance lately. In a few short years, I may even consider getting rid of it altogether.