Taking PremEx's advise, I read Randy's editorial twice. Then a third time.

Then did some thinking and came up with the following:

*Targeted promotions will not be going away. They may get more sophisticated via computer software.
*In fact there will probably be more. But Frequent Flyers are a chatty bunch and even if only "united Mileage Plus members who contribute to FLyertalk" get a special promotion, someone is bound to tell someone else who will tell someone else. And So on and So on.
*I'm wondering how tough the programs will be in enforcing the rule of giving the bonus to ONLY those getting the targeted e-mail. If enough frequent flyers bombard the program office with copies of the offer, careful records of teh promotion... I think in some cases the programs will cave in and honor the promotion (when there are also local consumer reporters to call with "MCI didnt' honor their 50 gazillion bonus points for long distance." Plus FLyertalkers.

HOPEFULLY THE FOLLWING MAKES SENSE:

Randy raises a good question: can a one-on-one relationship exist in cyberspace?
I don't know. I think we are all basically nameless, faceless people designated by a rich soup of airline/hotel/car rental and other account numbers and profiles EXCEPT when we can get someone to listen for making a complement or complaint.

The programs are too big to be friendly with everyone one-on-one. And cyberspace is getitng bigger and bigger.

I think the only ways to get a one-on-one relationship is either by talking by phone or meeting someone in person (like the Flyertalk get togethers.)

AGAIN, I HOPE THE ABOVE MADE SENSE.

LAX1k: there was a bonus mile promotion for flying in and out of Denver to several major U-A series. It was a mailing, I guess everyone got but.

As for giving out this secret information: if it's not done here it will be done through another travel forum or though gossiping flyers. I salute my BIG BRUDDAR PREMEX's attitude on this: I too PremEx try to tell as many people about bonus promotions.