The first recorded instance of a mass, unsolicted commercial telegram was sent out in 1864... I guess it was the earliest version of.... Spam.
By the way, when did Spam become such a dirty word? I love Spam. I like it grilled with waffles, eggs, hash browns... and of course the state dish in Hawaii is... Spam Sushi.So I don't appreciate the disrespect shown to a fine American morsel. I think unsolicted email should be called... Head Cheese. At least you'd know what you're getting....