I just received an email purportedly from the Wall Street Journal’s James V. Grimaldi. It appears to be mailing list, not really to me specifically; it isn’t as if the WSJ knows me from Adam.
But the topic is the ATF’s Notice of Proposed Rule-Making on “Bump-Stock Type Devices.” It wants me to take a survey and verify contact information for possible interview.
Being the suspicious type, I did check email headers for routing, and a few other things. It appears to be legit.
The survey specifically quotes a comment I submitted; it seems they’re going through all 193,000 comments and trying to contact folks.
And…
Yep. I just got another email on a different account. Because I also submitted a comment on behalf of The Zelman Partisans.
Anyone else getting these emailed survey requests?
I just got one from the same guy, with a link to a survey. I also commented on the ATF’s website during the open comment period on bumpstocks some months ago.
I received the email as well and I completed the survey. It seems there are questions as to whether or not a large portion of the comments submitted on the proposed rule referenced in the WSJ email are fake. As i’m sure you are aware, every proposed rule is published in the Federal Register and is open to comment by anyone. The survey basically asks you if the comment you made regarding this proposed rule was in fact submitted by you.
Yes. I too received the same email and survey. When asked if the “following statement concerning new rules regarding bump stocks” was made by me, I said I was uncertain. He/they/it/staff or Russians then asked me to read what I had written. I had to hesitate, the vocabulary used in my statement was deft of profanity and insults usually saved for bureaucrats. After agreeing that they were my words, I proceeded with the survey. In some respects, I’m relieved to see I’m not the only one receiving this email from WSJ. What’s next? All expense paid trip to a federal facility?
Received the email and took the survey. I have some age related memory issues. When asked about a comment I too said I wasn’t the one who wrote it. I immediately realized my mistake. I had posted it from a (GOA?) form letter. There was no way to correct my answer.
I was told my userid and email had posted it and asked how it made me FEEL having my ID used like that. I explained what happened, said I posted it and still agree with it, and asked they not try to present this as something it’s not. Not holding my breath.
I received this e-mail as well. Except the comment that was made was not from me. The comment stated that I was in favor of banning bump stocks when in fact I am against the ban.
Did you comment at all, against the rule? I.E- did WSJ mix up comments, or did someone else use your name and email?