Coupon e-mail brings sanction

Ohio University freshman Dave Krupar found a way to make money along with helping other students get discounts from local businesses by creating coupons. However, OU gave him a warning after he broke university policy by e-mailing registered students about his business.

Krupar started www.collegefoodcoupons.com to allow students to look for deals at local businesses, and e-mailed students coupons from the site as a way for local businesses to advertise. Krupar said this site would help local businesses overcome poor advertising.

This quarter, Krupar sent everyone registered with an OU e-mail address. He said that getting the e-mail addresses was a lengthy process. He does not want anyone to know how he did it because someone could use these addresses inappropriately, Krupar said.

I don't want the university to find out how I got the names

Krupar said.

After the mass e-mail was sent Feb. 2, Krupar's Internet was shut off in his residence hall room.

According to OU's information and technology policy and procedure Web site, www.ohiou.edu/policy/91-003.html, it is forbidden to use resources for private financial gain or compensation except as permitted under Ohio University Policy and Procedure 17.900 or for partisan political purposes.

Krupar said his Internet was shut off not only because he cannot use the network for private profit, but because he did not get the recipient's permission to send e-mails.

I was told that if I do it again

I will be referred to judiciaries

Krupar said.

Since Krupar is no longer allowed to send out mass e-mails, in order to receive these coupons students have to go to his Web site and join his mailing list. By signing up for the mailing list, students will be able to receive the coupons in his monthly newsletter.

It is a one-stop shop for kids to see what Athens has to offer

Krupar said.

So far there are seven local businesses that advertise through collegefoodcoupons.com. Quizno's, Papa Johns, Cici's Pizza, Donkey Coffee and Espresso, PawPurr's Bar, Avalanche Pizza and D.P. Dough have all advertised through Krupar. He charges $40 for the first month and $80 each month after. Some of that money goes toward paying for the Web site, but he would not disclose the amount.