Burkes University "Burkes University is established in the United Kingdom Overseas Territory of the Turks and Caicos Islands as a State-Approved Open and Distance Learning University..." Accreditation by the ASSOCIATION OF OPEN AND DISTANCE EDUCATION.
The confusing thing is that Burkes along with some others are all advertised here, am I wrong or is this ad. somehow affiliated with Athabasca. http://ccism.pc.athabascau.ca/html/ccism/deresrce/ride/Institut.xml
Tuition ranges from US$10,000.00 to US$28,500.00. http://www.burkes-university.org.uk/courses.html Diploma mills usually charge less. Maybe Burkes is legitimate or semi-legitimate?
I am surprised that a UK mill would call itself Burkes. The word Burke (or Berk) doesn't suggest Edmund Burke or Burke's Peerage to me, but rather the severe insult from Cockney slang (rhymes with Berkshire Hunt). Perhaps the insult is no longer employed in England, but still retains this use in the former colonies?
http://www.knowledge-basket.co.nz/theindependent/scuttlebutt.html "Donations for a PhD run from £4,000 to £10,000. In return for a donation of £12,000-plus one can get a double degree; an Honorary Doctor of University and Honorary Doctor of Philosophy; with the ceremonial robe tossed in for nix."
It's conceivable that a semi-legitimate school might sell honorary degrees, but not that it would solicit honorary degree customers with flattering direct mail. OK, you win.