I 'Hate' Spam

I have tried lots of different methods of trying to eliminate spam; none have been really effective at eliminating spam. If, you eliminate spam, you also eliminate some of the email you want to receive. Spam is everyones problem, I don't think the FTC is going to do anything to stop it. I figure they must have some shares in some of the spam blocking companies, or created them. Maybe if everyone that received spam sent an email to the FTC for each spam they received it might get something done. Probably shut down the government servers, and then I'd probably be in trouble for suggesting it. Guess we could find out if FTC was actually responding to their own request. Here is their email address UCE@FTC.GOV it is suppose to be for complaints.

The "can spam" law is the most rediculous thing that could have been implemented. The spam is greater than it ever was, and the legitimate small business have had to make major changes at great expense to try and adhere to the law. The spam operators got off without having to lift a finger. When the law first came out, the FTC jumped right in and nabbed 4 people, and I imagine they have spent millions in taxpayer money trying to prosecute the spam cases. I never have seen any results beyond the initial crackdown. Sorry, I got off my intended purpose and got on a soap box. Back to my original intent.

Most ISP's (internet service providers) and web hosts offer multiple email accounts. Take advantage of this, and create a junk email account. Mine also has filters that puts what it thinks is 'spam' in front of the subject. I can also add a list of blocked senders email adresses although it is a little slowand more time consuming than using your email package. 

In your email package create some different folders; junk, spam, Feedback_form.html, newsletters. Anything on the internet or otherwise, that requests your email address, use the junk email account address created with your ISP, or web host. I know a lot of people use Hotmail, AOL, and other free email addresses in such a manner; the only problem is several of the newsletters, and other providers don't allow these addresses. They ask for what they consider legitimate email addresses. I have never been turned down using my junk email account.

After signing up for anything, watch your junk email account for the information requested. Make a determination of the value of the offer. If it is of value, there are a couple options available. Put the email address in your "white list" (email addresses) or use the message rules in your email package and send the valuable emails to specific legitimate accounts or your inbox; whatever you prefer.

Spam, and newsletters with nothing but affiliate sales will show themselves real quick. All you need to do is use the message rules and send those emails directly to the deleted, or trash folder in your email package. Some are a little more sneaky than others, they offer so many lessons or some other offer for your email address. Those I usually put in my 'Feedback_form.html' folder for more evaluation; then take the appropriate action using message rules after determining their value. 

The key is to never give your legitimate email address to anyone you don't personally know, and even then your probably vulnerable. Use the junk email account for everything else; you can always update the address at a later time for legitimate offers. I still hate spam, but I have found this method to resolve a lot of my wasted time and effort.

One last thing you will need to watch, you may need to sign into your junk email account if you respond with an email to any offers.  Some have their buttons set to pop up and send directly from your legitimate email address. I have my email set to give me a notice before sending any email from such source. In those cases, I copy their email address and go to my junk email account and send email from there. Sometimes, they will have something in the subject or the body area and I copy that also. If you use your legitimate email, when the other person receives it; they can go to 'properties' and get your legitimate email address from the sent email.

I also use this method of detecting privacy problems, I use a different name when I sign up. If I begin receiving email with the salutation of that name; I know they have a security problem, or they are not maintaining my privacy. Guess you know what happens to those providers 'Deleted' folder; I take my privacy seriously. Hope this helps you in fighting spam, and unsrupulous marketers.

Terms & Conditions  Privacy Statement