ISLE-OF-WIGHT-L Archives

Archiver > ISLE-OF-WIGHT > 2001-12 > 1007774356


From: Donna Przecha <>
Subject: Junk mail
Date: Fri, 07 Dec 2001 17:19:16 -0800
In-Reply-To: <200112072300.fB7N0dj03964@lists5.rootsweb.com>


Thank you for all the comments on junk mail.

I was most interested in Sheelagh's comment:

"I can identify with this. I have an e mail address that I use solely for
genealogy and a couple of other hobby type mailing lists. The email I use
for surfing and shopping is completely different - but I get no spam from
that address, but tons from the genealogy one. Obviously these companies go
through the archives or something."

I don't have a web site, I don't give my name and e-mail if I can avoid it,
I am only on the IoW list now, I do minimal shopping, I never open junk
mail, I never send a receipt to someone I don't know. (When I register a
product for a warranty, I don't ever fill in all those questions about
hobbies, travel, cars, etc.) I do visit lots of web sites for research and
travel info and I know they can capture your address from just a visit. I
have subscribed to a couple of newsletters but these just come to my
mailbox. I have to conclude spammers are looking at public boards and
capturing addresses.

With AOL I thought I was a target because of its size. I understand people
use computers to generate every conceivable address which could give a
reasonable number of hits on AOL.I am very pleased with the way AT&T
handles junk mail. There is a category called "screened mail" and 95% of my
junk mail goes in there. I just go in every week or so and clear it out. No
far, no valid message has ended up there.

Blocking doesn't work because those wily devils use a different address
each time. I may get lambasted for this but the only site I have blocked is
RootsWeb-review. Every time you visit RootsWeb they start sending you this
subscription. I asked to be removed a couple of times but they put you
right back on so it goes straight into the trash now. Sorry.

I have had two addresses in the past and found it inconvenient. You have to
sign on to two different places. Also, people get you in their address book
under the less important address so you have to check both every time or
you might miss a personal message. However, in view of this little survey I
have concluded it just might be worth while creating another address for
lists.

I must say that in spite of the inconvenience of junk mail, I do find it
worthwhile to be on lists. I have received so much help and information for
which I am grateful.

Donna Przecha

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