Hello all!

Only one question from me =)

Why do you use a pay newsletter service instead of newsletter-script on your own website ?

Because all it takes is a few cranky subscribers (who forgot they subscribed) to email your isp and get your account cancelled. Services are also very easy to manage- and most scripts do not handle bounced emails.

Has anyone had the unlucky experience of angry customers beating down their door for apparent spamming?

I have a simple php/mysql mailing list right now, in your opinion guys, should I be concerned?

Originally posted by Cosmic Geek
Has anyone had the unlucky experience of angry customers beating down their door for apparent spamming?

I have a simple php/mysql mailing list right now, in your opinion guys, should I be concerned?

I think the risk factor goes up as your list grows. But anyone, even with a very small list, can run into this problem. I've had a few complaints over the last year but nothing that led to any real problems. I've seen people who do mailing lists that have run into a lot of trouble being blacklisted on certain services and having a very difficult time getting off, so it certainly can happen. The way you gather your list comes into play. Many lists use what's generally referred to as double opt-in. That's where the user has to mail back and confirm that they joined. That sort of system will reduce the risk, but isn't always convenient for various reasons.

- Steve

I use the "list of least resistance". For me, I mean. I'm not particularly fond of Yahoo Groups...but they're free, they work, they provide a lot of options, and by forcing my newsletters to be text and not HTML the bundled ads aren't that intrusive.

If I relied on my newsletters (I run 2, one for Artifact (http://www.samugames.com/artifact/) and one for The Journal (http://www.davidrm.com/thejournal/)) for *sales* instead of just keeping in touch with players/users, then I'd probably be more particular. As it is, what I use works for my purposes. And free ain't bad.

-David

How is it that a service circumvents this potential problem?

Wont the angry customers still send you nasty emails, regardless of whether or not it was a script as opposed to a service?

Originally posted by Cosmic Geek
How is it that a service circumvents this potential problem?

Wont the angry customers still send you nasty emails, regardless of whether or not it was a script as opposed to a service?

Usually the ips that are banned are the source machines sending the emails. If you send the emails from your own server then it may get banned and you have trouble sending regular email. Some people use separate email servers for their mailing lists.