How To Prevent Junk E-Mail
Junk mail is a problem that millions of people are forced to deal with each day. Often times, the important e-mail you need to receive is lost in the mix. So just how do you prevent junk mail?
The worst (and one of the most common) mistakes you can make is to reply to junk e-mail or click an unsubscribe link. Once you do this, you validate your e-mail address, and it is passed around to other junk e-mail lists. The best thing to do is mark it as junk, and delete the message.
Many times, robots will scan your website for e-mail addresses. If you post your e-mail address online, the robot will retrieve it, add it to a junk mail list, and begin to send you more junk e-mails. There are several ways to prevent this problem.
One of the most common ways to prevent robots is to remove your e-mail address from your website and use a mail form instead. Through the form, visitors will be able to send you mail, but robots will be unable to find your address. Another option is to install junk mail filters on your server. Contact your host company to see if they offer this solution.
Anti-spam software is also widely available for download and purchase. I highly recommend trying before buying. Both Outlook and Netscape Mail have junk mail controls built into their software. This feature requires some small setup in Outlook, but is readily available for use in Netscape, and works wonderfully. Netscape is available to download for free through the Downloads page of our website.
Another highly recommended program is Mail Frontier. Their software is available for download online at www.mailfrontier.com. In addition to blocking junk mail, this program can also be used to report and prevent fraudulent mail, and stop Window's Messenger spam pop-ups.
While junk mail will never be completely eliminated, these are several steps that will help you regain control of your inbox. Good luck!
About the Author
The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is the national trade association representing mason contractors. The MCAA is committed to preserving and promoting the masonry industry by providing continuing education, advocating fair codes and standards, fostering a safe work environment, recruiting future manpower, and marketing the benefits of masonry materials.