Message about email filtering

Good explanation for users?

[Sierra_Dad]

Sometimes users don't get the confirmation emails. This is probably because of spam filtering at different ISPs. Of course, when a user complains, they don't get the email I send in response either. I'm sure they get even more annoyed at my unresponsiveness and give up altogether.

I am wondering what is a good preemptive message for users here.

In some emails I see the language:
"To ensure you receive this email, please add [e-mail] to your address book."

It seems insufficient because it is (a) too late and (b) I'm not sure it would work anyway. Email is often filtered at the ISP, and the above trick would only help if it is a junk mail filter on outlook or outlook express.

What language do you use to explain mail filters to end users? Are there online resources you

I don't know if I want to maintain a full section on my site on how to get past filtering at every possible ISP, but I could link to something more comprehensive if I need to.

[mattglet]

I can't provide any sure-fire ways to help with your original question, but have you tried a different approach?

My suggestion would be to find ways where you don't have to rely on email. Is there a way you can present the user with a confirmation receipt/info on screen? You can then instruct them to print it out.

How about a message center on your site? This is my personal favorite, because it makes your users come back to the site when needing anything (creating site stickiness).

I personally hate email, and hate having to rely on it. I'm always thinking of ways that can streamline my processes/procedures, and eliminating the need for email is usually at the top of any site's list.

[Sierra_Dad]

Nice idea to eliminate email when possible and I have done that on an actual purchase.

However, the confirmation email is sent for registration, which allows them to login at the website, post at the forums, and gives them updates through the mailing list. If I can't confirm the emails, I will be a spammer. And I assume the users expect an email reply for technical support issues, since they don't leave a phone number.

Since I don't see email completely eliminated, I will need to say something about this issue.

[mattglet]

Ah yes, that does pose a problem. Have you tried email scoring software, such as Spam Assassin? Services like that actually score your email and tell you how likely it is to be considered as spam. May be something to check out, because you definitely can't eliminate this type of email.

[Sierra_Dad]

I couldn't see how to test email against spamassasin wihtout setting up a linux server. But maybe I missed something.