Andy Newby, Consultant, Network Systems and Support
Many people report receiving a lot of spam when, in fact, some of those unwanted e-mails might be deemed junk mail. That sounds peculiar, but there actually is a difference between junk mail and spam.
While the two terms are almost always used interchangeably, spam refers to unsolicited e-mail. No one actually signs up for the infamous Viagra e-mails—for the most part anyway; they are usually spam messages.
Conversely, it’s possible that you really did sign up to receive promotional e-mails, however unwittingly. Perhaps you booked a flight online, where you supplied your contact information and voluntarily agreed to abide by the terms of use (even if you didn’t read them)—only to find that your inbox is now deluged by the latest airline or hotel deals. That’s junk mail. And you’re receiving it, like it or not, because you gave your permission (however surreptitious).
Lucky for you, junk mail can be controlled (unlike spam).
At the bottom of promotional e-mails, you’ll usually find a link to unsubscribe from that particular mailing list. If you don’t find an unsubscribe link, chances are you’re looking at spam rather than junk mail. (Can SPAM laws require e-mail senders to include contact information and instructions for unsubscribing, and legitimate senders are prone to abide by such laws.)
When unsubscribing from junk mail, you should still exercise caution. Hover over links to preview the URL before you click. Never download any unknown or unexpected files. And never, ever give your personal contact information to an unknown party—you wouldn’t provide your SSN to a stranger on the phone, would you? Be especially vigilant about phishing e-mails, which are just spam messages spoofed to look like they come from familiar and trusted sources.
Sometimes spam is disguised as junk mail in an attempt to deliver malicious content intended to harm your system or even steal your information. It’s always recommended to have a good spam filter in place for your e-mail communication. Just keep in mind that a spam filter may not prevent all unwanted e-mail from hitting your inbox.
If you’ve got problems combating junk mail, consider arming yourself with an anonymous e-mail address. Services like Google and Yahoo! offer free e-mail accounts that you can use when casually surfing the web. When asked for your e-mail address, simply use your anonymous e-mail account. At the very least, it can lessen the burden of junk mail and spam piling up in your real mailbox.
Using an anonymous or alternate e-mail address in this manner limits the exposure of your real e-mail address on the Internet. Remember, the more times your e-mail address is exposed on the web, the more likely it is that your e-mail address will end up a target for those pesky (and dangerous) spam messages.
Listen Up!
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We often give talks at conferences or workshops, come see us and learn a bit more about technology in the nonprofit and association marketplace. Here is where we're speaking next:
- Upcoming AV & Technology Innovations In The Meeting Industry
Thursday, February 16, 2012 - The Seven Dwarfs Of Social Media: Enchanting Your Audience
Sunday, February 26, 2012 to Tuesday, February 28, 2012 - How Technology Has Made Us All Artists
Wednesday, March 28, 2012 - IGNITE: Is Botox Better Than An MBA?
Friday, March 30, 2012 - View all events...
- Who needs talk radio? Eavesdrop on Craig Sorell, a project coordinator at the American Industrial Hygiene Association, and KiKi L'Italien, DelCor's senior consultant in social media and member communities, as they chat about trends in the association industry. They get together for the Association Cocktail Hour biweekly, but you can listen any time!
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