<snip>
This is all true, but there are two approaches to solving this
problem:
1) the subject-munging hack (which has various negative
consequences, as has already been discussed), and
2) educating users about mail filtering, creating
documentation to help them understand the filtering
features of various popular MUAs (and gently nudging
them towards MUAs that get this stuff right.)
<unsnip>
I've read this approach a couple of times now and I just have to jump
in with my 2 cents (Canadian, so they're really on worth about 1.3
cents US).
There shouldn't be a universal answer to the "how do you configure
your list". My work takes me to many clients sites during the year
and I get to see how various systems architects/administrators have
configured their systems for their users. I'm talking about sites
that have 5000 users who are forced to live with MUA, filter, SMTP,
network, PC, and other standards over which they have no control, no
say, and no input. My lists target employees and contractors at these
sites and I know it would be ridiculous for me to say to these
s*bscribers "Hey, get a new mail client". They would love to have a
client that allows filtering, header manipulation, sorting, etc. They
just can't do it. At many large companies systems folks have locked
down PCs so that users cannot add software and some can't even change
the colours on their screens. Forget about changing e-mail clients
there. So for *my* lists, I work towards helping them deal with the 50
or so e-mails they get each week. If that means subject-munging, then
so be it. Other lists I have I don't do it. I'm not sure that all of
you are aware that this happens in these larger companies - and my
experience shows that the larger the company, the more standardized
they are.
So telling them to get a real e-mail client is the same as telling
them "switch employers or get off the list."
I guess it all comes down to who your "customers" are and how much you
are willing to "spend" to help them stay customers. I use my lists as
a way of getting my company name in potential clients brains, so I'm
more motivated to provide extra services. YMMV.
Karen
_______________________________________________
Karen Lopez, I.S.P.
http://www.infoadvisors.com - home of the IRM Bookstore,
where 100% of the proceeds go to IT-related
non-profit and charitable organizations
