The Art of Autoresponder Etiquette

Jan 2
22:04

2024

Shelley Lowery

Shelley Lowery

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Autoresponders, also known as mailbots, automatic email, or email on demand, are one of the most prevalent promotional tools on the internet. Originating from the popular fax on demand, these tools are designed to automatically respond to any email message with a pre-set response. However, while they can streamline many daily tasks, misuse of autoresponders can cause significant issues. This article will delve into the etiquette of using autoresponders and how to avoid common pitfalls.

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Understanding Autoresponders

Autoresponder programs range from simple autoresponse messages set up within an email program to complex scripts running on a server. These scripts can operate a web-based autoresponder system that uses a web page form or work with a pop email account on a server. The primary function of an autoresponder is to automatically send out a pre-determined message when a message is received to a specified script address or email address.

The Misuse of Autoresponders

Despite their usefulness,The Art of Autoresponder Etiquette Articles autoresponders are becoming one of the most widely abused promotional tools. Misuse of autoresponders can cause significant disruption, especially when they interact with other autoresponders.

The Loop Issue

Autoresponder addresses should never be used when submitting your website to Search Engines, Directories, Free For All sites, or in Classified Ad contact forms. Many of these types of websites use autoresponders to send thank you or welcome messages to their users. When their autoresponder sends a message to your autoresponder, it creates a loop. Each autoresponder will continue to respond to the other, causing a never-ending cycle of messages.

The Subscription Problem

When subscribing to an ezine or email discussion group, always use a real email address and never subscribe with an autoresponder address. Subscribing to these types of publications with an autoresponder address will get you immediately unsubscribed. If you're a member of a discussion group and receive many messages each day, your autoresponder will respond to every message it receives. This can lead to a flood of complaints and autoresponse messages for the list owner.

The Perpetrator Issue

Another problem ezine publishers encounter with autoresponder subscribers is locating the perpetrator. Often, the "reply to" and "from" address of an autoresponse message aren't the same as the address they subscribed under. It takes a great deal of time and effort to track the address, which is time that could have been better spent elsewhere.

The Unethical Use

Some Internet Marketers use unethical techniques to subscribe innocent individuals to their junk mailing lists. They send a message to an autoresponder address using their subscription address. When the autoresponder answers the message, the "from" address on the autoresponder will be instantly subscribed. This technique is not only unethical but also unprofessional.

The Responsible Use of Autoresponders

Autoresponders can be a wonderful tool for Internet Marketers and can save you hours of valuable time. However, if not used in a professional manner, they can wreak havoc on the Internet community. It's crucial not to tarnish your professional reputation by indulging in the abuse of the autoresponder system. The price of misuse is simply too high.