How many times have you heard the terms "black list", "block list", and "rules" as it applies to the spam problem?

What you may not have noticed is that these terms all have one central theme in common:

These terms all describe NEGATIVE processes. "Average" filtering systems currently operate on this negative principal known as "Spam Blocking". In other words, "If the word FREE is in the subject line, then throw away"

This approach may reduce spam, but not without a compromise... The price you pay is YOUR TIME constantly trying to block things from coming in and possibly losing important email too.

I believe the better approach is to "think positive".

Take for example how you sort your regular "snail" mail at home.

As you go through your mail, you instinctively look for things that are familiar to you, you've trained yourself to be on guard for sales-oriented junk mail.

When you grab that pile of mail, you know what to set aside for later. Now you can look at the important stuff!

You may decide to glance through the junk pile just in case there's something worth looking at, and then throw out what you're sure is junk.

That is the power of positive thinking!

You know what you WANT, which is MUCH EASIER than knowing what you don't want!

Let me ask you this... Could you possibly know every single piece of junk mail that you don't want, including all the new junk you've never even seen yet?

Of course not. If you could, would you really want to know? Why waste your time on junk mail, especially since you never asked for it in the first place?

The truth is, most spam filtering systems are limited to this negative approach -- identifying and trying to keep up with every spam that could possibly cross your path.

I'm sure you'll agree that this is not a very personal approach, and certainly not very practical.

So what should you look for in a spam filter?

1. It should have an addresses list of those you correspond with. It should automatically import existing address lists, both good and bad, for you.

2. It should collect all your mail directly and sort it into different folders based on importance. This ensures you won't lose important mail, and no spam slips buy unnoticed!

3. It should not require the use of known spammer lists or black lists. Good addresses or domains may be on those lists by accident and mail you want can get lost.

4. It should have self-learning filters which avoids time consuming manual entry. This means it should be a click-it-and-forget-it approach.

5. It should prevent harmful attachments from opening and keep dangerous code from being able to open in your computer. This is a common trick used by email virus makers!

6. It should have a built in identification process. A caller ID for email if you will. It is something you can assign with a click of a button.

7. It's filter should be based on a positive process. This separates your "Maybe" mail from spam, into different folders. Avoids the need to sift through the junk for good mail.

Tip: You can see some comparisons to spam filters by clicking here.

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How much junk mail do you get each day?

If you get twenty or more a day, you should try a product like Mailbox Filter. If not, you can use the delete key or look for a cheap filter. (Using caution of course.)

My wife told me a few months ago that she collected 342 emails using Mailbox Filter. It took her 7 minutes to get through it all and accept 32 she wanted. (She confessed to reading a few as well).

The point is with some willingness on your part and a small amount of your time, there is a way to control spam so you can carry on with your daily life.

I use Mailbox Filter to save me the time and allow me to be in total control of my communications.

You are welcome to give it a try by clicking here.

Make sure to join our Truth About Spam Control Ezine. Unravelling the confusions of spam and email viruses for you.

Happy Hunting!

Sincerely,

Robert Jensen

Your Spam Control Advisor