This week I received an email from someone suggesting that we get together to network and learn about each other’s businesses. Like me, she lives in Seattle.
I enthusiastically emailed my reply. Then I received this response:
“I apologize for this automatic reply to your email.
“To control spam, I now allow incoming messages only from senders I have approved beforehand.
“If you would like to be added to my list of approved senders, please fill out the short request form (see link below). Once I approve you, I will receive your original message in my inbox. You do not need to resend your message. I apologize for this one-time inconvenience.”
The link below the message took me to a screen in which I had to verify my name and email address and type the wavy letters I saw in a box.
It took me only a minute to read the message and take the action. The one-time inconvenience was brief. But why inconvenience others at all, especially if we are reaching out to them?
I suggest that people who use such spam-control methods add people to their whitelist (their list of people whose email will be accepted) before they send them email. If they do so, replying will be hassle-free for those they want to correspond with.
What do you suggest?
