Some Ways To Avoid Spam On Gmail

jafo writes "In general, Gmail has been extremely spam-free. More recently, however, it's gotten dramatically worse. I've written up some thoughts on Gmail spam and keeping the spam down. Want less spam on Gmail (and likely others)? Try generating an account name using "apg -M L -t"."

Comments

How Gmail is really delivering

[jbarr]

This brings up an interesting point. It seems that Gmail is trying to make a "best guess" as to who should receive these messages.

For example, (actual account names changed) say I had a Gmail account of "user.name@gmail.com" I would receive spam to "used.names@gmail.com". The interesting thing is that when I click on "Show Original", there are zero references to "user.name@gmail.com".

So why is this email getting routed to the "valid" address? Why is it not just bouncing? Is Gmail just making a "best guess"?

As soon as..

[SpookyJim]

the Google weenies get off their butts and fix the annoying issues I'm experiencing with my account (incorrect # of msgs, not being able to open spam/trash folders, etc.), Spam is the farthest thing from my mind. FIX IT damn you!

Re:Amateur!

[jacksonj04]

Or a method I found:

Embed a random email address in a webpage somewhere (i.e. in the source, with a 0 character hyperlink). Spammers, upon skimming the page, find the address ognewfir@domain.com, and promptly send it spam.

Your mailserver then automatically trains *anything* coming to that address as spam. Instant, self training bayesian filter (as long as you make sure you train some legitimate email from other accounts).