Perils of unwanted emails
If you don’t treat your digital friends and customers with respect, you may end up entangled in an embarrassing case of email revenge.
That’s what happened to a Christchurch golf club recently when it apparently failed to remove someone from its email list. The annoyed recipient hit back with a ‘‘reply all’’ hoax email to club members giving details about a secret swingers club.
I’m pretty sure the club has now removed him from their database and he’ll finally stop getting weekly emails about the club’s activities.
It was an extreme solution to an unfortunately common digital problem – getting unwanted emails.
Businesses, clubs and people value having your email address as it gives them direct access to you and your attention. However, if you don’t want them, they can be a pain in the digital derriere.
The easiest way to get rid of them to use the unsubscribe button at the bottom of the email.
If this isn’t available, then the best option is to use your email app to block or filter a sender so their messages skip your inbox and go straight to your trash.
If either of these options doesn’t work, then you’ll have to ask for your address to be removed from their database. However, some firms will take this request as confirmation that they are getting your attention and will keep on spamming you.
Others, such as clubs or social groups, may not have the time or know-how to remove you. This is where it gets frustrating and you can be tempted to seek your revenge via an abusive ‘‘reply all’’ email.
It may be best to try calling, as putting a voice to a name may endear them to helping you.
The case involving the golf club shows how important it is to respect people’s email addresses. Digital blunders today can easily become front page news and companies can pay a hefty financial price for negative media attention.
However, it’s also up to you to treat your email address with respect. Don’t give it out to just anyone and consider creating a second one to use as a ‘‘throwaway’’ address.
It's up to you to treat your email address with respect - don't give it out to just anyone.