MAPS 2.0
What is MAPS?
MAPS - which the observant might notice is SPAM spelled backwards - works on a simple principal that is commonly used with Instant Messenger (IM) clients such as AOL's Instant Messenger or Microsoft's Messenger. That is that with most IM clients you need to get the permission of the person you want to message before you can send them an instant message. MAPS considers all email spam and returns it to the sender unless the email is from somebody on your white list.
Now white lists are not new but maintaining a white list is a bother. So MAPS automates the maintaining of the that white list by putting the responsibility of maintaining it on the people who wish to email you. MAPS also seeks to make it easy for real people, not spammers, to request permission to email you. Here's how it works....
Email that is delivered to you is passed through a filter (maps filter) which processes your email like so:
- Extract senders email address - no sender address (and no envelope address)? Discard the email
- Check to see if the sender is on your white list - if so deliver the mail
- Check to see if the sender is on your black list - if so return a message telling the sender that s/he is blocked from emailing you.
- Check to see if the sender is on your null list - if so discard the email
- Otherwise send the sender a bounce back message with a link for them to quickly register. Also, save their email so it can be delivered when they register
As you can see this algorithm will greatly reduce your spam. Also, it's easy for real people to register. Spammers typically do not read any email returning to them so they never register!
What to do if you get a bounce back/register email from MAPS?
If you receive a bounce back/register email that means you are not yet on my white list. You can register by clicking the link and then typing your name. That's it! You will then be added to my white list and your previous email will be delivered. Also, all future emails from your email address will be automatically delivered. Note, I reserve the right to remove you from my white list and optionally add you to my null or black lists.
What to do if you get a black list bounce back email from MAPS?
Not much you can do. I've blacklisted you for a reason. I guess you could attempt to contact me another way but chances are I also blocked you phone number from calling or texting me.
What to do if you find yourself on my null list?
Nothing! It's a null list. Your email would have been silently discarded so how would you know? Note I can't even see it - it was not delivered to me.
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Andrew DeFaria <Andrew@DeFaria.com>