Are you wary of giving our your email address when you’re asked for it? This is more common these days, even offline. Companies have asked me over the phone, on application forms, and of course all over the Web. Most people probably give out what they call their “spam address,” some Hotmail account they check every week or so, tops.
Several years ago I started creating a new email address for every company or website that required it. So, Amazon reaches me at [email protected], while eBay sends to [email protected]. If they ever abuse my address, I can simply login to my server and shut off just that one email account. Simple.
This actually started for me back before I even had an email address. Whenever I would register software, I would give each company a unique last name. It was always similar, but traceable. Maxis, the makers of Sim City, sent mail to Adam DuVanderoni.
On the web, this process is much easier. If you own your own domain name, you can set your main address as a catch-all email address. Any address @yourdomain.ext is automatically created on-the-fly. But the process of closing down an address can be tedious. I started my spam blocker service to make it easier for people without technical know-how or a domain name.
I’m not the only one with this service. Spam Gourmet offers something similar for free. Their email addresses eventually expire, which many people might like. But part of my approach is to keep a unique, continuous channel for appropriate communication. It’s only when a company abuses that trust that I shut them off, all the while keeping my real address safe.
Leave a Reply