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Changes to TestZine
This page describes some of the changes I have made through the years to the systems I use to process and mail my ezines, including TestZine.
Email List Systems
My first ezine was Snippets. I used to host Snippets with Topica. Then Topica began to include, not only ads at the bottom of the emails, but also ads at the top. This change caused me to begin to look for options.
In late August 2002 I began testing WorldCast software from Fairlogic Systems to host the mailing list myself. That didn't work out. The software had a number of unacceptable issues
I then moved to the
Gammadyne Mailer.
Gammadyne Mailer
The
Gammadyne Mailer can be used very simply, almost out of the box. But it also features a very complete internal programming language to let you do just about anything you want.
For example, it lets me keep all the information on my PC in an Access database. I know that the information is secure and under my control. It also lets me program much of the interaction. It took about 6 hours of initial playing to get it like I wanted it.
More Changes
Then, in October 2003 I made more changes. I programmed in a double opt-in feature, and improved the operation for subscribing and unsubscribing.
In May 2004, I modified the program even more to better comply with the CAN-SPAM Act of 2003.
I modified the system to maintain:
- Date/Time of unsubscription requests
(I was already keeping the date/time of subscription requests)
- Date/Time of subscription and unsubscription confirmations
- Email Address used for unsubscription requests
- Email Address used for subscription and unsubscription confirmations
- IP Address used for subscription, unsubscription and confirmations
- Whether subscription/unsubscriptions came through email or the web
Pleased With Gammadyne
I'm very pleased with the
Gammadyne Mailer. It is screaming software.
I can strongly recommend
Gammadyne.
Disclosure: I participate in
the Gammadyne affiliate program.
Click here to link without crediting my referral account.
Other Snippets and Ezine Stuff
 All About TestZine, My Ezine: This page tells about my ezine, where it came from, how to subscribe . . . the whole banana.
NB: This ezine is fully functional, but there isn't really a newsletter. TestZine lets me test my system. It also lets the curious subscribe, unsubscribe and get a sample issue without really really signing up for anything. ««»»
Subscribe to TestZine: Like it says, go here to subscribe.
NB: This subscription is fully functional, but there isn't really a newsletter. TestZine lets me test my system. It also lets the curious subscribe, unsubscribe and get a sample issue without really signing up for anything. ««»»
Unsubscribe from TestZine: I'd hate to lose you, but if you need to unsubscribe, this page will take care of that.
NB: This is where you go to unsubscribe. Of course, there isn't really a newsletter. TestZine lets me test my system. It also lets the curious subscribe, unsubscribe and get a sample issue without really signing up for anything. ««»»
Previous Issues of TestZine: This page links to the archive of TestZine issues.
NB: This newsletter is just for testing. There isn't really a newsletter. TestZine lets me test my system. It also lets the curious subscribe, unsubscribe and get a sample issue without really signing up for anything. ««»»
TestZine Privacy Policy: The short version of my privacy policy for my TestZine ezine. It explains that I do not spam. Period. And, I do not sell, lend or release your subscription
information to anyone for any reason.
NB: Even though there isn't really a newsletter, there really is a privacy policy. TestZine exists to let me test my system. It also lets the curious subscribe, unsubscribe and get a sample issue without really signing up for anything. ««»»
Other Ezines I Offer
All About Snippets, My Free Ezine: This page tells about my free ezine (newsletter), where it came from, how to subscribe . . . the whole banana. ««»»
List Management Information
Best Practices of Email, Ezine and List Management: The organization known as MAPS (Mail Abuse Prevention System) once published a list it called "Basic Mailing List Management
Principles for Preventing Abuse". I used this list as the starting point to create my own "Best Practices" which I follow in managing my lists. ««»»
List Email Headers: An explanation of the RFC standard headers which should be used on emails for lists and ezines. Also identifies the supplementary user-defined fields I use on my ezines, as well as RFC standard email addresses ezine publishers should implement. ««»»
Gammadyne Mailer:
I use the Gammadyne Mailer for all my ezines. This page provides more information about that use, including summary information about the data I keep, the functions I've custom programmed and how to access my TestZine if you want to try it out. ««»»
CAN-SPAM Is Stupid: A personal rant about the U. S. federal law known as known as CAN-SPAM. While it is supposedly designed to help eliminate email spam, I think the law is stupid. The article also provides links to CAN-SPAM resources. ««»»
I Use Gammadyne Mailer
I began using the Gammadyne Mailer in late 2002. It is possible to use it very simply, almost out of the box. But it also features a very complete internal programming language to let you do just about anything you want. And, it keeps all the information on my PC in an Access database, where I know the information is secure and under my control.
It is screaming software. I strongly recommend Gammadyne Mailer.
PS: You can test drive my implementation of the Gammadyne Mailer just to see how it works. I created a TestZine to let me test my programming. You can test it too. Subscribe and receive a "sample issue". You can even try out some of the tests I perform, like subscribing twice in a row, or subscribing when I'm already subscribed or unsubscribing when I'm not subscribed, just to see how it handles these "special conditions". Just go to my TestZine page.
Disclosure: I participate in the Gammadyne affiliate program. Click here to link without crediting my referral account.
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