Junk Mail - How do you cope?

[carlj]

Me, I save the postage paid envelopes for credit cards, etc, and shove in a job lot of take away menus, stair lift ads and pop them in a nearby post box.

[Gill Catton]

Originally Posted by carlj

Me, I save the postage paid envelopes for credit cards, etc, and shove in a job lot of take away menus, stair lift ads and pop them in a nearby post box.

apparently you can re address those and use them for yourself!

I like your style though!!

[Imaginos]

A postman friend of mine once suggested you take the opportunity to rid yourself of heavy items by sticking the postage paid envelope to them & taking them to the post office. Apparently the junker has to pay the extra postage on heavy items such as paving slabs, sofas etc. Never tried it myself though....

[Paul mabbott]

Good thinking! I don't have the time so they all go on the compost heap ....

[Oy]

Yep - I too like to fill up the pre-paid envelopes with other junk mail and post it back to them

[Paul mabbott]

But why do they do it in the first place? [I don't mind the takeaway menus - they do tell me that a new place has opened, shows what they have to offer and gives me a number!] When did anyone here last take up a junk offer? Has anyone *ever* done it? I sometimes allow firms that I know to send me e-mail adverts (anything I don't recognise goes straight under the delete key) but I do not do anything by post anymore - an absolute waste of time, (their) money and paper ....

[Jennywrenny]

We have registered with the Mail Preference Service and the Telephone Preference Service which has drastically cut down the amount of junk mail and cold calling we get. If after a certain length of time after registering with these services you still get junk mail / cold callers you can report them to the relevant service. We still get the odd menu and flyers that arrive with the free paper and some hand delivered leaflets but not nearly half as much as we used to

[glsammy]

I've done the same as Jenny, and it works a treat! I used to get so many telephone calls, they were driving me nuts. My standard response used to be to say absolutely nothing, leave them on the line for a minute or so and then put the receiver down.
Now I hardly get any at all.
Same with junk mail, apart from local leaflets, next to nothing.

[rlchew]

Originally Posted by Jennywrenny

We have registered with the Mail Preference Service and the Telephone Preference Service which has drastically cut down the amount of junk mail and cold calling we get. If after a certain length of time after registering with these services you still get junk mail / cold callers you can report them to the relevant service. We still get the odd menu and flyers that arrive with the free paper and some hand delivered leaflets but not nearly half as much as we used to

I've done this too and it is very successful in almost eliminating junk mail and cold calling.

What I am really suffering from at the moment is the electronic version .... all those spam e-mails!!!!

Richard

[jennyb]

I also registered with the TPS. We used to get lots of junk faxes which made me so mad - using MY paper and MY ink!

Jenny

[gmsmith]

I have also done as Jenny has, however, I've had several run-ins with Readers Digest sending me CD's and Books etc, followed by the bill, when I did not order them in the first place. after many letters I did end up sending an e-mail to there head office threatening to seek legal advise with regards 'harassment'. (tempting fate here) I haven't had any problems or communications since May?. With regards cold calling it used to be every night and all weekend but since contacting the Telephone Preference Service all seems to fine and at peace with the world again, a telephone answer machine also helps keep the blighters at bay. We also used to send back pre-paid/addressed envelopes either empty or with documents from other junk senders in them, quite enjoyed that, it would appear many others did like wise.

I hope this is alright to post and it is a bit long winded but this was my last correspondence with Readers Digest, it may be worth a giggle or two. If not suitable perhaps one of the moderators would remove it. IT WORKED THOUGH

I DO NOT WISH TO SUBSCRIBE TO YOUR COMPANY, I WANT NOTHING FROM YOUR COMPANY EXCEPT FOR YOU TO "LEAVE ME ALONE"
WHAT DO YOU PEOPLE NOT UNDERSTAND BY LEAVE ME ALONE?, YOU MUST HAVE RECEIVED MY LAST E-MAIL TO BE ABLE TO SEND THIS ONE. I SHALL AGAIN ATTACH THE LAST ONE IN-CASE YOU DID NOT UNDERSTAND THE FIRST TIME, IF YOU CONTINUE TO HARASS ME IN THIS WAY I SHALL SEEK LEGAL ADVICE. DO NOT, I REPEAT, DO NOT, SEND ME ANYTHING, FREE OR OTHERWISE. I WANT "NOTHING" DO YOU UNDERSTAND "NOTHING"

PREVIOUS E-MAIL SENT 11/05/06. Please, Please read on, it obviously did not sink in the first.


I am sending you this e-mail reluctantly, because giving you my e-mail address is likely to end up with your company bombarding me with further junk mail via my e-mail address. But at least I will be able to stop it getting through with spam blocker. unfortunately not via post.

You will find attached three letters received from Readers Digest. ALL SIGNED BY MR ***** ****** (CUSTOMER SERVICES)?

Please tell me why it is so difficult to get Readers Digest and Mr ***** ****** to leave me alone? let me start from the beginning.

Around Christmas time I received my regular "YOU HAVE BEEN CHOSEN" letter. addressed to Mr SMITJ. just like the other mountain of junk mail from readers digest. Look It's SMITH OK, spelt S, M, I, T, H. let me spell that again S, M, I, T, H. Spot the "H" on the end.
Anyway, I returned this junk e-mail in the "NO" envelope. (not that that matters eh!) I had ripped all the junk in half, with gusto I might add! and scrawled in felt tip pen, in no uncertain terms that my name is "SMITH" AND WOULD YOU PLEASE "LEAVE ME ALONE". It would appear to no avail. Bring on letter number one, dated 11th Feb 2006. Dear Mr "SMITJ" (You have got to be joking right). we have received your order for "The Magic Of Melody". WHAT "FLAMIN ORDER" I don't want the "The Magic Of Melody" It's not my type of music the type I prefer IS? wouldn't you like to know? NO THANKS. I'll probably get that through the post as well.
After letting of steam for a few hours and going for a walk to clear my mind, I thought I know I'll ring customer services, lets put this matter to bed and I can sleep easy. Having finally got through to customer services, I spoke to what sounded like a very pleasant lady, who was very polite and courteous, but unfortunately did not understand THAT I DID NOT ORDER, DO NOT WISH TO ORDER, WILL NEVER ORDER, HAVE NOT PAID FOR, OR WRITTEN A CHEQUE FOR, "The Magic Of Melody". BUT! Bless, She did understand my name is "SMITH" and not "SMITJ" It is a pity that MR "***** ******" Couldn't do the same. Anyway, The kind lady on the phone made note of my frustrations, namely, wrong name, goods not ordered, and that I demand that I am removed from your mailing list. The lady discussed the issue with I presume her supervisor. and it would appear that someone actually listened to me. FREE AT LAST FROM THE READERS DIGEST BURDON OH YES, YES, YES WHAT A RESULT. THANK YOU SO MUCH. Wrooonnng. I received a lovely letter from Mr ***** ******. I was sorry to learn that you no longer wish to receive offers from Readers Digest. YEP YOU GOT THAT RIGHT. BLAH BLAH BLAH note!!! "I can confirm that we have removed your details etc" HOWEVER! "wait for it" You may be interested in !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. ARE YOU SERIOUS? WHAT DO YOU NOT UNDERSTAND?. The first few lines of letter say's all that I want here. Just leave it at that. But no you just had to ask if I was interested in other offers which may be of interest.

LOOK IT'S QUITE SIMPLE, READ SLOWLY ...................PLEASE... DO... NOT... ENTER... ME... IN... ANY... DRAWS,... PLEASE... DO... NOT... SEND... ME... THINGS... THAT... MAY... BE... OF... INTEREST... I... JUST... WANT... TO... BE... LEFT... ALONE.... The question at the time was, should I respond to such a stupid letter. NO leave alone the nightmares over. THEN!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU WILL NEED TO TRY TO USE YOU IMAGINATION NOW

Date 09.05.06

(My wife) Hi ya darling had a good day?. (Me) Yeh been busy but all in all not a bad day. any post?, (My wife) sorry usual bills. Oh theres also a parcel from READERS DIGEST.

A chill ran down my spine! perhaps it's a goodwill gift for being such a pain, (Me) open it for me darlin, (My wife) no way, its addressed to you. Aaaarrrrhhh. Its, Its, Its ............................................."The Magic Of Melody"


Copies of all three letters are attached to this e-mail.

IT REALLY IS PAST BEING FUNNY NOW. SO FOR ONE LAST DESPERATE ATTEMPT TO GET YOU OF MY BACK.
CLOSE YOUR EYES, GO IN TO A DEEP SLEEP, AND REPEAT, THE FOLLOWING,

MR "SMITJ" IS A FIGMENT OF MY IMAGINATION, HE DOES NOT EXIST, WE ARE WASTING OUR TIME TRYING TO WIND HIM UP, BECAUSE HE JUST DOES NOT EXIST, I MUST WIPE HIS DETAILS FROM OUR DATA BASE, IF I SEND ANYTHING ELSE TO THIS PERSON, I SHALL TURN INTO A BUNGLING IDIOT.






PS. Please arrange collection of "The Magic Of Melody" If it's not collected by the end of the month ie 31st May 2006. I shall dispose of accordingly.
PPS. Don't even think of billing me.


----- Original Message -----
From: Reader's Digest
To: Geoff smitj
Sent: Thursday, May 25, 2006 3:57 PM
Subject: Your Reader's Digest magazine subscription


Customer Services








We've received your order, and (subject to our acceptance) your subscription will commence with the current issue of the magazine, which will be sent within 2 weeks.

Your Statement of Account will be despatched by post: there's nothing for you to pay until you receive our invoice. As promised, if you enjoy your first issue and want more, you can take advantage of our Special New Subscriber rate of £13.95 (instead of £42) - a saving of more than 60%.

Thank you for your order.

[cherrybee]

Originally Posted by rlchew

I've done this too and it is very successful in almost eliminating junk mail and cold calling.

What I am really suffering from at the moment is the electronic version .... all those spam e-mails!!!!

Richard

I use mailwasher then i add them to the blacklist and they are automatically marked for deletion and bouncing.then when I process the mail It opens my mail program and it only lets downloads the ones I want on my friends list

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by Imaginos

A postman friend of mine once suggested you take the opportunity to rid yourself of heavy items by sticking the postage paid envelope to them & taking them to the post office. Apparently the junker has to pay the extra postage on heavy items such as paving slabs, sofas etc. Never tried it myself though....

I love the idea of sending them a sofa - perhaps GMsmith should try it with readers digest - I can supply you with flytipped items if you dont have a sofa handy - could be a bit of a so and so to carry to the post office tho

[gmsmith]

Originally Posted by eeyore

I love the idea of sending them a sofa - perhaps GMsmith should try it with readers digest - I can supply you with flytipped items if you dont have a sofa handy - could be a bit of a so and so to carry to the post office tho

And bill them of course post and packing.

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by gmsmith

And bill them of course post and packing.

according to imaginos's mate they get billed automatically if you use one of their postage paid envelopes on the front - a sofa might be a bit ambitious , why not wrap a brick up in brown paper and try that as a test case

[Jennywrenny]

Originally Posted by eeyore

a sofa might be a bit ambitious , why not wrap a brick up in brown paper and try that as a test case

Chuckle chuckle... like it

[eeyore]

of course the flaw in this plan is that they will not accept an overwieght items accross post office counters so you will get charged for the extra - however if you use something small enough to post in a letter box - broken bits of paving slab for instance - then the recipient (readers digest or whoever) will get charged the extra

[Tormentil]

Originally Posted by cherrybee

I use mailwasher then i add them to the blacklist and they are automatically marked for deletion and bouncing.then when I process the mail It opens my mail program and it only lets downloads the ones I want on my friends list

I too use Mailwasher Pro. I have a couple of filters set up. One for the genealogy lists I subscribe to and one to check that my email address is in the To or CC, if not they're deleted automatically. I don't use the "blacklist" any more because email spammers are continually changing thier addresses and the list can get huge.

[gmsmith]

But we could just burn the sofa and put the ashes in an envelope with the broken paving slab and say a picture of the sofa just so they know what it was, and get the best of both worlds, sofa + broken paving slab, and they still get charged the extra. Job done

[carlj]

Originally Posted by gmsmith

But we could just burn the sofa and put the ashes in an envelope with the broken paving slab and say a picture of the sofa just so they know what it was, and get the best of both worlds, sofa + broken paving slab, and they still get charged the extra. Job done

Tut - carbon emissions.

How about a lead tablet, with the four letters of your choice, accompanying "off" scratched onto the surface?

[Rich]

That's given me an idea. I now know how to get rid of my old refrigerator.

[gmsmith]

Originally Posted by carlj

Tut - carbon emissions.

How about a lead tablet, with the four letters of your choice, accompanying "off" scratched onto the surface?

Of course your right, silly me, best leave the sofa then!......... can't think of four letters to accompany "off" ...................... Ah just got it!........ NAFF. not very threatning though.

[fbcpmike]

Originally Posted by Tormentil

I too use Mailwasher Pro. I have a couple of filters set up. One for the genealogy lists I subscribe to and one to check that my email address is in the To or CC, if not they're deleted automatically. I don't use the "blacklist" any more because email spammers are continually changing thier addresses and the list can get huge.

I used to use Mailwasher, bit I've since moved over to Popfile at SourceForge
Been using it for over a year, thats 27,000 emails to date. It integrates with Outlook or Outlook Express or several other clients and uses Firefox or Explorer for control.
Mailwasher is good, I found Popfile better. It's a Bayes system so does need "training" and takes a while to get upto speed, but it classifies my emails better than Spamassassin, which said to be one of the best. It will classify your emails which you can then automatically sort in Outlook with rules, straight into the bin.

I also reccomend using "throwaway" email addresses, keep your personal stuff to a private set of addresses, and use others you don't mind scrapping for public use when they get compromised.

[Owl-Light]

Originally Posted by carlj