Last week I asked for your opinions in shaping the future format of this newsletter. I am trying to solve problems created by spam filters. I cannot measure the size of the problem with precision, but it appears that roughly 30% of the Plus Edition newsletters sent via e-mail never reach the intended addressees. I continue to send the Plus Edition to each subscriber via e-mail every week, but I have also been experimenting with alternative delivery methods for those who cannot receive e-mail versions.
Last week I set up an online survey and asked for newsletter readers to "vote" for their preferred method of newsletter delivery. The survey asked Plus Edition subscribers to choose one of three statements:
• I prefer to read the daily version on the Web. • I prefer to read the daily version in an RSS newsreader. • I prefer to read it once a week in e-mail, even though I realize that some issues may be deleted by spam filters before I see them.
In addition, Standard Edition subscribers were asked to choose one of two statements:
• I prefer to read the free Standard Edition daily version on the Web. • I prefer to read the free Standard Edition daily version in an RSS newsreader.
Now that the voting period is over, I must say there were no surprises. With more than a thousand votes cast, the Plus Edition subscribers strongly indicated that they want to read the newsletter once a week in e-mail, even though some issues may be deleted by spam filters. The Standard Edition subscribers indicated (by a 3 ½-to1 margin) that they prefer to read the newsletter on the Web site. In other words, the majority prefer that the delivery methods remain exactly the same as the always have been.
You can see the survey at http://www.eogn.com/home/poll.htm. Click on VIEW STATS to see the results of the survey.
As a result of the survey responses, I have decided to produce the following newsletter versions:
1. The Plus Edition will continue to be sent via e-mail every week to each Plus Edition subscriber. In other words, it continues in exactly the same manner as always.2. Standard Edition subscribers who ask for an e-mail notice will receive a short e-mail every week. That message will list the titles of new articles posted within the past week and will contain links to those articles. In other words, it continues in exactly the same manner as always.
3. I will also continue to publish the new RSS (or blog) version for the minority that wishes to use RSS newsreaders. This third version will not replace the previous versions. As always, Plus Edition articles will be accessible with a password that I issue to subscribers on request.
