DataBack News
Check this blog for information about new services, internet issues, recommended software, or just some occasional bloviating. Better yet, subscribe to this page by using the RSS link on this page or on our home page.
Online bookmark service – recommended!
I had used del.icio.us as my online bookmark service for years. But a new service has impressed me enough that I’ve switched. Keeping your bookmarks “in the cloud” has many advantages – check out http://www.diigo.com – they even have versions for your Android phone, iPhone, etc.
New auto-responder service just for churches
This new auto-responder service is designed specifically for churches. It included unlimited follow-ups, total control of message content, and easy-to-use interfaces, all starting at just $10.00/month. See http://www.churchautorespondersystem.com for details.
phishing messages NOT from databack.com
If you receive a message from databack.com saying “your POP and SMTP settings have changed”, that message is NOT from us and didn’t come from our servers. It’s a phishing email attempting to install malware on your computer. DO NOT open the attachment.
Google Apps Status Dashboard
“Is Gmail down for just me or for everyone?” http://goo.gl/zvmW
Splayer!
Okay, this actually has nothing to do with DataBack directly. But today I came across a new, superb, open-source (Windows) media player and I have to share this link:
http://www.splayer.org/index.en.html
I previously used KMplayer, but this seems to be much smaller, faster, smoother and easier-to-use. I hope you find it so as well.
Data security at ESPs
Unfortunately, evidence is being reported that a couple of large Email Service Providers (ESPs) have recently experienced problems with their customer mailing lists being compromised: http://blog.wordtothewise.com/2010/01/esps-leaking-email-addresses/
Working with a small outfit like DataBack Systems can definitely be an advantage when it comes to security because very few people here have access to your data. But as a list owner you should be aware that disgruntled ex-employees who had access to your list might choose to abuse it. Be careful who you allow to access your subscriber data.
Great advice for creating HTML emails
We still recommend plain-text newsletters. But if you are sending HTML newsletters, you will find a ton of useful advice for creating “rock solid” HTML email in this article:
http://24ways.org/2009/rock-solid-html-emails
Some quotes from the article (be sure to read the comments as well):
“Building an email is not like building for the web. “
“You need to test your designs regularly. Just because a template looks nice in Hotmail now, doesn’t mean it will next week.”
“Just remember that pixel perfection in all email clients is a pipe dream.”
CCtoMany scheduled mailings
Our CCtoMany service is focused on ease-of-use. Thus, the recommended method for posting messages to a CCtoMany list is to simply prepare and send an email to your list’s private posting address for immediate distribution.
Effective immediately however, CCtoMany accounts also include the ability to enter a message via a web-based editor, for scheduled delivery at some future date. Multiple messages can be scheduled, and any one can be saved as a template for future new mailings (to retain the same look for future messages).
Newsletter Unsub Link
Every message you send to your newsletter list should offer an unsubscribe option. It’s easy to include such a link – please see http://wiki.databack.com/OneClickUnsubscribe/
This page also provides an easy way for subscribers to CHANGE their address.
NOTE: This is only for newsletter lists, NOT discussion lists.
