It’s possible. I’ve also been noticing a trend these days where many of the spams emails contain nothing but random texts (for example extracts from books, etc.). I’m guessing this is to un-train some of the Bayesian filters out there. Who knows…

1. Yes, that’s a great thing! I couldn’t agree more.

2. Nothing. I was just trying to point out that it wouldn’t really solve my problem… I’d still be stuck going through all the junk folder anyways

3. You’re right, I apologize. I could have sworn I read something to the effect that Google can use the information within your email for search purposes, etc. when it initially started… Either way, it’s no longer there, so you’re absolutely right!

4. Exactly. But if my ISV goes bust than I probably don’t need to receive my emails either from that domain

You know what I find most interesting about your comment? You’re a perfect example of just big this issue is, and how there’s no perfect solution. Everyone has different solutions depending on how big their problem is, but there is not one ideal solution!

I suspect you may be right when you consider the usage of bots that’s already becoming more and more prevalent… Perhaps we need to look at a better protocol, where you can’t spoof an email address… At least this way it would make spam filters a lot more accurate

At least they have a policy which states explicitly what they can do with your data when it’s on your server. Most mail service providers (ie. SMTP and POP that comes with hosting accounts) don’t offer any such restrictions.

> So it’s important that I manually scan all the spam emails for false positives.

What would be stopping you doing this in GMail?

> However when it comes to confidentiality one thing you need to realize is that Google owns the data, not you

This is simply not true at all:

“Google does not claim any ownership in any of the content, including any text, data, information, images, photographs, music, sound, video, or other material, that you upload, transmit or store in your Gmail account. We will not use any of your content for any purpose except to provide you with the Service.”

This is from section nine of http://www.google.com/mail/help/terms_of_use.html

> As well, remember that it is a free service. There’s nothing to prevent them from discontinuing their Gmail offering.

There’s nothing to prevent your ISP going bust either.

1. installed “postgrey” – It uses greylisting, meaning that when another server tries to deliver mail, my mail server will respond with “try again later”. Real mail servers will attempt redelivery but spammers never bother.

2. tightened up the rules for header_checks and body_checks – Things like eliminating mail from places like .kr, .ru, or mail that has obvious virus signatures.

3. turned on smtpd_helo_required, and smtpd_helo_restrictions – proper mail servers always send a real address with the HELO command, and spammers almost always send garbage (or the name of your server). It’s an easy place to reject mail.

I never even bothered to install spamassassin, or any kind of filtering. These steps worked for me.

Good luck!

Yes, that’s an option. However when it comes to confidentiality one thing you need to realize is that Google owns the data, not you. This means that they can legally parse your data, analyze it, etc. As a smaller software vendor, even though it’s unlikely they will use it, it’s still not a risk I’m willing to take.

As well, remember that it is a free service. There’s nothing to prevent them from discontinuing their Gmail offering. Again, it’s not likely to happen, but it’s not worth the risk.

And yes, it’s an unfortunately large amount of spam. Combine my personal spam with the amounts of spam we get for LandlordMax through technical support and it quickly adds up!!!