email from the forum

[Jeff]

Well, I need some advice.  As you know, I sent an email out to all forum members about the new MFRA video (Buy it it's worth it!). I received 2 emails back telling me not to send email anymore. They were both from individuals that joined early on and had never posted. The forum software mails to all members. My only solution to not sending mail was to delete the memberships which I did as neither had been logged in for at least 5 months.

Question is... Should I create an independent mailing list function that can be joined or unsubscribed to that is separate from the forum functions and use that to send mail?

That way, if it becomes an annoyance (I promise and try to avoid that!) you can opt out of mailings. Also interested visitors that are not necessarily members can subscribe and unsubscribe too.  The only problem will be that ya'll will have to subscribe to get it started.

I try not to send mail unless I really feel it is important.

Comments? Suggestions?

[Tom]

That sounds like a workable solution to me.

 Would there be a place on the profile to mark "send me forum mail" or are you talking about a completely separate entity from the profile, like adding your name or email address to a list that would reside on a separate link like the "knowledge base"?

[swampwhiteoak]

Sounds like a workable solution, Jeff.  It might be easier to have a check box when you sign up, also.  

You don't send too much email so I wouldn't think it is too bothersome anyway.

[Ron Wenrich]

Having a place where guests can get on a mailing sounds like a plus.  You can also have a checkbox in the profiles so members can check if they don't want to have mail sent.  It may even entice people to fill out their profile.   :D

[Jeff]

In order to let visitors sign up it will need to actually be stand alone. With as Tom suggested a link on the sidebar to subscribe or unsubscribe.

The interface I use will not ask you for a user name, but a real name so when you get your mail it will actually say,

Hello your name,

or something to that effect.
Just a name and email is all we'll need. were not in the business of selling miniture web cams or home morgage loans :D  

What should we call it? What should the link say?

Join our mail list?  TURNOFF
Get our Newsletter?  We dont have one.
Webmasters ramblings?  BORING
Free Porn? probably get the most sign ups. BUT NO!

Suggestions?

[psychotic1]

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