The "Blacklist" column

[cfheinz]

Does the "thumbs down" icon perform the same function. It seems to carry forward, but I don't see automatic entries in the Blacklist file like I did when checking "Blacklist" in the pre-2010 version. The rationale that spammers continue to change addresses doesn't deal with those who repeatedly use the same email address and having a maintainable "Blacklist" allowed me to remove those previously blacklisted.

[Sidewinder]

Does the "thumbs down" icon perform the same function. It seems to carry forward, but I don't see automatic entries in the Blacklist file like I did when checking "Blacklist" in the pre-2010 version. The rationale that spammers continue to change addresses doesn't deal with those who repeatedly use the same email address and having a maintainable "Blacklist" allowed me to remove those previously blacklisted.

Thumbs down simply declares the message as Spam and marks it for deletion on the next Wash. To Blacklist you can right click on the message in the grid and then make the appropriate designation for the user or domain. The current Blacklist logic does not time expire the entries. It is on the list to be added in a future release.

[cfheinz]

Thanks.

[stan_qaz]

Would you like to see a setting on the learning tool settings page to auto-add any marked as spam to the blacklist?

Would you like to see the same type setting for the Friends list?

I'm not a fan of doing that myself since it would add hundreds of bogus addresses to my blacklist that would just clog things up, I much prefer adding just the ones that come time and again to a filter titled "Do Not Want" so that I can group the display by Status and have them all sitting in one group that I can collapse and ignore. You could also set that filter to auto-delete and never have to look at the stuff unless you wanted to save it for spamcop reporting.

It takes a while to find the best way to do things with the new spam tool processing methods but once you get used to the new way you'll find it offers a lot of power compared to the old version.

[cfheinz]

Would you like to see a setting on the learning tool settings page to auto-add any marked as spam to the blacklist?

Would you like to see the same type setting for the Friends list?

For the way I use MailWasher, these would be convenient options. Could have them as settings so users could make their own choices.

[MrBill]

Would you like to see a setting on the learning tool settings page to auto-add any marked as spam to the blacklist?

Would you like to see the same type setting for the Friends list?

For the way I use MailWasher, these would be convenient options. Could have them as settings so users could make their own choices.

I suspect that the way you use MailWasher will change as you gain experience with the new version...

[stan_qaz]

I've been thinking about this one a bit and trying to recall some of the good arguments made for blacklisting addresses in today's environment. Only good one I recalled was for heavy mail users with multiple accounts that get the same spam multiple times. Having the blacklist function available automatically when classifying will then tag the same spam from multiple accounts even if the learning or other tools don't. It was mentioned that using it that way really worked best with a short retention time, about a week seemed popular.

For lower volume users the learning tool is probably better but if enough folks like the blacklist function I don't mind them getting it.

[anniebrion]

I get loads of emails from HSBC bank (and other banks) and I have no dealings with them, I blacklist all banks I don't use.

[stan_qaz]

I filter them, give them 200 bad points and group on the filter name. Better to have them grouped than mixed in with other mail and in my way. I save the blacklist for addresses that might be good, mostly wildcards for country domains.

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[rusticdog]

The biggest danger as I see it, is users accidentally blacklisting themselves/peers. I get a heap of spam forged with various addresses and were it to blacklist automatically then good email from those addresses are more likely to come through deleted.

We'll think on it some more and see about trying to find that right balance. I guess we don't consider this to be that urgent given that blacklisting by email address is pretty ineffective

[cfheinz]

The current right click to black list works for me. I do think that the old click blacklist column on the old MWP version was more convenient, though. I didn't have a problem with inadvertently blacklisting myself or friends. I've used MWP for a very looooooong time.

For me, blacklisting by email is quite effective.

[cfheinz]

I've taken a look at the forum entries because I thought I'd seen this reported before. Unfortunately, I can't find it so the question:

Why aren't blacklisted items all automatically tagged for deletion? I've had several instances where items show as blacklisted, but the delete isn't checked.

Carl

[anniebrion]

Why aren't blacklisted items all automatically tagged for deletion? I've had several instances where items show as blacklisted, but the delete isn't checked.

Not everyone wants their blacklisted items automatically deleted, they may just want the bayesian total decreased by blacklisted emails.

People that do can set up a filter that is "Spam Tool Rule" >> "Sender is on my Blacklist" & the action "Override delete" = "Auto-delete this email".

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[stan_qaz]

Because the blacklist isn't a reliable indicator of spam any more, the spammers have learned to work around it in too many cases.

If you want blacklisted addresses to always be deleted create a filter and set that as the rule using the drop-down option on the add rule button. I think you can choose to just mark or auto delete.

[cfheinz]

I think I should have been more clear.

I don't want items tagged for deletion to be deleted before I've had a chance to review them. The item should only be deleted when the "Delete" box is checked and I've pressed the "Wash" button. What I would like is for the "Delete" block to be checked for all senders I've previously blacklisted. This allows me to review those items currently checked for deletion and remove the check selectively. The old MWP did this, but not all items categorized as blacklisted have the "Delete" block checked in 2010. Some do and some don't. There is also a variability about whether "Thumbs Down" is highlighted when "Blacklist" is in the Status column.

I'm reluctant to set up a Blacklist filter unless I have the ability to still review an item before it is washed.

I suspect I might be too used to the things were and would like to have a similar process in 2010.