IDNet filtering/blocking emails?

Dopamine · Jun 17, 2008, 02:36:06

I recently discovered the email service run by bigstring.com, which allows users to send self-destructing and/or non-forwardable emails, along with various other email security devices. Although I have no need for self-destructing emails I was intrigued so signed up for a free account. Took less than 5 minutes.

I sent a few experimental emails to several of my IDNet addresses, waited..... and waited and waited. None arrived. The same emails were copied (at the same time) to a hotmail address and an address on my own domain, and all arrived instantly. Sure enough, the emails self-destructed 30 seconds after being opened (that time period is user definable). Quite a clever trick.

My IDNet addresses have been set to have no spam filtering, so in theory everything should arrive, but those from bigstring.com haven't. I've checked and double checked my IDNet spam filters are inactive, and given that I get virtually no spam to any of my IDNet addresses (I would have expected a fair bit by now), I wonder if IDNet isn't using a mass spam filter that is set a little aggressively and over which individual users have no control.

Anyone else use bigstring, and if so, are you able to receive emails from it at IDNet addresses?

Dopamine · Jun 17, 2008, 02:41:38

Ha, my last post did the trick. Emails have just arrived at my IDNet addresses, 50 minutes after being sent. Looks like IDNet email is on go-slow again.

Simon · Jun 17, 2008, 08:02:51

I believe IDNet does use a 'grey list' filtering system, which can delay some emails by a few minutes, but I have to agree, 50 minutes, does seem excessive.

Sebby · Jun 17, 2008, 09:02:27

It'll be down to IDNet's greylisting, which helps reduce spam. If it took 50 minutes, it's likely that bigstrings.com is poorly configured.

Danni · Jun 17, 2008, 09:15:54

* Danni goes and looks at self destructing emails...

Rik · Jun 17, 2008, 11:01:58

Quote from: Sebby on Jun 17, 2008, 09:02:27
It'll be down to IDNet's greylisting, which helps reduce spam. If it took 50 minutes, it's likely that bigstrings.com is poorly configured.

I have to agree. The greylisting server requests a re-send and it's up to the sending server how it handles that request. After the first email, though, there should be no delay, so if you continue to experience problems, Dopamine, let support know and they will have a filter tweak.

merlin · Jun 17, 2008, 11:27:12

think i've missed something here , what good is a self destructing email

? can't see a use for it

Rik · Jun 17, 2008, 11:49:52

I suppose terrorists and spies might find it useful, Bob, but beyond that I haven't a clue.

David · Jun 17, 2008, 11:53:40

Quote from: Simon on Jun 17, 2008, 08:02:51
I believe IDNet does use a 'grey list' filtering system, which can delay some emails by a few minutes, but I have to agree, 50 minutes, does seem excessive.

I am just getting Emails from last night,I only post this for the record,it isn't a big deal for me but thought I would contribute if there is a problem may help things

Rik · Jun 17, 2008, 11:55:56

I'm not seeing any delays here.

Simon · Jun 17, 2008, 12:03:00

I know.

Rik · Jun 17, 2008, 12:03:47

True.

Dopamine · Jun 17, 2008, 13:38:52

Quote from: merlin on Jun 17, 2008, 11:27:12
think i've missed something here , what good is a self destructing email ? can't see a use for it

I can't see the point either really, but I suppose it's good for the paranoid, or those that worry about personal privacy. My attention was drawn to it after I heard of a 22 year old girl who was the victim of cyber-bullying. Most of the unpleasant emails to her were from bigstring accounts, in a format that did not allow them to be saved, forwarded or traced.