I just wanted to ask what is up with emails and such. I don't use your email very much but am unclear of your policy. I have heard numerous complaints about emails not showing up and down right disappearing. I work in the IT field and know that the emails are stored. Is there a security policy that is not being shared. I have heard it to often for it to be a fluke. An email between two people should be between those two people. I guess my question is are email secure. Is any one on your staff privy to an email I send? I will wait your response......

An email might not go through for more than one reason.

First, we have an email filter to prevent spam. If an email from a new person or one who hasn't written you for a while contains a link to an outside website, it may be caught up in our filter.

We also try to make certain the scammers don't get to stick around. If a member mails you and then is banned, you won't receive the mail. it'll go "poof" and disappear.

Not only do I NOT possess the ability to read your emails, I wouldn't have the time nor inclination to do so.

There have been a few hiccups in the mail system before. I am not aware of any current problems. Normally, if there were a problem, this forum would be flooded with complaints. This indicates to me, an isolated problem. Have you cleared cache and cookies?

As far as security, we do reserve the right to check out reported members for bad emails, you being a tech, should understand, that we do have bad people occasionally, who send out vulgar messages, and we do have to see to our members safety. Any administration on any site usually has a clause in the T.O.S which does cover that aspect of membership. There are over two million members here, and we simply do not have the time, to pry into their personal business.

I will be happy to check your account, or send you a couple of test messages, if you wish.

Thanks,
Mark

**edit** Lori makes a good point there also, concerning email filters. First contact emails, which contain links to sites, or phone numbers, are not delivered. Once you have established an emailing history with someone, then those messages will pass.

Also, mail messages are auto deleted after thirty days, and those filters will reset, meaning you have to re-establish relations before links and such will pass. This is for scam/spam protection.

Lulu I appreciate the answer. I do understand the back end of everything. I have also heard of complete conversations disappearing which is all cool if that is the deal. I have to say it smells a little funny. Honest people become vulnerable on the internet as you know. My point is an email between two people should be sacred. There should be no judgement on the content or is there?

Jeff, check your email.

If the email is only to spam or scam our users, then yes, there's judgment. We have a desire to protect our members who might not realize that there really are people out there who will try and scam them from their money and emotions. After a few conversations, the filters back off.

However, if you've been conversing with a member who has been removed from the site, you'll lose the conversations with them.

I don't have any problem with that. I do have a problem with some one reading something I wrote.....

Once again, we just do not have time to read peoples emails. The mods do not even have the ability to look in your mail. Your business is your business.

Well I have to tell you that there is a feeling in the mingle community that thinks this is not the case. I personally find this very troubling. I think it would certainly be in your best interest to rectify this. I enjoy this site but I don't like bull chit....

The only time I have seen that become a problem is when I try to send someone a link ( through email ) to my DC team's website.

When I put in the link, the email doesn't go through.

Youtube links seem to work perfectly well, though.

Fortunately, there are ways around the problem. But it's still a pain in the arse.

You say there is judgement on which emails are allowed to be sent and saved on one hand. Then on the other hand you are telling me that my business is my business and my emails are confidential. How exactly are you making the judgement on which emails are reviewed. I don't mean to be a pain in the azz but my privacy is sacred to me. I don't like anyone up in my business. If you are reading my emails just tell me up front and I will make the determination on wether to use this site or not. Thank you for your input....

Those auto filters, determine urls or strings of numbers, such as phone numbers. It also, of course bleeps out certain expletives.

Have you ever read the book "1984"? So if someone sends another person an email with a phone number somebody is going to read it. What is done with this information? I will just not use your email. Thank you for your time concerning this..........

You are apparently misunderstanding me. The auto system is program designed to detect numbers or urls in first contact mailing, along with expletives. (predetermined and written into the program)

One there have been a few exchanges, the system will pass subsequent mailings.

newarkjw, being in the IT field and knowing the back end of things, I suspect you already know the answers you are seeking. There are filters in place for certain circumnstances, as has been explained here, and as has already been pointed out, the mods do not have the ability to get into anyones mail. Admin does not have the time or inclination to filter through folks' mail, and really I don't see how their doing so would be in the best interest of their site.

Further, if you are hearing complaints, then the proper thing to do is to direct folks to Admin witb their e-mail issues so Admin can remedy their situation. There's not much they can do if they aren't aware of the problem.

Thank you for your response and yes I do understand the need to filter out the seedy characters that one will find on a free site and I personally have never once received any spam which is a good thing. I am actually trying to do this site a big favor by bringing this up. If you haven't noticed alot of the regular forum posters have disappeared. It just seems to me that it would be in the sites best interest to address these. There have been to many people with the same complaint not to take notice. I personally truely enjoy this site and have met some great people. Have a nice day.....

Newark, I think you DO have all the answers you are seeking.

We appreciate your effort. Folks have the ability to forward their concerns about the site on their own through the proper channels. Admin makes every effort to address all legimate concerns because as you say, it would not be in their best interest to do otherwise. It's unfortunate that folks are disappearing, but I find there is kind of an ebb and flow to sites such as this, folks coming and going is part of the natural course of things. I'm happy to hear you are enjoying the site.

I have heard the same thing from numerous people about there emails being tampered with. Entirely to many to be a coincidence. We could play this song and dance all day long but if the powers to be don't give a damn why should. I just won't use you alls email and that problem is solved. I tried.........