I include two of my own email addresses in the muse-letter list – my .blog address and test Gmail account – so that I can ensure that things are working properly. Yesterday's letter was received by the .blog address (always expected as it's on the same server) but not by the Gmail account and now I'm wondering if it was just a glitch in the Matrix or if my host has started blocking the mails to external addresses.
Checking the Email Delivery dashboard in CPanel all the mails appear to have been accepted for delivery so things should be okay but I'm still nervous. Having migrated to the new system I really don't want to have to move things again.
If you are subscribed I'd appreciate you letting me know if you did or didn't get the letter (number 23) yesterday. Maybe it's the number 23.
My own domain, it's sent from my .blog address and I've not previously had an issue but my host may have started blocking programmatically generated mails.
@colinwalker I'm afraid it hasn't shown up in my inbox either.
Colin Walker replied:
Thanks. Hmm 🤔 that's what I was worried about. I'll try resending and if it doesn't work may have to use a mailing list but that removes the automation aspect.
Colin Walker replied:
I've just tried again but not received it to Gmail so it looks like I may need to switch to an alternative plan.
@colinwalker that might work for low volumes, but my experience is that when you send out emails to lists and similar the only reliable solution is to use services like mailchimp or mailgun
They do a lot of voodoo to send things out in a way where you don't get trip spam filters
Colin Walker replied:
It's not a large volume and that hasn't increased since the last successful send. I have a mailing list feature I can use but it annoyingly adds a manual step to configure.
I've had to create a mailing list to get round the issue with the muse-letter, it introduces a manual process when someone subscribes/unsubscribed but at least it works.
After getting a reply I've just realised that using the mailing list changes the from address so that replies go to everyone on the list. I need to sort that out. Apologies.
Update: The list options are confusing but I think it's sorted.
Ideas – that's the stuff of creativity, ideas and their implementation. They've always been my nemesis but It's Only Words has taught me that (and there is a chapter on) big ideas are made of little ideas. Stories are a series of scenes, lives are a series of events, blogs are a series of ongoing posts; I've written about this in the past but now internalised it.
I've always struggled for ideas, especially ones that can lead to something meaningful but, following a couple of email threads this week, I've come up with an idea for my next project even before finishing the current one. Luckily, it won't get in the way of finishing "Words" and I don't have to reign myself in as I have to live it before I can write it.
@colinwalker what service do you use to send it?
My own domain, it's sent from my .blog address and I've not previously had an issue but my host may have started blocking programmatically generated mails.
@colinwalker I'm afraid it hasn't shown up in my inbox either.
Thanks. Hmm 🤔 that's what I was worried about. I'll try resending and if it doesn't work may have to use a mailing list but that removes the automation aspect.
I've just tried again but not received it to Gmail so it looks like I may need to switch to an alternative plan.
@colinwalker do you run your own smtp server?
No, it's supplied by the web host on shared hosting.
@colinwalker that might work for low volumes, but my experience is that when you send out emails to lists and similar the only reliable solution is to use services like mailchimp or mailgun They do a lot of voodoo to send things out in a way where you don't get trip spam filters
It's not a large volume and that hasn't increased since the last successful send. I have a mailing list feature I can use but it annoyingly adds a manual step to configure.
@colinwalker doesn't have to be large to trip it
I got it, Colin.
Probably on the third try 😊