I know you are thinking right now that I am nuts, however, we have already established that fact! 🙂 Why would you want to check your spam box? I mean, that’s what your anti-spam plug in is for. To grab all that nasty spam and keep away from your eyeballs, right? Well, technically yes. However, there is a very good reason to check that spam box every now and again.
Why Check Your Spam Box
Okay, so you have written a Pulitzer blog post. Released it to the masses and now Google is paying attention. They have moved your post right up the ranks and the world is hearing you. So are the spammers. We all know this. It can’t be helped, but our anti-spam plug ins are working away; building a spam barrier for us.
Remember the saying, “sometimes bad things happen to good people?” That applies to spam comments as well. The #1 reason you need to check your spam box is because sometimes loyal readers or well intentioned visitors leave comments that might not fit the spam parameters you have set up.
So, these unknowing people are sent straight to the spam box and if you don;t monitor that activity, they will be lost forever. In this instance, you won’t reply to their comment and they will think you have ignored them….and they could go away never to return to your blog again.
I have seen several of my loyal readers end up in the spam box and it aggravates me everytime. But, thankfully, I check that thing so as to un-spam them and bring them over to the good side!
Another key reason to check your spam box is to get rid of it. It only takes up space and slows things down in my opinion. Trash it and be rid of that back log of junk. Spammers are getting smarter everyday and now are including our names. So, be sure to check your spam box and make sure it really is spam or ham or cheeseburgers….whatever they want to call it these days.
Some people are commenting on your blog to really leave great value to your post and not just gain a comment link for their stuff. Don’t let them waste their time or be left in the barren desert for all eternity. Check your spam box at least twice a week…..I do it daily, but if your pressed for time…..find a few minutes to complete this easy task.
I have found that some of my well-intended comments have ended up in my Spam. Therefore, I do check it frequently, and sometimes find some good comments for people there. Sometimes it is hard to tell the spammers from the real commentors.
Good article. Sally
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Lisa,
Checking your spam box is something everyone should do. Having occasionally ending up on the wrong side of a spam filter I know it sucks to write a reply and not know if it is ever going to see the light of day.
I -almost- always check mine and have rescued quite a few blog posts from there. Even some rare comments from bloggers with a higher profile than myself (like Pat Flynn ended up in my spam folder once)
Since I get about 1,000 spams a day, I have a “quick” method too. Just scan thru looking for avatars.
Most spammers do not use avatars. Read all comments by avatars and see if
1. they address you
2. They at least ‘sort of’ talk about the post topic
3. You recognize them
This can make the process pretty quick and save at least -most- of the real comments.
People without avatars… well they should get avatars.
Steve:
I too have had high profilers end up in the spam box. It’s crazy! I agree 100% with your avatar comment. Almost every single spam comment is that crazy monster looking thingy and it is a great way to do a quick scan thru.
Appreciate your feedback Steve!
Lisa
Thanks for reading!
Very nice.
Thanks for sharing this article!