Ossie

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Ossie
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  • Why ISP email services are terrible, and what to use instead

    OssieOssie
    If only the world were so simple...
    First of all, there are multiple and conflicting reasons to change email. If you try to escape stalkers, spam and the like, following Points 4-5 is a really bad idea. Did you really want to drag with you all the crap from earlier?
    4. "Set up automatic forwarding (if supported) from your old email address to your new one to catch any emails still being sent to the old one."
    5. "Set up automatic replies (if supported) from your old email address, informing any senders of your new address."

    Second, an "email address" can be a trap for the unwary in so many ways. It is in fact not always used as an "address" but is your identity with some services. The best advice in the article may be this: "It's the last step that takes the most time — sometimes years — so you'll hold onto your old email address for a while. Of course, that is if your ISP keeps it around."

    Personal examples: Some poorly resourced vendors of software register your purchase to your email address. It is your only ID with them. Time to upgrade? They'll require a confirmation mail - to and from your old address of course - and if you cannot get hold of it, tough titties - you are no longer a bona fida owner.
    The same has happened with various organisations and commercial providers of any manner of goods: you want to change the email address registered with them but cannot. It was in fact your "ID". I have had to write to some and beg them to do it for me. It may be your access to a warranty, an upgrade.
    Worse still: how long is your memory? I've had friends, colleagues and memberships going back 10 years or way more, some with only rare contact. Did I remember to include them when I notified "everyone" of my new address? Disconcerting when you find through a fluke encounter that "I thought you were dead."
    On one particular forum I had been very busy a decade ago, but when renewed interest caused me to pick up again it was impossible to access my earlier identity and posts.

    Holding on to your old address for a couple of years at least is highly recommended, even if it is a pain.

    XedcgWerks