Spam-Filter-Free Options (Was: Computer repair shop)

[Neil Joseph Schelly]

On Tuesday 06 May 2008 14:35, VirginSnow at vfemail.net wrote:
> Spam filters are a bad idea for one very simple reason: THEY DON'T
> WORK.  The don't work, because they CAN'T work, because the approach
> is flawed.  Until we can write programs capable of passing the Turing
> test, spam filters are destined to either (or both of):
>
>  (1) Let spam through, and/or
>  (2) Block legitimate mail.

They can "work" without being perfect.

> The most accurate way of filtering spam is with that little key on the
> keyboard labeled "Delete".  Spam is ugly and uninteresting and very
> easy to spot.  It's also very simple to get rid of: Delete, delete!

My spam filter is far more accurate than I am.  It reduces the loads of spam 
in my inbox with rarely a false positive.  Proof that it's better than I am 
is that when a real legit message shows up in my spam folder, which I check 
regularly, I can often miss them entirely.  This is despite them coming from 
recognized names with recognized subjects.  When you have 100s of spam 
messages in a folder for every legitimate one, the eyes are no longer the 
most reliable way to filter out anything and spam filters can more accurately 
bring that ratio to a more managable-with-the-eyes number.
-N