Spam Avoidance

If you're focused on avoiding spam, you should check out SpamGourmet.com.  You specify a root email address and a forwarding address and you're set!

For instance:

1. Register JohnSmith@spamgourmet.com forwarded to JohnSmith@yahoo.com
2. Visit dishonestspammer.com and register with dishonestspammer.johnsmith@spamgourmet.com
3. That's it!  Messages with your root will either create a new suffix automatically (dishonestspammer in this case), or check your limits on an existing one.

By default, three messages will be delivered, but you can change the number across the board or per alias, and even designate a domain that can send you messages for a given suffix.  This is great if you visit cnn.com and they “share” your email address with “trusted partners.”  Any message coming to your real address would be clearly marked (even if they put your address in the bcc line) as “great deal for you!!! (cnn: message 2 of 5)”

You can see how many messages have been delivered or eaten for a given address, change it's limit, or shut one down anytime if compromised.  You can't retrieve eaten messages, but shouldn't need to since it isn't a filter that can make a mistake.

It gives you lots of control, and just works.  I highly recommend the ten minutes it will take to set it up.  It will drastically reduce your spam, and give you total control when they do get your (suffixed) name.  Of course don't use your real one in public anymore!