I get occasional questions about why I have so many email addresses, and why, sometimes, you get an email with an odd email address. I've also had questions from companies wondering why I give them an email address starting with their company's name.
It's really pretty simple. There are three kinds of email addresses I use internally. One is a sort of " blanket " address, that's used for close associates. All emails sent to that address go through a filter. If the return email address isn't in the filter, the email is trashed. That keeps outsiders from send Spam to that address.
The second type is used for companies or organizations with whom I do business. They are assigned an email address which is usually just the name of their company. For example, if I do business with a company named " XYZ ", they will be assigned the email address XYZ(at)anemicaardvark.com.
This is where it gets tricky. If an organization fails to keep its email addresses secure, or sells my email address to someone else, I'll know immediately, because I'll start receiving mail with their email address, but obviously from someone else. Another no-no is to send me material in an email that has nothing to do with my normal communication with the company. For examples, unsolicited advertising for some product or service.
I sometimes give a company a single warning; sometimes I don't. But the end result is that the email address they have been assigned is deleted from the system, and they can no longer send me emails. If they wish to be reinstated on a trial basis, I will do so for a fee of $20, to cover my time and materials.
There is a third type of email address in use, but it will not be discussed here for security reasons. If you are communicating with me using that type of address, it will be transparent to you.
I routinely purge email addresses that have not been used for some time, or which I don't feel are still needed. I reserve the right to purge any email address for any reason, or for no reason whatsoever. Emailing me is a privilege, not a right.
Why do you occasionally get an email from me with an odd address? That address is assigned to someone else. I've been emailing them, and forgotten to throw the software switch when I emailed you. Although this is my fault, it would be best to used the address I previously provided, or it is possible your email may be rejected by the filters.