AutoResponse Plus - any feedback from users?

[Pat Ordenes]

I would love to hear comments,
Thanks,
Pat

[jacktackett]

Pat,

I've been a satisfied user since the early 2000s and can say Neil has done a create job creating and supporting Autoresponse Plus.

The only issue I've ever really had was installing it on a hosting provider several years ago that used an older version of Plesk - a hosting control panel. Plesk at that time used a modified version of qmail and they really hacked it up. Took me several weeks to get ARP to work - but we got it to work. Now adays with CPANEL I've not had any issues getting it installed.

If your looking to use a self hosted option - you can't do better than ARP IMHO. Just make sure you have at least a VPS or dedicated server. Don't use any self hosted option on a shared host. Its not that ARP won't work - its just you're asking for a lot of issues trying to run an autoresponder - any ar - on a shared account. Things like the host limiting access to port 25 or just limiting the number of emails you can send out per hour - spam complaints against other domains on the shared hosts etc.

I also typically recommend a service - iContact - rather than a self hosted program if you're going to be marketing to folks who don't know you very well. Those types are just the ones to mistake the 'spam' button for the un-subscribe. Folks who you've built a great following with its not so much a problem.

Again - I have used and currently use ARP and am a very satisfied client.

You may also want to use the search feature of the forum to look up what others have said here - and feel free to send fellow warrior and ARP creator Neil Morgan a PM - he's a good chap and will help you out.

good luck,
--Jack

[Pat Ordenes]

Awesome reply Jack, Thanks...
it's actually for a couple of offline clients I'm designing sites for, so I don't think spam will be a big issue... So you wouldn't suggest hosting on a reseller account?

[jacktackett]

Pat,
in general no - I'd not recommend a reseller account - since they're usually on a shared host as well. I'd recommend at least a virtual private server at the very least and in all honesty you should really consider a full dedicated server. Now having a reseller account setup on them would be fine - and recommended as well. That way you're in control of who is on the server and not at the whims of the hosting provider.

It however depends on the number of potential emails addys you'll be processing. If you're just starting out and need to test things then maybe a shared host is ok - but again its not something I'd recommend doing.

best,
--Jack

[ht125]

i agree ARP is great software even some parts written in old cgi