Liberty's Blog

Gmail Testing

As a Blogger I get an opportunity to Beta Test Google's new Webmail service. I have no real need for a web mail account, my SBC account comes with a boatload of addresses, and I am happy with the services I get. I couldn't resist checking it out. First of all I got to nab the Liberty@gmail.com address no numbers no funky spellings, although Gmail seems to find using periods in the name perfectly acceptable.

Gmail's controversy is all about their targeted ads, so far I haven't seen any of their ads. This may be because I have only sent PGP messages into it, or it may be just because Google doesn't have it working yet. Targeted advertisements don't really bother me, as long as they aren't gathering info and using it to provide their advertisers with a targeted list. In other words as long as they aren't using the info to spam me.

I've read that some folks are concerned that the Google suggestion that email being forever means that the emails can't be deleted. This would bother me. Users need to be able to get rid of emails that can cause a liability, or that could be potentially incriminating. Google does allow deletion. It isn't always automatic, and it isn't real straight forward, but anything moved to trash folder is deleted in 30 days or can be deleted instantly manually.

Gmail can be set up anonymously. No real email address is required (although recommended) and real name and personal data is not required. One can use a proxy for discretion.

My new Gmail address is liberty@gmail.com I prefer to only recieve PGP encoded email at this address, MY public key is available on most public servers and from my site. My primary email address is still the same liberty.freedom@revolutionist.com

posted by Liberty @ 12:28 PM