Summary
Multiple sources, including email marketers, support documentation, and an expert from Word to the Wise forums, indicate that Charter.net (Spectrum) no longer offers a functional feedback loop (FBL). The reasons cited for this discontinuation include low usage, abuse, and changes implemented several years ago. While technical documentation outlines the standards and practices for FBLs in general, it confirms neither the current existence nor absence of a Charter.net FBL. Thus, email marketers should focus on alternative methods for managing sender reputation and ensuring deliverability.
Key findings
- Charter.net FBL Status: Charter.net (Spectrum) does not provide a functional or public feedback loop at this time.
- Reasons for Discontinuation: Discontinuation of the FBL is attributed to factors like low usage, abuse, and policy changes implemented by Charter.net.
- Industry Knowledge: Industry professionals and resources confirm the lack of a Charter.net FBL based on their own research and user experiences.
Key considerations
- Alternative FBLs: Utilize feedback loops from other major ISPs to monitor and address complaint rates as an alternative to Charter.net's FBL.
- Email Authentication: Implement and maintain robust email authentication protocols (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) to improve deliverability.
- List Hygiene: Practice diligent list hygiene by removing inactive subscribers and managing subscriptions effectively to minimize spam complaints.
- Blocklist Monitoring: Proactively monitor blocklists to identify and resolve deliverability issues that may arise from Charter.net users marking emails as spam.
- Engagement Metrics: Focus on engagement metrics, like open rates and click-through rates, as an indicator of deliverability and sender reputation.
What email marketers say
5 marketer opinions
Multiple sources indicate that Charter.net (Spectrum) no longer offers a functional feedback loop (FBL). This has been attributed to low usage, abuse, or a general discontinuation of the program. Email marketers should focus on alternative methods for managing sender reputation and deliverability.
Key opinions
- FBL Discontinued: Charter.net (Spectrum) does not currently operate a public feedback loop.
- Support Confirmation: Contacting Charter support reportedly confirms the discontinuation of the FBL program.
- Third-Party Lists: Major email deliverability and validation services do not include Charter.net in their lists of active FBLs.
- User Experience: Email marketers report difficulty or inability to establish or maintain a working Charter.net FBL in recent years.
Key considerations
- Alternative FBLs: Utilize feedback loops offered by other major ISPs to monitor and address complaint rates.
- Authentication: Implement robust email authentication protocols (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) to improve deliverability.
- List Hygiene: Maintain a clean and engaged email list to minimize complaints and spam reports.
- Blocklist Monitoring: Proactively monitor blocklists to identify and resolve potential deliverability issues.
Marketer view
Email marketer from Stack Overflow says they contacted Charter support and was told they discontinued the FBL program due to low usage and abuse.
20 Nov 2023 - Stack Overflow
Marketer view
Email marketer from Reddit mentions that they haven't been able to get a Charter.net FBL working in years, and suggests focusing on authentication and list hygiene instead.
15 Jul 2021 - Reddit
What the experts say
1 expert opinions
An expert from Word to the Wise forums suggests that Charter.net (Spectrum) no longer provides a functional feedback loop. Emphasis should be put on employing strong authentication methods and keeping complaint rates low through proper list management.
Key opinions
- No Functional FBL: Charter.net (Spectrum) does not currently support a working feedback loop.
- Changes Implemented: Changes implemented several years ago likely led to the discontinuation of the FBL.
Key considerations
- Authentication Practices: Focus on robust email authentication protocols (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) to improve deliverability without an FBL.
- Complaint Rates: Maintain low complaint rates through diligent list hygiene practices, such as removing inactive subscribers and managing subscriptions carefully.
Expert view
Expert from Word to the Wise forums indicates Charter.net (Spectrum) no longer supports a functional feedback loop, citing changes implemented several years ago. Focus should be placed on robust authentication practices and maintaining low complaint rates through list hygiene.
25 Aug 2021 - Word to the Wise
What the documentation says
3 technical articles
Technical documentation from IETF outlines the Abuse Reporting Format (ARF) for feedback loops in general. Spamhaus documentation details feedback loop practices and blocklist monitoring. Return Path documentation indicates that Time Warner Cable (now Charter Spectrum) discontinued its feedback loop program in 2016-2017.
Key findings
- ARF Standard: IETF provides the standard Abuse Reporting Format (ARF) for feedback loop implementation.
- General FBL Practices: Spamhaus offers guidance on general feedback loop practices and blocklist monitoring.
- FBL Discontinued: Return Path documents that Charter Spectrum (formerly Time Warner Cable) discontinued its feedback loop in 2016-2017.
Key considerations
- Technical Specifications: Understand the ARF standard when setting up or troubleshooting feedback loops (even if Charter Spectrum doesn't offer one).
- Reputation Monitoring: Monitor blocklists and sender reputation, as recommended by Spamhaus, to maintain deliverability.
- Alternative Metrics: Focus on authentication and engagement metrics, as Return Path suggests, since Charter Spectrum no longer has a feedback loop.
Technical article
Documentation from ietf.org explains the requirements for Abuse Reporting Format (ARF) which feedback loops would follow. Provides information about technical specifications for FBL implementation but does not confirm whether Charter.net is operating an FBL.
3 Jul 2021 - ietf.org
Technical article
Documentation from Spamhaus provides information on general feedback loop practices and blocklist monitoring. While it does not specify Charter.net's FBL status, it offers guidance on maintaining sender reputation and identifying deliverability issues.
30 Sep 2023 - Spamhaus
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