How do I get off an e-mail list (so I can avoid spam e-mail)?
Mail list compilers often create lists by capturing the e-mail addresses of those who post to specific newsgroups or by capturing addresses from web pages. Sometimes it is impossible to get yourself deleted from such a list.
If all else fails, you can delete the unwanted mail without opening it. If your e-mail program supports filtering, you can let the program delete the messages automatically for you.
Here are some tips for getting out of groups in the U-M Online Directory and unsubscribing from listservs.
Lists in the U-M Online Directory
If the e-mail group you are is in the U-M Online Directory, you were either added to the group by the group owner or you joined the group yourself.
If the group owner added you, only the group owner can remove you from the group. Send an e-mail message requesting your removal to groupname-request@umich.edu, where you have replaced groupname with the actual name of the group. Be patient. It may take the group owner a couple of days to get to your message and remove you from the list.
Do not resort to sending a messsage to the entire group. You may receive more angry reply messages than you ever thought possible.
If you joined the group, you can remove yourself from it. See the instructions for joining and resigning from directory groups.
For more detail about getting out of directory groups, see Managing Your Membership in U-M Online Directory Groups (S4345).
Unsubscribing From Listservs
You may have joined a group maintained by a Listserv, Majordomo, or some other proram that manages e-mail lists with automated subscribe/unsubscribe services. When you sent a "subscribe" message, you probably received a message detailing how to unsubscribe. Because procedures can differ depending on the list, it's an excellent idea to file this information for later reference. Many e-mail lists also send out periodic reminder information about subscribing/unsubscribing. Many include this at the bottom of each message sent to the list members.
This page last verified March 2008
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