Autoresponders

How many of y'all are using an autoresponder on your email address?  It's an email address that automatically sends a reply, usually something like "thanks for contacting us, we'll be in touch", as soon as it receives a message. 

I've got mixed views and can't really decide which side of the fence I'm on.  On one side they're annoying because it's just one more email message I've got to read.  One the other side it lets me know that the message actually got to their server and didn't get caught by the server spam filter. 

I agree with Geno, I think they aren't very personal.  I always assume my emails go through, but maybe I am just optimistic.
Ryan, I know you are online often enough to be able to check your emails quickly

This goes along with how we were discussing earlier that we need to make our websites less corporate-y.

yeah, all my emails get forwarded to my comcast account.  I just have to remember to log into my business accounts to respond, otherwise they are like "who is this ginnypenny person".

I wasn't sure how to respond to this at first. I get them from my old grade school classmates sometimes. We have an email list where we keep in touch. Mostly I get them when they're out of town and won't be back for xx days. These are the ones that typically use their work addresses. IBM, FORD, sales jobs, etc.

If you're going to not be answering emails for a while they'd be useful. If you're checking your emails regularly, they're probably not necessary.

Actually my first thought was YIKES, I'd have absolutely no idea how to set something like that UP!
Paula

I do use an auto-responder message for both my online print orders and when someone emails me via my contact page on my website.  My reason is that, although they could be somewhat of a let-down, I want my potential customers to know that I received their message immediately.  I seldom can respond back the same day [even though I do check my email often] and I want them to know I got their message.  As a customer, I like them for the same reason.  I absolutely hate not knowing if my message made it to my intended recipient; for whatever reason.  I use Read Receipts for the same reason.  I know they are annoying, but there is nothing worse than not knowing, in my opinion.  Plus, if you know someone got your message, you can tell if they are shrugging you off and make further judgements based on that.

Two cents worth...

Travis