I got an email from a.friend@stopforwarding.com…

Am I in trouble?
Why did I get the email?
Why is it anonymous?
Can you tell me who sent the email?
If I don’t know who sent the email, then I can’t stop sending that person FWDs. What’s the point then?
Are you saying sending forwards is bad?
How can I prevent myself from getting this email again?
How can I get in touch with the developer of this website?

I want to use your service…

Is it really anonymous?
Shouldn’t I be a little more upfront with the forwarder?
What if I like getting some kinds of forwards?
How can I get in touch with the developer of this website?

Have a question but don’t see the answer? Contact us!

I got an email from a.friend@stopforwarding.com…

Am I in trouble?
No, you are not in trouble. This website and service is not about condemning anybody. It only acts as a notification of email etiquette that could use improvement.

Why did I get the email?
Someone on your contact list, who wishes to remain anonymous, used our service to send you the email. That person likely does not want to receive the kind of email forwards or FWDs that you are sending out to your contact list.

Why is it anonymous?
While not ideal, situations may arise where an anonymous email asking that FWDs not be sent out is preferred. This could be because the person sending the email does not really know you, it could be due to a sensitive situation at the office, or any number of other reasons.

Can you tell me who sent the email?
No. It will never happen.

If I don’t know who sent the email, then I can’t stop sending that person FWDs. What’s the point then?
You’re right. The point of this site is less about blocking FWDs and more about teaching those who send these kinds of emails better ways to send the same emails, without offending, alienating, or aggravating anyone on your contact list.

Are you saying sending FWDs is bad?
Sending FWDs is bad if you’re sending them to everyone on your contact list or you are sending them to people who do not wish to receive them. It is also possible that if you are sending them from the office that you are in violation of your office email policy. It’s not so much the FWDs that are being sent (though that is debatable) that is bad, it’s the manner in which they are sent. They are often sent to a large group of people with no regards for privacy, appropriateness, email etiquette, or no way to stop the emails from coming without blocking the sender’s email address entirely.

How can I prevent myself from getting this email again?
You should read our article called Forwarding Responsibly. In it are tips for sending the kinds of email you want to share with your friends and family without any of the negative side effects. In addition to the tips in that article, we encourage you to send an email out to your usual list of contact that you FWD to offering readers a chance to be taken off of your list.

How can I get in touch with the developers of this website?
You can contact us here.

I want to use your service…

Is it really anonymous?
Yes. Nobody will know you sent the email, unless you tell them.

Shouldn’t I be a little more upfront with the forwarder?
If you can, yes. The best thing to do would be to talk to the forwarder in person or over the phone. Just remember to be nice. This site is an option for those times when a confrontation needs to be avoided.

What if I like getting some kinds of FWDs?
If you like getting some kinds of FWDs than the best thing to do is email the forwarder back and tell them that you like funny photos, but you really would appreciate not receiving political commentary. You can tailor the message to suit your desires.

How can I get in touch with the developers of this website?
You can contact us here.