[wplug-plan] hosted member email

[James O'Kane]

On Mon, 15 May 2006, Michael P. O'Connor wrote:

> Do we really want to add yet another email address for people to check.
> Maybe we can offer just an email alias.

email alias:
pros: simple to setup
cons: requires an existing email account, and enduser configuration to 
have outgoing email have the proper from address.

hosted:
pros: Someone else handles uptime, availability works for people who don't 
have a suitable account, or can be forwarded to an existing address if 
desired.
cons: Currently limited to 25 users.

Both approches require some method of syncing interested people from our 
membership db to method of choice. The GMail accepts a CSV file of 
accounts, so the code to create either should be fairly simple. I haven't 
looked to see if they offer an API to do it. I know there is an upload 
form in the admin interface.

I think the branded gmail offers something more to members than just the 
vanity username.

-james