Is your host being honest with you?
I've been in a pickle.. trying to get my new server set up correctly. I have blogged previously about the fact that we have a dedicated server just for our direct mail campaign. Recently, we were urged by our host to upgrade this server, and we took their advice, as they cut us such a nice deal to do so. Sounds good so far, right?
Well, in the last three weeks, our customers just faded away. Lee Ann and I were in a panic. How could this be? Did they really not like our stuff THAT MUCH! We'd have days with only one or two sales, and that just isn't normal for us.
Back to the server.... I had asked that the old mail server be pointed to the new server quite a while ago. I got a confirmation that it was done within a week. I was satisfied. But then business started dropping off.
My host also offered what they called a "migration". This was to automatically take all data on my old server and migrate it to my new server. Well, that was a nightmare! Because when that happened, and when they re-initiated my mailing lists on the new server, they dropped half of the names along with all preferences set in the lists (ie emergency moderation so my lists can't be hit with SPAM), and then each member got an email welcoming them to the list, and asking them to manage their membership. I was really angry because this was very confusing to my over 50, suspicious of the internet, members. But we survived it. I send out a damage control email apologizing for the confusion.. They forgave me. I did, however, lose some members...
Here's my confusion, and where I believe I didn't get an honest answer from the dedicated server support staff.... Until the new email was initiated, and even after, I was able to access the mailing lists on the old server. I was forced to since their migrations weren't working out. This went on for 3 weeks that I know of. I never suspected that the mailing lists weren't working, because the test email, my own, that is on each list was getting the direct mail campaign. I truly figured that my customers were upset, and didn't like what they were seeing. When I asked my host if something was going wrong, they insisted no. They insisted that the lists on my old server were working, and it was just a breakdown on our end (no surprises there!) The final chapter.
I rebuilt all lists with new list names on my new server. I now know for sure the mail has been moved. I am sending mail out to the new lists, and, hmmm, I'm pleasantly busy again. Interesting huh? I'm making the assumption my host is just covering up their error. They must be trained to do so. I'm curious if anyone has dealt with this before? And what do you think about it?
Thanks!
