MailChimp Newsletter Sidebox

[DrByte]

To clarify, this is not how it works. I call the API with status pending, which does require an opt-in.

Oh. Sorry for creating any confusion.

[CaroleAs]

OK in light of these last couple of posts, what is the expected behavior for this plugin? What is supposed to happen once the account is created inside the zencart store with the checkbox checked for newsletter?

- is the person going to get a confirmation email from MC? In addition to a welcome email from zencart?

- since the checkbox is unchecked by default, shouldn't that be considered express permission and would not need a double-optin sequence from MC?

[barco57]

I believe this module was coded to err on the side of caution, as some people make changes to the create account page to pre-select the check box for the newsletter, and if this module was coded to pass a different status that would not require the opt-in, then customers that didn't notice would be signed up for a newsletter they might not want, and the store owner upon recieving compliants might come back here to whine about it.

[CaroleAs]

OK i understand. However, considering that some store owners are honest :) is there a way to disable to double-optin IF the checkbox is unchecked by default ?

[barco57]

Based on my quick look at the code

includes/functions/extra_functions/mailchimp_functions.php Line 8

Code:

'status' => 'pending'

change to

Code:

'status' => 'subscribed'

From Mailchimp API docs

Subscriber Status

To add a subscriber, you must include the subscriber’s status in your JSON object.

Use subscribed to add an address right away.
Use pending to send a confirmation email.
Use unsubscribed or cleaned to archive unused addresses.

The unsubscribed option is useful if you import addresses from another service. When you add subscribers to the unsubscribed or cleaned status groups, you’ll have a record of the subscriber, and we’ll prevent sends to that address in the future. That’s ideal for inactive or unsubscribed addresses, which can increase spam complaints if they’re accidentally added as subscribed.

[swguy]

OK in light of these last couple of posts, what is the expected behavior for this plugin? What is supposed to happen once the account is created inside the zencart store with the checkbox checked for newsletter?

- is the person going to get a confirmation email from MC? In addition to a welcome email from zencart?

- since the checkbox is unchecked by default, shouldn't that be considered express permission and would not need a double opt in sequence from MC?

Yes to the first question, No to the second.

Bear in mind that if you do what you're suggesting, and some mischievous guy signs up someone he doesn't like with an account at your store, all of a sudden you are sending spam to the guy he doesn't like. A few complaints, and poof! you lose your Mailchimp account.

Double opt in protects *you*.

[barco57]

^^^^ well there is that...

My "how to" is not a recommendation that you do it, I wouldn't do it myself. It is simply "if you're gonna do it, here is how".

[carlwhat]

Yes to the first question, No to the second.

Bear in mind that if you do what you're suggesting, and some mischievous guy signs up someone he doesn't like with an account at your store, all of a sudden you are sending spam to the guy he doesn't like. A few complaints, and poof! you lose your Mailchimp account.

Double opt in protects *you*.

oh my.... this is a bit paranoid.... and that's coming from a paranoid person....

while i am sure mailchimp has suspended accounts, they are in the business of sending emails (and that's how they make money). if a honest store owner operates a mailchimp account, i'm sure they can prevent their account from getting suspended.

spam rules have done little to prevent my inbox from overflowing with spam. people that send true spam rarely use mailchimp.

as long as you have the unsubscribe link (which is part of all mailchimp emails), i really would not worry about bypassing the double opt-in for customers that sign up on your website.

operate your store like a honest store owner, and personally i would not give this a second thought.

just my 2 cents... which may be a violation of CANN-SPAM laws.... but still my opinion.

finally, just because you are paranoid does not mean people are not out to get you... ;)

[CaroleAs]

Simple question: if i have two lists in MC and each one is associated with a different store, which variable will differ? I assume it would be the ID only, while the U and the URL and the API are the same, correct?

I am testing the mod on a test site, with a test list on the same MC account. When testing the sidebox subscription, after the first "window" i had on MC, when clicking on "return to the site", it returned me to the LIVE site, yet, i have not entered that url anywhere. So where is it getting from?

[swguy]

First question: Please just do the install by following the directions instead of trying to take a short cut. Your assertion might be correct, but there's no point in taking a chance.

Second Question: I think the site is an account wide parameter.