Electronic Manual - MailingStar / MailingStar plus
© SunnyScript - www.sunnyscript.com

 
Table of contents
 
Installation and configuration [go] Directory structure
[go] File transfer to the server
[go] Configuration
Overview about successful mail marketing [go] Newsletters & Co.
[go] Beginner's questions
Administration panel [go] Admin menu
Mailing list management [go] Edit MailingStar parameters
[go] Supported languages - overview
[go] Supported languages - available settings
[go] Mailing lists - creation and maintenance
[go] Mailing lists - subscriber profiles
[go] Mailing and invitation manager
[go] Automatic mailings (MailingStar plus only)
Advanced features in detail [go] Manage system tables - overview and applications
[go] Manage system tables - restr. table, table parameters and layout
[go] Quick (un-)subscriptions (direct actions from websites)
[go] Account blocking
[go] Additional admin tools - statistics
[go] Additional admin tools - list merging
[go] Additional admin tools - addr. import services (MailingStar plus only)
[go] Database import and export tools
Subscriber lounge and template management [go] Access the subscriber lounge
[go] Subscriber lounge - basic overview
[go] Subscriber lounge customization with templates
[go] Available templates
[go] Customization of templates
Helpful hints and technical reference [go] Background processes
[go] Address import from other products (SunnyScript and 3rd-party ones)
[go] Affiliate management with YourAffiliates
[go] Forgot your admin password ?
[go] Subscriber lounge and template translations
[go] Advanced search features
[go] MailingStar plus' application
Customer services [go] Need help ? Contact the SunnyScript service department !

Smart tip: This handbook is also designed to be printed... set your printer's page orientation to landscape format, so there is enough space to place hand-written notes on the left and right margin easily.
 


 
Installation and configuration
 
SunnyScript offers an optional available installation service, if you don't want to install the software yourself.
Please contact our customer service department by e-mail for detailed information and pricing.
 
Directory structure...

The software can be installed at any place that allows the execution of CGI software: Most server systems provide a special directory called "cgi-bin" where you have to install the application, while others are not limited to a particular location.

In a common environment, we recommend to create a new sub-directory within the existing "cgi-bin" folder to separate the software from other already installed products.

Required "template.en" directory:

Inside the directory you desired for installation, please create a new sub-directory called "template.en". It's used to hold the content of "template.en" directory delivered with your software package.

Required "data" directory:

Inside the directory you desired for installation, please create a new sub-directory called "data". It's used to hold the content of "data" directory delivered with your software package.

Adjust path to Perl:

Open all program files (*.pl and *.cgi) in a text editor and change the first line "#!/usr/bin/perl" that it reflects the correct path to Perl 5 (or higher version) on your system. This is required to let your server know where the Perl interpreter is located.

Usage note: On most systems, /usr/bin/perl is already the default path to Perl and so no modifications are required.
 

File transfer to the server...

Upload all files to the created directories. If a ftp client is used, ensure to set the "ASCII transfer mode" for file submissions.

Detailed file table: Scheme: [filename | suggested place to upload (short description); file permission]:
 
Filename...
Description...
Filename...
Description...
* cgi-bin (program & data files); 755 template.en/* template.en (templates); 666
    data/* data (basic data files); 666

Important notes: Please double-check file permissions and transfer mode, otherwise the software may not work as intended. Depending upon the server configuration, different file permissions than the ones stated above may be necessary.

Smart tip: Our installation helper install.cgi makes it easier... just call it from your web browsing software (requires correct installation of this script) and it automatically checks your entire installation, adjusts permissions and fixes typical errors.
 

Configuration...

After you have uploaded all files, you may wish to start the admin panel first time to initialize the system parameters. In order to do so, please call admin.cgi with your favorite web browsing software:
 
Action to perform...
URL to call (location varies on your system, of course)...
Open admin panel http://www.sunnyscript.com/cgi-bin/ms/admin.cgi

Before you proceed, it is highly recommended to set an administration password. After this is done, access to the admin panel is granted only by using "admin" as login together with the chosen password.

Now click on the button "Edit system parameters" and configure the shown parameters according your needs.

Usage note: Since all parameters are automatically filled with correct values, modifications on your side may not be required.

Directories and files:
 
Name of parameter to set...
Description...
CGI files directory
Example: /usr/www/cgi-bin/ms
Absolute path to the location of MailingStar on your server.
"binarydata" directory *
Example: /usr/www/cgi-bin/ms/bindata
Absolute path to the location that holds binary database content.

* Technical note: The software tries to create this directory at a web-accessible place (certain cgi-bin locations doesn't allow to deliver multimedia content). If you experience problems in content delivery, please move it manually to a suited location.

Platform specific settings:
 
Name of parameter to set...
Description...
Mailing program (for Unix only)
Example: /usr/bin/sendmail
Absolute path to Sendmail (or compatible) application on your server.
SMTP server
Example: smtp.sunnyscript.com
SMTP server for handling mails; when left blank, the default mail application is used. This setting is required for non-Unix systems, otherwise optional.
Don't use flock
Example: Unchecked
"flock" is normally supported directly by the operating system; should it be unavailable for any reason (e.g. on Win9x, WinMe), mark this checkbox.
Don't use fork
Example: Unchecked
"fork" is normally supported directly by the operating system; should it be unavailable for any reason, mark this checkbox.
Forked process respawn interval (seconds)
Example: 60
Respawn interval for processes; recommended range: 30 to 60 seconds.
Admin e-mail address
Example: admin@sunnycript.com
E-mail address of the system administrator (e.g. webmaster).

URLs:
 
Name of parameter to set...
Description...
Binary directory URL
Example: http://www.sunnyscript.com/cgi-bin/ms/bindata
URL to the location that holds binary database content.
URL of CGI files directory
Example: http://www.sunnyscript.com/cgi-bin/ms
URL to the location of MailingStar on your server.
URL of user's help document (optional)
Example: http://www.sunnyscript.com/myhelp.htm
URL to an optional help document (not included); may also consist of an e-mail link (e.g. "mailto:support@sunnyscript.com").

Various parameters:
 
Name of parameter to set...
Description...
Authentication time (in seconds)
Example: 10800
Time frame keeping user authentications active (after expiration, people must log in again); recommended range: 1 to 12 hours.

After you have verified all settings carefully, click on the button "Save parameters" to take over modifications to the system. It is also possible to bring back previous values with the "Let the script restore defaults" button.
 

Congratulations - you have successfully installed the software :-)

 
Overview about successful mail marketing
Newsletters & Co. ...

Why are newsletters essential for my company ?

Sending regular newsletters to existing and prospective clients will bind them to your company and product labels. In this way, people have always up-to-date product and service information and remember to your business for their next buying decisions.

Newsletters are also suited to improve internal communication streams within companies, e.g. by publishing a regular business mailing keeping employees informed about latest developments.

Is there anything I have to take care for newsletters ?

Never send too many mailings; your newsletter should stand out and it surely doesn't when reached daily; it mainly depends upon your product range and company structure. In short: High product (or customer) fluctuation -> more mailings.

It is very important to do mailings regularly and in an "eye-catching" way. And it's also recommended to use always the same content structure (headers and footers) as well as a clear, understandable layout (e.g. table of contents, strong headlines).

Another point is the used style of writing: This mainly depends upon your target group and customer structure ("Hey folks, we have new cool stuff to check out" may not work for conservative business people).

No one will read a mailing containing tons of text; take care to summarize long text blocks to short ones and provide links to your website where more detailed information should be available (use effectiveness tracking of MailingStar to log user activity).

If you are unsure about the layout of your newsletter, why not checking your competitor ones ? Of course, they also don't have invented "the solution", but sometimes doing so is a source of inspiration for own ideas.

And (probably most important) ask yourself whether you would like receiving your own newsletters or just find them boring.

How to attract people signing-up for my newsletters ?

The easiest way is to collect e-mail addresses from your customers (if you are unsure, you may invite them to join your mailing list instead of doing subscriptions without their knowledge).

Also don't miss to add the possibility to subscribe directly on your website. MailingStar can be easily integrated into an existing website keeping your original layout by using simple HTML forms - this will attract surely many people to join.

MailingStar plus offers the feature to import address lists and to grab new e-mail addresses from websites being invited or added directly to mailing lists (please refer to the chapter "Helpful hints and technical reference" for legal notes).

How to make my newsletter more interesting ?

Well, the possibilities are endless and mainly depend upon the type of your business and target groups. But it is a good idea to offer some kind of discounts for products / services exclusively for subscribers (e.g. buy one, get one free).

And why not allow a "view behind the scenes" by showing how your products are made or providing related news and business information. You can also build a series ("Next time we tell you more about..."), which makes your newsletter being an event.
 

Beginner's questions...

What is a mailing list and how to create it ?

A mailing list is used to group people with same interests and comes with its own mail settings and preferences; mailings can be sent either to one single list or multiple mailing lists at once.

What is the subscriber lounge ?

The subscriber lounge provides an interactive platform for your existing subscribers (members of mailing lists) to check and edit their current subscriptions, change their profile data and much more.

Additionally, the subscriber lounge is also the right place for people who are interested in your mailing lists. They just need to register first and can then join any of them. The registration procedure may be moderated, depending upon your settings.

For subscriptions accepted directly from websites, MailingStar provides a "quick subscription" feature without prior registration (in this way, a standard profile is created automatically).

What is a profile and does each subscriber need one ?

Yes, it is necessary. Each profile contains all information about the concerned subscriber (like the e-mail address, subscribed lists, language preferences as well as additional personal data).

Opt-in, opt-out, permission marketing - what in postage stamp's name is this ?

MailingStar uses a special opt-in verification scheme to prevent that anyone else than the original e-mail address owner can subscribe to your mailing lists by requiring a separate confirmation.

And once an e-mail address is subscribed, its owner should have the chance to unsubscribe again (opt-out) either by managing the concerned subscription profile online or clicking at a special link within received mailings.

Permission marketing summarizes both: People subscribed to your mailing lists are aware about this fact (opt-in) and able to unsubscribe at any time (opt-out). This is a legal requirement in many countries, fulfilled by MailingStar in all aspects.

By the way: You can freely decide by yourself how (and if overall) to use opt-in/opt-out methods. Please refer to the following chapters for more detailed information.
 


 
Administration panel

The administration panel is a convenient way to work interactively with MailingStar. You can start the admin panel by calling admin.cgi with your favorite web browsing software:
 
Action to perform...
URL to call (location varies on your system, of course)...
Open admin panel http://www.sunnyscript.com/cgi-bin/ms/admin.cgi

How to access the subscriber lounge (registered members area, user registrations):
 

Action to perform...
URL to call (location varies on your system, of course)...
Access subscriber lounge http://www.sunnyscript.com/cgi-bin/ms/login.cgi             or
http://www.sunnyscript.com/cgi-bin/ms/my.cgi
 
Admin menu...

This screen allows the following actions:
 
Main menu options...
Description...
Manage system tables
 
Table...
Description...
... of registered users Database containing subscriber profiles.
... of mailing lists Database containing mailing list definitions.
... of mailing archive Database containing archived mailings.
... of subs. / unsubs. history Database containing logged history data.
... of click history Database containing effectiveness tracking data.
 
Additional admin tools
 
Section...
Description...
Additional services Create mailings, invite people and merge lists.
Statistics View effectiveness tracking and list statistics.
Address import services
MailingStar plus only
Scan websites for e-mail addresses or import external address databases.
 
Quick statistics View summarized system statistics.
Edit MailingStar parameters Modify general parameters and manage system preferences.
Change password Change admin password.
Other administrative features
 
Section...
Description...
Edit system parameters Modify system related parameters.
Edit templates Edit the layout templates.
Import / export data Import and export databases.
 

The top menu line provides additional selections (depending on the current system status):
 

Top menu options...
Description...
Admin Go to the main admin menu.
Settings Adjust software parameters.
Job manager Go to the mailing / invitation jobs main screen.
Home Browse the currently active system table.
Search Search the currently active system table.
Login / Logout Login or logout as administrator.
Moderate Approve or decline user modifications.
Restructure Modify structures and parameters of the currently active database.
Add / Clone / Update / Delete Add, clone, update or delete profiles / records.
 

 
Mailing list management
Edit MailingStar parameters...

First of all you must configure basic system settings which take effect to the behavior of the software. Click on the button "Edit MailingStar parameters" when you're in the admin menu.

General settings:
 

MailingStar asks...
Description...
Name of site Name of your website (e.g. "My sample company").
URL of site URL of your website (e.g. "http://www.sunnyscript.com"), as it will be displayed at the subscriber lounge and within mailings.
Footer to be added to each e-mail Default footer being added to all outgoing e-mails; suited especially for showing your business card or advertisements.
Selectable languages Type in a comma separated list with all languages you wish to provide for new user registrations to select from. Use language codes available from "Supported languages" section of this screen (refer below for more details).

Technical note: When keeping this field empty, language selection is disabled. However it is recommended having at least one standard entry (e.g. "english").

Date format Specify the date format used within the subscriber lounge.

Default setting: DD. MMMM YYYY
Example for default: 01. January 2525

Available components for this parameter:
 

Component...
Description...
Date format parts
D 2-digit day (without leading zero).
DD 2-digit day (with leading zero).
DDD Abbreviation of the weekday.
DDDD Complete name of the weekday.
M 2-digit month (without leading zero).
MM 2-digit month (with leading zero).
MMM Abbreviation of the month.
MMMM Complete name of the month.
YY 2-digit year.
YYYY 4-digit year.
Time format parts
h 2-digit hour (without leading zero).
hh 2-digit hour (with leading zero).
m 2-digit minute (without leading zero).
mm 2-digit minute (with leading zero).
s 2-digit second (without leading zero).
ss 2-digit second (with leading zero).
AM Flag to activate 12-hour time scheme. By default, the 24-hour time scheme is enabled.

Some sample combinations:

DD. MMM YYYY, hh:mm.ss AM  -> 01. Jan. 2525, 01:30.59 PM
DDD, MM. D. YYYY           -> Wed., 01. 1. 2010
YY-MM-DD                   -> 25-01-01

Usage note: Additional text is taken over unmodified (e.g. "Today, DD. MM YYYY").

Leads logging settings:
 

MailingStar asks...
Description...
Leads log file
Required by YourAffiliates
Absolute path of the log file location used by YourAffiliates (or other compatible affiliate managers) to track lead based commissions. Leave it empty to disable tracking.

Sample setting: /usr/www/cgi-bin/ya/data/leads.db

How long keep "affiliate cookie"
on user's computer (in hours)
If you use MailingStar to place affiliate cookies (see "Helpful hints and technical reference"), then you can set the time period to hold cookies on visitor's computer.

Recommended value: 48 hours. Parameter is optional.

Security settings:
 

MailingStar asks...
Description...
Enable quick subscription Mark the checkbox to enable quick subscriptions using HTML forms on your website.
Enable quick unsubscription Mark the checkbox to enable quick unsubscriptions using HTML forms on your website.
E-mail address confirmation during signup
Somebody trying to create a profile may not be always the legitimate owner of the used e-mail address. With this feature, a confirmation message is sent to the e-mail address asking to confirm the profile creation.
Enable confirmation for signup Mark the checkbox to enable this feature. After profile creation, user receives an e-mail containing a link to be clicked first before the profile will become active.

Important note: It is strongly recommended to activate this kind of confirmation, because otherwise people can subscribe e-mail addresses they are not authorized for.

E-mail address confirmation during quick subscription
Same as before, but for quick subscriptions (please refer to the next chapter for details).
Enable quick subs. confirmation Mark the checkbox to enable this feature. After subscription request, user receives an e-mail containing a link to be clicked first before the subscription will become active.

Important note: It is strongly recommended to activate this kind of confirmation, because otherwise people can subscribe e-mail addresses they are not authorized for.

Usage note: If you not wish quick subscribers to use the subscriber lounge, remove the login information stated at the default message template.

Quick unsubscription confirmation *
Somebody trying to unsubscribe from mailing lists may not be always authorized to do so. With this feature, a confirmation message is sent to the e-mail address asking to confirm the unsubscription.
Enable quick unsubs. confirmation Mark the checkbox to enable this feature. After unsubscription request, user receives an e-mail containing a link to be clicked first before the unsubscription will become active.

Important note: It is strongly recommended to activate this kind of confirmation, because otherwise people can remove e-mail addresses they are not authorized for.

Usage note: This confirmation type also applies to unsubscriptions via e-mail.

Account unblocking confirmation
Profiles can be blocked either by MailingStar (see below) or by the subscriber itself. When user unblocks its profile again (please see subscriber lounge, screen "Profile"), a message is sent asking for confirmation.
Enable unblocking confirmation Mark the checkbox to enable this feature. After unblocking request, user receives an e-mail containing a link to be clicked first before the profile becomes available again.
E-mail blocking
Exclude people from subscribing by blocking their e-mail addresses.
Accept all e-mail addresses Mark this button in order to allow all e-mail addresses creating profiles.
Block these e-mail addresses Activate "Block these e-mail addresses" and specify a list of domains or specific e-mail addresses (one per line) not allowed to be used for profile creation.
IP blocking
Exclude people from subscribing by blocking their IP addresses.
Accept all IP addresses Mark this button in order to allow all IP addresses for creating profiles.
Block these IP addresses Activate "Block these IP addresses" and specify a list of IP addresses (one per line) not allowed to be used for profile creations.

Also partial IP addresses (use *, e.g. 123.456.78.*) are allowed.

IP limitations
Prevent people to subscribe in an abusive manner by limiting the number of subscription requests per IP address.
Unlimited subscriptions Mark this button in order to disable this feature.
Limit daily subscription requests
per IP
Activate "Limit daily subscription requests per IP" and specify the number of requests allowed per unique IP address.

Important note: Quick subscription requests and confirmations are counted separately from each other, so please consider this when setting a limit (double requests).

* Usage note: An unsubscription confirmation for people managing their accounts via the subscriber lounge is not required, because unsubscriptions can be only made after specifying the correct password (moderate such profile changes instead of).

Invitation mailing default settings:

Invitations are suited to ask users to become members of your mailing lists (please refer to the next chapter for details).
 

MailingStar asks...
Description...
Sender's name Type in the name used in the header of invitation mails.
Message subject Type in the subject line used in the header of invitation mails.
BCC "to" field E-mail address used for the "To:" field in mail headers.

Usage note: This parameter becomes active only when the quick mailing method is used (saves CPU time by sending BCCs (blind carbon copies) to mail recipients).

Max. number of recipients per msg. Specify the max. number of BCC recipients per invitation. Most mail servers are limited to 100 recipients, so you should specify a number below (recommended value: 99).

Usage note: This parameter becomes active only when the quick mailing method is used (saves CPU time by sending BCCs (blind carbon copies) to mail recipients).

"Reply to" field Type in the e-mail address used in the header of invitation mails.

Subscription manager layout:

By modifying these settings, you can take influence to the top menu line shown within the subscriber lounge.
 

MailingStar asks...
Description...
Menu layout
Menu items separator Characters that will appear between the top menu items (standard value: " | ").
Main menu entries Right box (available selections): Choose entry and click on "Add" to select it.

Left box (current selections): Click on "Delete" to remove an entry or use "Up" and "Down" buttons to change entry order.

Alternatively you can type in a comma delimited list of entries manually.

"Subscriptions", "Profile update",
"Logout", "Help" entry text
Labels (linking text) used for top menu entries.

You can also insert image tags according valid HTML standard. "Help" allows also an e-mail address, like "mailto:support@sunnyscript.com".

Data maintenance:

Each time data maintenance runs, the following actions are performed:
 
* Delete expired log entries and history records.
* Handle undeliverable messages and maintain profiles.
* Perform scheduled mailing jobs and do automatic mailings.

Important note: Executing data maintenance is required and needs "fork" function to be enabled (see "System parameters"). If it is disabled due to technical limitations of the server, please follow instructions below.
 

MailingStar asks...
Description...
Auto maintenance interval in hours Specify the maintenance interval in hours; recommended range: 3 to 12 hours.

Important note: This setting requires enabled "fork" function. See below for workaround.

Days to store subscription /
unsubscription events in log
Number of days to keep subscription & unsubscription events in log file; recommended value: 60 days.
Days to store mail reading
statistics in log
Number of days to keep mail reading statistics in log file; recommended value: 60 days.
Days to store clicks in log Number of days to keep click events in log file; recommended value: 60 days.
Days to store blocked users'
accounts
Number of days to keep blocked profiles alive. Decide for a generous time period to allow subscribers re-activating their profiles (e.g. disabled during holidays).

Recommended range: 30 days (~ 1 month) to 180 days (~ 6 months).

Log removal of blocked accounts A checked button means that all previously blocked and then removed accounts will be kept stored at logs/blocked_remove.log for later reference.

Data maintenance with disabled "fork" function:

Schedule the file cron_run.pl (the file is located in the software directory of MailingStar) to be ran regularly by your server (recommended scheduling: each hour). You may use Cron or your server's scheduling tool in order to manage this task.

Technical note: Even when starting data maintenance in this way, ensure to fill in the parameters above.

By the way: If you are new at scheduling server actions, please contact your webhoster for details or refer to available literature. Alternatively you may use the Cron editor we provide (call cron_edt.pl from the command line, e.g. "perl5 cron_edt.pl").

Data maintenance - auto-blocking of invalid e-mail addresses:

This feature is explained in the chapter "Advanced features in detail".

Automatic mailings:

This feature is explained at the part "Automatic mailings".
 

Supported languages - overview...

How does the language selection work ?

MailingStar is able to handle a primary and secondary language preference for each profile. So you can provide information in different languages automatically sent to the correct recipients.

Depending upon their language settings, MailingStar decides which subscribers of a particular list will receive your mailing; in this way, one list can host profiles with individual language preferences.

We have prepared a list of commonly used languages you may modify, delete or expand according your needs. Our system supports as many natural and artificial languages as you like.

How to create a new language entry:

Type in the abbreviation of the new language (e.g. "KL" for Klingon) and click on the button "Create new". Also add this code to the "Selectable languages" parameter (above on the same screen) to make the concerned language available for selection.

How to edit / remove a language entry:

Select the language from the list, click on "Delete" or "Edit" and follow the provided instructions.

Usage note: Instead of removing a temporarily unwished language completely from the system, use the parameter "Selectable languages" within "General settings" (see previous part of this chapter).

How to change the sorting of languages:

Select the one you wish to move around and click on either "Move up" or "Move down" button to change its position (this affects the language's position within the subscriber lounge).

How to disable language feature:

Either delete all languages from "Selectable languages" within "General settings" part (recommended way) or remove the fields primary_lang and secondary_lang from the table of registered users (be careful when doing so).
 

Supported languages - available settings...

Language identification:
 
MailingStar asks...
Description...
Language code Code of the language (used internal and as value for the field "Selectable languages"); only alphanumerical characters, keep it as short as possible (two chars).

Important note: Once set, please don't change a language code anymore (otherwise references are lost to existing profiles using the old language code).

Language name Name of the language; it is used to label the language in the subscriber lounge. Made modifications are automatically taken over to the concerned profiles.

Charset settings:
 

MailingStar asks...
Description...
Charset name The name of the character set used for this language. Please refer to existing literature for more information. May be left empty in most cases.

Charset conversion:

You can perform character conversion for each language: Characters represented by hexadecimal codes (source) are converted into others also specified as hexadecimal values (target).
 

MailingStar asks...
Description...
Hex codes of source characters The hexadecimal source codes of the characters, separated by spaces.

For example: AA AB 12

Hex codes of target characters The hexadecimal target codes of the characters, separated by spaces.

For example: 1A 2A 34

For this sample we get the following conversions: AA into 1A, AB into 2A and 12 into 34 (take care of the used order).

 
Mailing lists - creation and maintenance...

Table of mailing lists (see main admin menu):

This database contains information about all mailing lists currently available. Each mailing list can have individual settings to control its behavior, so you are able to manage completely different lists with one software installation.

Add a new mailing list:

Click on "View/Add/Update/Delete lists" when you are in the main admin menu to see all existing lists. Now click on "Add" in the upper right corner of the screen.

Usage note: Most of these parameters are pre-defined with standard values for your convenience.
 

MailingStar asks...
Description...
List name Name of the mailing list, as it will be displayed at the subscriber lounge (when enabled).
Description Description of the list, as it will be displayed at the subscriber lounge (when enabled).
Default sender name * Name of the sender used in headers of outgoing mailings.
Default sender e-mail * E-mail address of the sender used in headers of outgoing mailings.
Default BCC to * E-mail address used for the "To:" field in mail headers.

Usage note: This parameter becomes active only when the quick mailing method is used (saves CPU time by sending BCCs (blind carbon copies) to mail recipients).

Default mailing method * Select "Quick" or "Personalized" (please refer below in this chapter for details).
Default message subject * Subject used in headers of outgoing mailings.
Default "reply to" field * Reply-to e-mail address used in headers of outgoing mailings.
Default organization * Organization used in headers of outgoing mailings.
Default message priority * Message priority used for outgoing mailings.
Default message text body * Define pre-available text parts like headers and footers always staying the same in your mailings. This default message body is used for mailings in text format.
Default message html body * Define pre-available text parts like headers and footers always staying the same in your mailings. This default message body is used for mailings in HTML format.

Technical note: HTML tags are correctly interpreted and your mailing is marked to be a HTML one (however some recipients may prefer text mails).

Send welcome message Enable this setting to send a welcome message each time a user subscribes to this list (no matter whether the user has a profile already or doing a quick subscription).
 
MailingStar asks...
Description...
Welcome message subject The subject used for the welcome message.
Welcome message body The welcome message itself. You can keep the default text or use it as basis for your own one.

Technical note 1: Within the welcome message, you can use all fields requested during profile creation (all fields from the table of reg. users). Format: <!--$TAGNAME-->.

Technical note 2: The tag <!--%%$config{EmailFooter}%%--> is used to display the default footer (screen "MailingStar parameters"). Remove it, if not desired.

Technical note: You can use <!--%%"$cgiurl/login.cgi"%%--> within the template to show the URL to the subscriber lounge.

Send good bye message Enable this setting to send a good bye message each time a user unsubscribes from this list (no matter wether user has a profile already or doing a quick unsubscription).

The "good bye" message is suited to confirm unsubscription for sure as well as to ask your former subscriber for improvements and suggestions.
 

MailingStar asks...
Description...
Good bye message subject The subject used for the good bye message.
Good bye message body The "good bye" message itself. You can keep the default text or use it as basis for your own one.

Technical note 1: Within the "good bye" msg., you can use all fields requested during profile creation (all fields from the table of reg. users). Format: <!--$TAGNAME-->.

Technical note 2: The tag <!--%%$config{EmailFooter}%%--> is used to display the default footer (screen "MailingStar parameters"). Remove it, if not desired.

Show list on lounge Unmark this button to hide the mailing list at the subscriber lounge (suited especially for internal used mailing lists or to temporarily disable a list on the lounge).

Technical note: Keep the button marked when wanting to show this list at the public mailing archive.

Allow viewing archive Mark this button to enable the list's mailings (incl. attachments) for being accessible at the subscriber lounge archive.
 
Available selections...
Description...
No Disable this feature.
Only subscribed members
can view archive
Archive is accessible to list subscribers only.
Any registered member
can view archive
Archive is accessible to all subscribers.
Anonymous visitors
can view archive
Archive is accessible to everybody (public archive).

Technical note 1: It is required to move mailings from the job manager to the mailing archive before they become visible at the subscriber lounge archive.

Technical note 2: Since mailings are shown as stored at the mailing archive, removing them from there will also lead to delete them from the subscriber lounge archive.

* These default parameters can be individually modified for each mailing job (see next parts of this chapter). Values here are used as standard ones for time-saving purposes.

Edit or remove a mailing list:

Click on "View/Add/Update/Delete lists" when you are in the main admin menu. You see all mailing lists currently available.

Now search for the desired list and click on a linked column (e.g. list name) and select "Edit" or "Delete" shown on the upper right corner of the screen. Just follow the instructions appearing now.

Important note: Once a list is removed, it cannot be recovered - so please be careful.

Technical note: Profiles are automatically updated in the case of list modifications and removements.

Show subscribers of a mailing list:

When browsing through the mailing lists, click on "subscribers" at the column "List ID" to see all subscribers currently available on a particular list. You can then view a profile more closer for being edited or removed.
 

Mailing lists - subscriber profiles...

Table of registered users (see admin menu):

This database contains all subscriber profiles currently existing on the system.

A profile is created for each e-mail address subscribed to mailing lists via the subscriber lounge. For quick subscriptions and imported addresses, a standard profile is established automatically by the system.

All fields used within this table can be included in registration & update forms on the subscriber lounge to request custom info from your users (doesn't require any template modifications (except mail templates), since pages are dynamically generated).

Helpful hint: Add custom fields to request personal information from your subscribers; use as many fields as you like (all field types like input boxes, drop-down lists and radiobuttons are supported).

Add, update and remove profiles:

You can add new subscriber profiles, update and remove existing ones (e.g. at user request) through the admin panel:

Please click on "View/Add/Update/Delete users" when you are in the main admin menu.

Click on "Add" (upper right corner of screen) to create a new profile or search for the desired profile you wish to edit or remove, click on a linked column (e.g. first name) and then select "Edit" or "Delete" from the upper right corner of the screen.

Helpful hint: Alternatively use the "Quick add" link located at the main admin menu to go directly to the addition form.

Default requested settings for creating a new profile:
 

MailingStar asks...
Description...
E-mail address E-mail address of the subscriber.
Password Decide for a password (case sensitive). Should be longer than four characters.
First name First name of the subscriber.
Last name Surname of the subscriber.
Message format Preferred mailing format of this subscriber (TEXT or HTML messages). Use TEXT as default, since this format can be read by all mail clients.
Primary language First preferred language of the subscriber; recommended to be set.
Secondary language Second preferred language of the subscriber; optional.
Subscribed lists Select the mailing lists. Hold the CTRL key (or appropriate) to choose multiple entries.

The update screen looks similar; additionally it shows the date stamps of profile creation and last update as well as affiliate information (if YourAffiliates or a compatible application is configured for MailingStar).

Quick subscriptions, imported addresses and the subscriber lounge:

Profiles created by quick subscriptions and import actions are normally not intended to use the subscriber lounge. However for each record a randomly chosen password is set automatically:

In this way, it is possible for such subscribers to use the password reminder to receive their passwords to the registered e-mail address (then they are able to use the subscriber lounge instantly keeping security for this type of subscriptions).
 

Mailing and invitation manager...

Mailing and invitation manager - overview:

Here is the heart of MailingStar - the ability to prepare mailing jobs as well as to schedule and execute them in various ways.

Invitations are similar to mailing jobs, however scanner output files or external address databases are used to invite people joining your mailing lists (e.g. through the subscriber lounge or via quick subscriptions).

Click on "Mailing and invitation manager" available on main admin menu. Alternatively you can click on "Job manager" on the upper left corner of the screen (where available). The following actions are available for existing jobs:
 

Available job actions...
Description...
update Update an existing job (e.g. alter message content, adjust selected recipients).
archive
archive all completed jobs
Move the job to the mailing archive for later usage (mailing jobs only).
delete
delete all completed jobs
Remove the concerned job from this list (invitation jobs only).
run Start a job now and follow all actions live on your web browser.

Usage note: When closing the web browser window or losing network connection, the job is stopped after five minutes but can be continued later again.

Technical note: You can run a job in background by using the "run in bg mode" feature.

run in bg mode Start a job in the background mode now (the task is executed silently).

Usage note: The job is kept alive even when closing the browser window or losing your network connection - the best way for sending large mailings.

Helpful hint: In order to get the latest status information of background mailings, you just need to reload the job manager screen.

Important note: Since mail jobs are time and resource consuming, your server may work slightly slower than usual while the job is active.

suspend Stop a job currently executed (see status field of the concerned job).

Usage note: If a job was interrupted by "suspend", you can continue the job at the same point as it stopped by clicking on "run" or "run in bg mode" again.

Technical note: Theoretically it is possible to run more than one job at a time. However since this may slow down the server dramatically, MailingStar will execute jobs sequentially (one job per time) and puts waiting jobs into a queue.

Add a new mailing job:

Select a mailing list (used to take over default settings) and then click on the button "Add mailing job" at the bottom of mailing list jobs. Now you can specify all parameters for a new job.
 

MailingStar asks...
Description...
Recipients
Mailing list(s)
All registered users
Send the mailing either to selected lists (hold CTRL key to choose multiple entries) or to all registered users across all available lists.
Additional recipients filter According the personal details in each profile, you can send mailings to a particular target group within the selected mailing lists.

Click on "view filter results" to get a listing of all profiles matching the criteria.

For example: income>=3000 AND education="high"
Only recipients will receive this mailing which have an income of more than 3000 currency units and a "high" education level.

Usage note: For more details about how to perform search operations, please refer to the chapter "Helpful hints and technical reference".

Mailing method
There are two mailing methods available for selection.
Personalized (recommended) Personalized mailings contain an individual "To:" field for each recipient.

In addition, you are able to include fields from the registered users table, which are replaced by appropriate content (format: <!--$FIELDNAME-->).

Usage note: This method is required, if you wish to track undeliverable messages through a POP3 mail account (quick mailing method does not work with this feature).

Quick Quick mailings are used to send identical msgs. to all recipients (faster processing).

However be aware that the usage of personalized elements or intelligent mail content delivery is not possible (included tags or message parts are removed automatically).

Since the BCC mailing method is used, you must determine an e-mail address used as "To:" in mail headers as well as the maximum number of BCC recipients per message.

Usage note: Most servers are limited to BCC recipients; recommended value: 99.

Message details
Sender's name Sender's name used in the header of outgoing mails.
Sender's e-mail E-mail address used in the header of outgoing mails.
Message subject Subject used in the header of outgoing mails.
Reply-to e-mail address Reply-to e-mail address used in the header of outgoing mails.
Organization Organization's name used in the header of outgoing mails.
Message priority Priority setting used in the header of outgoing mails. Select from "Lowest" to "Highest".
Message format Format selector; allows you to choose the format of your mailing (TEXT and/or HTML).

Message format vs. subscriber preferences:

In order to take care upon the subscribers' preferences, select "TEXT and HTML" and fill in both message boxes (each subscriber will receive the matching format).

Technical note: When selecting just one format, only the content available in the matching message box will be sent (other message box is ignored).

Message in TEXT format Place your message in TEXT format here; all definable characters are allowed (like you use them on your computer keyboard or typewriter).

Usage note: Depending upon your list settings, a pre-defined message appears as default message body (e.g. used for header and footer).

Message in HTML format Place your message in HTML format here; all definable characters are allowed as well as HTML, JavaScript & other commands interpretable by mail clients.

Usage note: Depending upon your list settings, a pre-defined message appears as default message body (e.g. used for header and footer).

Attachment file #1 to #5 Specify up to five attachments to be added to your mailing.
Message language Language this mailing is written in (applies for the language filter).
Language filter
Decide whether or not taking care to the subscribers' language preferences.
Respect user language preference
 
Available selections...
Description...
Send to all users Send mailing to all profiles regardless of their language preferences or the set language.
Send to users having this lang. as primary or secondary Send mailing to all profiles having the set language as primary or secondary one.
Send to users having this language as primary Send mailing to all profiles having the set language as primary one.
Send to users having this language as secondary Send mailing to all profiles having the set language as secondary one.
 
Partial mailing
For some special applications (e.g. paid mailings by a commercial mail service), it may be desired to send mails only to a randomly selected number or percentage of recipients.
Amount of used e-mail addresses Number or percentage value of recipients to send this mailing, e.g. "1000" or "50%". Keep the default value "100%" for regular mailing to all subscribers.
Mail reading / link click tracking
Please refer to the chapter "Advanced features in details", part "Additional admin tools - statistics" for a closer description about how to track mail readings and click-throughs as well as how to configure it according your needs.
Scheduling options
You can schedule mailing jobs to be done immediately after creation, later at request or at a specific date and time.
Start immediately
Save for later execution
Run at specified date
Decide about the desired scheduling for this mailing.
Job status
This setting is available for updates only.
Reset job status Mark this button to clear the job's status (the job is considered as being a new one).

Important note: It is strongly recommended to reset the job status during an update, otherwise not all recipients will receive the new mailing.

If all settings are done, click on the button "Process mailing" to save the job or preview the mailing first.

Sample message in TEXT format (with personalized elements):
 
  Dear <!--$first_name--> <!--$last_name-->,

you recently added your website <!--$URL--> to our database.

If you would like to increase the popularity of your <!--$BUSINESSTYPE--> company, you should take a closer look at our valuable offers !

With kind regards,
John Smith (my sample company).

Intelligent mail content delivery:

The most powerful feature is the delivery of intelligent message parts based on a record's content and "if/then/else" conditions. So a mailing can be written absolutely targeted, which leads to higher response rates and increased user convenience.

Important note: This works only with "Personalized" mailing method. "Quick" mailings will ignore intelligent message parts.

Each "intelligent message part" has the following structure:
 
  <!--if <expression>-->
Message delivered when <expression> is true.
<!--else-->
Message delivered when <expression> is false.
<!--endif-->

Usage notes: "if" and "endif" tags are required, while the "else" part is optional. Recurrent tags may also be used.

<expression> can contain these operators:
 

Type...
Allowed operator...
Possible applications...
Mathematical operators +, -, /, *, == Any kind of calculations with numerical field content, e.g. indices, formulae.
String comparison operators eq (equal)
le (less than or equal)
ge (greater than or equal)
lt (less than)
gt (greater than)
ne (not equal)
Comparison of string based field content, e.g. names and selected options.
Numerical comparison operators =, <=, =>, >, <, <> Comparison of numerical values, e.g. age, size.
Logical operators AND, OR, NOT Relationships between fields, calculation and comparison results.

Format of field values: $fieldname (field names are handled case-sensitive).

Sample applications (non-recurrent tags):
 
  <!--if $gender eq "m"-->
Ties for 5 Euro only.
Just a limited time, buy now !
<!--else-->
Parfums starting at 10 Euro.
<!--endif-->

<!--if $income < 20000 AND $intelligence_quotient <= 30-->
Hi <$name>,
participate in our "get rich fast" special offers !
This is your chance to live like the <rich & beautiful>.
<b><i>So start acting now - start today.</b></i>
<!--endif-->

<!--if $index * 10 / $basetax + 0.03 == 2 AND $taxstatus eq "high"-->
Save taxes by ordering our book "1001 (il)legal tax tricks".
<!--else-->
Increase your income by ordering our book "1001 ways to get wealthy".
<!--endif-->

Usage notes: Second sample does not have an "else" tag, which means that a false result will lead into not displaying anything. Should a field value be unavailable (spelling error, non-existing field), then the argument is considered as being empty.

Technical note: It is also possible to use HTML and client-sided scripts (like JavaScript) within intelligent message parts.

Sample application (recurrent tags):
 
  <!--if $gender eq "m"-->
Special offer for <b>men</b> from our drug store:
<!--if $age > 50-->
Gray hair remover for just 9,99 Euro.
<!--else-->
Shaving foam - just 3,99 Euro.
<!--endif-->
<!--else-->
Special offer for <b>women</b> from our drug store:
<!--if $age > 50-->
Wrinkle remover for just 9,99 Euro.
<!--else-->
Lavender bath salt - just 3,99 Euro.
<!--endif-->
<!--endif-->

Usage notes: Parts in green text belonging together. Do not forget to close all "if" tags avoiding malfunctions.

How to perform a test of personal and intelligent mailings:

In order to let the system process a sample message, click on the button "Send test message to admin". The system then generates a mailing, which is sent to the administrator under real life conditions.

And these default values are used: Numerical = 0; date/time related fields = actual date/time; URLs = http://test.<fieldname>/; e-mail addresses = test@<fieldname>.test; fields in general = test-<fieldname>.

Add a new invitation job:

Click on the button "Add invitation job" at the bottom of the invitation job list. Now you can specify all parameters for a new job.
 

MailingStar asks...
Description...
Mailing options
Extract from scanner output files
Extract addresses from this file
Either select a scanner output file to be used for invitation (hold CTRL key or appropriate for multiple selections) or import addresses from a text-based database.

Technical note: The structure of the database to import does not matter. It can have any text-based format; intelligent routines will find matching entries automatically.

Do not send duplicate e-mails Mark this button to prevent sending of invitations multiple times to the same recipient.

If all settings are done, click on the button "Add job" to save the job or preview the mailing first. Now you can start the job at the job manager screen (see above within this chapter for details).

Advanced invitation possibilities:

The invitation feature is intended to allow interested people creating a profile by using the subscriber lounge.

However it is a matter of course that you can also forward them to any other destination, like your website containing a quick subscription form or to a page with more information about your company.

In this way, invitations can be made for an individual mailing list or just to welcome people to visit your website.
 

Automatic mailings (MailingStar plus only)...

Automatic mailings - overview:

Another great feature of MailingStar is the ability to send mailings automatically to each new user. This way is especially suited for any kind of periodicals, like online learning courses.

Automatic mailings are handled apart from mailing lists, so it is not necessary to set up one for this purpose. People are just required to create own profiles at the subscriber lounge in order to receive automatic mailings.

Important note: Automailings are sent to each new subscriber. So if you wish to manage additional mailing lists without this feature, it is necessary to make two installations of MailingStar (you are required to buy another license for this purpose).

Pre-requisite for automatic mailings:

Maintenance interval: Ensure that a maintenance interval is specified. Please see screen "Table parameters", "Table automatic maintenance". Recommended range: 3600 to 43200 seconds (1 to 12 hours).

How to add an automatic mailing:

Click on the button "Edit MailingStar parameters" when you're in the admin menu and go to the section "Automatic mailings". Type in the name of the automatic mailing entry (e.g. "First lesson") and click on the button "Create new".

At the following screen, specify the mailing's content; please refer to "Add a new mailing job" for details.
 

MailingStar asks...
Description...
Scheduling options
Delivery delay Type in the number of days after member registration to send this message. For example, a value of "5" will send this message at the fifth day after user registration.

You may also use fractional delays, e.g. "2.5" sends a message approximately at 12 o'clock the second day member subscribed.

Technical note: Setting the delivery delay to zero prevents the concerned mailing from being sent (useful when editing a mailing or to disable it temporarily).

Usage note: It is possible to send multiple mailings the same day (then their sending order depends upon the position at automatic mailings selection list).

If all settings are done, click on the button "Save parameters" to finally set up the automatic mailing.

By the way: Automatic mailings also supporting personalized mails (filled with data from registered users table) as well as intelligent mail content delivery. For more details, please refer to the part "Mailing and invitation manager".

How to edit / remove an automatic mailing:

Select the mailing from the list, click on "Delete" or "Edit" and follow the provided instructions.

How to change the sorting of automatic mailings:

Look for the one you wish to move around and click on either "move up" or "move down" to change its position in the list.
 


 
Advanced features in detail
Manage system tables - overview and applications...

Overview:

The system tables contain system related data, like subscriber profiles, mailing list settings, archived mailings, history info for list changes and effectiveness tracking. All system tables can be searched and modified according their specific applications.

You can access the system tables from the main admin menu. For each table, different selections are available.

Usage note: All modifications made to these tables take immediately effect to the subscriber lounge. Since most of these actions cannot be recovered, please be careful when altering data.

Table of registered users:

Please refer to the chapter "Mailing list management" for a close description of this table.

Moderate user actions:

If you have set permissions to moderate new profile creations (subscriptions) or changes in profiles (e.g. unsubscriptions or modifications), you can use the link "Moderate user actions" to approve or decline modification requests made by subscribers.

Technical note: Quick (un-)subscriptions cannot be moderated (use the security settings instead of).

Technical note: If you wish to modify records that are currently in moderation queue, mark the button "Remind to update" when approving these records. On the moderation result screen, you