BitBlog

Yahoo continues to deliver (poor email service, that is!) More information on 451 errors...

April 9, 2008

Once again, Yahoo is returning 451 errors when our customers send email to yahoo.com email addresses. The error message looks something like "451 Message temporarily deferred - 4.16.50." You may also see "Messages from 209.221.150.13 temporarily deferred due to user complaints - 4.16.56.1."

This seems to happen every few months for no good reason, and any attempts to contact Yahoo support to resolve the issue fall on deaf ears.

What this means for our email hosting customers is that messages to addresses @yahoo.com are often delayed or not delivered at all. Yahoo's justification for this is that our mail server is sending spam, but since we control our server tightly and know what goes in and out of it, we know that is not the case.

One factor possibly affecting Yahoo's email service is the recent layoffs of thousands of workers. A quick search on Google shows that this is a widespread issue. It is only a matter of time before Yahoo loses a significant number of email users due to their lack of consistent email delivery.

At BitSculptor, we've been advising our customers who use Yahoo email services to switch to a better service such as Gmail or Hotmail.  Both of these services offer a better product for the same great price (free).

Posted 4/9/2008 in Miscellaneous

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Banjo Hangout discussion forums are hoppin'

March 5, 2003

The recently opened discussion forum at BitSculptor's own Banjo Hangout is fast becoming the #1 online meeting place for banjo players worldwide.

After just a few weeks of being "live," the discussion forums now contain over 3,200 message postings from over 400 active members. Topics ranging from beginner technique tips to heated debates on the world's best bluegrass musician have given this community plenty of fodder for discussion.

Forum discussions are archived and saved in a completely searchable database, turning the discussion board into an ever-growing resource created and maintained by its contributors… a true online community.

Posted 3/5/2003 in Miscellaneous

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Screensaver finished for CEFC Youth Group

January 28, 2003

Community Evangelical Free Church of Susanville, CA has a hoppin' youth group, and Pastor Steve Schlange saw an opportunity to remind kids of that by creating a downloadable, CEFC Youth-themed screensaver. The first screensaver (created in 2001) was good… but the latest screensaver, created to match the revamped site for 2003, is just plain great.

Click any of the screenshots to the right to enlarge.

As a spin-off from ET, Jurassic Park, and Monty Python, this screensaver is sure to entertain. What else can happen when you watch your youth pastor ride wheelies in front of a hungry T-Rex?

All of the photos and images in the screensaver are pulled from CEFC Youth group (most from the online photos archives).

Posted 1/28/2003 in Miscellaneous

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White Oak Nursery doubles its online sales for 2002 season.

May 23, 2002

As one of our earlier clients, White Oak Nursery has been selling hosta plants online since 1999. Each year, sales have increased as we've worked with White Oak Nursery to make the site more user-friendly, get better rankings on search engines, and expand the overall features. Recently Bob Keller, owner of the nursery, sent us this note:

I just wanted to drop you a note to tell you how much we appreciate all you have done for our business. Each year our internet sales have grown beyond our expectations. In fact, this year we doubled the number of visitors, and sales, from the web site. I also appreciate all the suggestions you have made to improve the site the last three years...and the good humor and patience you've displayed in dealing with my many questions.

Best Regards,
Bob Keller
White Oak Nursery

Posted 5/23/2002 in Miscellaneous

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Our prayers and condolences go out to the victims of today's tragedies.

September 11, 2001

Posted 9/11/2001 in Miscellaneous

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BitSculptor adds corporate screen saver creation to multimedia design services.

August 30, 2001

Over 90% of computer users run a screen saver on their computer--a program which displays motion graphics when the computer is not in use. This affords a unique opportunity to our business clients, as a branded screen saver could be installed on the machines of their web site visitors, or on machines in their offices.

Screen savers can be made available via the corporate web site, where users can easily download and install them. This screen saver can then provide a constant reminder of the client's web site, while advertising the client's products and services.

Within our clients' offices, branded screen savers can lend an air of professionalism as unused computers will display catchy, eye-pleasing graphics to any passers-by.

The costs of developing a screen saver vary widely depending upon the depth of the design needed, but typical screen savers run in the $150-$450 range.

Posted 8/30/2001 in Miscellaneous

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