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E-mail Tracking: Read/Unread?

Posted: Mon Dec 13, 2004 11:23 pm
by zimick7
I have created a code that will send an e-mail to someone and will embed a hidden 1x1px graphic. It records the email id into a database using MYSQL. When someone reads the email, it calls the bug.php file and adds a count to the database and displays the 1x1 image. In theory, if the count is greater than 0, the e-mail has been read (or at least displayed).

My question is this: is there any other method in which to do this? Currently, many e-mail apps by default do not open images in e-mails. therefore, the tracker only works if the image is automatically opened or is manually opened by the person if it is not opened by default.

I am new to PHP and am still trying to learn stuff. I am just trying to come up with my own little projects to learn the language and methods of design.

Any help?

Posted: Mon Dec 13, 2004 11:25 pm
by kettle_drum
You can include a script via javascript or css that does the same thing. It all depends on the users client as to whether it will work or not.

Posted: Mon Dec 13, 2004 11:30 pm
by zimick7
true. what would be the best method then? an image or a script? I guess I am looking for the method that would work most frequently.

Posted: Tue Dec 14, 2004 7:04 am
by timvw
just provide them a link or button they can explicitely hit....... this way you are absolutely sure they have (not) read the message...