RW wrote:
>> So I suggest changing the wording of that paragraph to replace
>> "filter" with "classifier":
>
> I can't do any harm, but I doubt it would make much difference because
> not many people would read it and I think most ordinary users regard
> it as a fairly pedantic distinct anyway.
>
> If "SpamAssassin is not a filter", then "Ceci n'est pas une pipe".
The item of note is that SpamAssassin cannot direct mail between
folders or accounts and cannot delete mail. It marks up messages that
qualify as "spam" and no more.
As to what specific word to say SA is or is not... we should use
whatever best states that to the largest portion of newcomers.
Hopefully there won't be too many differing opinions on what that is.
I'd personally go with "markup" or "flag" rather than "filter" or
"classifier" as I think it's harder to interpret those erroneously.
"SpamAssassin ... serves as a tool to flag incoming mail as spam."
or
"SpamAssassin ... serves as a mail markup tool to identify spam."
I like Kenneth's adjustment on the final sentence in that quote.
I also wouldn't capitalize "spam" unless referring to Hormel's brand
of canned products. They've been very gracious to our community so
far, so I'd like to return the favor. Losing the capitalization
implies use of the word as a dictionary word rather than a proper
noun. Brands that have lost their place as a proper noun (e.g.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xerox#Trademark ) risk losing their
trademark privileges.
