Cole,
The way I avoid spam mail is that I have my hotmail set where only those e-mails that are in my contact list come into the system. Used to use my hotmail for all fishing and outdoor stuff but the spam got so bad, I had to make that change. The downside, as far as I am concerned, is that when you register with some BB, they cannot e-mail to verify your account, etc., unless you can get their e-mail address into your contact list. So, I just use my other e-mail system now when I register on a BB. Yes, I believe that hotmail is trying to phrase out the free stuff. They always want you to sign up for more space, etc. I always delete my incoming stuff after a day or so. So, there is never much in my files.