My presenting issue was an attempt to find a way of handling unsubscribe requests for my newsletter. This is a legal requirement to avoid federal charges of being a “spammer”.

Despite the feedback generated when somebody selects 'unsubscribe' at the bottom of a newsletter indicating that their request was handled right then, in fact nothing happened as far as I could determine. Nothing changed in the source database for the mailing; no message was received by me to let me know that somebody had opted-out.


In my case, logging into my website at <websitedomain>/sohoadmin
Selecting "Database Tables"
Selecting "System Tables"
Showed NO system table entries, just a message that says:

“WARNING: Modify system tables at your own risk. Generally, you shouldn't have to mess with these unless you're developing a custom php script or troubleshooting a standard feature that doesn't seem to be working correctly.”

No exactly helpful.

It turns out that there is, in fact, a database entry made to record this opt-out request, but in my case nothing shows up under Database Table Manager/System Tables, and nothing is emailed to the site administrator.

However, I have found a partial workaround for this issue in the CPanel.

Go to CPanel …
Selecting "MySQL Databases"
Scroll down
Select "PhpMyAdmin"
Select "<Database>” in the upper left column
Select the database you want to use, in my case: <LoginID>_sopa1

You should now see a list of available databases on the left.
For my issue, I selected "UNSUBSCRIBE"
Taking the default settings, I then selected "Search"
Then I selected "GO" in the upper box
Scroll down
I can now see all entries for those who have unsubscribed from my newsletter.

I have a long way to go to understand this MySQL database, but I have found this much:

To remove any entries from this database, check the box to the left of each entry, then select the red X located below all the entries.
You can also select "Check All” to select all entries before selecting the red X.

In either case, you will then be presented with a final opportunity to review and accept/reject your changes.

I now have a mechanism to handle any unsubscribe requests.

I have not (yet) found a way to display this database under the "System Tables" heading, or to receive email notification. When I do so, I will post the necessary instructions on this forum in case this is of any assistance to others.


... and this was all done without an eye doctor, or even a proctologist.