[Milsurplus] Subscriber block situation

[Greg Werstiuk]

There exist a number of services to which ISP or other mail server operators
can subscribe.  These services typically provide a list of mail servers
which are poorly configured such that they vulnerable (most often configured
as "open relays") to use by high volume spammers (these people are not
associated with the party running the email server but look for servers
configured in such a fashion as they can be used to do mass spamming for
free - anyone can connect to them and use them to distribute email).

The ISPs who take advantage of these services use the list(s) to block email
from any server which appears on the list(s).  The ultimate goal is not to
block email from these sources but to get the server operators to properly
configure their servers so they cannot be used to abuse others on the
Internet.

Usually the block notice contains brief info on the issue and a link to the
service site where the issue explained is in detail.  Sometimes direction
and/or assistance is available to the server operator who is appearing on
the block list.

Usually an individual finds out about it when they send an email to someone
with an email address at an ISP using one of these services and the email
server from which their email originates as made it onto one of these block
lists and sends back a blocked email notification.

In Patrick's case, apparently his ISP has one or more mail servers
configured in the offending fashion and as a result has been placed on a
block list.  The resolution is for his ISP to clean up it's act and notify
the block list service of the correction.  They will in turn test the
server(s) and if found acceptable will remove Patrick's ISP from the block
list.


- Greg


> -----Original Message-----
> From: milsurplus-bounces at mailman.qth.net 
> [mailto:milsurplus-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of 
> w8au at sssnet.com
> Sent: Saturday, August 27, 2005 8:11 PM
> To: milsurplus at mailman.qth.net
> Subject: [Milsurplus] Subscriber block situation
> 
> 
> To the list moderator:
> 
> A message from Patrick Jankowiak <recycler at swbell.net>
> 
> Can Pat be helped to return to the list?
> 
> -------------------
> 
> >I am now blocked by some busybodies called 'SORBS', based in 
> Australia, 
> >from posting to this list.
> >
> >Thanks again,
> >Patrick
>