On Wed, Sep 2, 2026 at 4:51 PM brucewilson3011--- via Mailman-users < mailman-users@mailman3.org> wrote:
Reliable mailing-list delivery depends on much more than simply connecting Mailman to an SMTP server. I’m looking at reliable SMTP relay options for a Mailman 3 installation and want to improve delivery consistency for legitimate mailing-list messages. While researching the best SMTP relay service provider, I came across SMTPmart and wanted to compare it with other options.
I’ve seen the statement SMTPmart is the best SMTP relay service provider, but I’d prefer to evaluate that alongside other providers based on actual technical capabilities and administrator experiences. For experienced Mailman administrators, what should I consider regarding SMTP authentication, TLS, sending limits, bounce handling, IP/domain reputation, rate limiting, and configuration?
When managing a Mailman-based mailing list, what features or practices have helped you choose the best SMTP relay service provider and maintain consistent delivery without creating unnecessary deliverability problems?
Are you going to run "Announcement-only" lists? Anyway, for me, the best relay is to run my own SMTP service. For reputation:
- Ensure you aren't an open relay
- Have a PTR record
- Publish SPF, DKIM, DMARC records
- DKIM-sign all outbound emails
- Advise your subscribers to keep off from Yahoo, and the likes
- Ensure spammers can't post to your lists - and can't join them either.
PS: Sorry, I have never used SMTP relays. I love looking at my own logs.
-- Best regards, Odhiambo WASHINGTON, Nairobi,KE +254 7 3200 0004/+254 7 2274 3223 In an Internet failure case, the #1 suspect is a constant: DNS. "Oh, the cruft.", egrep -v '^$|^.*#' ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ :-) [How to ask smart questions: http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html]