On Mon, Jan 28, 2002 at 07:19:37AM +0000, Jim Breton wrote:

> On Mon, Jan 28, 2002 at 01:01:44AM -0500, Shannon wrote:
> > I understand the process and how it shouldn't be possible for errors
> > to occur.  Please note I was talking about RBL and Orbz both.  Also
> > note that 100% accurate means the filter lets all of my email through
> > and only blocks SPAM.
> > 
> > That means if Orbz blocks my friend's email, it's not 100% accurate,
> > regardless of why. Filters only have meaning from my point of view: they
> > have to block SPAM and only SPAM.
> 
> I disagree; ORDB/Orbz/etc. are not "spam-blocking engines" per se, just
> open-relay blocking engines.  I realize you know this, but it's
> important enough to mention that their intended purpose be kept in mind.

I don't think we disagree.  My point-of-view is purely it's use in
my personal mail filters.  If using it blocks the wrong thing,
it's not accurate _for me_.

I like the idea of using RBL or Orbz to trigger a special filter though,
and might give that a try.

> Personally, in the months I've been using ORDB and Orbz (the "inputs"
> host; using "outputs" will net more casualties), I've only seen one
> "legitimate" message denied, and it was not an "error" but rather an
> unfortunate side-effect of that person's relay having indeed been open.
> Working as advertised.  I told them to fix their machine.

The problem here is that it's possible to have open relays on your
domain, and you don't have control over that machine. Should you be
blacklisted in that case? I don't know if Orbz would blacklist in that
case, but some people have. A company I worked for was blacklisted
because a customer's machine had an open relay. As I recall, it was
difficult for us to reverse the situation, and lawyers were involved.

-- 
shannon@widomaker.com  _________________________________________________
______________________/ armchairrocketscientistgraffitiexenstentialist
 "And in billows of might swell the Saxons before her,-- Unite, oh
 unite!  Or the billows burst o'er her!" -- Downfall of the Gael