> >> Does anybody know of a web site or an FTP-retrievable file
> >> that explains *in lay terms* the implications of bounce
> >> messages?
> and handling, on 6 bounces: http://cap.unb.ca/listserv/
> http://wolf.weeg.uiowa.edu/helpdesk/faqhtmls/email-problems.html#bounced
These documents explain the *intended meanings* of some common bounce
messages (i.e. what the programmer who wrote the program that generates
the bounce thought what would be the problem) but you should keep in
mind that this will not always be accurate. For example, the common
"No such user at host" or "Unknown Recipient" or "User Unknown" is often
generated for perfectly valid e-mail addresses when during system
maintenance the computer is temporarily unable to deliver e-mail. (Of
course, responsible system administrators know how this can be avoided.)
> Norbert, any bounce help that you have the patience and
> inclination to put up for newbies, would be gratefully
> welcomed, used, and shared with others.
In my opinion the only reasonable way for dealing with bounces is by
means of an automated program such as e.g. my Bouncefilter (which is much
better than all other currently existing bounce handling software in my
opinion, but then I may be biased. This is free software and currently in
alpha testing.) The idea of Bouncefilter is that is does not only completely
free the list-owner of the chore of dealing with bounces, but also allows
list-owner, subscriber and the postmasters of the sites concerned to
retrieve accurate information on any mail delivery problems that may have
occured.
Of course, when asked about mail delivery problems, Bouncefilter can only
pass on whatever (possibly misleading) messages were contained in the
bounces in question. For this reason I also plan to put together a website
with explanations of the meanings of bounce messages, especially those which
are incomprehensible, confusing or potentially misleading.
I welcome everyone to contribute questions and answers for this website by
private e-mail to my e-mail address <NB@POBOX.COM>. When I have received
enough questions to make such a website worthwhile I will answer them (to
my best knowledge) and announce the website.
May blessings from the eternal God surprise and overtake you!
Norbert.
References:
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