ezmlm alternative

Maynard · 02-22-2001, 10:11 AM

Greetings all,

I seek to offer/host a dozen or so discussion (not announcement) lists, each with no more than a couple dozen subscribers and minimaltraffic, requiring:

-owner/moderator approval of subscription requests (not post moderation];

-closed lists which reject posting attempts from non-subscribers.

Accordingly, my questions are:

- is there a timeline for a possible FutureQuest installation which will provide these features?

- is there a suggestion for a suitable package which I could install which is appropriately compatible with FutureQuest?

Thanks,

`~Maynard

Maynard · 03-10-2001, 04:53 PM

Hi again

I haven't found any seemingly suitable answers to this original question, so I though to rekindle it again; having read much history on this board of the ezmlm "experiment" and ongoing mail system evolution.

The -idx add-on appears to be a sufficient solution. Is this something which us users can install locally to run in concert with the FQ base ezmlm?

Thanks,

-Maynard

**Terra** · 03-10-2001, 06:22 PM

Though we don't offer it in the core, as other dependencies must be completed first...

However, you can perform a local install within your account and use it that way... There are a few that are using 'idx' this way with positive results...

YMMV, as we cannot provide any technical support for 'idx' so you are pretty much on your own...

--
Terra
sysAdmin
FutureQuest

Maynard · 03-10-2001, 10:53 PM

Thanks Terra,

I acknowledge the support issue. Having already exhuberantly indulged the reckless proceeding without ever encountering a[n] RPM or other 'package' before, I'll proceed with patience and distraction through the next course appreciative of any lifts or leads which may waft across my bow.

**Terra** · 03-10-2001, 10:58 PM

LOL

--
Terra
sysAdmin
FutureQuest

*Rich* · 03-11-2001, 02:31 PM

From the original requirements:

Quote:

-owner/moderator approval of subscription requests (not post moderation];

-closed lists which reject posting attempts from non-subscribers.

Will ezmlm not meet these requirements?

I'm not that familiar with all of ezmlm's capabilities, but I thought these were some of them.

Rich

*sheila* · 03-11-2001, 02:42 PM

I wonder if there isn't some confusion, as a result of trying to use the CNC mailing list manager?

It is certainly possible, as Rich notes, to run a moderated list, which only allows subscribers to post to the list. However, when I went to the CNC and started to set up a mailing list, I don't see that so plainly stated. As a matter of fact, I don't see that option at all.

However, I do see the option to allow/not allow subscribers to subscribe on their own.

OTOH, the AOTA tutorial here:
http://www.aota.net/Mailing_Lists/moderated.php3

seems to indicate a list that would do exactly what Maynard wanted in the first place:
allow only subscribers to post, and require manual intervention of the moderator in order to process subscriptions.

The only disadvantage that I see here, is that it would also require manual intervention in order to unsubscribe, as well. It would probably be possible to set up some special e-mail address, or web form, where subscribers could go to/write to when they wanted to unsubscribe, and automate the unsubscribe process via a script of some type.

At least, this sounds easier to me than installing ezmlm-idx.

Maynard · 03-11-2001, 07:32 PM

by my research, the ezmlm documentation clearly states that these two features are available only in the -idx installation.

restricted posting can be added via just one more executable, but subscription moderation is pointing to the RPM install of -idx, for which I am garnering courage while confident that Terra has configured everything so that I can't possibly fsck up anything for FQ admin or users.

It's a very peaceful sort of feeling actually.

*sheila* · 03-11-2001, 07:43 PM

Maynard, if what you say is true (that the moderated features you seek are not available with the FQ install of ezmlm), then the AOTA documents at the link I referred to above are in error.

So, FQ employees, which is it? Is the tutorial document for the moderated lists at FQ incorrect? Or are those features actually available?

Maynard · 03-11-2001, 09:10 PM

Hi Sheila; please don't think that I'm singing to the choir here; rather just documenting some evidence ;-}

Posting Restrictions are covered at http://www.ezmlm.org/faq-0.32/FAQ-8.html#ss8.6

where is referenced ezmlm-issubn which is available as an easy addon to the FQ set without -idx.

Subscription Moderation is covered at http://www.ezmlm.org/faq-0.32/FAQ-4.html#ss4.16
and at http://www.ezmlm.org/ezman-0.32/ezman2.html#ss2.7

Both issues are succinctly covered at http://www.ezmlm.org/ezman-0.32/ezman3.html#ss3.6

The FQ/aota docs may be a little bit misleading about "Moderated Lists"; IIRC these (without -idx) require the moderator to review/approve all posts as well as subscriptions.

"Discussion List" as presented at http://www.aota.net/Mailing_Lists/index.php3 should more correctly state that anybody can post to the list and subscribers will receive.

At this point, I'm tabling any plan to pursue a full or hybrid installation of -idx, and take my review of options and strategies to the next level of deliberation.[ListServ, Listar, Mailman, Y!eGroups]

or maybe I'll just do my taxes