DNSBL Report

The statistics generator is fully automatic.  It is based on user input about what is spam and what is not. For ’spam’ and ‘ham’ distinction, we have a collection of people who contribute time to classify every message they receive as either. The Message-ID and time stamp are combined to ensure each entry in the database is unique. This key is then used to store the IP address, user ID, results and classification for inclusion in the graphs. We are using this method because of a number of distinct advantages and few disadvantages. The advantages are:

• No individual can affect a major change in the statistics generated without being noticed, and their results being discarded.
• Statistics can be recorded from around the world from a variety of different people, places and persuasions.
• As the checks are made at reception time, not delivery time, it will give a true view about what is actually seen as the performance of the list, not some 10+ minutes after the fact.

The disadvantages with this approach are:

• DNS based lists cannot be added and historical information for those lists be given.
• Private lists that only allow zone transfers (ie. no public servers) cannot be used without disadvantaging them.
• Lists which give priority to subscribed users may be disadvantaged.
• A collection of people have to devote time to sorting the spam from the ham.
• The statistics server(s) have to be the primary MX server for the various addresses in use to ensure overall integrity.

Lastly we will be providing details to the DNS based list operators of false positives on request and we will be providing them with a method to comment on the statistics and any errors.

We will endeavor to be completely transparent to you, the reader, and to the list operators.

If you want to contribute to the statistics and can redirect your domain to go via the DNSBL Report mail servers, please contact Matthew. Note: contributing to the statistics is not something to be taken lightly, no messages are rejected at the MX and you must mark each message as spam or not spam within the interface. If you don’t mark the messages the domain will be automatically suspended after 30 days and all mail will be rejected rather than forwarded to your destination of choice.

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