JD Underground

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Thu, 11 Jan 2024 16:19:16 -0800
Andy from private IP
/all
The many benefits of running your own email server

So I've run my own email server since 2017 (and my own domain since 2004).  Ever since I started running my own email server, I've noticed several benefits:

1.  You can confirm delivery of emails based on the SMTP return code from the recipient's email server.  No more B.S. claims that people didn't get your email.

2.  I don't have a spam folder.  Thus, when opposing lawyers say "oh, it must have gone to his spam folder," I call them out on their bullshit, stating "I don't
have a spam folder.  Either the sender is notified that it bounced, or the sender is notified it was delivered."  I rely on block lists and zen.spamhaus.org to
filter email, not spam detectors, so there is no possibility that legitimate messages don't get through.  This has a "raw and uncut" feel, which is how I want
it.

3.  I can see all attempted connections and the reasons why a particular attempt failed.  Example: one lawyer has SPF mis-configured for her domain, which
results in her emails getting rejected due to a SPF fail.  That one is on her, which I told the court (lol).

4.  I can set up my own aliases for cases, so I just send email to casename@andrewwatters.com and everyone gets the message.  No more being asked to cc 10
people on the other side!

5.  I don't have to pay hundreds of dollars a month for Google Workspace.  Cost to me: zero dollars per month beyond my connection and existing equipment.

I also recently started running my own CalDAV (calendar) server, which means I can do event invitations and acceptances for free.

In conclusion, running your own email/calendar server is the way to go.  I should have done this many years earlier.
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