The Basics

Newman Basic Concepts

Overview

Newman is a basic email distribution system. Newman does not include its own SMTP server. This is a design choice because nearly every organization already has a email server running. If you don't, don't sweat, it is very easy to set one up with Postfix or Zimbra, both of which are free.

While we are on the topic of email servers, lets talk about SPAM. First of all, please don't use this system to SPAM people, it isn't the intention of this system.

Also it just isn't nice.

Next, you don't want to look like a SPAMMER. Before you go any further I recommend you read about CAN-SPAM (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CAN-SPAM_Act_of_2003). This will help keep you out of trouble.

If your domain has ever gotten blacklisted by Spamhause SBL, you understand how problematic this can be to resolve. So be very careful not to get on one of this lists as your entire domain could be blacklisted. Some sites choose to use another domain name for sending mass email. I am not claiming this is right way to resolve the problem, but it at least protects your production system.

Basic Terminology

• List - This refers to a set of email address that Newman can send a job to. You can have as many lists as you wish on Newman.
• Job - A job represents the configuration of an email communication, it includes the lists that will be sent to, the languages that will be includes and well as the message body, title and schedule.
• Job Instance - A job instance is an executable version of a job, when you submit a job, a job instance is created.
• Archive - Archives allow you to store a copy of a job instance. This is a public copy that allows users to view historical versions.