ezmlm-limit(1)ezmlm-limit(1)NAMEezmlm-limit - Limits traffic to list
SYNOPSISezmlm-limit [ -f file ][ -dDF ][ -t secs ][ -n msgs ] dir
ezmlm-limit is intended to limit traffic to a list in case an outside
source sends excessive messages. Traffic is limited by converting the
list to a message moderated list, or by deferring messages.
ezmlm-limit reads dir/loopnum. If it does not exist or contains a time
stamp more than secs seconds old, it is updated. If it exists, con‐
tains a time stamp less than secs seconds old, and msgs messages or
more have passed since dir/loopnum was created, ezmlm-limit creates
dir/modpost. For lists set up with ezmlm-store(1) this results in
future messages being moderated.
As long as dir/modpost does not exist, ezmlm-store(1) will simply for‐
ward the message to ezmlm-send(1). Once dir/modpost exists, messages
will be queued for moderation. Thus, in case of error (such as miscon‐
figured auto responders) subscribers are spared messages in excess of
the limit. However, no messages are lost, since the moderator(s) can
(selectively) approve queued messages.
If dir/modpost already exists, ezmlm-limit will not take any action.
Resetting the list requires manual removal of dir/modpost. Queued mes‐
sages can be managed with regular moderation or approved in bulk with
ezmlm-accept(1).
ezmlm-limit is not required for normal lists, since qmail and ezmlm
loop detection prevent problems caused by regular bounces. However, it
affords some protection against malice, and severely misconfigured sub‐
scribers.
OPTIONS-d Defer excess traffic. Excess messages are deferred and qmail
will re-deliver. As a consequence, traffic will be throttled to
the maximum allowed. Due to qmail delivery back-off, messages
may not be disseminated in the order received. If traffic is
continuously above or close to the limit, some messages may be
delayed for a long time or even bounced.
-D (Default.) Make the list moderated once excess traffic is
detected. This requires the list to be configured up with ezmlm-
store(1) rather than ezmlm-send(1), which is easiest done by
first creating a message moderated list, then removing dir/mod‐
post.
-n msgs
Trigger after msgs messages (default 30).
-f file
Instead of dir/loopnum use file as the time stamp. This allows
the use of multiple instances of ezmlm-limit for the same list.
For instance, you may allow 60 messages per hour with one
instance and 150 messages per day with another. If file is rela‐
tive, this is relative to dir.
-F (Default.) Use dir/loopnum as the time stamp.
-t secs
Check the number of messages within period of secs seconds
(default 3600 seconds).
SEE ALSOezmlm-accept(1), ezmlm-make(1), ezmlm-send(1), ezmlm-store(1), ezmlm(5)ezmlm-limit(1)
