SYMPA for List Owners

Configurable Parameters

As a list owner, you can adjust numerous parameters directly via SYMPA’s web interface. The most important settings are listed below:

• Archive Quota: Set storage limits for list archives.
• Subscriptions: Determine who is allowed to subscribe to a list.
• Sending permissions: Specify who is allowed to send messages to the list.
• Sender name: Define the name under which messages are sent.

Recommendation: If your list sends messages to external addresses, use the list’s name as the sender — not your personal address. Emails with a personal sender often end up in the spam filter.

Under Admin → Configure List → Data Source, you can specify external data sources from which subscribers are retrieved (e.g., databases, LDAP data, files, or other SYMPA lists).

Important: Passwords entered here are stored in plain text on the server. Ensure that your access credentials are secured accordingly.

Notes on Database Queries

• Use SELECT DISTINCT in SQL queries to avoid duplicate entries.
• Verify each query for correctness before applying it.
• Be aware that SYMPA may occasionally experience delays when updating changes to queries.

In SYMPA, access rights are controlled using so-called scenarios. These allow you to define fine-grained permissions for your list — from full public access to visibility restricted to the owner only.

Make sure permissions are assigned as restrictively as necessary. This helps keep the list under control and prevents misuse, such as mass mailing or unauthorized use.

Hierarchy of Permission Levels

Table: Level, names and description of the permission hierarchy