Use external email

[digitalhead]

The host I am using does not allow email service for whatever reasons and I would like to be able to use an external pop3 mail service, like Gmail for notifications and sending confirmations to commenters. Is it possible to do this and how can I set it up?

Thanks.

[garvinhicking]

Hi!

Yes, there is an serendipity_event_smtpmail plugin that allows you to use other SMTP servers.

To use GMail though, you need to use SMTP over SSL, and many PHP hosts do not support that without enabling an extensions.

Regards,
Garvin

[digitalhead]

I just tried it, and it looks like you're right about it not being supported. Any suggestions on what services are more likely to work?

[garvinhicking]

Hi!

Usually, SMTP servers are seldomly available for personal use; most SMTP servers that are offered are being used by spammers and thus blacklisted by many people.

You could try to buy some mail or webhosting somewhere, where you'd get a SMTP server. I don't really know anything apart from GoogleApp here, so you might be out of luck -- at least when you're looking for a free alternative.

Regards,
Garvin

[digitalhead]

I was really hoping to have this covered for free, but I should be able to get by without using an email.

Thanks for the help.