how to implement "send newsletters"

[xxxyyy]

does any java gurus out there run websites that send out newsletters to their users? what smtp server should i use for this purpose? is javamail a good package to use for this purpose?

[Olate]

You could use your own host's SMTP server if they allow it but you may find you have to authenticate first by logging in.

There are probably a number of open, free SMTP servers but these are most likely used for spam and will probably be blacklisted.

I'd recommend using a script which utilises the system mail system such as sendmail. There are many different scripts available. If I had to recommend one, it'd be List Messenger - http://www.listmessenger.com.