No outbound email for more than 24 hours

[sdec]

I have lost all outbound (SMTP) email capability for at least the past 24 hours; I only noticed it yesterday.

My outbound email traffic is routinely very sparse and limited. What's going on system-wise around here?

- SD

[terrakeramik]

Have sent emails over the past week, many of which did not arrive at their intended destination. Yesterday, I started to bcc myself on all outgoing emails and noticed that they took 1 hour or more to arrive. Anyone know of a way to confirm whether an email has been successfully sent and received (other than checking the "read receipt requested", which many people block). Thanks!

[anthg]

I have also had this problem more than once or twice in the last few weeks - much more often than in past years. Outbound email is unavailable for ten minutes on up to an hour.

I don't know what's causing it, but I wouldn't mind a brief explanation from BH, if possible.