IM a newbie and had no idea that IP can get blacklisted! I was going to invest in VPS with hostgator and use sendblaster thinking I'd be all set??? but I can get blocked after sending too many emails how do I get around this anyone know? can someone explain as to WHEN you need to use proxies and what the heck they are?
Wow! You have almost asked us to write an encyclopedia. But let me try to answer.
but I can get blocked after sending too many emails how do I get around this anyone know?
Yes, you can and you will. And blocked is not only equal to blacklisting IP but may also result in suspension of your server. While you cannot rule this out completely but using an offshore host and proxies reduces your chances.
can someone explain as to WHEN you need to use proxies and what the heck they are?
I will go into what is a proxy first.
Proxy acts as an intermediary between you and the host (say the website you are visiting). For eg: go to ip2location. com and you will see a lot of information about your IP, ISP, etc. Now do the same through a proxy. You will get your answer.
To make things easier this is what a proxy does:
You---------->Proxy (Sees your IP,etc and an anonymous proxy will not leak your info)--------->Website (will see the proxy info as yours). So you can emulate being in say US even if you are in Kazakistan.
I guess you would have understood when you need them. But if you still dont. Use google, it will provide you all sorts of use.
Now getting into what you are looking into, I have a few suggestions:
I do not prefer hostgator for spamming. I would rather use an offshore hosting company.
I will of course use proxies to ensure my emails are delivered.
You may additionaly read the proxy forum (ape has made a lot of very useful threads) and also read the sub-forum on mailing. You may also want to read a little about hosting.
All the best.... Let me know if this has been an info overload or not enough. i will be glad to answer all your questions.