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F I D O N E W S -- | Vol. 9 No. 37 (14 September 1992)
The newsletter of the |
FidoNet BBS community | Published by:
_ |
/ \ | "FidoNews" BBS
/|oo \ | (415)-863-2739
(_| /_) | FidoNet 1:1/1
_`@/_ \ _ | Internet:
| | \ \\ | fidonews@fidonews.fidonet.org
| (*) | \ )) |
|__U__| / \// | Editors:
_//|| _\ / | Tom Jennings
(_/(_|(____/ | Tim Pozar
(jm) |
|
| Newspapers should have no friends.
| -- JOSEPH PULITZER
----------------------------+---------------------------------------
Published weekly by and for the Members of the FidoNet international
amateur network. Copyright 1992, Fido Software. All rights reserved.
Duplication and/or distribution permitted for noncommercial purposes
only. For use in other circumstances, please contact FidoNews.
Electronic Price: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . free!
Paper price: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10.00US
For more information about FidoNews refer to the end of this file.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents
1. EDITORIAL ..................................................... 1
Editorial: The weakly grind ................................... 1
2. ARTICLES ...................................................... 2
FidoCon '92 Report ............................................ 2
FidoCon '92 Financial Report .................................. 4
Desperately Seeking City ...................................... 6
Time For a Change in Net 107 .................................. 6
A Funny Thing Happened in the Online World .................... 8
Introducing WorldPol 3 - New Policy Proposal .................. 9
Commodore C=128 Echo Needs You ................................ 26
3. FIDONEWS INFORMATION .......................................... 29
FidoNews 9-37 Page 1 14 Sep 1992
======================================================================
EDITORIAL
======================================================================
Editorial: The weakly grind
by Tom Jennings (1:1/1)
Another week, another Snooze. Alas, almost not true last week.
Through the usual screwups last week's got out a bit late -- like
yesterday. Sorry!
As promised, the FidoCon'92 organizers have come through with a report
on this years FidoCon, enclosed in this issue (delivered on time).
The war in Zone 2 seems to have quieted down. You may remember a few
weeks ago I invoked ARTSPEC.DOC to help curb a self-perpetuating
flood of articles. I have at the moment two articles pending, and I
will hold them for another week to see what else comes in.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
FidoNews 9-37 Page 2 14 Sep 1992
======================================================================
ARTICLES
======================================================================
FidoCon '92 Report
by Ron Bemis
1:124/1113
Well, I know I had a good time, even though I missed several of the
discussion groups. Paul Sittler said I seemed to calm down sometime
in the middle of the banquet - but I sure didn't feel it. Even
running on about 4 hours of sleep a night, the whole thing was pretty
exciting.
It was great to meet everybody that came and hear what they had to
say. That's the best part of these get-togethers for me.
I learned a couple new tricks about OS/2. My team came in second in
the water volleyball tournament (okay, so there weren't very many
teams). We heard some good ideas about echomail cost sharing.
Since I didn't go to all meetings, I'll let those that were more
involved tell you what happened. I know there's a couple people
planning on writing 'Snooze articles.
Everybody seemed to have had a good time. I've gotten a couple phone
calls and several netmail messages from people thanking me for the
job I've done, but I certainly can't take all the credit...
Kudos
Henry Clark
Without Henry, this conference probably wouldn't have been
possible. Since Henry doesn't have a typical 9-5 job, he was
able (and willing) to do a lot of things during the day that
would have been difficult chained to a desk like I usually am.
Henry handled most of the arrangements with the hotel, and was
invaluable with his laser printer in putting together the
information packets, nametags, receipts, etc.
He also provided a voice of reason and a calming effect when
everything seemed so chaotic.
Ken Rucker
Ken created and printed a dozen possible conference logos and
brought them to one of our monthly pizza parties. Everybody in
attendance picked their three favorites, and at the next PP,
FidoNews 9-37 Page 3 14 Sep 1992
Ken had the top choices printed in color. The favorite was
obvious. Ken single-handedly made all the arrangements for
T-shirts, caps, and mugs, and had them all made up in time for
the conference.
John Summers
John offered the use of his toll-free number for the FidoCon
'92 hotline, and footed the bill himself. In order to avoid
missing a deadline, one late registration was sent via
overnight mail to John, and he drove to my place of work and
hand delivered it to me the same day.
Jeff Rush
Jeff got involved in the planning stages a little late, but
came through for us by running two of the sessions and
providing information on floppy disks to anyone that wanted to
grab one.
He also was helpful to us by "kicking our butts" and making
suggestions and hollering about what we had forgotten and what
still needed doing.
WOC folks
Vince Perriello, Bob Hartman, Wynn Wagner III, Tom Jennings, et
al provided the WOC Inn hospitality suite. Noisemakers and
fake noses/glasses/mustaches at the banquet and the CLR stealth
flying disks ("Frisbee" is a brand name), helped to keep the
conference from ever getting *too* serious.
Vic Hill
What can I say? Vic brought the keg of beer for the FidoCon
'92 hospitality suite.
Tony Davis
Tony brought a whole box of CD ROMs and gave 'em away to the
folks at the banquet with the fastest hands.
Attendees
Of course. It wouldn't have happened if nobody had come.
Everybody met a few new people, everybody learned something,
and getting to know everybody was the best part of the whole
conference.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
FidoNews 9-37 Page 4 14 Sep 1992
FidoCon '92 Financial Report
by Ron Bemis
1:124/1113
REVENUE
-------
Hotel
Airport Transportation 12 @ 8.00 96.00
Thursday night 6 @ 49.00 294.00
Single - two nights 1 @ 98.00 98.00 (note A)
Single - two nights 5 @ 100.80 504.00
Double - two nights 1 @ 100.00 100.00 (note A)
Double - two nights 2 @ 100.80 201.60
Sunday night 2 @ 49.00 98.00
Catering
Conference 2 @ 5.00 10.00
Conference 60 @ 10.00 600.00
Banquet 46 @ 30.00 1410.00
Lunches 29 @ 24.00 696.00
Late Charges
After May 30th 13 @ 10.00 130.00
After July 31th 32 @ 20.00 640.00
BBS - at the door 1 @ 25.00 25.00 (note B)
Souvenirs
Medium T-Shirt 2 @ 12.00 24.00
Medium T-Shirt 1 @ 15.00 15.00
Large T-Shirt 6 @ 12.00 72.00
Large T-Shirt 2 @ 15.00 30.00
X-Large T-Shirt 10 @ 12.00 120.00
X-Large T-Shirt 9 @ 15.00 135.00
Mug 16 @ 8.00 128.00
Mug 18 @ 10.00 180.00
Cap 9 @ 6.00 54.00
Cap 10 @ 7.00 70.00
Misc
Postage 6.00
-------------------------------------------------
Total Revenue 5736.60
Note A: Because of the package prices put together with the Summit
sales department, the attendees were able to save a small
amount of money. Price differences seen here reflect the
ambiguities in the package prices. All money collected for
FidoNews 9-37 Page 5 14 Sep 1992
hotel rooms (and airport transportation) was simply given to
the hotel in the name of the registrant, and was accepted as
full room payment in all cases. Many people made their own
arrangements with the Summit via credit card.
Note B: A "BBS User" registration form was uploaded to several BBS
systems. This form assumed that the user would register at
the door, and it listed a total $35 price to attend the
conference.
=====================================================================
EXPENSES
--------
DBA 5.00
Bank new account fee .25
PO Box Rental 17.50
Name Badges 35.71
Tickets for drawings 8.31
T-Shirts, Mugs, Caps 488.42
Hotel Rooms 1383.60
Saturday Coffee 156.56
Saturday Lunch 480.00
Saturday Soft Drinks 156.56
Saturday Banquet 1380.00
Sunday Coffee 156.56
Sunday Lunch 479.95
Hospitality Suite 98.50
Beer Keg 85.00
Door Prizes 503.28
WOC Inn Contribution 100.00
--------------------------------------
Total Expenses 5535.20
=====================================================================
BALANCE
-------
Revenue 5736.60
Expenses 5535.20
------------------------------
Balance 201.40
This balance (plus whatever interest it earns) will be given to the
organizers of FidoCon '93 to help them start early.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
FidoNews 9-37 Page 6 14 Sep 1992
Request for Proposals - FidoCon '93 and '94
by Ron Bemis
1:124/1113
FidoCon '93
-----------
The Eighth annual FidoNet conference, FidoCon '93, is seeking a place
to occur.
The organizers and planners of FidoCon '92 invite you to submit
proposals to sponsor and host the Zone 1 FidoCon '93. Please submit
your individual or Net proposal to node 1:124/1113 before October 31
(Halloween) 1992. A primary and backup site will be selected from
the proposals submitted.
Your proposal should include a theme and describe why this theme was
choosen. It would be helpful to provide a rough agenda and some
prospective seminar subjects.
Each year, several excellent proposals are eliminated through the
selection process. 1992 was no exception. Those dormant proposals
are some of the ones we hope you will resubmit for 1993. Let's not
let all that good effort be wasted. We're asking you to "show us
what you've got" so we can evaluate a variety of completed and
in-progress proposals and make a selection without geographic bias.
In line with assessing the features and quality of your proposals, we
are looking for visibility in the accounting methods chosen, and will
actively review proposals for budgetary responsibility before, during
and after the event. In keeping with the evolution of FidoCon, our
responsibility includes the assurance that our amateur status is not
compromised.
The primary and backup sites of the Zone 1 FidoCon '93 will be
announced in FidoNews on November 30, 1992.
FidoCon '94
-----------
While it may seem like a long way off, start thinking about FidoCon
'94. Would your Net be willing to host it in your city, given nearly
two years to plan? Let us hear from you.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
by John Rumpelein
1:107/218.1
PO Box 179 / Greenlawn NY 11740
FidoNews 9-37 Page 7 14 Sep 1992
I've been a user of Fidonet since 1989, when I temporarily lost access
to the Internet. I was fascinated by these dedicated people who ran a
network all on their own, as a hobby. Don't get me wrong, I still am.
I'm not here to assign blame to anyone. The names of the offenders, or
those who I view as offenders, will not be mentioned in this article. I
just wish to point out a continuing pattern of neglect and mismanagement
in Net 107.
Back in 1989, I was receiving messages from the RISKS forum on computer
security through a local UUCP gate. This caused some inconvenience for
the sysop of the BBS I was using, but he was willing to go out of his
way to accomodate me. Then came a fairly scathing message from the
person who ran the UUCP gate complaining about the mail volume I was
generating. Of course, I figured, fair is fair. I unsubscribed to the
RISKS forum and that was the end of that. Or so I thought.
After that, messages to my friends and associates on the Internet, which
had to pass through this same UUCP gate, began to disappear in a
seemingly random pattern. I sent messages to the operator of the UUCP
gate, which were not answered. It seemed to me that someone was
deliberately deleting some of my messages in transit, but I was never
able to verify this. Eventually, I stopped using Fidonet altogether out
of disgust. That was 1990.
In the fall of 1991, I discovered a BBS called The Source for Source,
run by a person named Erik VanRiper. Erik also ran a UUCP gate, and none
of the mail I sent through it disappeared. At this point I also got
involved in some echo conferences, and Erik suggested setting me up as a
point system. That was a bit of a challenge from a technical standpoint,
but I found it very enjoyable and, in the long run, more convenient.
Erik polled out of state to pick up mail, bypassing the high-level
systems in Net 107 that I had trouble with previously.
This spring, Erik left Fidonet. Those of you who know him know what kind
of person he is, how much work he did within Fidonet (founding and
running the Programmers Distribution Network, getting the FileBone
started), and what
a surprise his leaving was. Since then, I've had to find a new
bossnode, and he (Mikel Beck) has been a great help getting me set up
and has put up with all my problems without a single complaint. Mikel
also runs a UUCP gate. Messages I send through it never disappear.
However, Mikel follows standard procedures for routing netmail. He
shouldn't have to do otherwise, of course. I've had nothing but trouble
with routed netmail since Erik's system went down. I've repeatedly sent
messages to the net coordinator about this problem, and I've only gotten
one reply. But one reply is enough to verify that he is, in fact, aware
of this problem and has failed to do anything about it.
In Net 107, all outgoing mail is routed through something called "The
Ogate." What is The Ogate, you ask? Good question. I have no idea. And
who runs this Ogate? Just look in the nodelist for 1:107/99. You won't
find the answer. It just says "The Ogate." This CIA-style sense of
bureaucratic detachment is not only counterproductive, but goes against
the spirit in which Fidonet was founded. And, as anyone in Net 107 can
FidoNews 9-37 Page 8 14 Sep 1992
tell you, it makes it hard as hell to get anything accomplished.
In my opinion, Long Island is a large enough geographical area to
justify the formation of a new net. And I do believe there is sufficient
popular support within the LI section of Net 107 to carry it through.
Maybe some people are tired of the LD phone charges to New Jersey every
time they want an administrative question answered. Maybe some people,
like me, are just fed up with the bureaucracy in New Jersey. It's time
for a change. We need to get dedicated hobbyists in charge of things
here on Long Island, people who care, not people who are on some kind of
power trip. I'm not at all sure that's the case with the current
management, but it would certainly explain a thing or two.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
A Funny Thing Happened in the Online World
by Dave Bealer (1:261/1129)
On September 1, 1992 a new electronic publication debuted. Random
Access Humor (RAH) is the new monthly humor newsletter for the online
community. RAH is not associated with any specific BBS network or
online system. RAH is for anyone who is online somewhere and has a
sense of humor. RAH may be distributed freely for non-commercial
purposes only.
RAH is edited by Dave Bealer, the lunatic responsible for...that
is, the author of the FidoNet Olympics article in FidoNews #932.
RAH is available for download or File Request from the following
systems: (FReq or download: RAH0992.ZIP)
Automation Central San Jose, CA Sysop: Radi Shourbaji
1:143/110 (408) 435-2886 14400 (V.32bis)
My House -=FBBS=- Chesapeake, VA Sysop: Scott White
1:275/6 (804) 424-0394 14400 (V.32bis)
Pooh's Corner Fells Point, MD. Sysop: Mark Truelove
1:261/1131 (410) 327-9263 14400 (V.32bis)
Wit-Tech Baltimore, MD. Sysop: Doug Wittich
1:261/1082 (410) 256-0170 14400 (V.32bis)
The Puffin's Nest Pasadena, MD. Sysop: Dave Bealer
1:261/1129 (410) 437-3463 2400 (MNP5)
Latest Issue: FReq: RAH DL: RAHmmyy.ZIP
Distributor Docs: FReq: RAHDIST DL: RAHDIST.TXT
Writer's Guidelines: FReq: RAHWRITE DL: RAHWRITE.TXT
RAH needs writers and distributors. Please request or download
the appropriate documents. The Puffin's Nest always has the latest
version of these documents available, the other sites should.
FidoNews 9-37 Page 9 14 Sep 1992
Notice - for anyone having trouble reaching the distributors:
NODELIST.241 did *not* contain Net-261 (Baltimore).
NODELIST.248 does *not* contain Net-275 (Norfolk/VA Beach).
We expect these problems to be cleared up soon.
Dave Bealer, Editor & Publisher
Random Access Humor
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The WorldPol Project
4:4/50@fidonet
Introducing WorldPol 3
----------------------
The following is the newest version of the WorldPol proposal
for a democratic and decentralized FidoNet. We are looking
forward to a new zone-wide referendum to decide whether to
replace Policy4 with this new document.
Please address any questions/comments to WorldPol at 4:4/50,
or through the independently-distributed WorldPol echomail
conference.
<start of document>
W O R L D P O L
International FidoNet Policy Document
Version 3
0. Preliminary Note
[This section will automatically be removed upon adoption
of this document.]
This document has been released for vote by the members of
FidoNet and is not yet in force. The Network Coordinators
are encouraged to circulate this document and cast their
votes according to the wishes of the Nodes which comprise
their Networks.
1. Preamble, Purpose, and Scope of This Document
FidoNet is an amateur electronic mail system. As such, all
of its participants and operators are unpaid volunteers
and/or hobbyists. From its early beginnings in 1984 as a
few friends swapping messages back and forth mainly in
North America, it consists now of an International
community of more than 18,000 members worldwide.
FidoNews 9-37 Page 10 14 Sep 1992
FidoNet is not a common carrier or a value-added service
network. FidoNet is a public network only as much as the
independent member Nodes may individually provide public
access to the network via their system. FidoNet has no
corporate legal existence.
FidoNet exists to provide electronic mail services to its
member Nodes. To provide such services efficiently,
various structure and control mechanisms have been
established. The structure and administration of FidoNet
are detailed in this document.
FidoNet is a living thing and changes with the technology
upon which it is based, and with the wishes of its members.
This document is intended to provide for those changes, and
to set only the broadest possible limits upon them.
Accordingly, this document should be interpreted in the
most permissive and general way possible. Only a few
things are deemed so egregious as to be forbidden entirely:
- Discrimination without technical justification
- Tyranny
- Profiteering
1.1. Membership
A member system of FidoNet is commonly known as a "node."
The membership of FidoNet is defined by a list of systems
called the NodeList. The NodeList is published weekly on
the behalf of the International Coordinator and distributed
in whole or incrementally to the entire membership. The
NodeList is a publicly available document.
1.1.1. Admission to Membership
FidoNet membership is open to everyone fulfilling the
technical standards described in a document released by the
network's Technical Standards Committee (FTS-0001 or as
superseded). The only requirements are the ability to send
and receive electronic mail according to the applicable
technical standards, and a willingness to abide by the
relevant policy documents.
1.1.2. Nondiscrimination Policy
Discrimination on other than technical grounds is not
permitted in FidoNet. This means that no restriction other
than the ability to adhere to the applicable technical
FidoNews 9-37 Page 11 14 Sep 1992
standards may be imposed upon those wishing to join.
Members may, however, be suspended or expelled for cause as
set forth in this document.
1.1.3. Encouraging the Growth of FidoNet
The strength and viability of FidoNet increase as its
membership increases. All members are urged to encourage
the growth of the network by helping others to join.
Technical assistance to newcomers should be considered a
primary obligation of membership.
1.2. Availability of This Document
To facilitate the growth of network membership, this
document shall be distributed as widely as possible to
members and prospective members. Anyone wishing a copy may
obtain one. Members are encouraged to make it available in
electronic form to those who access their systems.
1.3. Language
For practical reasons, the international language of
FidoNet shall be English. Individual Zones, Regions, and
Networks may adopt whatever language is most convenient for
them.
The translation of all official documents into as many
languages as possible is encouraged.
1.4. Privacy
The store-and-forward nature of most FidoNet transmissions
does not permit any assurance of privacy. All data
transmitted should be considered accessible to the owners
of all the systems through which it passes. Because in
many jurisdictions the owners of those systems may be held
responsible for the content of such data, encryption for
the sake of secrecy is forbidden; the owner of any system
through which encrypted or encoded data is transmitted is
entitled to the mechanisms for interpreting that data upon
demand.
1.5. Commercial Use
FidoNet is not a commercial enterprise. Incidental use for
commercial purposes, such as customer support or the buying
and selling of merchandise via electronic mail postings, is
allowed. However, no member may be forced to incur any
costs or obligations in order to permit or further such
FidoNews 9-37 Page 12 14 Sep 1992
commercial use. This would constitute profiteering.
1.6. Dues, Fees, and Charges
There are no dues, fees, or charges for membership in
FidoNet. This does not prohibit cost recovery schemes or
other mechanisms for distributing the financial impact of
providing various services; however, no one can be
compelled to participate in such a scheme if they can find
a more appealing alternative.
For example, a group of Nodes may choose to split the cost
of importing files or echomail. They would be within their
rights to refuse to supply files and EchoMail to anyone who
doesn't wish to contribute, BUT they may not forbid or even
discourage anyone from getting their files or EchoMail
elsewhere.
1.6.1. Charges for Required Distributions
As a specific instance, no Coordinator may charge any fee
or recover any costs associated with the distribution of
the official documents and publications of FidoNet, nor for
the routing of inbound Netmail. They may choose, however,
to hold these items for pickup at the recipient's expense.
2. The Structure of FidoNet
The collection of Nodes is ordered into Zones, Regions and
Networks in a hierarchical fashion. A Zone consists of one
or more Regions; a Region consists of one or more Networks.
Each level in the hierarchy may adopt its own policy
document to suit its own needs; however, no policy may
contradict the policy of the higher level.
The organizational structure of FidoNet has been developed
to distribute the administration and control of FidoNet to
the lowest possible level, while still allowing for
coordination of the whole. Although FidoNet is a
hierarchy, with a top down flow of administration, it must
be as responsive as possible to the lowest level, the
individual Node.
2.1. Administrative Responsibility
Each administrative level is responsible to the level
above, and responsible for the level below. If a person at
any level (above the Node) is unable to properly perform
their duties, the person at the next higher level may
replace them by appointment. For example, if a Region
Coordinator is unable to perform his or her duties, then
FidoNews 9-37 Page 13 14 Sep 1992
the Zone Coordinator may appoint an interim replacement.
2.1.1. Duration of Appointed Term
The appointed replacement may serve only until elections
can be held for an elected replacement.
2.1.2. Candidacy of Appointees
The appointed person may run for the office to which they
have been appointed.
2.1.3. Democratic Elections
Elections must be held in accordance with democratic
principles as outlined later in this document.
2.1.4. Creation of New Jurisdictions
In the event of the creation of a new Zone, Region, or Net
the administrative level immediately above shall appoint a
Coordinator pro tempore to serve until an election can be
held for an elected replacement.
2.2. The Zone Coordinator Council
The Zone Coordinator Council consists of the Zone
Coordinators of the several Zones and the International
Coordinator.
Each Zone Coordinator has one vote at the ZCC. The
International Coordinator may only vote in the event of a
ZCC vote tie, but does not regularly have voting power.
The Zone Coordinator Council is the legislative body of
FidoNet, it represents each of the Zones in FidoNet. It is
the highest authority of the Network's top down
organization.
2.2.1. The International Coordinator
The International Coordinator (IC) is the Executive Officer
of FidoNet and coordinates the joint production of the
master NodeList by the Zone Coordinators. The
International Coordinator is responsible for creating new
Zones in FidoNet, but can only do so with the approval of a
simple majority of the members of the Zone Coordinator
Council.
The International Coordinator is selected by unanimous vote
of the Zone Coordinators, and removed by a majority vote of
FidoNews 9-37 Page 14 14 Sep 1992
the Zone Coordinators. In the case of the absence of the
International Coordinator, the Zone Coordinator Council
replaces her/him by voting on all IC resolutions to be
approved by a simple majority.
2.2.2. Zones and the Zone Coordinators
A Zone is a grouping of Regions generally consisting of
several countries, whose borders are determined by the Zone
Coordinator Council.
The Zone Coordinator is the Executive Officer of the Zone,
and the Zone's representative to the other Zones.
The Zone Coordinator compiles the NodeLists from all of the
Regions in the Zone, creates a master NodeList and a
difference file, which latter is then distributed over
FidoNet within the Zone and to the other Zone Coordinators.
The Zone Coordinator must ensure the distribution of the
official FidoNet publications to the Region Coordinators
within the Zone. A Zone Coordinator need not perform
message-forwarding services for any Nodes in the Zone, but
the Zone Coordinator is responsible for the formation
and/or administration of one or more Zone-gates to provide
inter-Zone mail facilities.
2.3. Regions and the Region Coordinators
A Region is a defined portion of a Zone containing Nodes
which may or may not be members of Networks. A typical
Region will contain many Nodes in one or more Networks, and
a few independent Nodes which are not part of the Region's
other Networks.
The Region Coordinator maintains the list of independent
Nodes in the Region, and accepts NodeList segments from the
Network Coordinators in the Region. These are compiled to
create a Regional NodeList, which is sent to the Zone
Coordinator. A Region Coordinator is required to ensure
the distribution of the official FidoNet publications to
the Network Coordinators in the Region. A Region
Coordinator is encouraged to perform message-forwarding
services for Nodes within the Region, but is not forced to,
unless the appropriate Zone or Region policy imposes such a
requirement.
2.4. Networks and the Network Coordinators
A Network is a group of Nodes who coordinate their
administrative and mail activity.
FidoNews 9-37 Page 15 14 Sep 1992
The Network Coordinator is responsible for maintaining the
list of Nodes for the Network, and for accepting NetMail
sent to members of the Network from other FidoNet Nodes.
The Network Coordinator may make arrangements to handle
outgoing NetMail, but is not required to do so, unless the
appropriate Zone, Region or Net policy imposes such a
requirement. The Network Coordinator must ensure the
availability of the official FidoNet publications to all
Nodes within the Network.
The Network Coordinator is required to assign a valid Node
number to each and every qualifying petitioner within 3
weeks from the request. A petitioner may only be deemed
unqualified if she/he cannot meet current FidoNet Technical
Standards. The NC must inform the petitioner of the
grounds for any rejection, and advise them of the procedure
for appealing the decision.
2.4.1. Network Routing Hubs
The Network Coordinator may appoint one or more hubs to
assist in the distribution of mail and documents; the hubs
may also be required to maintain a portion of the NodeList.
Hubs serve at the pleasure of the Network Coordinator, who
remains responsible for their activities.
2.5. Nodes (Individual Systems)
The smallest subdivision of FidoNet is the individual
system, corresponding to one or more entries in the
NodeList. The system operator (SysOp) may or may not
maintain a Bulletin Board System which may or may not be
publicly accessible. The system must be continually
available to send and receive mail in accordance with the
terms of FidoNet membership, and must adhere to the
relevant policies in force at all levels of FidoNet up to
and including this overall Policy.
2.5.1. Users of a System
If a SysOp maintains a Bulletin Board System to which
others have access, the SysOp is responsible for all
activities of those users which impinge upon the rest of
FidoNet. Users have no rights or standing under this
Policy. It is the responsibility of the SysOp to ensure
that all communications originating from the system,
whether posted by the SysOp or a user, comply with FidoNet
Policy.
2.5.2. Points
FidoNews 9-37 Page 16 14 Sep 1992
A Point is a computer system that is not in the NodeList,
but communicates with the rest of FidoNet through a member
Node known as its bossnode. All mail set to a Point is
addressed to the bossnode's address. Points may
communicate with other member Nodes if those Nodes permit
it, but they are not required to do so.
Points have the same status as users of a member system.
2.5.3. Off-line Readers
Off-line readers are software packages which allow bulk
transfers of mail between a BBS and another computer but do
not offer the full functionality required for FidoNet
membership. Users of Off-line readers are considered to be
users of the BBS from which they obtain their mail.
3. The FidoNet Technical Standards Committee
The FidoNet Technical Standards Committee (FTSC) exists for
the purpose of establishing minimum requirements in
software and hardware which the members of FidoNet must
observe. These minimum requirements must be obeyed at
every level, and systems which cannot meet them are
ineligible for membership in FidoNet.
3.1. Composition of the FTSC
The members of the FTSC are appointed by and serve at the
pleasure of the Zone Coordinator Council.
3.2. Duties of the FTSC
In addition to establishing minimum technical requirements
for membership in FidoNet, the FTSC is also responsible for
promulgating optional standards and for promoting the
advancement of FidoNet technology.
The Zone Coordinator Council may assign other duties to the
FTSC, and the FTSC may assume other responsibilities
subject to the approval of the Zone Coordinator Council.
4. General Procedures for Coordinators
4.1. Distribution of Official Documents
Each Coordinator is responsible for obtaining and making
available for distribution the official documents and
publications of FidoNet. This availability must include
file requests from any and all members of FidoNet. This
availability must extend directly or indirectly to
FidoNews 9-37 Page 17 14 Sep 1992
non-members as well so as to encourage the growth of
FidoNet.
4.1.1. Maintaining a Bulletin Board System (BBS)
Although no Coordinator is required to maintain a publicly
accessible BBS, they are required to ensure that at least
one publicly accessible BBS within their jurisdiction does
make the official documents available upon request to
non-members who are not be able to use file requests.
4.1.2. Official Documents
The list of official documents and publications of FidoNet
may be amended by the Zone Coordinator Council. FidoNet
being an open society, its official documents are available
freely to members and non-members alike; the only
restriction is that no one may be forced to incur a cost
for providing them to another.
4.1.2.1. The Policy
A Coordinator is responsible for making the current version
of the International Policy available to the level below,
and to encourage familiarity with it.
4.1.2.2. The NodeList
The NodeList is the official roster of the FidoNet
membership.
4.1.2.3. The NodeDiff
Since the NodeList is large and will continue to grow, it
is maintained through the distribution of weekly difference
files (the NodeDiffs).
4.1.2.4. FidoNews
FidoNews is the Official Newsletter of FidoNet. Each
Coordinator is responsible for obtaining and making
available for file request on a weekly basis, FidoNews
Documents.
If a Zone Coordinator is not able to get FidoNews into
her/his Zone, he should immediately request help from the
FidoNews Editor. If the Editor can arrange a way to have
it delivered to the Zone Coordinator, FidoNews must be
necessarily available to the rest of the Zone. Otherwise,
the Zone Coordinator may unilaterally waive this
requirement.
FidoNews 9-37 Page 18 14 Sep 1992
4.2. Maintenance of the NodeList
Each Coordinator is responsible for obtaining NodeList
information from the level below, processing it, and
passing the results to the level above. The timing of this
process is determined by the requirements imposed by the
level above.
4.3. Minimize the Number of Hats Worn
Coordinators are encouraged to limit the number of
FidoNet-related Coordinator functions they perform. A
Coordinator who holds two different positions compromises
the appeal and arbitration process. For example, if the
Network Coordinator is also the Region Coordinator, SysOps
in that Network are denied one level of appeal.
Multiple hats are also discouraged due to the difficulty of
replacing services when a coordinator leaves office.
4.4. Be a Member of the Jurisdiction
A Coordinator of whatever level must be a member of that
Coordinator's own jurisdiction. That is, a Network
Coordinator must be a Node within that Network; a Region
Coordinator must be either a Node in a Network within that
Region or an independent Node within that Region; etc.
4.5. Encourage New Members
A Coordinator is expected to actively encourage the health
and growth of FidoNet by ensuring the free availability of
the official documents and publications to non-members, by
offering technical assistance (directly or indirectly)
where possible, and by promptly responding to applications
for membership.
Above all, a Coordinator is expected to be courteous,
helpful, and evenhanded in dealing with both members and
potential members.
4.6. Tradition and Precedent
A Coordinator is not bound by the practices of
predecessors. However, it must be clear that Coordinators
are bound by all requirements of this document, both as
FidoNet SysOps and as Coordinators. The holding of a
Coordinator title does not grant license to annoy others or
to flaunt policy.
4.7. Management of the Jurisdiction
FidoNews 9-37 Page 19 14 Sep 1992
The primary responsibility of any Coordinator is technical
management of Network operations. Decisions should
normally be made only on technical grounds. A Coordinator
has the responsibility to act as objectively as possible;
objectivity must be considered an essential factor when
making a decision.
Decisions based upon other than technical grounds must be
considered extreme measures, to be taken only when no
alternative exists to deal with a situation which threatens
the rights of the membership as outlined in this Policy.
5. Zone Mail Hour
Zone Mail Hour is the heart of FidoNet, as this is when
Network mail is passed between systems. Any system which
wishes to be a part of FidoNet must be able to receive mail
during this time using the protocol defined in the current
FidoNet Technical Standards Committee publication (FTS-0001
at this writing). It is permissible to have greater
capability (for example, to support additional protocols or
extended mail hours), but the minimum requirement is
FTS-0001 capability during this one hour of the day.
This time is exclusively reserved for Netmail. Many phone
systems charge on a per call basis, regardless of whether a
connect, no connect, or busy signal is encountered. For
this reason, any activity other than normal Network mail
processing that ties up a system during ZMH is considered
annoying behavior. User (BBS) access to a system is
prohibited during ZMH.
Zone Mail Hour will be defined by each Zone Policy. In the
absence of a Zone Policy, it will be defined by the Zone
Coordinator.
Zone Mail Hours for all Zones should be published every
week in FidoNews, as well as in the NodeList.
6. Elections and Referenda
Any election or referendum at any level within FidoNet must
comply with the standards described in this section.
6.1. Voter Eligibility
All SysOps who are members of FidoNet have one vote each
and must be allowed to participate in any election or
referendum held within their jurisdiction.
In the case where one SysOp operates more than one Node,
FidoNews 9-37 Page 20 14 Sep 1992
that SysOp may cast only one vote in any election or
referendum.
In the case where more than one person functions as the
SysOp of a Node, the one who is listed in the NodeList
casts a single vote. How they settle this among themselves
is their business.
6.2. Voting Mechanisms
6.2.1. Establishment of Local Procedures
Each jurisdiction may issue its own voting procedures
covering jurisdiction-wide elections and referenda; these
procedures may be embodied in a policy document for the
jurisdiction, or may be ad hoc in the absence a policy
document covering the situation.
6.2.2. Direct or Indirect Voting
Elections may be by direct vote, or by indirect vote with
one or more representatives casting a vote or votes based
upon a direct vote of their constituencies. In the case of
an indirect vote, representation may be proportional or
not.
In any case, all members of the jurisdiction must be
allowed to vote except if it would violate the one-SysOp,
one-vote principle. (Such a case might arise in the case
of a SysOp who maintains Nodes in two different Nets within
the same Region; such a SysOp may cast only one vote in any
Region-wide election or referendum.)
In the case of an indirect election, the electors must be
chosen by direct vote of the SysOps.
6.2.3. Coordinators Acting As Electors
Coordinators may not ex officio serve as electors
representing their Network or Region in an indirect
election unless they have been chosen by direct vote of the
SysOps in the administered area.
6.2.4. Worldwide Elections and Referenda
In worldwide elections and referenda with the participation
of all Zones, the Zone Coordinator Council will determine
the election procedures and whether the vote will be direct
or indirect. This will be done in each particular case by
a ZCC resolution.
FidoNews 9-37 Page 21 14 Sep 1992
6.3. Eligibility for Office
All SysOps in FidoNet are entitled to be candidates to any
elective position, provided that the requirements for each
position described in this and lower-level policy documents
are satisfied.
6.4. Term of Office
By default, the term of office for any elected or appointed
official shall be two years.
6.4.1 Absolute Term Limitations
Zone, Region, or Net policies may extend or shorten this
term of office, but it may not be longer than three years.
6.4.2. Multiple Terms
Unless further restricted by the applicable Zone, Region,
or Net policies, there is no restriction on the number of
consecutive or non-consecutive terms which an official may
serve.
6.5. Policy Referenda
6.5.1. Adopting or Amending the International Policy
A referendum on International Policy modification is
invoked by the International Coordinator at the direction
of a majority of the Zone Coordinators, or a majority of
the Region Coordinators of all Zones, a majority of the
Network Coordinators of all Zones, or by one third of all
the SysOps in all Zones.
All the members of FidoNet are entitled to vote on an
International Policy referendum, which is to be held
according to the procedures described by the Zone
Coordinator Council before the election is called.
6.5.1.1. Transition to a New International Policy
Upon the adoption of a new International Policy, any
previous International Policy is adjourned. Any existing
Zone, Region, or Network Policies must be brought into
compliance with the new International Policy.
6.5.1.2. Affect of Amendments to the International Policy
Upon the adoption of an amendment to the International
Policy, any existing Zone, Region, or Network Policies must
FidoNews 9-37 Page 22 14 Sep 1992
be brought into compliance with the International Policy as
amended.
6.5.2. Adopting or Amending a Zone Policy
A referendum on Zone Policy modification is invoked by the
Zone Coordinator, by a majority vote of the Region
Coordinators in the Zone, by a majority vote of the Network
Coordinators in the Zone, or by one third of all the SysOps
in the Zone.
All the members of the Zone are entitled to vote on a Zone
Policy referendum, which is to be held according to the
procedures described in the Zone Policy. If such document
does not exist, the procedures will be determined by the
Zone Coordinator with the approval of the Zone Coordinator
Council.
6.5.3. Adopting or Amending Region and Network Policies
The formulation of Region and Network Policy documents is
encouraged, and must be allowed by the Zone Policy
documents in each Zone.
7. Primacy of the International Policy
The International Policy holds primacy over all Zone,
Region, and Network Policies.
8. Disputes among Members
The FidoNet judicial philosophy can be summed up in two
rules:
- Thou shalt not excessively annoy others.
- Thou shalt not become excessively annoyed.
Tolerance and consideration of others are expected of all
members.
8.1. Resolution of Disputes
8.1.1. Direct Resolution
Wherever and whenever possible, the parties involved in any
dispute must make a good-faith effort to resolve their
problems directly, without the intervention of a
Coordinator.
Tolerance and consideration of others are expected of all
FidoNews 9-37 Page 23 14 Sep 1992
members.
8.1.2. Arbitration Requests
Any of the parties involved may request the intervention of
the appropriate Coordinator: Network Coordinator if a
dispute between members of the same Network, Region
Coordinator if a dispute between members of different
Networks in the same Region; Zone Coordinator if a dispute
between members of different Regions in the same Zone;
International Coordinator if a dispute between members of
different Zones.
In the event that one of the parties to the dispute is a
Coordinator, then arbitration of the dispute falls to the
level above.
The Coordinator requested to act as "arbitrator" will ask
each party to provide all information relevant to the
request within two weeks from the request being made and
will make a decision within forty-five days after s/he
received all the information from the involved parties.
A Coordinator, unable to resolve a dispute, may name a
third party to act as "arbitrator," provided the parties
involved in the dispute agree.
Tolerance and consideration of others are expected of all
members.
8.1.3. Appeals
An arbitrator's decision may be appealed to the immediately
superior level if considered unfair: Region Coordinators
handle appeals from decisions made by Network Coordinators;
Zone Coordinators handle appeals from decisions made by
Region Coordinators; the International Coordinator handles
appeals from decisions made by the Zone Coordinators; and
the Zone Coordinator Council will handle appeals from
decisions made by the International Coordinator. Decisions
of the Zone Coordinator Council are not subject to appeal.
For appeals of a decision made by a third person named by a
Coordinator to act as arbitrator, it will be as if the
Coordinator made the decision and the previously enumerated
sequence of appealing will be pertain.
For appealing a decision made by a arbitrator, the same
terms and procedures as for any Mediation Request apply.
Tolerance and consideration of others are expected of all
FidoNews 9-37 Page 24 14 Sep 1992
members.
8.1.4. Statute of Limitations
An arbitration request may not be filed more than 60 days
after the date of discovery of the source of the
infraction, either by admission or technical evidence.
Mediation requests may not be filed more than 120 days
after the incident, unless they involve suspected unlawful
behavior, in which the legal statute of limitations of the
country involved shall apply.
Tolerance and consideration of others are expected of all
members. A short memory may help.
8.1.5. Penalties
8.1.5.1. Penalties Applicable to Members
FidoNet is a voluntary association. Accordingly, the only
penalty which may be applied to its members by FidoNet is
the withdrawal of that privilege of association, either
temporarily or permanently. In short, a member may be
suspended or expelled.
8.1.5.2. Penalties Applicable to Coordinators
A Coordinator who abuses the office may be removed from
that office instead of or in addition to suspension or
expulsion from FidoNet.
8.1.5. Legal Actions against Members
Since FidoNet is a voluntary association with no corporate
legal standing, it may neither act against nor on behalf of
its members or administrators in legal actions. Should one
member take or precipitate legal action against another on
a matter which is also subject of a FidoNet action or
appeal, said action or appeal may be settled independently
and without regard for the outcome of the legal action.
8.2. Compliance with Local Laws
Members of FidoNet are expected to be good citizens of
their respective lands. As such, they are expected to
comply with all applicable laws. While failure to comply
with the laws does not constitute annoying behavior in and
of itself, forcing or tricking another into illegal
behavior may. For example, sending unsolicited illegal
matter to another Node and then notifying the police of its
presence would be considered annoying behavior.
FidoNews 9-37 Page 25 14 Sep 1992
9. Other Distribution Services
Although the primary purpose of FidoNet is the distribution
of person to person electronic mail, all jurisdictions are
encouraged to provide for the distribution of other matter
such as EchoMail, files, facsimiles, and anything else of
interest or benefit to the membership.
9.1. Required Distributions
Notwithstanding the above, no SysOp may be required to
carry an EchoMail conference or other distribution service
as a condition of joining or remaining in FidoNet, with the
exception of a single restricted traffic announcement echo
used to pass important information to Nodes within a
Network.
10. Comments and Credits
[This section, copyright included, will be automatically
removed upon approval of this document.]
This document is based on version 2c of the WorldPol
proposal, with changes proposed by independent FidoNet
SysOps.
This document is not final. No FidoNet policy is or will
ever be. If you are interested in making changes to
FidoNet policy, please get involved!
This document will be adopted according to the mechanisms
provided in the present policy document.
This document was jointly developed by AT LEAST the
following:
Raul Artaza, Don Benson, Bill Bolton, Steve Bonine, Randy
Bush, Billy Coen, Phillip Dampier, Jack Decker, David
Deitch, Daniel Docekal, Ron Dwight, Luis Garcia-Barrio,
Hector Gomez, Tomas Gradin, Jackson Harding, Rob Hoare,
Jesse David Hollington, Alejandro Hopkins, Tom Jennings,
Glen Johnson, Daniel Kalchev, Raymond Lowe, Rick Moore, Bob
Moravsik, George Peace, Vince Perriello, Bob Satti, Jan
Stozek, Erik van Riper, Matt Whelan, and Gustavo Zacarias.
If anyone's name was omitted, we apologize and will be
happy to give them credit.
(C) Copyright 1992 by Pablo Kleinman and Jerry Schwartz.
FidoNews 9-37 Page 26 14 Sep 1992
<end of document>
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Commodore C=128 Echo Needs You
By Jim Speerbrecher
FidoNet 1:154/92
On-Line 9 Pm to 9 Am CDT
Echo Tag: CBM-128
I would like to invite you all to pick up the CBM-128 echo.
CBM-128 is a support echo where C=128 users can share information
about the C=128 computer, its software, its peripherals, programming
it, news and reviews, etc..
The CBM-128 echo is important to C=128 users, because it is one of the
few avenues of support for the C=128 that is growing at a time when
industry support is declining.
Once the distribution and traffic reach the required levels we will
apply for FidoNet Backbone distribution. However, CBM-128 does not
currently meet Backbone requirements and so is being distributed on a
private/direct basis.
The current distribution sites include:
1:207/101 - Diamond Bar BBS - Jonathan Hart, SysOp
Any listed node may request feed and poll here.
1:209/209 - 'dBest' Western Star 2 - Dave James, SysOp
ONLY regional hubs in the area serviced by
209/209 may request feed from it.
1:154/321 - The Edit Suite BBS - Jack Becker, SysOp
Any listed node may request feed and poll here.
The CBM-128 Echo Is Now On These FidoNet Boards
-----------------------------------------------
Node # BBS Name BBS Phone BBS Location
--------- ---------------------- ------------ -------------------
1:117/365 Murphy's Law 409-693-2709 College Station, TX
1:154/92 Hackers Haven ]I[ 414-547-6032 Waukesha, WI
1:154/288 Country Computer 414-355-3691 Milwaukee, WI
1:154/321 The Edit Suite 414-466-9983 Milwaukee, WI
1:170/213 Hurricane Alley BBS 918-836-0531 Tulsa, OK
1:170/609 Big Dreams BBS 918-835-6347 Tulsa, OK
1:207/101 Diamond Bar BBS 714-947-7478 Ontario, CA
FidoNews 9-37 Page 27 14 Sep 1992
1:207/105 Capitol City BBS 714-931-0533 Upland, CA
1:207/111 Gentle Rain Forum 714-593-6144 Claremont, CA
1:207/156 Easy Street 714-590-3476 Chino Hills, CA
1:209/209 'dBest' Western Star 2 702-253-9002 Las Vega, NV
1:266/55 Logopolis 609-767-2856 Berlin, NJ
Any and all help you may wish to offer to expand distribution of the
CBM-128 echo in the net and/or region will be greatly appreciated.
You may wish to consider a private cost-sharing plan in which one node
could import/export the echo, feed the other nodes in the net/region,
and pass the hat to help out the node doing the import/export. This
would increase distribution while minimizing cost for individual
sysops.
This will help us get CBM-128 on the Backbone that much sooner.
Thank you very much.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
* DataNETLink(tm) International Network - Zone 15
by Kuah Woon Hua
6:600/76
DataNETLink(tm) International Echomailing Network - Zone 15
-----------------------------------------------------------
DataNETLink network is originated from Singapore. The main goal of
this network is to promote the exchange of informations between people
to people. As the distributor of this network, we hope to distribute
the latest informations to everyone. In order to distribute latest/
quality informations, we look for more sysops to be part of this
network. Presently, there are 11 participating countries in DataNETLink.
If your country is not listed below and wish to be a member or regional,
you may send a netmail to me, Fidonet 6:600/76.
DataNETLink supports both Fido and QWK message networking.
You may FREQ Magic Name "DNETAPP" from any of the below boards for
informations and application form.
Singapore - Fidonet 6:600/76 [ HST ] -> Asia Region
Malaysia - Fidonet 6:609/18 [ HST ]
Hong Kong - Fidonet 6:700/246 [ HST ]
Macau - Fidonet 6:701/6 [ V32bis ]
Taiwan - Fidonet 6:720/101 [ HST ]
France - Fidonet 2:320/201 [ V32bis ] -> Europe Region
Belgium - Fidonet 2:291/705 [ V32bis ]
Switzerland - Fidonet 2:301/709 [ HST ]
Sweden - Fidonet 2:203/134 [ HST ]
Germany - Fidonet 2:242/205 [ V32bis ]
FidoNews 9-37 Page 28 14 Sep 1992
U.K. - Fidonet 2:441/27 [ V32bis ]
Zone Coordinator Of DataNETLink Network (Singapore)
(65) 278-8651 - USRobotics HST Dual Standard 16,800 Bps
(65) 274-2603 - USRobotics HST Dual Standard 14,400 Bps
----------------------------------------------------------------------
FidoNews 9-37 Page 29 14 Sep 1992
======================================================================
FIDONEWS INFORMATION
======================================================================
------- FIDONEWS MASTHEAD AND CONTACT INFORMATION ----------------
Editors: Tom Jennings, Tim Pozar
Editors Emeritii: Thom Henderson, Dale Lovell, Vince Perriello
"FidoNews" BBS
FidoNet 1:1/1
Internet fidonews@fidonews.fidonet.org
BBS (415)-863-2739 (2400 only until further notice!)
(Postal Service mailing address) (have patience)
FidoNews
c/o World Power Systems
Box 77731
San Francisco
CA 94107 USA
Published weekly by and for the members of the FidoNet international
amateur electronic mail system. It is a compilation of individual
articles contributed by their authors or their authorized agents. The
contribution of articles to this compilation does not diminish the
rights of the authors. Opinions expressed in these articles are those
of the authors and not necessarily those of FidoNews.
Authors retain copyright on individual works; otherwise FidoNews is
copyright 1992 Tom Jennings. All rights reserved. Duplication and/or
distribution permitted for noncommercial purposes only. For use in
other circumstances, please contact the original authors, or FidoNews
(we're easy).
OBTAINING COPIES: The-most-recent-issue-ONLY of FidoNews in electronic
form may be obtained from the FidoNews BBS via manual download or
Wazoo FileRequest, or from various sites in the FidoNet and Internet.
PRINTED COPIES may be obtained from Fido Software for $10.00US each
PostPaid First Class within North America, or $13.00US elsewhere,
mailed Air Mail. (US funds drawn upon a US bank only.)
BACK ISSUES: Available from FidoNet nodes 1:102/138, 1:216/21,
1:125/1212, 1:107/519.1 (and probably others), via filerequest or
download (consult a recent nodelist for phone numbers).
INTERNET USERS: FidoNews is available via FTP from ftp.ieee.org, in
directory ~ftp/pub/fidonet/fidonews. If you have questions regarding
FidoNet, please direct them to fidoinfo@fidoinfo.fidonet.org, not the
FidoNews BBS.
SUBMISSIONS: You are encouraged to submit articles for publication in
FidoNews. Article submission requirements are contained in the file
ARTSPEC.DOC, available from the FidoNews BBS, or Wazoo filerequestable
from 1:1/1 as file "ARTSPEC.DOC".
FidoNews 9-37 Page 30 14 Sep 1992
"Fido", "FidoNet" and the dog-with-diskette are U.S. registered
trademarks of Tom Jennings of Fido Software, Box 77731, San Francisco
CA 94107, USA and are used with permission.
Asked what he thought of Western civilization,
M.K. Gandhi said, "I think it would be an excellent idea".
-- END
----------------------------------------------------------------------
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