F I D O N E W S -- | Vol. 8 No. 42 (21 October 1991) 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) | ----------------------------+--------------------------------------- Published weekly by and for the Members of the FidoNet international amateur network. Copyright 1991, Fido Software. All rights reserved. Duplication and/or distribution permitted for noncommercial purposes only. For use in other circumstances, please contact FidoNews. Paper price: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5.00US Electronic Price: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . free! For more information about FidoNews refer to the end of this file. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents 1. EDITORIAL ..................................................... 1 Editorial: None ............................................... 1 2. FIDONET NEWS .................................................. 2 (No FidoNetNews this week) .................................... 2 3. ARTICLES ...................................................... 3 New version of WORLDPOL Released .............................. 3 PowerBBS Support Conference! .................................. 15 ECHONET - QUALITY vs. QUANTITY ................................ 17 Auto Racing Echo .............................................. 19 The DR_DEMENTO echo is here! .................................. 20 New Telecommunications Echo ................................... 21 MAXUM COMPUTER SYSTEMS ANNOUNCES A NEW BBS .................... 21 The HOLY_BIBLE Echo now on Zone 1 Backbone .................... 22 4. RANTS AND FLAMES .............................................. 23 5. CLASSIFIEDS ................................................... 24 6. NOTICES ....................................................... 25 The Interrupt Stack ........................................... 25 7. LATEST VERSIONS ............................................... 26 Latest Greatest Software Versions ............................. 26 FidoNews 8-42 Page 1 21 Oct 1991 ====================================================================== EDITORIAL ====================================================================== Editorial: None by Tom Jennings (1:1/1) None? Well, smaller than usual. Fewer than usual fires this issue too. (Unless you consider the rather huge fire in the Berkeley/Oakland hills today... apparently visible from a geosync weather sattelite...) Alas, another issue chock-unfull of interesting articles of interest to FidoNet users... ---------------------------------------------------------------------- FidoNews 8-42 Page 2 21 Oct 1991 ====================================================================== FIDONET NEWS ====================================================================== ################################################################ FidoNetNews -- a weekly section devoted to technical and factual issues within the FidoNet -- FidoNet Technical Standards Committee reports, *C reports, information on FidoNet standards documents and the like. ################################################################ ---------------------------------------------------------------------- There were no FidoNetNews submissions this week. Tune again in next week! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- FidoNews 8-42 Page 3 21 Oct 1991 ====================================================================== ARTICLES ====================================================================== The WorldPol Project 4:4/50@FidoNet INTRODUCING WORLDPOL VERSION 2B As it was announced previously, the new version of WorldPol has now been released. WorldPol 2b contains changes to version 2 proposed by individual sysops around the world through net-mail. Beginning now, the WORLDPOL echo is available to propose and debate future changes to WorldPol. The WORLDPOL echo is currently being distributed in Zones 1 and 4, and we hope to add new zones in the near future. The WORLDPOL echo is being distributed via the Independent Distribution System (IDS) and is currently available at: Zone 1: nodes 128/77, 133/411, 142/928, 157/603, 250/99 and 273/909. Zone 4: node 900/202 and the Zone-4 official distribution backbone. Please contact any of the aforementioned nodes to get a feed of WORLDPOL. If you are in another zone and are willing to distribute WORLDPOL in your zone, please contact 1:102/631 for more details. Here is the current release of WorldPol: W o r l d P o l The FidoNet Worldwide Policy Document Version 2b, 14 Oct 1991 This Worldwide Policy document has been released for vote by the members of FidoNet and is not yet in force. 1 FidoNet This document establishes an international (inter-zonal) policy for sysops who are members of the FidoNet organization of bulletin board systems worldwide. FidoNet is defined by a list of nodes (NodeList) issued on a weekly basis by each of the Zone Coordinators, on behalf of the International Coordinator. FidoNews 8-42 Page 4 21 Oct 1991 A node is understood to be a "member system" of FidoNet. The collection of nodes is classified into Zones, Regions and Networks. Each FidoNet Zone is entitled to issue its own policy document, according to its own needs and customs. This International Policy determines general rules which must be specified, and may not be contradicted by, the Zone Policies. Regions and Networks may also issue their own policies according to the provisions stated on the corresponding Zone Policy. 1.1 Overview FidoNet is an amateur electronic mail system. As such, all of its participants and operators are unpaid volunteers. From its early beginning 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 ten thousand systems all over the world. FidoNet is not a common carrier or a value-added service network and is a public network only in as much as the independent, constituent nodes may individually provide public access to the network via their system. FidoNet exists to provide electronic mail services to its member sysops. To efficiently provide such services, various structure and control mechanisms are essential. The structure is organized into multiple nets, with decentralized administration. This document delineates all of the procedures at the international level of FidoNet, as well as some general rules for the lower levels (intra-zonal), developed to manage the network. Authorities in the international level not defined by this document, shall be defined by the Zone Coordinators Council and the International Coordinator. 2 Language Each zone has the right to determine its own official language. At the international (inter-zonal) level, for practical purposes, FidoNet adopts English as its official language. All the FidoNet documents issued at the international level must exist in English. Translation into other languages is encouraged. FidoNews 8-42 Page 5 21 Oct 1991 3 Admittance to FidoNet FidoNet membership is open to everyone fulfilling the technical standards described on a document released by the network's Technical Standards Committee (FTS-0001 at this writing). Lower-level policies may issue additional restrictions only if specifically authorized by the Zone Coordinator Council. 3.1 Anti-discrimination Policy Discrimination is strictly forbidden within FidoNet. This means that any type of restriction imposed to a member of the network that has no technical justification is illegal and unacceptable. No technical requisites will be demanded to any member of the network than those specifically authorized by this or lower-level policy documents. 4 Organization 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 coordinated action over the entire system. Effective administration is made viable by operating in a top-down manner. This means that a person at any given level is responsible to the level above, and responsible for administrating the level below. If a person at any level above sysop is unable to properly perform their duties, the person at the next level may replace them temporarily, until new elections are held. For example, if a Region Coordinator fails to perform, the Zone Coordinator may cause the Coordinator to be replaced. Coordinators may also be removed by a majority vote of the level below. For example, if network Coordinators in a region lose faith in the ability of a Region Coordinator to effectively perform, they may vote to have a new Coordinator elected. 4.1 Zone Coordinator Council The Zone Coordinator Council (ZCC) consists of the Zone Coordinators 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. FidoNews 8-42 Page 6 21 Oct 1991 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. 4.2 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 the Zone Coordinators. In the case of 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. 4.3 Zones and Zone Coordinators A zone is a defined geographic area containing one or many regions, covering one or more countries. 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 is then distributed over FidoNet within the zone. A Zone Coordinator does not perform message-forwarding services for any nodes in the zone, whereas the Zone Coordinator is responsible for the formation and/or administration of one or more zone-gates to provide inter-zone mail facilities. The method used for selection of Zone coordinators is left to the discretion of the relevant Zone Policy. In the absence of a Zone Policy selection method, Zone Coordinators are elected and removed by a simple majority vote of the Region Coordinators in the Zone. 4.4 Regions and Region Coordinators A Region is a defined geographic area containing nodes which may or may not be combined into networks. A typical Region will contain many nodes in networks, and a few independent nodes which are not part of the network. FidoNews 8-42 Page 7 21 Oct 1991 The Region Coordinator maintains the list of independent nodes in the region, and accepts nodelists 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 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. The method used for selection of Regional coordinators is left to the discretion of the relevant Zone or Region Policy. In the absence of such a policy selection method, Region Coordinators are elected and removed by a simple majority vote of the Ncs in the Region. 4.5 Networks and Network Coordinators A network is a group of nodes, normally but not exclusively in a local geographic area. Networks coordinate their mail activity to decrease cost. The Network Coordinator is responsible for maintaining the list of nodes for the network, and for forwarding 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 is responsible for assigning each and every petitioner within her/his own geographic area a valid node number within 10 days. A node application can solely be rejected on technical grounds and if that is the case the petitioner and the rest of the local network must be informed by the NC of the requirements that will allow the node number to be assigned. The method used for selection of Network coordinators is left to the discretion of the relevant Zone/Region/Net Policy. In the absence of such a policy selection method, Network Coordinators are elected and removed by a simple majority vote of the Nodes in the Network. 4.5.1 Network Routing Hubs Network Routing Hubs exist only in some networks. They may be appointed by the Network Coordinator, in order to assist the management (especially routing tasks) of the network. 4.6 Individual systems (Nodes) FidoNews 8-42 Page 8 21 Oct 1991 The smallest subdivision of FidoNet is the individual system, corresponding to a single entry in the nodelist. The system operator (SysOp) formulates a policy for running the board and dealing with the users. The sysop must mesh with the rest of the FidoNet system to receive and send mail, and the local policy must be consistent with other levels of FidoNet. 4.6.1 Points A point is a system that is not in the nodelist, but communicates with FidoNet through a node defined to as bossnode. A point operator is generally regarded in the same manner as a node operator, but does not have right to vote and shares responsibility of her/his actions with her/his bossnode. The bossnode operator is responsible for all mail originating at the point. All mail sent to a point is addressed to the bossnode's address. A point operator is granted full rights under this policy document as an associate of the bossnode operator listed on the nodelist, being the bossnode operator also liable for all actions performed by the point operator. 4.6.2 Users of an individual system The sysop is responsible for the actions of any user when they affect the rest of FidoNet (i.e. if the user is annoying, the sysop is annoying). The users have no rights under this policy document. 4.7 The FidoNet Technical Standards Committee The FidoNet Technical Standards Committee, abbreviated as the FTSC, exists for the purpose of establishing minimum requirements in software and hardware to be able to interface with FidoNet. These minimum requirements must be obeyed at every level. Nodes not meeting these requirements are ineligible for a node number (see section 5.9). These requirements are subject to change at any time by the FTSC. 5 General Procedures for All Coordinators 5.1 Making Available Difference Files and Nodelist FidoNews 8-42 Page 9 21 Oct 1991 Each Coordinator is responsible for obtaining and making available for file request, on a weekly basis, nodelist difference files and complete nodelists. 5.2 Making Available FidoNews Documents 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. This requirement may be waived in the event that a majority of the Sysops served by the Coordinator have no desire to read or receive FidoNews. 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. 5.3 Processing Nodelist Changes and Passing Them Upstream 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. 5.4 Ensure the Latest Policy is Available A Coordinator is responsible for making the current version of the International Policy available to the level below, and to encourage familiarity with it. 5.5 Minimize the Number of Hats Worn Coordinators are persuaded to limit the number of FidoNet-related Coordinator functions they perform. A Coordinator who holds two different positions, compromises the appeal process. For example, is 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 the net. 5.6 Be a Member of the Area Administered FidoNews 8-42 Page 10 21 Oct 1991 A Coordinator must be a member of the area administered. This is, a Network Coordinator must be a member of the network s/he is to coordinate. A Region Coordinator must be either a member of a network in the region, or an independent in a region. 5.7 Encourage New Sysops to Enter FidoNet A Coordinator is encouraged to operate a public bulletin board system which is freely available for the purpose of distributing Policy and Nodelists to potential new sysops. Dissemination of this information to persons who are potential FidoNet sysops is important to the growth of FidoNet, and Coordinators should encourage development of new systems. 5.8 Tradition, Precedent and Technical Management A Coordinator is not bound by the practices of predecessor. 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. 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. 5.9 Exclusivity of 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. FidoNews 8-42 Page 11 21 Oct 1991 Zone Mail Hours for all zones should be published every week in FidoNews, as well as in the nodelist. 6 Election and Referendum Procedures Any election or referendum at any level of FidoNet must comply with the standards described in this chapter. 6.1 Democratic Qualities of the Election All sysops in FidoNet have a vote and must be allowed to participate in an election or referendum. All sysops in FidoNet are entitled to be candidates to any elective position, provided that the requirements for each position described on this and lower-level policy documents are satisfied. 6.2 Particular election mechanisms Each zone will issue its own election procedures, which may involve direct participation or indirect participation (electoral college approach). In any case, all the sysops in the zone must be allowed to vote. In the case of an indirect elections, the electors must be chosen by direct vote of the sysops. 6.2.1 Coordinators acting as Electors Coordinators will automatically be qualified as electors representing their network or region in an indirect election only if they have been chosen by direct vote of the sysops in the administered area. 6.4 Worldwide elections and referendums In worldwide elections and referendums with the participation of all zones, the Zone Coordinator Council will determine the election procedures and whether vote will be direct or indirect. This will be done in each particular case by form of a ZCC resolution. 7 Policy Referenda FidoNews 8-42 Page 12 21 Oct 1991 7.1 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. 7.2 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 on 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. The formulation of Region and Network Policy documents is encouraged, and must be regulated by the Zone Policy documents in each zone. 7.3 Transition to a 'Worldwide Policy environment' After the approval of this Worldwide Policy, the previously existing policy will still be in effect for the Zone level until the approval of a new Zone policy, according to the methods provided in this document. All the procedures introduced by this Worldwide Policy document adjourn the procedures existing in the previous policy document. 8 Resolution of Disputes The FidoNet judicial philosophy can be summed up in two rules: 1) Thou shalt not excessively annoy others. 2) Thou shalt not become excessively annoyed. FidoNews 8-42 Page 13 21 Oct 1991 The parties involved in a dispute are encouraged to solve their problems directly, without the intervention of a Coordinator. 8.1 Mediation Requests Any of the parties involved may request the intervention of the respective Coordinator: Network Coordinator if a dispute between members of the same network, Region Coordinator if a dispute between members of different networks on the same region; Zone Coordinator if a dispute between members of different regions on the same zone; International Coordinator if a dispute between members of different zones. The Coordinator requested to act as "mediator" 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 "mediator," provided the parties involved in the dispute agree. 8.2 Appeals to a Mediator's Decision A mediator'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 decision 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 to a decision made by a third person named by a Coordinator to act as mediator, it will be as if the Coordinator made the resolution and the previously enumerated sequence of appealing will be appropriate. For appealing to a decision made by a mediator, the same terms and procedures as for any Mediation Request apply. 8.3 Statute of Limitations A mediation 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 discovery of the source of an 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. FidoNews 8-42 Page 14 21 Oct 1991 8.4 Echomail and File Distribution Networks Each FidoNet Zone is encouraged to establish in it's Zone Policy, the manner of handling Echomail and File Distribution, and the resolution of disputes arising from both distributions. No sysop may be required to carry an echomail conference or a File Distribution 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. 9 "CCC": Comments, Credits and Copyright! This section will be automatically removed upon approval of this document. 9.1 Comments on Implementation This document is not final. No FidoNet policy is or will ever be. WorldPol is an open enterprise where every member in FidoNet is encouraged to participate. It is a unique experience, so far successful. If you disagree with any point of this document, you have a real opportunity of have your voice be heard and contribute to the future of FidoNet. All FidoNet sysops are encouraged to make suggestions for changes, as well as comments, which can be addressed to FidoNet node 4:4/50 (The WorldPol Project). The WORLDPOL echo is also a good means of doing this; contact 1:102/631 for information on how to access the independently-distributed WORLDPOL echo. This World Policy will be adopted according to the mechanisms provided on the present policy document. 9.2 Credits WorldPol has received either directly or indirectly, input from the following individuals (in alphabetical order): Raul Artaza, Bill Bolton, Steve Bonine, Randy Bush, Billy Coen, Phillip Dampier, Jack Decker, Daniel Docekal, Ron Dwight, Hector Gomez, Tomas Gradin, Jackson Harding, Rob Hoare, Jesse David Hollington, Alejandro Hopkins, Tom Jennings, Glen Johnson, Daniel Kalchev, Raymond Lowe, Rick Moore, George Peace, Vince Perriello, Bob Satti, Jerry Schwartz, Jan Stozek, Erik Van Riper, Matt Whelan, and Gustavo Zacarias. FidoNews 8-42 Page 15 21 Oct 1991 Thank you all. Special thanks are hereby given to Thomas Jefferson whose ideas were still in the 1990s an important source of inspiration for this document. 9.3 Temporary Copyright This document is Copyright (C) 1991 by Pablo Kleinman. Todos los Derechos Reservados / All Rights Reserved. This document is protected under international copyright laws. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Erik VanRiper 1:107/230.0 The Source for Source Disclaimer: I do not run, nor do I intend to run PowerBBS. I am simply doing this based upon demand. - End disclaimer. There seems to be a growing number of FidoNet systems running PowerBBS. Since the author of PBBS is a local call to me, and is not a FidoNet node, I have offered my system as a base point to move a FidoNet support conference called POWERBBS. If you want to link into this conference, please contact me at the above address for a feed. ============================= Here is the scoop on PowerBBS: ============================= PowerBBS is a highly advanced BBS System, for DOS and WINDOWS. (The Only BBS currently available that is a TRUE WINDOWS Application). Along with the MANY features of PowerBBS, its highly advanced capabilities, ranks it with that of the top breed. Such new capabilities, such as true MENU INTERACTION, using arrows have already been implemented in a new version. Basic Features of PowerBBS for Windows FidoNet technology Support. FrontDoor (tm) Support. PowerBBS, CONFIG, & INSTALL Are TRUE Windows Applications Windows Protocols- Xmodem-1k-G/Ymodem Batch-1k-g/Zmodem FidoNews 8-42 Page 16 21 Oct 1991 Live Programs And Doors Support. DOS Protocols Support. You can run DOS doors, OR Windows Doors! Source code included in package, for producing windows doors using Turbo Pascal for Windows. You receive the .TPUs, and instructions on how to write your own code, making it EASY to write DOORS! OR use PowerLANG, PowerBBS's script language. Compatible with PCRelay Software, and the RIME Network (and any other network using this software). Also, an exchange program is available to convert PowerBBS --> Fido --> PowerBBS CONFIG program is a WINDOWS applications with extensive mouse control, making it easier than ever to configure PowerBBS for Windows. Forum support containing its own Message And File Areas. Setup 201 forums. Professional version is compatible with sharing capabilities, to run PowerBBS in a network. Chatting features, between nodes, if you run more than one line. Full screen visual editor for entering messages. Forum scanning for only the forums selected by the user. Download/Upload up to 40 files at once, using PBBSPROT Search files or messages, by entering a key word. Search types include and/or logic. FULLY CONFIGURABLE MENUS. Menus can contain built in commands, or commands you build with PowerLang, a basic type bbs language. You give each command it's OWN timing sequence. For example, you can give back time for using the upload command, or you can take away 2 minutes per 1 minute for a popular feature. Internal ANSI.SYS Interpreter. Since it is a WINDOWS program, you do not need to load this device driver. This gives PowerBBS more power, and control. PowerBBS's WINDOW is now 29 lines long. 25 lines are for displaying screens, the other is used for USER INFO. Extensive MACRO language, for text screens and messages. Such as |NAME|, which will display the current callers full Name. WINDOWS MENU and SCROLLING capabilities. CheckMarking is done for the TOGGLE Menu. Other WINDOWS only features, make PowerBBS a WINNER. Basic Features of PowerBBS for DOS FidoNews 8-42 Page 17 21 Oct 1991 Features everything in Windows, with the exception of the Windows only capabilities. Includes a COMMERCIAL Fossil INT 14 driver. Running PowerBBS for DOS under Multitasking (such as DesqView (tm)), will permit you to run up to 32 lines on ONE COMPUTER. Such cards as DigiBoard/Ast, and other such cards, are ALL SUPPORTED. There is only ONE charge, no matter how many nodes you set up for the Dos Version! Use PBBSPROT for multicard (digiboard/etc) transfers. Or use DSZ if you are not sharing IRQs. Both support up to 40 file transfers at once. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Alan Gilbertson 1:3603/230 50:5813/1 ECHONET - QUALITY VS. QUANTITY ============================== Among Fidonet's many offspring, one of the youngest, and certainly one of the fastest growing, is EchoNet. Different from its parent in many ways, it has expanded from tentative beginnings a little over a year ago at a pace beyond its founders' wildest dreams. In the several months that I've been part of EchoNet, I've noticed the same reaction, time after time, among new sysops in this rapidly growing family: "Hey! - This Net is really FRIENDLY!" At least 19 out of every 20 sysops say this, or something very much like it, in their first couple or three posts in ECHO50, the netwide sysop-only conference. What creates an ambience so friendly that people feel compelled to remark upon it? Assuming that at least some of these sysops know what they're talking about, why is EchoNet so blessed, when, apparently, other networks aren't? -- It's a question of focus and direction. Rather than trying to be "all things to all people," EchoNet is a private network whose clearly stated purpose is to bring high quality echoes to BBS Sysops and their users. All the actions and policies of the net are geared to it. This makes for a stark contrast with the sprawling, sometimes brawling Fidonet, where the signal to noise ratio in several echoes has passed the pain threshold. FidoNews 8-42 Page 18 21 Oct 1991 Echonet has no political agendas, no bias, no axes to grind. There is no "flame" echo, no sex, no foul language, no "bashing". In ECHO50, Sysops mostly just relax and chat freely, or discuss the pros and cons of cost recovery (echoes are free, though sysops may poll LD for their mail), policy proposals, or administrative issues regarding the net. Both sysops and their users talk up a storm in the famous "Free Spirit" echo, where everything is on topic. The conversations are funny or sad, witty, wise, or thought-provoking by turns, but the common thread of interested, intelligent dialog runs throughout. It's all very informal, and the unusually warm atmosphere has built a camaraderie that is, I guess, not what folks are used to. "Software Wars" -- those jolly slanging matches where programs are demolished rather than discussed -- just don't happen in EchoNet. Just when you think something might flare up, a gentle word or a helpful remark will redirect the heat and flames into more productive dialog. This is remarkable to anyone who's suffered through a few of these "conversations" elsewhere. Not that EchoNet's conferences are dry, or bland; they aren't. Discussions in Pros&Cons or Free Spirit are often intense and fascinating. Nevertheless, there is no cheap character assassination or sub-tabloid language to leave permanent scars on your fine new VGA multi-scanning monitor. If things appear to be drifting in that direction, they are gently but firmly put back on course. Good order and discipline, in fact, are characteristic of EchoNet; a game is no game at all without rules, and rules are of little use when they aren't followed. EchoNet has achieved a clear statement of where the boundaries are, what constitutes good taste and acceptable commentary. The result is a well- defined framework, within which everyone can relax, participate, and feel comfortable. EchoNet moderators, *Cs and sysops are in close touch with each other and their users. The ZEC, Ed Lawyer, is in close touch, magically, with just about everything going on, and is always ready to help out where there's a problem. EchoNet has no hapless, unsupported moderators, screaming to be heard over the noise of battle. Instead, there are well run conferences where the signal overshadows the noise in ratios to make even the most fanatic hi-fi buff content. EchoNet is cheerfully non-democratic (not the same thing as "undemocratic") and thrives that way. There is no question as to who runs the network, and the positions of ZC and ZEC are not up for grabs. Within a net, it's who can do best for the network that determines the choice of NC and NEC. FidoNews 8-42 Page 19 21 Oct 1991 *Cs are not left to sink or swim on their own, either. ZNTC John Radford is always available (and, yes, he *does* answer netmail -- promptly) to smooth out any technical problems with mailers, mail processors, net topology or routing. It's all in the interest of the smooth flow of echomail throughout the net, and the mail flows very smoothly indeed. In the sometimes baffling and frustrating arena of multi-zone nets and echomail, it is comforting (not to say economical!) to have that kind of expertise on tap. From the ZC on down, questions of policy are thoroughly thrashed out, debated, considered, and voted on. The folks who have to carry the burden of decisions have their input to the folks who have to make those decisions. The final say-so comes with the overall purpose of the network firmly in mind, but there is no question about who writes it into policy. The effect of all this is a highly participatory atmosphere, unpolluted by political manoeuvering, hidden agendas, power plays, and all the other claptrap that seems to come with the territory in less focused and closely knit communities. No-one in a coordinator position in EchoNet forgets that the position has more responsibilities than it has (mostly imaginary) privileges. Besides, a *C trying to ride roughshod over the "grunt" sysops in his/her net would be brought back in line pretty quickly. On the other hand, a sysop or user spreading dissension and upset in the name of "free speech" doesn't last long, so the atmosphere stays tranquil, and everyone can get on with enjoying the hobby. Sensation mongers (those seething malcontents who seem to enjoy sucking half of an echo's participants into an off topic people-roast while the other half goes away in despair) don't get started, or quickly drift off in search of easier game. EchoNet proves that sex, drugs, and malediction can be left out of debates, and communication will flow in more and more interesting, enticing, and (hey, whaddaya know!) thoroughly enjoyable directions. It's growing at a remarkable rate, and, perhaps most surprising of all, the "family atmosphere" that characterised it in the early days has not been diluted. That in itself is a remarkable tribute to the people who make the net what it is. Information on EchoNet and how to apply for membership can be obtained by file-request, using the magic name "ENETSYS" or "KIT" from 1:3603/230, 1:261/3000, 1:261/1056, or 1:261/1083. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- FidoNews 8-42 Page 20 21 Oct 1991 By Pete Farias, Sysop @1:321/210 Auto Racing Echo I have been a member of FidoNet now for almost 5 years. I have imported or have seen many echo areas that deal with many different issues, and interests. All except one, Auto Racing. I have been an enthusiast of auto racing my whole life and when some of my users started asking me to start an area for them to talk about auto racing I decided to attempt to get it on to the backbone. I'm sure there are more enthusiasts that would appreciate an echo like this. If you or any of your users have any interest in this echo, Please ask your coordinator for information on it. It is called AUTORACE and is on the ELIST. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- By Steven Blodgett @ 1:203/19 FidoNet Wind up your Computer! The DR_DEMENTO echo is here! - - - In the year of nineteen seventy, Underneath the old Smogberry Tree, First was heard a man that we all know, The one and only Doctor Demento... --Barnes and Barnes, with "Weird Al" Yankovic in the Dr. Demento 15th Aniverssary Song - - - YeS! It'S FiNaLlY hErE! The Dr. Demento Discussion echo! For you peoples who wanted to talk about the most demented person on the radio waves today, now you have an echo for it!! Talk about the one who brought the craziness back into the Radio world, when it was drab! Now you can talk all you want about history of the show, The Doctor himself, the demented songs that are played, or should be played on his Radio Show, the lyrics to those songs, or you can tell the peoples in your neighborhood which station carries The Dr. Demento Show! SysOps, if you or your users want to try it out for a test run, do so by Netting me between the hours of 10pm - 7am, Pacific Standard time at Address of 1:203/19, or Jeff Grimmet, at 1:202/1005, at 24 Hours a day. Just try it. If you don't like it, you can stop the feed. (Just check with your users to see if they want it still, or they might revolt into a state of `demented'ness and play havoc with your board! :) ) "...and Don't Forget to Staaaaaay Deeeeeemented!" FidoNews 8-42 Page 21 21 Oct 1991 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- By Matthew Landry, Moderator, NYBBS - 1:267/109 Of Interest to Hobbyist Sysops Of note to those of you who follow BBS and Telecommunications legislation is a new echo started in New York by the New York State Bulletin Board Society. NYBBS attempts to follow stories of interest to sysops and non-sysops alike as well as encouraging lobbying activities to promote the welfare of hobbyist telecommunications. Our topics are not limited by geography as one states actions are sure to be looked at in other states. The main topic of this echo is the discussion of hobbyist telecommunications. The NYBBS is very effective in monitoring pending legislation, litigation and other topics that affect our hobby. As a new echo it is not listed on the backbone yet, but is requestable from 1:13/13 and will be listed in the next Elist. I encourage anyone who may be interested, or may be able to further the goals of the echo to become involved. Thanks, and I hope to see ya' there! Matthew Landry ---------------------------------------------------------------------- MAXUM COMPUTER SYSTEMS TECHNICAL SUPPORT BBS MAXUM COMPUTER SYSTEMS announces the formation of a technical support BBS for MAXUM computer owners which will be available 24 hours a day. MAXUM COMPUTER SYSTEMS produces the finest personal and business computers currently available. Each MAXUM computer is manufactured in the United States using the highest quality components. After assembly, each computer goes through a 48 hour burn-in in MAXUM's hot-room to insure you receive a trouble free computer system. THE INFORMATION CENTER, at 212-346-1289 has added message bases and files reserved exclusively for MAXUM owners. You will be able to communicate with highly skilled technicians, download utilities written exclusively for MAXUM owners and communicate with other MAXUM owners. Sysops interested in carrying the MAXUM support echo- mail should contact the Sysop at 1:278/729. If you are not a Sysop and you would like your favorite BBS to carry the MAXUM support echomail, please have the Sysop contact the Sysop of 1:278/729 for information. FidoNews 8-42 Page 22 21 Oct 1991 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Steve Winter FidoNet 1:151/208 209 210 Now Available on the Zone 1 Backbone! ******** Acts 2:38 *++++++* John 3:5 *+ ** +* **************+ ** +************* *+++++++++++ ++++++++++* *+ ******* HOLY_BIBLE ****** +* *+++++++++++ ++++++++++* **************+ ** +************* *+ ** +* Gal 1:8 *+ ** +* Mark 12:29 *+ ** +* I Tim 3:16 *+ ** +* Acts 2:4 *+ ** +* Isa 45:21 *+ ** +* Mark 16:16 *+ ** +* Acts 10:46 *++++++* Acts 19:5 ******** Hebrews 5:9 Acts 22:16 James 1:22 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- FidoNews 8-42 Page 23 21 Oct 1991 ====================================================================== RANTS AND FLAMES ====================================================================== _(*#$_(*@#(* (*^$+)#(%&+| #$)%(&*#_$ @_#( @$ ^@#+)(#&%$*+)$%&*+$*%&#@(@#_|)*%|)#%&)#*%&+(@#&*_+(@#*^&@### *&#_($*&#$_(*#&$_(#*$&$ _(#$*#$+)#($&*+#)$ &#+$*&# ()*&#$_(&^#$_(#*$_#($^&#_$(^&#_$(&^#$_(&#^ damn right _(#^&$_(#^& $*&#$_+(* #)$&(%($%+)($%*+$)%($* it's ugly _#&%^# & #($_*#$_ FidoNet (*$&%_@#_(*&@#_(@*#&_ @#_(*&@#_(* )*&#$ Flames *^$+)#(% (not for the timid) @_#( (*#$_(*^@#+) and #_|)*% &+(@#&*_+(@#*^&@### (#$*&#_($*&#$_(*#&$_(#* Rants *&+#$*&#+$*&# )*&#$_(a regular feature)^&#_$(&^#$_ $^&#$_(#^ (*^#$_*#^&$)*#&$^%)#*$&^_#($*^&#_($ Section #&%^_ _(*#&$_(#* #($*& #$* _(*&@#_(@*# *&@#_(*& )&*+_)*&+)*&+))&*(*& (*&_(*&_(*& ---------------------------------------------------------------------- FidoNews 8-42 Page 24 21 Oct 1991 ====================================================================== CLASSIFIEDS ====================================================================== ADVERTISEMENT POLICY: Submissions must be 20 lines or less each, maximum two ads per advertiser, 70 characters per line maximum. No control codes except CR and LF. (Refer to contact info at the end of this newsletter for details.) Please notify us if you have any trouble with an advertiser. FidoNews does not endorse any products or services advertised here. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- FidoNews 8-42 Page 25 21 Oct 1991 ====================================================================== NOTICES ====================================================================== The Interrupt Stack 1 Nov 1991 Area code 301 will split. Area code 410 will consist of the northeastern part of Maryland, as well as the eastern shore. This will include Baltimore and the surrounding area. Area 301 will include southern and western parts of the state, including the areas around Washington DC. Area 410 phones will answer to calls to area 301 until November, 1992. 2 Nov 1991 Area code 213 fragments. Western, coastal, southern and eastern portions of Los Angeles County will begin using area code 310. This includes Los Angeles International Airport, West Los Angeles, San Pedro and Whittier. Downtown Los Angeles and surrounding communities (such as Hollywood and Montebello) will retain area code 213. 3 May 1992 The areacode for northern and central Georgia will change from 404 to 702. The Atlanta metro area will remain area code 404. Area code 912 in southern Georgia will remain the same. Affected areas will share both the 404 and the 702 area code from May 3, 1992 until August 3, 1992 when the change will become permanent. 1 Dec 1993 Tenth anniversary of Fido Version 1 release. 5 Jun 1997 David Dodell's 40th Birthday If you have something which you would like to see on this calendar, please send a message to FidoNet node 1:1/1. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- FidoNews 8-42 Page 26 21 Oct 1991 ====================================================================== LATEST VERSIONS ====================================================================== Latest Greatest SoftWare Versions Last Update: 10/10/91 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- SOFTWARE AUTHORS, AND/OR SUPPORT PERSONNEL, BE ADVISED... Your current listing in the version list will be dropped it I do not hear from you by October 31, 1991. I need the following from those who have their software listed: 1. Software Name & Version 2. FileName.Ext 3. Support Board Network Address 4. Support Board Phone Number Send your update notices to David French, 1:103/950 45:512/105 65:571/2 69:11/108 93:9702/2 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- MS-DOS Systems -------------- BBS Software Network Mailers Other Utilities Name Version Name Version Name Version -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- Aurora 1.32a*@ BinkleyTerm 2.40 2DAPoint 1.40* DMG 2.93 D'Bridge 1.30 ARCAsim 2.31* DreamBBS 1.05@ Dutchie 2.90c ARCmail 2.07 Fido/FidoNet 12.21+ Dreamer 1.06@ ARC+Plus 7.12 Genesis Deluxe 3.1 FrontDoor 2.02* Areafix 1.20@ GSBBS 3.02 InterMail 2.01 ConfMail 4.00 Kitten 1.01 Milqtoast 1.00* Crossnet 1.5 Lynx 1.30 PreNM 1.48* DEMM 1.06@ Maximus 1.02 SEAdog 4.60 DGMM 1.06@ Opus 1.71* TIMS 1.0(Mod8) DOMAIN 1.42 PCBoard 14.5a EEngine 0.30* Phoenix 1.3 EMM 2.10* ProBoard 1.16*@ NodeList Utilities 4Dog/4DMatrix 1.18 QuickBBS 2.66 Name Version FileGroup 2.23 RBBS 17.3b -------------------- FNPGate 2.70 RBBSmail 17.3b EditNL 4.00 GateWorks 3.06e* RemoteAccess 1.01 FDND 1.10 Gmail 2.05 SimplexBBS 1.04.02*+ MakeNL 2.31 GMD 3.00* SLBBS 2.15b* Parselst 1.33* GMM 1.21@ Socrates 1.11* Prune 1.40 GoldEd 2.31p* FidoNews 8-42 Page 27 21 Oct 1991 SuperBBS 1.10 SysNL 3.14 GROUP 2.23 TAG 2.5g XlatList 2.90 GUS 1.40* TBBS 2.1 XlaxNode/Diff 2.52 HeadEdit 1.18 TComm/TCommNet 3.4 IMAIL 1.20* Telegard 2.5 InterPCB 1.31 TPBoard 6.1 Lola 1.01d* TriTel 1.11* Compression MSG 4.1 Wildcat! 2.55 Utilities MSGED 2.06 WWIV 4.20* Name Version MsgLnk 1.0c@ XBBS 1.17 -------------------- MsgMstr 2.02* ARC 7.00 MsgNum 4.16d@ ARJ 2.20 MSGTOSS 1.3 HYPER 2.50 Netsex 2.00b*@ LHA 2.13 Oliver 1.0a PAK 2.51 PolyXarc 2.1a PKPak 3.61 QM 1.00a* PKZip 1.10 QSort 4.04 Raid 1.00@ ScanToss 1.28 SeaMail 1.01 Sirius 1.0x SLMAIL 1.36 StarLink 1.01 TagMail 2.41 TCOMMail 2.2 Telemail 1.27 TGroup 1.13 TMail 1.21 TPBNetEd 3.2 Tosscan 1.00 UFGATE 1.03 VPurge 4.09e*@ WildMail 1.01b* XRS 4.51* XST 2.3e ZmailH 1.25* OS/2 Systems ------------ BBS Software Network Mailers Other Utilities Name Version Name Version Name Version -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- Maximus-CBCS 1.02 BinkleyTerm 2.50* ARC2 6.01* SimplexBBS 1.04.02*+ BinkleyTerm(S) 2.50*@ ConfMail 4.00 BinkleyTerm/2-MT EchoStat 6.0 1.40.02*@ LH2 2.11* MsgEd 2.06c* MsgLink 1.0c MsgNum 4.16d* FidoNews 8-42 Page 28 21 Oct 1991 oMMM 1.52 Omail 3.1 Parselst 1.33* PKZip 1.02 PMSnoop 1.30*@ PolyXOS2 2.1a QSort 2.1 Raid 1.0 Remapper 1.2 Tick 2.0 VPurge 4.09e* Xenix/Unix 386 -------------- BBS Software Network Mailers Other Utilities Name Version Name Version Name Version -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- BinkleyTerm 2.32b ARC 5.21 C-LHARC 1.00 MsgEd 2.06 |Contact: Jon Hogan-uran 3:711/909, | MSGLNK 1.01 |Willy Paine 1:343/15 or Eddy van Loo| oMMM 1.42 |2:285/406 | Omail 1.00 Parselst 1.32 Unzip 3.10 Vpurge 4.08 Zoo 2.01 Apple II -------- BBS Software Network Mailers Other Utilities Name Version Name Version Name Version -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- DDBBS + 8.0* Fruity Dog 2.0 deARC2e 2.1 GBBS Pro 2.1 ProSel 8.70* ShrinkIt 3.30* |Contact: Dennis McClain-Furmanski 1:275/42| ShrinkIt GS 1.04 Apple CP/M ---------- BBS Software Network Mailers Other Utilities Name Version Name Version Name Version -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- Daisy 2j Daisy Mailer 0.38 Filer 2-D MsgUtil 2.5 FidoNews 8-42 Page 29 21 Oct 1991 Nodecomp 0.37 PackUser 4 UNARC.COM 1.20 Macintosh --------- BBS Software Network Mailers Other Software Name Version Name Version Name Version -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- FBBS 0.91 Copernicus 1.0 ArcMac 1.3 Hermes 1.6.1* Tabby 2.2 AreaFix 1.6 Mansion 7.15 Compact Pro 1.30 Precision Sys. 0.95b* Eventmeister 1.0 Red Ryder Host 2.1 Export 3.21 TeleFinder Import 3.2 Host 2.12T10 LHARC 0.41 MacArc 0.04 Mantissa 3.21 Point System Mehitable 2.0 Software OriginatorII 2.0 Name Version PreStamp 3.2 -------------------- StuffIt Classic 1.6 Copernicus 1.0 SunDial 3.2 CounterPoint 1.09 TExport 1.92 Timestamp 1.6 TImport 1.92 Tset 1.3 TSort 1.0 UNZIP 1.02c Zenith 1.5 Zip Extract 0.10 Amiga ----- BBS Software Network Mailers Other Software Name Version Name Version Name Version -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- Falcon CBBS 0.45 BinkleyTerm 1.00 AmigArc 0.23 Paragon 2.082+ TrapDoor 1.80* AReceipt 1.5 TransAmiga 1.07 WelMat 0.44 booz 1.01 ChameleonEdit 0.10 ConfMail 1.12 ElectricHerald 1.66 LHARC 1.30 Login 0.18 MessageFilter 1.52 oMMM 1.49b FidoNews 8-42 Page 30 21 Oct 1991 ParseLst 1.64 PkAX 1.00 PolyxAmy 2.02 RMB 1.30 Roof 44.03 RoboWriter 1.02 Rsh 4.06 Skyparse 2.30 Tick 0.75 TrapList 1.40* TrapToss 1.20*@ UNZIP 1.31 Yuck! 2.01* Zippy (Unzip) 1.25 Zoo 2.01 Atari ST/TT ----------- BBS Software Network Mailers Other Utilities Name Version Name Version Name Version -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- FIDOdoor/ST 2.5.1* BinkleyTerm 22.40n9* Burep 1.1@ FiFo 2.1v The BOX 1.20 ComScan 1.04 LED ST 1.00 ConfMail 4.10 MSGED 1.99* EchoFix 1.20 QuickBBS/ST 1.04*@ Echoscan 1.10 FastPack 1.20 FDrenum 2.5.2* Compression Import 1.14 Utilities oMMM 1.40 Name Version Pack 1.00 -------------------- Parselist 1.30 ARC 6.02 sTICK/Hatch 5.50 LHARC 2.01e* Trenum 0.10 PackConvert 1.10 STZIP 0.90* UnJARST 2.00 WhatArc 2.02 Archimedes ---------- BBS Software Network Mailers Other Utilities Name Version Name Version Name Version -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- ARCbbs 1.44 BinkleyTerm 2.03 ARC 1.03 BatchPacker 1.00 Parselst 1.30 FidoNews 8-42 Page 31 21 Oct 1991 !Spark 2.00d Unzip 2.1TH Tandy Color Computer 3 (OS-9 Level II) -------------------------------------- BBS Software Compression Utility Other Utilities Name Version Name Version Name Version -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- RiBBS 2.02@ OS9ARC (Arc) 1.0@ Ascan 1.2@ OS9ARC (Dearc) 1.0@ AutoFRL 2.0@ DEARC @ CKARC 1.1@ UNZIP 3.10@ EchoCheck 1.01@ FReq 2.5a@ LookNode 2.00@ ParseLST @ RList 1.03@ RTick 2.00@ UnSeen 1.1@ -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Key: + - Netmail Capable (Doesn't Require Additional Mailer Software) * - Recently Updated Version @ - New Addition # - Commercial SoftWare(Not In Use Yet) -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Utility Authors: Please help keep this list up to date by reporting all new versions to 1:103/950 in this format: 1) Software Name & Version 2) FileName.Ext 3) Support Node Address 4) Support BBS Phone Number Note: It is not our intent to list all utilities here, only those which verge on necessity. If you want it updated in the next FidoNews, get it to me by Thursday evening. --David French, 1:103/950 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- FidoNews 8-42 Page 32 21 Oct 1991 ------- FIDONEWS MASTHEAD AND CONTACT INFORMATION ---------------- Editors: Tom Jennings, Tim Pozar Editors Emeritii: Thom Henderson, Dale Lovell, Vince Periello Special thanks to Ken Kaplan, 1:100/22, aka Fido #22 "FidoNews" BBS FidoNet 1:1/1 Internet fidonews@fidonews.fidonet.org BBS (415)-863-2739 (9600 HST/V32) (Postal Service mailing address) FidoNews 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. FidoNews is copyright 1991 Fido Software. All rights reserved. Duplication and/or distribution permitted for noncommercial purposes only. For use in other circumstances, please contact FidoNews (we're easy). OBTAINING COPIES: 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 via uucp. PRINTED COPIES mailed may be obtained from Fido Software for $5.00US each PostPaid First Class within North America, or $7.00US elsewhere, mailed Air Mail. (US funds drawn upon a US bank only.) Periodic subscriptions are not available at this time; if enough people request it I will implement it. 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 8-42 Page 33 21 Oct 1991 "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. -- END ----------------------------------------------------------------------