Subj : Re: What happened?
To : Nick Andre
From : Charles Pierson
Date : Sun Nov 15 2020 04:49 pm
Hello, Nick Andre.
On 11/15/20 3:37 PM you wrote:
NA> On 15 Nov 20 13:35:23, Charles Pierson said the following to Nick
NA> Andre:
CP>> Generally speaking, I would agree. Although I have mentioned
CP>> expanding mobi access in ways, such as QWK or similar offline
CP>> readers, or even a potential BBS package in places, and at best,
CP>> I've seen indifference, usually it's mo common to be asked why I
CP>> would want such a thing.
NA> I'm not disagreeing but have yet to see anyone not embrace another
NA> QWK or BBS
( NA> package. Most Sysops love tinkering with new BBS-related things. Every time a
NA> new version of Mystic, Synchronet or my mailer D'Bridge is
NA> published, Sysops just can't *wait* to get their hands on it.
I'm pretty certain that if I was to be able to manage any of that, there would be at least some interest. That's not really the problem though.
Well, it is in that I don't have the capability right now myself. That can be rectified though, given time. There are even "short cuts" in software that's source code is available is out there that could be used as a template or guide, if not ported over directly, then adjusting to work with the user interface.
I've even considered ideas like using existing software in a DOSBOX environment, but I can't figure out how to get that environment to see the WiFi connection.
It's as I said, more a lack of interest, or even worse, "Yes it's possible, but why?" Or perhaps I just haven't found the right audience.
NA> But again, Fido Sysops are usually reluctant to have any Internet
NA> platform integrate with Fidonet. Doesn't matter if it has admins
NA> blocking spam or whatever. Some Sysops just don't like it. Some
NA> don't even like having Echomail being made available on someone's
NA> web server for Google searching. Theres just something about
NA> wanting to keep it close-knit and away from Internet platforms and
NA> search engines. And BBS Sysops *love* their setups. They find
NA> something and stick with. You will pry D'Bridge and Renegade from
NA> my cold dead hands.
All of that is true.
But Fidonet can be found on search engines. And echomail can be found in internet archives.
I'm not suggesting that anything fundamentally changes what Fidonet or the BBS community is. I wouldn't ever want it to be another Facebook or Twitter or anything like that.
But it does have something to offer people. I've had better conversations on BBSes than anywhere else, even with people I don't agree with. It's something that's missing elsewhere. More people could do with that experience.
NA> I know you didn't mention Telegram but its kindof the same reason
NA> why we don't use NNTP for Echomail distribution or distributed DNS
NA> or XML-formatted nodelist segments or embedded graphics and links
NA> in messages or whatever bright ideas are mentioned every few years
NA> or so in this echo and elsewhere.
I know there are questions about Telegram. And they should be asked and answered.
I also know there are people that don't like it and won't use it, and apparently some who won't participate in an echo linked to Telegram.
But right now, it's something some people are trying out. It might not work out. Stas might decide he doesn't want to work on it anymore. Or it might hang around in whatever Echos that moderators allow it to. Time will tell.
NA> Its also why UTF-8 is a disaster and even getting an idea as to
NA> whats "standard" in Fidonet requires a lot of digging around a
NA> mess of FTSC documents. As a Fido developer I can tell you its
NA> not easy writing Fido software. Kludges and tacked-on illogical
NA> crap like MSGID/REPLY nonsense, abandonware being used by many
NA> Sysops that strips Seen-by lines and generally a bunch of
NA> bandaids upon bandaids to keep it going. Thats to say nothing
NA> about the upcoming 2038 date problem.
This I understand. Just watching a discussion on "standards" about UTC vs actual time zones, MSG ID, and the like don't help the migraine for sure.
NA> Every couple of years, someone such as yourself will ponder here
NA> or elsewhere why new ideas are often rejected or why its
NA> difficult to attract newcomers. Simple answer is if Sysops want
NA> the Internet, they use the Internet. Sysops love their software,
NA> its personal to them.
I wouldn't want to take anything away. I don't think anyone wants that.
I think that's where part of the issues come from.
It is entirely possible for there to be new software or technology to exist and work side by side with what exists.
BBS and Fidonet software has survived the internet Y2K and more. I've heard mention of 2038 but I'm not sure what that is exactly, but it will survive that too.
NA> And Fido software itself is just too "techie" for the average
NA> person. To get a node number, a newcomer must agree to a slew of
NA> things in Policy 4. You try explaining that to a non-techie
NA> person, about mailers and editors and nodelists. Not happening my
NA> friend.
I've been in and out of BBSes and Fidonet since the 80's. I'm still figuring some of that stuff out.
And I'd never suggest a new person try to set themselves up as a node.
--
Best regards!
Posted using Hotdoged on Android
--- Hotdoged/2.13.5/Android
* Origin: Houston, TX (1:229/426.67)
