Subj : Re: Social Media Subsitute
To : Alan Ianson
From : Tony Langdon
Date : Thu Aug 06 2020 07:05 pm
-=> On 08-05-20 22:52, Alan Ianson wrote to Tony Langdon <=-
AI> Yes, I am thinking such a server could be a stand along thing, or part
AI> of a BBS since a BBS does have the "stuff". None of this exists outside
AI> of my mind currently and may never exist. It's just an idea on my part.
I figured since the BBS is already there, it _could_ be the home base for such
an app, though I don't see a problem with a dedicated server, which would
effectively be a BBS without the interactive UI, so QWK or Bluewave are still
viable transports. You're simply creating a slimmed down BBS, nothing wrong
with that, for people who only want to use mobile apps and offline mail.
AI> I am thinking of a simple app for a tablet, phone or other device or
AI> PCs designed for FTN messaging. The interface might look like
AI> Aftershock but I am thinking of something very simple so folks don't
AI> need to learn all the FTN fun and games. Folks might just need to enter
AI> their name and the info for a server to connect to.
I was thinking similar, just that I figured there's potentially servers out
there already. :)
AI> We would need to design/implement/maintain all that.
AI> You'll notice there is no authentication in the above. We may need that
AI> as well for netmail, if we implement that (I think we should but it
AI> makes it more complex).
Authentication will be needed, so you can receive not only netmail, but
echomail as well.
TL> The BBS at least provides something that can keep track of those
TL> variables across multiple devices.
AI> If this was connected to a BBS login of some sort that should be
AI> doable.
Precisely.
TL> You may be going a bit Internet centric with this and overthinking it.
AI> Well, yes.. how were you thinking of doing it? :)
I was thinking leveraging the existing installed base of BBSs. At least
Synchronet, and maybe a MPL for Mystic, or perhaps a MPY might be able to
provide some of the server side functionality (mainly initial registration)
TL> What's wrong with a network where you choose your home base (i.e.
TL> BBS?). With cooperation from BBS authors, you could simplify the
TL> signup process to "username and password", with the rest of the info
TL> being stored in your profile on the device and sent to the BBS during
TL> a registration "handshake". And of course, if you register on your
TL> mobile device, you can simply login later from your PC. :)
AI> Yes, that sounds good. If we can do it and make the user experience
AI> easy to get up and running it could work.
My idea was:
Initial registration - in the app, you have your details (Username, real name,
birthdate, etc, etc). Some fields would be optional, and sex/gender would be
one of those (needs reworking anyway for the 2020s - I don't even bother asking
that on my main BBS). So when you connect to the BBS, you're given an option
to register. The registration asks for your username (defaulting to the one in
your app setup), and a password, which it saves upon initial registration.
Once registered, you can then browse messages, to see what might be of
interest, "subscribe" to areas (i.e. mark them for QWK download/syncing), and
"get mail" or "sync", which basically downloads new messages in your subscribed
areas, plus any netmail. You could have the app instantly upload any replies
or work offline.
AI> Synchronet probably has all the stuff needed to do that on the server
AI> side. Of course it needs to be written and supported.. not to mention
AI> apps for users.
I suspect what Synchronet doesn't already have could be done in JS fairly
easily. :)
There may also be a place for your dedicated server. That would suit sysops
who want to support just mobile users and not bother with the UI stuff.
... Reality is for people who can't cope with their drugs.
=== MultiMail/Win v0.51
--- SBBSecho 3.10-Linux
* Origin: Freeway BBS Bendigo,Australia freeway.apana.org.au (3:633/410)
