FidoNews is published weekly by the International FidoNet
Association as its official newsletter. You are encouraged to
submit articles for publication in FidoNews. Article submission
standards are contained in the file ARTSPEC.DOC, available from
node 1:1/1. 1:1/1 is a Continuous Mail system, available for
network mail 24 hours a day.
Copyright 1989 by the International FidoNet Association. All
rights reserved. Duplication and/or distribution permitted for
noncommercial purposes only. For use in other circumstances,
please contact IFNA at (314) 576-4067. IFNA may also be contacted
at PO Box 41143, St. Louis, MO 63141.
Fido and FidoNet are registered trademarks of Tom Jennings of
Fido Software, 164 Shipley Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94107 and
are used with permission.
We don't necessarily agree with the contents of every article
published here. Most of these materials are unsolicited. No
article submitted by a FidoNet SysOp will be rejected if it is
properly attributed and legally acceptable. We will publish
every responsible submission received.
Table of Contents
1. EDITORIAL ................................................ 1
Help Wanted -- some experience helpful ................... 1
2. ARTICLES ................................................. 2
Open Response to Charlie Smith ........................... 2
HIGH_ED Echo Conference .................................. 6
IFNA/FidoNet Policy Progress Report ...................... 8
What are all the Zones used for? ......................... 9
3. FOR SALE ................................................. 12
4. LATEST VERSIONS .......................................... 13
Latest Software Versions ................................. 13
5. NOTICES .................................................. 16
And more!
FidoNews 6-43 Page 1 23 Oct 1989
Before I get to the subject, let me remind you that the FidoNet
vote is approaching. You would be doing us all a service by
voting. Vote either for or against IFNA, but just PLEASE vote.
Now down to the reason I called you here. As some of you might
have noticed, I am involved in a few things in and around FidoNet
besides editing the Newsletter. The result is a constant battle
(at least within my mind) between all of my varied
responsibilities. I think I'm smart enough to avoid overload.
I'm not completely sure, but I think so.
That's why I'm typing this. I am finding this expanded "Current
Versions" section to be a big load. I am getting several
messages a week and often forget to go back and check them before
putting out the newsletter. Requests come in for information on
where some of this stuff can be gotten. And so on.
Frankly, I haven't the slightest idea where you can get most of
the non-IBM stuff. And I also don't have any time to find out.
What that tells me is that I need some help in keeping all the
info straight.
Can anyone out there give me a hand? I need someone to represent
IBM, Mac, Amiga, and ST for starters. If I wind up with more
than one person to do the job, then you'll have to work with the
others. I'll publish what you guys give me and stay out of the
business myself. What a deal.
If you're interested in the job, apply to 1:1/1. FidoNews is an
equal opportunity employer.
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FidoNews 6-43 Page 2 23 Oct 1989
Open Response to Charlie Smith
(a copy of which has been netmailed)
You ask, "Why does IFNA have to govern FidoNet? Why can't
FidoNet govern FidoNet?" This, I think, succinctly reflects much
of the confusion many people have about what has happened and
what is now going on.
IFNA is often perceived by many people as being a thing outside
of FidoNet, when in fact it has always been very much a part of
FidoNet. It is and has always been the legal representation of
FidoNet.
FidoNet has no existance under the laws of the land. Does
FidoNet exist? Yes, of course it does, but how? As an idea? As
a phone book? As a group of people who share some common goals
and/or techniques? All of those are true, and more. But the
laws recognize none of them. The laws (and the government, and
the IRS, and other organizations) recognize only people. Either
flesh-and-blood people (born of men and women, heir to death and
taxes), or "incorporated people" (born of lawyers and
accountants, potentially immortal, but still heir to taxes).
If FidoNet is to relate to society around it in any meaningful
way, it must have some corporate existance. The original most
pressing impetus for the formation of IFNA is a good example.
Ken Kaplan was accepting donations and incurring expenses on
behalf of FidoNet -- but in the eyes of the IRS FidoNet does not
exist, so the contributions all counted as part of his personal
income, and the expenses all counted as non-deductible personal
expenses for his hobby. Likewise today the Electronic Mail
Association will not and cannot recognize "FidoNet" as something
that it can interact with, except through the IFNA.
The whole point of IFNA is not to "govern" FidoNet, but to act as
the sysops' vehicle for furthering FidoNet. It was created and
exists for the purpose of giving the sysops of FidoNet a means to
do the things which cannot be done without a recognized, legal
entity -- a corporation. This can be anything from handling
money and expenses in a way that won't subject individual sysops
to unnecessary tax burdens, to holding copyrights on FidoNet
publications, to signing contracts with hotels for conferences.
FidoNews 6-43 Page 3 23 Oct 1989
Your question was phrased somewhat differently once before by
someone else, and I think I'm ready to answer that earlier form
as well. It was stated as a pair of questions:
* What would FidoNet do without IFNA?
It would go on much as before. The mail would still flow,
the node list would still be published. Then, sooner or
later (probably sooner), someone trying to set up a
conference would discover that the hotel expects him to
personally guarantee that 80 rooms will be booked, or some
coordinator will discover that he himself owns his portion of
the nodelist and is held personally liable for its accuracy,
or someone will discover that recovering his costs for
echomail distribution has just made his taxes go up. And
then they will realize that they need a corporation in order
to do the things we want to do, and we'll start down this
same road once again.
* What would IFNA do without FidoNet?
FidoNet exists today, so for IFNA to exist without FidoNet
something must happen to make FidoNet cease to exist. Most
likely that would be a change in the laws such that what
we're doing is no longer legal (which can happen), or such
that too many key people drop out at once and things break
down. Or whatever, the answer is the same in any case. Fix
the problem or work around it, and start FidoNet back up
again.
In most cases the need for a corporate entity in FidoNet has not
been apparent, because it's been there. IFNA still holds the
copyright on the FidoNet nodelist and other FidoNet publications.
Technical standards are still maintained, and every year like
clockwork there is a FidoCon recognized by all as the annual
convention. Bills get paid, pamphlets get mailed out, and phone
calls get answered. If IFNA ceases to be FidoNet's legal entity
(for whatever reason), then a vacuum will be created, and
something else will be formed to take its place. The edges of
that vacuum are already being felt -- since the disastrous bylaws
changes last February there have been people saying that FidoNet
needs a corporate entity. We already have one -- we should fix
it and use it.
You ask me to call off the referendum. That I cannot do. For
good or ill, that decision was made by the Board of Directors,
and I cannot change it.
And I would not, even if I could. Whether or not I personally
agree with this referendum is beside the point. IFNA has
suffered too much in the past from vacillation and wavering
resolve caused by the complaints of a few in the various
conferences. I call that the "one flame, one vote" principle,
and it is time and passed time for that to end. The members
FidoNews 6-43 Page 4 23 Oct 1989
elected a Board, and the Board voted, and the result was a
decision to have the sysops of FidoNet vote on the future of IFNA
and FidoNet. That is democracy. Changing course to satisfy and
handful of people who complain in conferences is not democracy,
it is pandering to the few at the expense of the many, and it is
high time for it to stop.
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FidoNews 6-43 Page 5 23 Oct 1989
Don Kulha
The EcoNet Echo: A Plea for Participation 1:125/7
Sometimes this net we've built just bloody amazes me.
Most often it's in a good way; right now it is by it's
indifference.....namely the lack of participation in the
Ecology echo. When I first got involved with FidoNet about
four years ago it seemed like an incredible tool to bring
about change. Nothing earth shaking was expected and I
believe some of the echos have done good, such as the Dis-
abled, Vietnam Veterans and medical ones. As important as
ecological issues seem to be to the general populace the
lack of interest in the Econet echo is curious if not sad.
Are we so wrapped up in technology and this amazing
community we've brought about that we're overlooking the
problems of the world outside our door? Frankly since my
wife delivered us a son my outlook has changed...ecology
has always been important to me and thinking about the
type of world our child will inherit has really changed
my outlook. A couple years ago I linked into the Econet
echo but dropped it after seeing exactly 1 message in 2
months. Recently I linked back in and while things are
far better the echo is far from vital.
I want to urge you, the sysops of the net, to carry
the echo, point out it's existance to your callers and
help us give it a chance to thrive. The echo is listed
as being on the backbone hence should be easy to pick up
and cheap to carry (1 message a day now). Maybe it will
make a difference to our world and maybe it won't but it
couldn't hurt to try....
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FidoNews 6-43 Page 6 23 Oct 1989
HIGH_ED Echo Conference
Now available from the Region 11 Echo Coordinator as well
as from many of the nodes listed below.
This echo is being developed for the primary purpose of
providing Students, Staff and Faculty of "Higher
Educational" facilities across the nation a forum for the
discussion of subjects related to Higher Education.
Although the intent of this echo is to service the needs
of Students, Staff and Faculty, everyone is welcome to
participate in or initiate discussions related to Higher
Education. For example, a person might wish to ask a
question about a particular institution that he/she is
thinking about enrolling at in the future. The subject
matter is wide open so it will be up to the participants
to get the ball rolling on this echo.
The only restrictions that presently apply to the use of
this echo are: The language used must be clean and the
discussions legal.
FOR THE RECORD:
The "HIGH_ED" echo is presently being carried by the
following nodes:
Danville Area Community College, Danville, Illinois
Des Moines Area Community College, Des Moines, Iowa
Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa
Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, Illinois
Grandview College, Des Moines, Iowa
Iowa State (Field Classrooms), Des Moines, Iowa
Parkland College, Champaign, Illinois
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois
University of Akron, Akron, Ohio
University of Illinois, Champaign/Urbana, Illinois
University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Youngstown State University, Youngstown, Ohio
FidoNews 6-43 Page 7 23 Oct 1989
HIGH_ED is connected to the non-bbs educational community
through a direct link with Internet (BITNET, USENET,
CSNET, ARPANET, MILNET, etc)
ATTENTION SYSOPS:
Any Sysops wishing to carry this echo are encouraged
to contact your NEC if you are in Region 11. If you
are not in Region 11, feel free to contact me directly.
I am especially interested in having a node on the
East Coast and one on the West Coast to promote and
distribute the echo.
Terry Clabaugh, 233/6
HIGH_ED Echo Moderator
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FidoNews 6-43 Page 8 23 Oct 1989
IFNA Bylaws and Rules Committee
John Roberts, 1:385/49, Chairman
We're working feverishly to have a reasonably solid draft for the
proposed Policy in place by the 1 November deadline, and it's
actually beginning to look like we might make it. We're to the
point, and enough in agreement, that I thought it would be
appropriate to at least mention the direction we're taking at
this time.
What we're working toward is the creation of a Policy document
that is flexible enough to change with the needs of FidoNet, and
solid enough to provide a good foundation for future changes to
meet those needs. To do this, we've taken leave of the method
used for previous Policy documents, and taking a modular approach
in that we're developing a basic document that covers the minimum
responsibilities for nodes within the network and coordinators at
the various levels of the network.
This gives the advantage of allowing for future extensions to
Policy to be ratified by the sysops of the network (that's you)
on an item by item basis, rather than the "all or none, take it
or leave it" method. In other words, individual sysops will be
able to have a much more effective voice in things that directly
affect their operation within the network.
The down side of this is that there's going to be more work for
the Bylaws and Rules committee members to do, in that they'll
have to review each proposed addition or amendment for conflicts
with both the basic document and/or other existing or proposed
additions or amendments, and recommend changes to the originators
so as to avoid such conflicts. Even so, we believe it will be
worth it in the long run if it will help put the individual sysop
back in control of his network.
If you'd like to get more directly involved in this, you're
invited to establish links to the IFNA_POL conference. At
present, it's available from 1:107/323 in EchoMail format, and
from 1:385/49 in GroupMail format. If you're not really
interested in setting up links for yet another conference, but
you do have something that you'd like to have considered, simply
send NetMail to me, John Roberts, at 1:385/49 and I'll see that
it gets into the conference for consideration and discussion.
Please make sure that any such message doesn't have the "Private"
bit set, as I'll only be cross-posting public messages.
As I mentioned, we're shooting at that 1 November completion
deadline. With any luck at all, you should be able to read the
proposed Policy draft in Fido645.Nws.
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FidoNews 6-43 Page 9 23 Oct 1989
Richard Whidden
1:137/207
What are all the Zones used for?
Hi ya doin'. September 25 03:30:29.6AM
September 30 05:34:75.7am
October 2 16:45:75.3pm
Octber 19 18:00:00.5PM
Well the purpose of this file is to try and esatblish who is in
what zone (ie BBSNet zone 86, Eggnet zone 99, and Fidonet,
whatever zone they feel like taking.) This is a simple list of
what claims what zone. No descriptions becuase Frankly I don't
know anything about them. As it stands now anybody can be in any
zone, and with the sudden expansion of nets things will one day
get pretty tight around the BBSland. [The real reason is that I
have no users on my BBS and needed something to do] If multiple
nets exsist in one zone I seperated them with a / Easy enough.
Later versions will include ZC and IC and such.
Zone: Net: Things I would like to put here sometime.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
1 Fidonet N. America
2 Fidonet Europe
3 Fidonet Pacific Rim
4 Fidonet S. America
5 Fidonet Africa
6 Fidonet Expansion {I hear they want 1-10}
7 Alternet/Fidonet expansion
8 RBBSnet/The Network
9 Pheonix Net
13 Pizzanet [Free delivery!]
23 INSANEt
25 IFNA Net/SIGnet(Canada)
26 SIGnet (USA)
41 Dreamnet
66 Guidonet [Very simple solution to dem. None Guido is it!
69 Kinknet
77 LCRNet.
86 BBSNet
99 Eggnet
223 Treknet
666 Pharmacutical(Sp) Net
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Fidonet 1-5
Well need I say anything? I didn't think so.
Alternet 7
Well Alternet is set up along a Dukedom type topology. Of all
the nets it is the only one that I know of at this time that
charges. I have heard that the cost is anywhere from 20-35
dollars. ZC:
FidoNews 6-43 Page 10 23 Oct 1989
RBBSNet 8
Well I know nothing as of yet on this net. Any info would be
gladly accpeted.
The Network 8
Formerly known as FamilyNet. Rules for this one are sparse, but
I feel provides its strength. All member boards must be 'G'
rated. Basically, as its origional title said, Family oriented.
INFO: Bob Hoffman 129/
Pheonix Net 9:
Nothing known. But as RBBSnet I would like to know more.
Pizzanet 13
Free delivery. A small net built around three echos. It has no
known rules, except all systems must be free. No charges to
users or delivery of mail.(outside of what the Phone company
charges.)
Zone 23 QBBSNet.
Well It died. So it is no more. But it did consist of basically
only Quickbbs's.
INSANEt 23
Well after several zone changes, and several name changes.
INSANEt is here. It deals with the say,well er.. It is the
network with Spiked hair. Want totally off the wall messages.
It can be had here.
INFO: Mac Druiadh 1:363/69
SIGnet 25(Canada) 26 (U.S.A.) 27.
Have no idea, though I am still awaiting more info. More INfo
Well There is a board in Canada. But the nearest one would be
Glen Barnhardt 1:137/201
I.F.N.A. Net 25?
International Fidonet Association. It is a private net I saw
mentioned once. More info would be liked very much.....
DREAMNet 41, 42. and probobly 43
From out of the ashes of QBBSNet. Comes DREAMnet. The purpose
is to basically build the best BBS program around, ZXBBS. More
INFO Chris West 1:137/200
GUIDONet
A net built around one echo. GUIDO. GUIDO is also carried by
EGGNet, so if the one very basic rule of Guidonet bothers you.
You can get it elsewhere. The one basic rule is GUIDO is in
charge. No Matter what. I think it solves the problem of
Democracy. Don't you?
INFO: 1:137/207
FidoNews 6-43 Page 11 23 Oct 1989
KINKNet 69
I am still trying on this one. If you know anything let me know.
LCRnet 77
Well. I just got the nodelist, and I forgot to ask the purpose.
So.... I will get back to you on this one.
BBSNet 86
Well When Fido started having trouble, two alternative nets were
born. EGGNet and BBSNet. Still awaiting policy, but the
potential is there.
INFO Mike Talbert 1:137/18
Amelia Hudson 1:137/14
EGGnet 99
The second alternate network. This one follows the policy of
everything is put before the individual sysop. There is no ZC,
but a council of three. and a seperate justice system
INFO Arlene Oakes 1:137/1000
Glen Barnhardt 1:137/201
Treknet 223
Need I say more? Actually I can't. I saw someone claim the zone
and that was the last I heard. If you know let me know.
Ok.. What I didn't know I left out. This does not claim to be
an accurate list. I am not an accurate person. There are no
expressed warranties in conjunction with this list, and use only
as directed. Now: If you find an error with this list, or an
ommission(sp) on my part please correct me. That is why I made
this. I will put forth New list numbered accordingly when new
Data is recieved. What I like to get is, the Zone of the net,
the Name and the Coordinator,and any bit of info about that net.
Where I can be reached! Well understand I wanna join nets. It
is my goal to be in alot. Nothing better to do so why not.
Richard Whidden - No Name BBS Sarasota Fl
1-813-951-6945 Data
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FidoNews 6-43 Page 12 23 Oct 1989
=================================================================
FOR SALE
=================================================================
Stylish Duds for Discriminating Sysops
Don Kulha * Sonoma Online * 125/7
Has your favorite t-shirt become a car polishing rag? Does
your dog refuse to be seen in public with you? Say you can't
tell if it's Stevie Nicks or Elvis on your old Fleetwood Mac
shirt? If you answered yes to any of the above, run a BBS or
are just interested in some cool treads read on.
Sonoma Online is now offering quality printed t-shirts for
the discriminating sysop or BBS enthusiast. Our designs were
selected to appeal to a sysop's "unique" outlook and all are
printed on heavywieght, 100% cotton, preshrunk tee's made in
the good old USA. They are offered in a variety of sizes and
colors (2XLs too!) and are printed by a sysop for sysops. To
receive a flyer of our designs and ordering info please send
an self-addressed, stamped legal size (4X9) envelope to:
Sonoma Online, P.O. Box 7518, Santa Rosa, CA 95407
-----------------------------------------------------------------
FidoNews 6-43 Page 13 23 Oct 1989
Utility authors: Please help keep this list up to date by
reporting new versions to 1:1/1. It is not our intent to list
all utilities here, only those which verge on necessity.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
FidoNews 6-43 Page 16 23 Oct 1989
6 Nov 1989
Fall 1989 DECUS Symposium begins in Anaheim CA.
Contact Kurt Reisler at 1:109/101 for more details.
11 Nov 1989
A new area code forms in northern Illinois at 12:01 am.
Chicago proper will remain area code 312; suburban areas
formerly served with that code will become area code 708.
23 Nov 1989
26th Anniversary of "Dr. Who" - and still going strong
30 Dec 1989
Telephone area codes (5, 3 and 0) are abolished in Hong Kong
If you have something which you would like to see on this
calendar, please send a message to FidoNet node 1:1/1.
Thom Henderson 1:107/528 Chairman of the Board
Les Kooyman 1:204/501 President
Fabian Gordon 1:107/323 Vice President
Bill Bolton 3:3/0 Vice President-Technical Coordinator
Kris Veitch 1:147/30 Secretary
Kris Veitch 1:147/30 Treasurer
IFNA COMMITTEE AND BOARD CHAIRS
Administration and Finance *
By-laws and Rules John Roberts 1:385/49
Executive Committee (Pres) Les Kooyman 1:204/501
International Affairs *
Membership Services *
Nominations and Elections Steve Bonine 1:1/0
Public Affairs David Drexler 1:147/30.20
Publications Irene Henderson 1:107/9
Technical Standards Rick Moore 1:115/333
Ethics *
Security and Privacy *
Grievances *
* Position in abeyance pending reorganization
IFNA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
DIVISION AT-LARGE
10 Courtney Harris 1:102/732 Don Daniels 1:107/210
11 John Rafuse 1:12/700 Phil Buonomo 1:107/583
12 Bill Bolton 3:711/403 Mark Hawthorne 1:107/238
13 Fabian Gordon 1:107/323 Tom Jennings 1:125/111
14 Ken Kaplan 1:100/22 Irene Henderson 1:107/509
15 Scott Miller 1:128/12 Steve Jordan 1:206/2871
16 Ivan Schaffel 1:141/390 Robert Rudolph 1:261/628
17 Kathi Crockett 1:134/30 Dave Melnik 1:107/233
18 Andrew Adler 1:135/47 Jim Hruby 1:107/536
19 Kris Veitch 1:147/30 Burt Juda 1:107/528
2 Henk Wevers 2:500/1 Karl Schinke 1:107/516
3 Matt Whelan 3:54/99 John Roberts 1:147/14
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FidoNews 6-43 Page 18 23 Oct 1989
Membership for the International FidoNet Association
Membership in IFNA is open to any individual or organization that
pays a specified annual membership fee. IFNA serves the
international FidoNet-compatible electronic mail community to
increase worldwide communications.
Member Name _______________________________ Date _______________
Address _________________________________________________________
City ____________________________________________________________
State ________________________________ Zip _____________________
Country _________________________________________________________
Home Phone (Voice) ______________________________________________
Work Phone (Voice) ______________________________________________
Zone:Net/Node Number ____________________________________________
BBS Name ________________________________________________________
BBS Phone Number ________________________________________________
Baud Rates Supported ____________________________________________
Board Restrictions ______________________________________________
Your Special Interests __________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
In what areas would you be willing to help in FidoNet? __________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
Send this membership form and a check or money order for $25 in
US Funds to:
International FidoNet Association
PO Box 41143
St Louis, Missouri 63141
USA
Thank you for your membership! Your participation will help to
insure the future of FidoNet.
Please NOTE that IFNA is a general not-for-profit organization
and Articles of Association and By-Laws were adopted by the
membership in January 1987. The second elected Board of Directors
was filled in August 1988. The IFNA Echomail Conference has been
established on FidoNet to assist the Board. We welcome your
input to this Conference.
