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.
Copyright 1987 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.
The contents of the articles contained here are not our
responsibility, nor do we necessarily agree with them.
Everything here is subject to debate. We publish EVERYTHING
received.
Table of Contents
1. EDITORIAL ................................................ 1
2. ARTICLES ................................................. 2
The FidoNet Bill of Rights, part 2 ....................... 2
POLICY4 Draft Proposal from Neal Curtin .................. 8
REDCON An EchoMail Idea follow-up ........................ 20
SOUTHERNET(tm) Another View of an old problem ............ 21
Voyager 1's Problems ..................................... 22
3. WANTED ................................................... 26
4. NOTICES .................................................. 27
The Interrupt Stack ...................................... 27
Latest Software Versions ................................. 27
FidoNews 5-04 Page 1 25 Jan 1988
Well, I think I've finally got things worked out here at
FidoNews. There were a few problems at first, but I think I've
finally got everything worked out. Hopefully everything will work
again this week and I can count on everything working as it
should.
Some of you may have a received a miniature copy of FidoNews
two weeks ago. I'd like to apologize for this, but for some
reason the software that puts FidoNews together won't run
properly off of a file server. I caught the error at about 2:00
am, unfortunately some people had already gotten a copy. I
quickly fixed the problem with the one being sent out, but missed
a FNEWS502.ARC. A few more picked up the bad file and while I
tried to send out a corrected version to everyone but may have
missed someone in all the confusion.
I'd like to thank all of you who have sent me mail and
submissions. You've all helped make FidoNews what it is, and have
helped keep the net together at the same time. What are some of
the articles you can look forward to in the near future? Well,
starting off this week there is the first of a proposed POLICY4
document for FidoNet (not IFNA). These should be running over the
next few weeks. In addition to the proposed documents, I'd like
to see some discussion on them. If FidoNet appears to come to a
consensus on a POLICY4.DOC, it will end up affecting everyone. So
make sure you speak up now.
We also have some articles on some of the new software being
used in FidoNet. Programs like BinkleyTerm and the new Opus. I'd
also like to see some articles on Fido version 12 and Dutchie
while we're at it. I'm also still waiting for some new columns in
FidoNews. It still seems a little empty knowing I won't be
writing my old column for some time and I'd like to fill that
spot in the near future.
Oh well...It's approaching print time and I've got to get
this over to the other machine here. Next time around I should
actually have something to say about some of the recent events
in FidoNet. Until then, read and enjoy!
Your Editor,
Dale Lovell
1:1/1 (1:157/504)
216/642-1034 (data)
Home Work
3266 Vezber Drive Parma Computer Center
Seven Hills, OH 44131 5402 State Road
216/524-1875 (voice) Parma, OH 44134
216/661-1808
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Since I put out the FidoNet Sysop's Bill of Rights I've heard
many comments and suggestions about it. I'd like to share a few
thoughts about the idea.
Some have thought that this proposal in some way 'threatens'
IFNA. I couldn't disagree more. I see it as complimenting IFNA
and in fact making IFNA more 'legit'. By this I mean with the
Bill of Rights or something similar in place, we'll have a
democratic, free for all FidoNet with elected coordinators
managing the day to day operations. What could compliment IFNA
more?
Some have mentioned that the Coordinator elections will
become a big political circus. I don't think so. You'll notice
the election 'season' is limited to 30 days and for 90% of the
elections there will be 50 or less votes to count. This should
be fast and easy to manage and verify. I think most nodes in
the Network are quite happy with their coordinators (I am) and I
don't foresee any massive changes or radical swings. Even if
that were to happen it'd be the _will_ of the net. I don't
believe we'll have a lot of problems with new coordinators.
A new coordinator can't have less than a year in the FidoNet,
so we won't have a chance of a raw rookie as Zone Coordinator.
And with an orderly system of replacement we'll have less
'burnout' and we'll bring fresh blood into the system.
The FidoNet is getting too large and powerful to have it keep
running the way it was when it had 50 nodes. It's time for real
netwide democracy.
A few things to consider ...
Do we have a consistent netwide policy of replacing
coordinators and preventing 'burnout'? No.
Do we have a consistent policy of having assistant or
temporary coordinators in case of unexpected events? No.
Does each node in the network have a fair and equal voice in
FidoNews 5-04 Page 3 25 Jan 1988
how it is being governed? No.
Does each node have protection from software discrimination
and unfair dues, taxes, or fees? No.
Does each node have protection from others deleting echomail
or automatically copying all of their incoming netmail? No.
Here's one attempt at solving those and a few other problems.
[*] THE FIDONET SYSOP'S BILL OF RIGHTS [*]
version 0.10
[1] Any new POLICYx document must be ratified by the
same process as an amendment or deletion to this document.
(see #10 below)
[2] (a) No node may delete or modify (except modification by
recognized netmail utilities) intransit netmail unless it
is obviously illegal in nature. Copying or recording of
intransit messages is forbidden. An exception to this right
is prior agreement between all parties.
(b) No node may delete or modify (except modification by
recognized net/echomail utilities) intransit echomail unless
it is obviously illegal in nature. An exception to this
rule is an agreed-upon conference moderator. All nodes must
do any local modification or deletion ('chopping' or 'ed-
meeseing') of echomail after it is scanned.
[3] (a) Every node has the right to choose to be listed in
either the local geographic network, or as an independent
node in the local geographic region.
(b) No independent regional node will be subject to any
mandatory dues, taxes, or fees of any kind.
(c) Every node has the right to run any FTSC approved
software and no network will restrict software types.
[4] Every network will have an Election every 12 months.
The election will be held in June (see {2} below), in honor
of the month the original FidoNet converted nodelists. Every
node in the network will have one vote towards the position of
Network Coordinator. Elections are won by straight majority,
but elections that are not won by more than 5% are submitted to
an automatic revote within 30 days. This is to ensure the
winner of an election has enough support to work effectively
and to help prevent controversial election results.
The Network Coordinator, upon election, will name an
assistant. The Assistant Coordinator (at each level (Net,
FidoNews 5-04 Page 4 25 Jan 1988
Reg., Zone)) will act as Coordinator at any time the elected
coordinator is unable to. Additionally, if a Coordinator
resigns, the Assistant will take over until the following
election (or recalled by a recall vote, see below). The newly
elected Network Coordinator will serve until the following June
when a new election will be held. The Network Coordinator will
act as a combination 'Prime Minister' and 'Representative' of
the Net in addition to any other duties outlined in Policy4.
Additionally, if there are 10 or more independant nodes in
a Region, (termed a Group, see {1} below) they are also
encouraged to have similar elections as above selecting one
person to be thier Representative, though since independent
regional nodes are independent, the Representative's position
will be in an unofficial capacity (see below).
[5] If at any time during a Network Coordinators term of
office, if 25% of the nodes in the network agree they can
submit a Request for Recall to the Network and Regional
Coordinators, who will have 2 weeks to verify the Request
for Recall and respond to the plantiffs via netmail. Within
60 days of the Request for Recall a new election will be held
(unless the June election is within 60 days).
[6] Every region will have an Election every 12 months.
The election will be held in August (see {2} below), in honor
of the month of the first FidoCon and the birth of IFNA and
the start of democracy in the FidoNet. Every Network
Coordinator in the Region will vote towards the position
of Regional Coordinator. Additionally, if a Region has 10
or more independant nodes in it and the nodes have elected
a Representative (see above), then that Representative will
vote in the Regional elections.
Each Network Coordinator (and Group Rep) will cast votes
toward the position of Regional Coordinator which total up to
the total number of nodes that the Network Coordinator (Rep.)
had in his Network (or Group) at the time he was elected. But,
if the total number of nodes in any one net or group in any
particular region add up to 50% or more of the total nodes in
that region then that net must be broken up into two (or more)
nets to prevent unfair elections.
The Regional Coordinator, upon election, will name an
assistant and serve until the following August when a new
election will be held. The Regional Coordinator will act as
a combination 'Prime Minister' and 'Representative' of the
Region, in addition to any other duties outlined in Policy4.
[7] If at any time during a Regional Coordinators term of
office, if 25% of the Network Coordinators (plus one vote
for a qualified 10+ elected independant regional Group
Representative) in the region agree they can submit a
Request for Recall to the Regional and Zone Coordinators,
who will have 2 weeks to verify the Request for Recall and
respond to the plantiffs via netmail. Within 60 days of the
FidoNews 5-04 Page 5 25 Jan 1988
Request for Recall a new election will be held (unless the
August election is within 60 days).
[8] Every zone will have an Election every 12 months. The
election will be held in September (see {2} below), in honor
of the month of the first St. Louis nodelist. Every Regional
Coordinator in the Zone will vote towards the position of Zone
Coordinator.
Each Regional Coordinator will cast votes toward the
position of Zone Coordinator which total up to the total number
of nodes that the Regional Coordinator had in his Region at the
time he was elected. If the total number of nodes in any one
region in the zone add up to 50% or more of the total nodes in
that zone then that region must be broken up into two (or more)
regions.
The Zone Coordinator, upon election, will name an assistant
and serve until the following September when a new election will
be held. The Zone Coordinator will act as a combination 'Prime
Minister' and 'Representative' of the Zone in addition to any
other duties outlined in Policy4.
[9] If at any time during a Zone Coordinators term of office,
if 25% of the Regional Coordinators (plus one vote for a
qualified 10+ Group) in the zone agree they can submit a Request
for Recall to the Zone and Int'l Coordinators, who will have 2
weeks to verify the Request for Recall and respond to the
plantiffs via netmail. Within 60 days of the Request for Recall
a new election will be held (unless the August election is
within 60 days).
[10] An amendment or deletion to this Bill of Rights or
ratification of a new Policy document is done by a Constitional
Convention. The exact procedure is this:
If a node wishes an amendment or deletion (which should be
thought out carefully, for it is a very serious matter) he must
write up a Proposal for the amendment or deletion stating the
reasons for a change.
The proposal is sent to the proposing nodes Net Coordinator (or
RC for a Regional Ind.) who must verify it by responding in no
more than seven days to the proposing node via netmail. The
Network Coordinator then will put the proposal on the Net ballot
for next election (whether it be recall or the June election).
If the proposal does not win by more than 5% then is is a failed
proposal and no further action is taken on it. If the proposal
wins by more than 5% then the proposal is submitted to each of
the Regional Coordinators and to the Zone Coordinator. Upon
receipt the Regional Coordinators have 60 days to vote on the
Proposal and notify the Zone Coordinator of their vote. The
Zone Coordinator will then tally the votes and notify the RC's
and the Node who submitted the proposal of the RC's vote via
netmail. If the RC's vote 75% in favor For the amendment or
deletion then the Proposal is submitted for a Zone
FidoNews 5-04 Page 6 25 Jan 1988
Constitutional Vote.
The Zone Constitutional Vote (ZCV) is done in June. Every
Node in the Network votes on a ZCV. The ZCV is done by placing
the Proposal on each individual Network's (and qualified
Regional Group) ballot for Network Coordinator. Each Network
Coordinator will then tally his/her Network's ZCV vote and
submit it to the Zone Coordinator who has 30 days to add up the
total ZCV vote and report it to the RC's and NC's.
The ZCV vote is won on a straight majority count of votes -
but for a change to this Bill of Rights to take place the
Proposal must 'win' the vote by at least 5% - if the proposal
wins, but does not win by 5% then the Proposal is considered too
controversial and is held over for an automatic ZCV revote the
following June.
---
{1} GROUP = A Group consists of 10 or more independant nodes
in any given regione. Some independent regional nodes don't
directly vote in elections, but most large Groups organize
themselves into unofficial 'mini-nets' for voting reasons, and
elect a semi-official spokesman for the Group called a
Representative to cast their vote in regional elections. Each
Regional Group Representative election must take place
in the same month and manner as other Regional elections.
{2} ELECTIONS = A potential candidate for a Coordinator
position must think long and hard before volunteering, the
demands are many and the pay is nothing. A candidate must have
already been a node in the particular net/region/zone for at
least one year before you can volunteer to run. Before each
election, candidates for the Coordinator position must volunteer
six weeks before the actual election date to the current holder
of the desired position. The current holder must verify the
candidacy by replying via netmail to the candidate within 7
days. The ballot is then made up of prospective volunteers. If
there are no volunteers then the immediate superior coordinator
is free to appoint any node to the position (who will be subject
to recall), assume the position temporarily himself, repeat the
election process at a specified date, or to disband the
net/region in accordance with appropriate Policyx document.
The ballot is then made up by the current coordinator of all
the people volunteering for the position. This ballot should be
posted as widely as possible by the current coordinator,
candidates, and all net members beginning on the first day of
the election month. This is the beginning of the election
campaign. On the twenty-seventh of the election month the
current coordinator will start accepting the actual ballots from
the appropriate voters. The polls close at midnight on the last
day of the voting month. The current coordinator then has 7
days to tally the votes and announce the results. If the
current coordinator is to be replaced, then this shall be done
FidoNews 5-04 Page 7 25 Jan 1988
within 7 days.
[*] End of the FidoNet Bill of Rights [*]
---
Standard version numbers are in effect:
1.23
1 = Major change, 2 = Minor change, 3 = Tiny change
Changes:
Version 0.10
* Added Policyx verification by ZCV. (Why not?!)
* Defined/outlined the election process.
* Gave the NC's and RC's a "total vote" which is the total of
the nodes at the time of the NC or RC's election. Since the
FidoNet is made up of volunteers with limited time we cannot run
a 'two-house' democracy (it'd be big, slow and would further
hurt the effectiveness of the "dictatorship" of the various
coordinators). So to directly represent the will of the nodes
in the FidoNet we give the NC's and RC's voting power based on
the total number of nodes under them. Simple, effective, and
fair.
* Added rights for discrimenation of software, and for no
dues or fees to be placed on regional independents. Some
networks might want to charge a fee, so it'll be up to them.
The regional ind's will have the right never to be charged
(since all nodes can be reg ind's).
* Changes to recall and amendment percentages. Added net-
vote for amendments to the Bill of Rights, stressed netmail
verification, other minor spelling/wording changes ...
Ed note: This is one of several proposals for the new POLICY4
document which is being published for review by
FidoNet Sysops and the subcommittee of Membership
Services. Publication of these proposals will take
place in FidoNews weekly until they have all been
seen.
Discussion regarding the new POLICY4 is taking place
in the POLICY4 EchoMail conference.
---------------------------------------------------------------
F I D O N E T
Policy and Procedures Guide
Version 4 Draft Proposal
Chapter 1
OVERVIEW
FidoNet is an amateur electronic mail system. As such, all of
its participants and operators are non-paid volunteers. Some
may be professionals in the computer field, but in the net, they
are volunteers. From its early beginnings as a few friends
swapping messages back and forth, it has now grown to (Date
later) over 1600 different systems on four continents. It
includes more than just Fido systems now. We have OPUS, Seadog,
TBBS, Dutchie, and there will be more to come.
FidoNet is large enough that it would quickly fall apart of its
own weight unless some sort of structure and control were
imposed on it. Multi net operation provides the structure.
Decentralized management provides the control. This document is
an attempt to describe the procedures which have been developed
to manage the network.
1.1 Definitions
FidoNet systems are grouped on several levels. These are as
follows:
o Point: A point is the smallest unit of the Fidonet. One or
more Points can be assembled under a node. These points are
visible only to the node over the point.
o Nodes: A node is a single FidoNet address, and is the
smallest recognized, addressable unit of FidoNet.
o Networks: A network is a collection of nodes, usually in a
relatively small geographic area. Networks coordinate their
mail activity to decrease cost and increase mail throughput.
o Regions: A region is a well defined geographic area
containing nodes which may or may not be combined into
networks. A typical region will contain many nodes in
FidoNews 5-04 Page 9 25 Jan 1988
networks, and a few independent nodes, which are not a part
of any network.
o Zones: A zone is a large geographic area containing many
regions, and covering one or more countries and/or
continents.
o FidoNet: This indicates the entire public amateur mail
network, as defined by the weekly node list.
o IFNA (International FidoNet Association): An association
formed by a group of FidoNet Sysops. It was formed as a
means to formalize some functions, such as nodelist
compilation, and to defray expenses incurred in promoting
FidoNet.
o Nodelist; A weekly file that contains the addresses of all
recognized nodes. This file is compiled on Friday by IFNA
and is made available in electronic form at no charge by
IFNA. It is not required to be a member of IFNA to be listed
in the nodelist.
o TechNet: Another nodelist compilation association. It,
unlike IFNA, is not a paid membership association.
1.2 The Levels of FidoNet
With the introduction of multi net Fido in early 1985, FidoNet
has developed a hierarchical structure, with the following
levels:
o The International Technical Coordinator; The International
Technical Coordinator compiles all of the node lists from all
of the regions and creates the master node list, which is
then distributed over FidoNet.
o The Zone Coordinator: In some cases the International
Technical Coordinator will appoint a Zone Coordinator to
oversee FidoNet operations in a given zone. The exact duties
and responsibilities of any given Zone Coordinator are
assigned by the International Technical Coordinator, and will
not be discussed here.
o The Regional Coordinator: The Regional Coordinator maintains
the list of independent nodes in his region and accepts node
lists from the Network Coordinators in his region. He
compiles these lists to create a regional node list for his
region, which he then sends to the International Technical
Coordinator. A Regional Coordinator does not perform routing
services for any nodes in his region.
o The Network Coordinator: The Network Coordinator is
responsible for maintaining the list of nodes for his
network, and for receiving and forwarding any mail coming to
the network from outside.
FidoNews 5-04 Page 10 25 Jan 1988
o The Network Routing Hub: Network Routing Hubs exist only in
three tiered networks. They generally share some or all of
the duties of the Network Coordinator, in order to ease the
management of a large network. The exact duties and
procedures are a matter for the Network Coordinator and his
hubs to settle, and will not be discussed here. The Network
Coordinator is still responsible for the maintenance of the
network.
o The system operator (sysop): The sysop formulates his own
policy for running his board and dealing with his users, so
that will not be discussed in this document. However, the
sysop must also mesh with the rest of the FidoNet system if
he is to send and receive mail, and that will be discussed here.
o The user: Policy and procedures for the individual user on
any given board is determined by the system operator of that
board, and will not be considered in this document.
These levels act to distribute the administration and control of
FidoNet to the lowest possible level, while still allowing for
coordinated action over the entire mail system. Administration
is made possible by operating in a strict top-down manner. That
is, a person at any given level is responsible to the level
above him, and responsible for the level below him.
For example, a Regional Coordinator is solely responsible to the
International Technical Coordinator for anything that may or may
not happen in his region. From the point of view of the
International Technical Coordinator, the Regional Coordinator is
totally and completely responsible for the smooth operation of
his region. Likewise, from the point of view of the Regional
Coordinator, the Network Coordinators are totally and completely
responsible for the smooth operation of their networks.
If a person at any level above sysop is unable for any reason to
properly perform his duties, then he can be replaced by the
person at the next level up. For example, if a Regional
Coordinator is failing to perform his duties, then the
International Coordinator can cause him to be replaced. In
addition, if a majority of the lower level are dissatisfied with
the performance of the next level, they may ask for a
replacement.
Chapter 2
SYSOP PROCEDURES
A sysop of an individual node can pretty much do as he pleases,
as long as he observes the mail events, is not excessively
annoying to other nodes on FidoNet, and does not promote the
distribution of pirated copyrighted software.
National Mail Hour is the heart of FidoNet, as this is when
network mail is passed between systems. Any listed system which
wishes to be a part of FidoNet must be able to receive mail at
FidoNews 5-04 Page 11 25 Jan 1988
this time. A system which is a member of a network may also be
required to observe additional mail events, as defined by his
Network Coordinator. The only exception to this rule is a
private node. A private node, for some reason between the node
and the network coordinator, is not required to list his phone
number in the node list. The reason for being listed as private
are of no concern to anyone, other than the network coordinator.
Private status is allowed on the following conditions;
1) The private node has satisfactory arrangements with the
network coordinator that any incoming mail will be handled
without delay.
2) There are not an excessive number of private nodes within the
net.
Failure to observe the proper mail events is sufficient grounds
for any node to be dropped from FidoNet without notice (since
notice is generally given by FidoNet mail).
Network mail systems generally operate unattended, and place
calls at odd hours of the night. If a system tries to call an
incorrect or out of date number, it could cause some poor
citizen's phone to ring in the wee hours of the morning, much to
the annoyance of innocent bystanders and civil authorities. For
this reason, a sysop who sends mail is obligated to obtain and
use the most recent edition of the node list as is practical.
With the current level of automation in the distribution of the
nodelist, using a nodelist more than two weeks out of date is
cause for concern by the network coordinator, and is reason for
excommunication.
A system which has been dropped from the network is said to be
excommunicated (i.e. unable to communicate). A node which has
been excommunicated may or may not be listed for a time in the
"dog house", which is included in the comments at the end of the
node list. If you find that you have been excommunicated
without warning, then that means that your coordinator was
unable to contact you. You should rectify the problem and
report back.
The exact timing of National Mail Hour is set for each zone by
the International Coordinator, or by his designated Zone
Coordinator. In the United States, National Mail Hour is
observed from 0900 to 1000 GMT every day, weekends included. In
each of the United States time zones, this would be as follows:
Eastern Standard Time 4 AM to 5 AM
Central Standard Time 3 AM to 4 AM
Mountain Standard Time 2 AM to 3 AM
Pacific Standard Time 1 AM to 2 AM
Hawaii Standard Time 11 PM to Midnight
FidoNet does not observe daylight savings time. In areas which
observe daylight savings time the FidoNet mail schedules must be
adjusted in the same direction as the clock change.
FidoNews 5-04 Page 12 25 Jan 1988
Alternatively, you can simply leave your system on standard
time.
2.1 How to get a node number
You must first obtain a current node list so that you can send
mail. You do not need a node number to send mail, but you must
have one in order for others to send mail to you.
The first step in obtaining a current node list is to locate a
Fido bulletin board. Each network and regional coordinator is
required to have a current, full nodelist available for
downloading. Most bulletin board lists include at least a few
Fido systems, and usually identify them as such, so this
shouldn't be too hard.
If the sysop of any Fido system does not have a node list
available for downloading, then he can probably tell you where
to get one.
Once you have a node list, you must determine which network or
region covers your area. Networks always have a three digit
number. Networks are more restricted in area than regions, but
are generally preferred since they provide more services to
their members.
If you cannot find a network which covers your area, then pick
the region which does. Regions always have a two digit number.
The United States is divided into ten regions, so that you are
certainly in a region even if you are not near a network.
Once you have located the network or region in your area, send a
request for a node number to node zero of that network or
region. The request must be sent by FidoNet mail, and must
include at least the following:
1) Your name.
2) The name of your system.
3) The city and state where your system is located.
4) The phone number to be used when calling your system.
5) Your hours of operation.
6) The maximum baud rate you can support.
Your coordinator may want additional information. If so, he
will contact you.
Please allow at least two weeks for a node number request to be
processed. If you send your request to a Regional Coordinator,
then he may forward your request to the Network Coordinator who
covers your area (if any), which may take longer.
2.2 If you are going down
If your node will be down for an extended period (more than a
day or two), then you should inform your coordinator as soon as
possible. If you do not do this, then other systems will still
FidoNews 5-04 Page 13 25 Jan 1988
try to reach you while you are down, much to the annoyance of
everyone. Do not under any circumstances put an answering
machine or similar device on your phone line while you are down.
If you do, then calling systems will get the machine repeatedly,
racking up large phone bills, which is very annoying. See the
section on Resolution of Disputes for details on what happens to
annoying people.
If your system goes down without warning, then you may be placed
in the dog house, or even removed from the node list completely.
If you will be leaving your system unattended for an extended
period of time (such as while you are on vacation), you should
notify your coordinator. Systems do have a tendency to "crash"
now and then, so you will probably want your coordinator to know
that it is a temporary condition if it happens while you are
away.
2.3 How to join a network
If you are an independent node and would like to join a network
in your area, you must contact the Network Coordinator. He can
be reached by sending FidoNet mail to node zero of the network.
He will inform you of any special mail schedules and/or routing
required by the network. Your Regional Coordinator will contact
you to confirm that you wish to join the network. Once you have
been placed in the network, you will be informed by the Network
Coordinator.
There are many advantages to being in a network. First and
foremost is that it helps reduce congestion of FidoNet during
National Mail Hour. Also, many networks are "outbound" as well
as "inbound", which can substantially reduce your phone bills.
In addition, network members receive regular updates of the node
list and FidoNews, while an independent node may not.
2.4 How to form a network
If there are several nodes in your area, but no network, then
you may wish to form your own. Again, this has several
advantages as outlined above.
Your first step is to contact the other sysops in your area.
You must decide which nodes will comprise the network, and which
of those nodes is going to be the Network Coordinator. Your
next step is to inform your Regional Coordinator. You must send
him a FidoNet message with the following information:
1) The region number(s), or network number(s) if a network is
splitting up, that are affected by the formation of your
network. The Regional Coordinator will inform the International
Coordinator and the coordinators of any affected networks that a
new network is in formation.
2) The name that you wish to call your network. Please try to
select a name that relates to your grouping. For example,
FidoNews 5-04 Page 14 25 Jan 1988
SoCalNet for nodes in the Southern California Area and
MassNet for Massachusetts Area. Remember if you call yourself
DOGNET it doesn't help others know what area of the country (or
even what country) your group is in.
3) A copy of the proposed network's nodelist. The nodelist file
should be named Frrr-nnn.NET where rrr is the proposed host's
current region or network number and nnn is his current node
number. For example, if the proposed host is currently listed
as node 5 in region 13, then you would name the file
F013-005.NET. This file should be sent attached to the message
of Application for a Network Number.
SAMPLE FORMAT OF A Frrr-nnn.NET FILE
(Ed note: St. Louis format NODELIST.BBS example goes here)
Granting of a network number is not automatic. Your Regional
Coordinator will review your application and inform you of his
decision.
Do not send a network number request to the International
Coordinator. All network number requests must be processed by
the Regional Coordinator.
Chapter 3
NETWORK COORDINATOR PROCEDURES
A Network Coordinator has the following responsibilities:
1) To receive incoming mail for nodes in his network, and to
deliver it to its recipients.
2) To assign node numbers to nodes in his network.
3) To maintain the node list for his network, and to send a copy
of it to his Regional Coordinator whenever it changes.
4) To pass along to his nodes new international node list
updates and new issues of FidoNews as they are received.
5) To forward newsletter submissions to the FidoNews publisher.
3.1 Routing inbound mail
It is your responsibility as Network Coordinator to receive all
inbound mail for nodes in your network and to forward it to its
recipients. You are left to your own discretion as to how best
to accomplish this.
There are certain exceptions to this, however. If a node in
your network is sending and receiving inordinately large volumes
of mail you can request that he cease and desist. If he refuses
to do so, then you can request your Regional Coordinator to
FidoNews 5-04 Page 15 25 Jan 1988
assign the node a number as an independent and drop him from
your node list.
There are two main reasons why a node might generate
exceptionally large volumes of mail. Once in awhile a node will
try to make a "bombing run" (sending one message to a great many
nodes). Bombing runs are considered to be the surest form of
self extinction. If any of your nodes make a bombing run
outside of your net, it is reason for removal or
excommunication. If a node in another Network is making bombing
runs on your nodes and routing them through your inbound host,
then you can complain to the network and/or Regional Coordinator
of the offending node. Bombing runs are considered to be more
than annoying, and should be dealt with accordingly.
The other common source of routing overload is EchoMail.
EchoMail is a nice invention, and offers great benefits, but it
cannot be allowed to degrade the ability of FidoNet to handle
normal message traffic. If a node in your network is routing
large volumes of EchoMail, or using more than a small amount of
quoted replies, you can ask him to either limit the amount of
EchoMail, or even to stop routing his EchoMail completely. The
design of EchoMail is such that it is a simple matter to do
either of these. Complaints regarding this matter, must be
acted on immediately. Complaints from other nets must be
answered immediately, and if sufficient in number, can and
should be used as a reason for excommunication.
If at all possible, routing of Echomail should be held to a
minimum during NMH. Setting up of separate schedules for
Echomail is to be encouraged.
3.2 Assigning node numbers
It is your responsibility to assign node numbers to new nodes in
your network. You may also change the numbers of existing nodes
in your network, though you should check with your member nodes
before doing so. You may assign any numbers you wish, so long
as each node has a unique number within your network.
You should not assign a node number to any system unless and
until you have received a formal request from that system by
FidoNet mail. This will ensure that the system is at least
minimally operational. In addition, you must make sure, by
means of testing, that each new node can receive can receive and
send both files and messages. The strict maintenance of this
policy has been one of the great strengths of FidoNet.
It is also required that you call a board which is applying for
a node number before assigning it a node number.
You should use network mail, during NMH, to inform a new node of
his node number, as this helps to insure that he is capable of
receiving network mail.
3.3 Maintaining the node list
FidoNews 5-04 Page 16 25 Jan 1988
You should attempt to implement name changes, phone number
changes, et cetera in your node list as soon as possible, and to
forward the revised node list to your Regional Coordinator
whenever a change occurs.
You should also on occasion send a message to every node in your
network to ensure that they are still operational. If a node
turns out to be "off the air" with no prior warning given to
you, then you can either mark the node as down, place it in the
dog house, or remove it from the node list completely, at your
own discretion.
If a node in your network is acting in an annoying manner, then
you can take whatever action you deem fit, according to the
circumstances of the case.
3.4 Passing along node lists and FidoNews
As a Network Coordinator you should obtain a new issue of
FidoNews and a new international node list update every week.
The node list update is posted weekly on Saturday, and FidoNews
is published weekly on Monday. Both will be made available to
you by your Regional Coordinator.
You should pass both of these along to your member nodes as soon
as is practical after you receive them. It is also required
that you make the Nodelist available for downloading by the
general user, but the FidoNews is not required, but is
encouraged.
FidoNews and the node lists are the glue that holds us together.
Without them, we cease to be a community, and become just
another random collection of bulletin boards.
3.5 Forwarding newsletter submissions
The node list gives us our structure, but FidoNews gives us our
character. FidoNews is the primary medium by which sysops hear
from each other. It is FidoNews which gives us the sense of
being a community of people with common interests. Also,
FidoNews is the means whereby matters of policy affecting
network organization are discussed and announced, and is
therefore of importance to every sysop.
Accordingly, you should encourage sysops and users in your
network to contribute to FidoNews. If you receive any
submissions, you should forward them to the FidoNews publisher.
Think of yourself as being a regional bureau chief on the
FidoNews editorial staff.
Chapter 4
REGIONAL COORDINATOR PROCEDURES
A Regional Coordinator has the following responsibilities:
FidoNews 5-04 Page 17 25 Jan 1988
1) To assign node numbers to independent nodes in his region.
2) To encourage independent nodes in his region to join existing
networks, or to form new networks.
3) To assign network numbers to networks in his region.
4) To compile a node list of all of the networks and
independents in his region, and to send a copy of it to the
International Coordinator whenever it changes.
5) To ensure the smooth operation of networks within his region.
6) To make new international node list updates and new issues of
FidoNews available to the Network Coordinators in his region as
soon as is practical.
7) To forward newsletter submissions to the FidoNews publisher.
4.1 Assigning node numbers
It is your responsibility to assign node numbers to new nodes in
your region. You may also change the numbers of existing nodes
in your region, though you should check with the respective
nodes before doing so. You may assign any numbers you wish, so
long as each node has a unique number within your region.
The procedures that apply to network coordinators apply fully to
you when assigning node numbers within the region. If the new
node is within the assigned region or is a local call for one of
the network coordinator, then you should pass the request to the
applicable network coordinator.
4.2 Encouraging the formation and growth of networks
One of your main duties as a Regional Coordinator is to promote
the growth of networks in your region.
You should try to avoid having independent nodes in your region
which are within the coverage area of a network. There are,
however, certain cases where a node should not be a member of a
network, such as a commercial system with a large volume of
traffic which would clog the network. The resolution of such
special cases is left to your own discretion.
If several independent nodes in your region are in a "clump",
then you should encourage them to form a network. Refer to the
sysop procedure on forming a network for details of what
information you should get.
Note that this does not mean to encourage the formation of
trivial networks. Obviously, one node does not make a network.
The exact number of nodes required for an effective network must
be judged according to the circumstances of the situation, and
is left to your own discretion.
FidoNews 5-04 Page 18 25 Jan 1988
4.3 Assigning network numbers
It is your responsibility to assign network numbers to new
networks forming within your region. You are assigned a pool of
network numbers to use for this purpose. This pool consists of
ten numbers starting at your region number plus ten, times ten.
For example, if you are the Regional Coordinator for region 13,
then your network number pool consists of the numbers 230
through 239. If you need more numbers than this, then you
should ask the International Coordinator for additional numbers
as they are needed.
4.4 Maintaining the node list
As a Regional Coordinator, you have a dual role in maintaining
the node list for your region.
First, you must maintain the list of independent nodes in your
region. You should attempt to implement name changes, phone
number changes, and so forth in this node list as soon as
possible. You should also on occasion send a message to every
independent node in your region to ensure that they are still
operational. If a node turns out to be "off the air" with no
prior warning given to you, then you can either mark the node as
down, place it in the dog house, or remove it from the node list
completely, at your own discretion.
Second, you must receive the node lists from the Network
Coordinators within your region. You should assemble a master
node list for your region every week and send it to the
International Coordinator no later than National Mail Hour on
Friday morning. It is suggested that you do this as late as is
practical, so as to accommodate any late changes.
You will need to maintain a set of node lists for each network
within your region, since you cannot count on getting an update
from each Network Coordinator every week.
4.5 Overseeing network operations
It is your responsibility as Regional Coordinator to ensure that
the networks within your region are operating in an acceptable
manner. This does not mean that you are required to operate
those networks; that is the responsibility of the Network
Coordinators. It means that you are responsible for seeing to
it that the Network Coordinators within your region are acting
responsibly.
If you find that a Network Coordinator within your region is not
properly performing his duties (as outlined above), then you
should take whatever immediate action you deem necessary to
correct the situation.
It is your obligation as Regional Coordinator to maintain direct
and reasonably frequent contact with the networks in your
region. The exact method of accomplishing this is left to your
FidoNews 5-04 Page 19 25 Jan 1988
discretion.
4.6 Passing along node lists and FidoNews
As a Regional Coordinator, it is your responsibility to obtain
the latest international node list updates and the latest issues
of FidoNews as they are published, and to make them available to
the Network Coordinators within your region. The node list is
posted weekly on Friday by node 1/0, and FidoNews is published
weekly on Monday by node 1/1. Contact them for more details on
how to obtain the latest copies each week.
It is your responsibility to make these available to any and
all Network Coordinators in your region as soon as is practical
after you receive them. The method of distribution is left to
your discretion. You are not required to distribute them to any
independent nodes in your region, though you may if you wish.
It is required that you make the Nodelist available for
downloading by the general user, but the Fidonews is not
required, but it must be available for forwarding by at least
one of the nodes within your region. .
4.7 Forwarding newsletter submissions
You should encourage sysops and users in your region to
contribute to FidoNews. If you receive any submissions, you
should forward them to the FidoNews publisher. Think of
yourself as being a regional bureau chief on the FidoNews
editorial staff.
REDCON/GEDCON have been going thru several changes
in recent months. REDCON now handles over 200 ECHO's.
It's a full time job keeping up with the changes. REDCON
is now running AUTOECHO to help with some of the work.
Because REDCON is in a PC Pursuit city the traffic
has been very heavy. All weekend long the machine sends
and receives traffic.
Thanks to the efforts of all the users feedback loops
in the echomail paths have been, for the most part, avoided.
GEDCON has been slower to develop. Because GEDCON's
users are billed for the time on the system monthly. An
accounting program had to be written. That is now done.
Also an automatic billing system is in place. So as time
permit we will be adding users again.
To other ECHOMAIL BACKBONE(tm) sysops. Please contact us
so we may better coordinate our efforts to provide ECHOMAIL
services to the nodes of an even stronger FidoNet.
A list of the ECHOMAIL handled by REDCON/GEDCON is in
a file REDCON.ARC which may be requested from 151/100 or
151/1000. Soon AUTOECHO will respond to the QUERY option
and send a message to any requesting system all the echo's
available.
Now let's see... A ten jewel lazer ...
Amnon got any spare 10 meter dishes ?????
Signals have been bounced off the moon before....
When I saw the message (spelled flames) about the
formation of another net/node list I was both happy
and sad. Happy that there is going to be more than
just one net around and sad that AlterNet(tm) has
been met with such fear and distain by IFNA and the
higher ups in FidoNet.
I for one think it's time for ANOTHER(tm) net. I have
been sending net 151's net/nodes to ANOTHER(tm) net
for some time. It's called SOUTHERNET. It was set up
so the ECHO's could get thru in the event of a BROWN out
like happened with the FidoNet nodelist several times.
I'am sure alot of you have PRIVATE(tm) nodelists. They
might not have a name, but that's the only difference.
Why clutter the issue with ANOTHER(tm) net? Because
cream always rises to the top. And in America it's
competition NOT complacency that breeds the best.
Will the new nodelist hurt FidoNet? I think not. The
programs are there that support alternate nodelist now.
There are enough nodes to build several nets. So let
the games begin.
One final thing I would like to see. Is node licensing
like a HAM callsign. It's issued to a node and forever
belongs to him/her. It can then be listed by any nodelist.
It can't be revoked once it's issued. In this way each
node has an idenity of it's own. And NOT subject to the
whim (good or bad) of anyone. The node can then elect who
they want to be their leaders. That's why ARRL works
and IFNA doesn't. Leaders should work for the nodes, NOT
the nodes for the leaders.
The idea of a NMH (national mail hour) has gone by the
boards. Current software that supports CPD (call progress
detection) can tell if it's a voice answer and not redial.
So there no need for a certain mail hour.
If someone out there does take the licencing issue
seriously. How about the net being the area code of the
node? Then you would know where the node was your about
to call. Na! Sounds to simple to work.
And you thought your computer was flakey. Here is a story about
mans greatest probe ever launched into space and its flakes.
This is an actual account of Voyager 1 and the problems it
encountered December 13'th, 1979. Written by Fredric L. Rice,
August 1985. Original reference material may be found at
Griffith Observatory, located at 2800 East Observatorty Road,
Los Angeles, California. 90027. Request back issue of Griffith
Observer, May 1980. Page 11 for Stephen S. Fentress, "Lost In
Space". Direct requests to Dr. Edwin C. Krupp and staff. You may
aquire subscriptions to the Griffith Observer through the same
address. It provides a great quantity of understandable
information concerning astronomy.
---
There is a concept making the rounds describing the attitude of
electronic equipment when it desides to do something out of the
ordinary, by itself, without being asked to. The concept is
titled "Digi-nerds". It may include just about anything you care
to name. It strikes once, leaving much damage.
The cause of digi-nerds is not known. Perhaps cosmic rays, which
bombard us constantly, strike our equipment, mutating a zero
into a one, or a one into a zero. The result may never be
noticed, or it may spell disaster for your bank account.
When Voyager 1 completed its mid-course correction, December
13'th, 1979, it met up with a digi-nerd at 48,000 miles an hour,
and 619 million miles from home.
The course correction required a 37 minute burn to effect a
change in speed of eleven miles an hour. During that time, the
radio dish had to be turned away from its Earth-Line so that the
engine would be aligned according to its flight plan. The
Voyager vehicles were designed to carry out complicated
maneuvers like this without requiring any instructions from
Earth.
All went according to plan; Saturn had been treated to a rare
and beautiful sight of a new star tracking through its distant
skys. After the main burn, an inhabitant of Saturn, (if he had
had a good telescope), might have seen some additional flashes
as Voyager attempted to realign itself to its Earth-Line using
its attitude control thrusters.
Voyager 1 regains its Earth orientation by locating the Sun and
the star Canopus. When the Sun tracker is locked onto the Sun,
and the star tracker is locked onto Canopus, the radio disk is
aligned exactly at Earth. When contact was not restored at 3:13
p.m. P.S.T. on December 13, it was known that something had
gone wrong.
To find the Sun, the vehicle rotates itself a few degrees at a
FidoNews 5-04 Page 23 25 Jan 1988
time until the Sun tracker lockes onto the Sun. There is only
one stellar object that can be as bright at the Sun, (even at
711 million miles the Sun is an impressive sight). When the Sun
is positivly identified, the vehicle rotates itself along
another axis until the star tracker locates Canopus.
The Deep Space Network Antenna located in Madrid heard a faint
signal from Voyager. This gave the scientist the idea that the
probe was basicly healthy but somehow simply misaligned. Even if
this be the case, if the device was too badly misaligned, it
might not be able to read a command from Earth telling it how to
find Earth again.
Voyager 1 was on the verge of being lost forever. Adrift in the
heavens with no possibility of being recovered. Unable to report
its posistion and the cause of its ailments.
Dr. Jones and his Spacecraft Team knew that Alpha Centauri and
Rigel could deceive the star tracker. Based on the possibility
that one of these stars was locked onto, the team beamed
instructions through the Deep Space Network at Madrid to the
lost spacecraft in the hopes that a strong enough signal could
be read. Dr. Jones directed the spacecraft to align itself with
the assumption that it was locked onto Alpha Centauri.
Voyager 1 did receive the instructions, and it did attempt to
realign itself according to its new instructions. Alpha Centauri
was the wrong star. Radio contact was not improved after the
spacecraft completed its instructions.
Next, Voyager was instructed to realign itself base on the
assumption it was locked onto Rigel. This did not improve radio
reception, causing much disappointment to the Spacecraft Team.
Though they did not know what star Voyager was locked on, they
did know that from its point of view the Sun and Earth appeared
eight degrees apart. If the spacecraft could be made to wobble
out an eight degree cone, the signal from the spacecraft could
be made to sweep accross the Earth every now and then, and they
would be able to learn more information about where the
spacecraft was pointing.
The maneuver worked. On December 16'th, almost complete contact
was regained through the Canberra, Australia, tracking station.
Total loss of signal time exceeded 71 hours. In order to learn
why the spacecraft has gone astray, Dr. Jones and his team
ordered it to replay all information it had on what had happened
for the last three days. Records showed an error in
communications between two on board computers, and there was
nothing showing to restrict another attempt to regain normal
contact. The spacecraft was instructed to go through its
Earth-Find maneuver December 19'th, and on December 20'th,
Voyager was again in full contact with the Earth.
Reconstruction of the detailed data Voyager offered showed that
the spacecrafts master computer had ordered a secondary computer
FidoNews 5-04 Page 24 25 Jan 1988
to shut down the engines at the end of the course correction.
Commands such as this are requested twice, and it was the second
instruction that got garbled between the two computers. The
first instruction had indeed shut down the engines yet the
second corrupted instruction was not understood by the
secondary computer. This computer reported the strange
instruction to the master computer who declaired an abort.
When a spacecraft abort is executed, all operations are thrown
away and the Earth-Find maneuver is executed. Voyager did this,
and in fact did find the Sun. It was while the spacecraft was on
its search for Canopus that another emergency was detected.
The attitude control system reported a leak in the primary
thrusters. Actually, the master computer had requested from 1026
to 1094 "shots" from the attitude control thrusters, while the
attitude control computer interprets more than 1000 as evidence
of a leak. It reported a problem and the star search was
aborted.
So there it stood, with only a minimal contact with Earth; its
star tracker not pointing at any known object. The spacecraft
was compleatly healthy but for no known reason a garbled
transmission from the master computer to the slave had triggered
an emergency.
There had been more than five hundred thousand instructions to
cross its data bus, and it had already executed six previous
Earth Find maneuvers.
Sometimes our failures turn out to be our biggest triumphs. To
defeat a problem which might end our achievements is a better
boost to our moral than the defeating of a known hazard,
(Remember Apolo 13 and the problems circumvented by those
aboard).
The space shuttle will no doubt encounter digi-nerds on one of
its many scheduled flights. We can only hope it wont be over 600
million miles away when it does.
---
Additional information:
1) Voyager 1 was 56 light minutes away when the emergency
started.
2) Using the Earth-Find maneuver, the entire sky can be
searched in about four hours, eighteen minutes.
3) Voyager 2 will encounter Uranus in 1986, and Neptune in
1989.
---
Stephen S. Fentress suggests additional reading:
FidoNews 5-04 Page 25 25 Jan 1988
1) Edelson, R. E. et al. , "Voyager Telecommunications: The
Broadcast From Jupiter", Science, 204, 913, (June 1979).
---
For information on the Holmann transfer, read:
1) Melbourne, W. G., "Navigation Between the Planets",
Scientific American, 234, 58, (June 1976). [Authors note: If
you want to read "Navigation", don't forget your calculator
and paper. This article offers simple formula that is fun to
try].
---
Authors notes:
The Griffith Observer is a publication that everyone who is
interested in astronomy should subscribe to. At the time of
this articles release into the Public Domain, 12 issues of
the Griffith Observer were going for $5.00. This money, after
paying for the publication costs, goes towards the "Friends
of the Observatory" fund. Edwin C. Krupp, who manages the
building, (who also hosted the series "Project Universe" that
you have probibly seen on public television), uses the money
to maintain the observatory. If you want additional
information, contact Mr. Krupp by U. S. Snail, or send Fido-
Mail to Fredric Rice (103/503), and I can deliver informational
requests for you.
Reporter writing an article for the NY Times on the threat of
"virus' ("mole,) "worm" and/or trojan horse "attack code"
programs seeks reports of real experiences with these often
distructive, sometimes playful, devices. I'm interested in any
reports about incidents involving PCs, minis or micros.
Please forward replies to Vin McLellan at Fido 101/154, (voice)
617-426-2487, or Snail
: 125 Kingston St., Boston, Ma. 02111.
19 Feb 1988
Start of the International FidoNet Associations Board of
Directors meeting in St. Louis. Meeting runs through the 21st.
25 Aug 1988
Start of the Fifth International FidoNet Conference, to be
held at the Drawbridge Inn in Cincinnatti, OH. Contact Tim
Sullivan at 108/62 for more information. This is FidoNet's big
annual get-together, and is your chance to meet all the people
you've been talking with all this time. We're hoping to see
you there!
24 Aug 1989
Voyager 2 passes Neptune.
If you have something which you would like to see on this
calendar, please send a message to FidoNet node 1:1/1.
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.
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
c/o Leonard Mednick, MBA, CPA
700 Bishop Street, #1014
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813-4112
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 first elected Board of Directors
was filled in August 1987. The IFNA Echomail Conference has been
established on FidoNet to assist the Board. We welcome your
input to this Conference.
The IFNA publications can be obtained by downloading from Fido
1:1/10 or other FidoNet compatible systems, or by purchasing
them directly from IFNA. We ask that all our IFNA Committee
Chairmen provide us with the latest versions of each
publication, but we can make no written guarantees.
System Enhancement Associates SEAdog $60.00 _____
SEAdog price as of March 1, 1987
ONLY 1 copy SEAdog per IFNA Member
Fido Software's Fido/FidoNet $100.00 _____
Fido/FidoNet price as of November 1, 1987
ONLY 1 copy Fido/FidoNet per IFNA Member
International orders include $10.00 for
surface shipping or $20.00 for air shipping _____
SUBTOTAL _____
HI. Residents add 4.0 % Sales tax _____
TOTAL _____
SEND CHECK OR MONEY ORDER IN US FUNDS:
International FidoNet Association
c/o Leonard Mednick, MBA, CPA
700 Bishop Street, #1014
Honolulu, HI. 96813-4112
USA
