F I D O N E W S --       Volume 15, Number  1          5 January 1998
    +----------------------------+-----------------------------------------+
    |  The newsletter of the     |   ISSN 1198-4589 Published by:          |
    |    FidoNet community       |   "FidoNews"                            |
    |          _                 |        1-904-409-7040    [1:1/23]       |
    |         /  \               |                                         |
    |        /|oo \              |                                         |
    |       (_|  /_)             |                                         |
    |        _`@/_ \    _        |                                         |
    |       |     | \   \\       |   Editor:                               |
    |       | (*) |  \   ))      |        Christopher Baker  1:18/14       |
    |       |__U__| /  \//       |                                         |
    |        _//|| _\   /        |                                         |
    |       (_/(_|(____/         |                                         |
    |             (jm)           |     Newspapers should have no friends.  |
    |                            |                    -- JOSEPH PULITZER   |
    +----------------------------+-----------------------------------------+
    |               Submission address: FidoNews Editor 1:1/23             |
    +----------------------------------------------------------------------+
    |  MORE addresses:                                                     |
    |                                                                      |
    |    submissions=> [email protected]                                |
    +----------------------------------------------------------------------+
    |    For  information,   copyrights,   article   submissions,          |
    |    obtaining copies of FidoNews or the internet gateway FAQ          |
    |    please refer to the end of this file.                             |
    +----------------------------------------------------------------------+


                      HERE WE GO AGAIN!


                       Table of Contents
    1. EDITORIAL  ................................................  1
       The New Year starts with a LARGE Issue!  ..................  1
    2. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR  ....................................  2
       Comments on the 1452 Snooze Editorial  ....................  2
       FidoNews also available here  .............................  2
       Announcing ARGUS FidoNet to Internet software  ............  3
       FidoNet explained for Internet folks  .....................  4
       Needs MajorBBS info  ......................................  5
       Comments to News Vol.14, No 52  ...........................  5
    3. ARTICLES  .................................................  7
       Zone 1 Echomail Coordinator Election List of Candidates  ..  7
       ZEC Election Questionnaire sent  ..........................  8
       Candidate questionnaire - Intro  .......................... 10
       John Glinski questionnaire  ............................... 10
       Mike Luther's questionnaire  .............................. 12
       David Calafrancesco questionnaire  ........................ 23
       Jim Balcom questionnaire  ................................. 27
       Retrofitting & Updating Conference Naming Conventions  .... 30
    4. COORDINATORS CORNER  ...................................... 33
       Nodelist-statistics as seen from Zone-2 for day 002  ...... 33
    5. ECHOING  .................................................. 34
       North American Backbone Echo Changes [Nov-Dec]  ........... 34
    6. NOTICES  .................................................. 36
       Future History  ........................................... 36
    And more!
     FIDONEWS 15-01               Page 1                    5 Jan 1998


    =================================================================
                                EDITORIAL
    =================================================================

    The ZEC Election process is underway in Zone 1 and there are several
    articles in this Issue pertaining to that effort.

    The Article Specifications [ARTSPEC] for FidoNews were updated for
    1998 and hatched out last week. If you didn't get a copy via your
    regular FidoNews file distribution, check upstream to see where it
    went. You can always file-request it [ARTSPEC] from this system or
    download it from any of the sources listed in the Masthead at the end
    of every edition. The only change was the downsizing of the number of
    FidoNet Nodes from over 30,000 to over 20,000.

    If you got a new Internet-capable computer this past holiday season,
    don't forget all the Internettable FidoNet stuff and places to visit
    which are listed in the Masthead. [grin]

    On with 1998!

    C.B.

    -----------------------------------------------------------------

     FIDONEWS 15-01               Page 2                    5 Jan 1998


    =================================================================
                          LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
    =================================================================

    Comments on the 1452 Snooze Editorial
    by Gordon Malone 1:261/1195, [email protected]

    Season Greets Chris!

    I just wanted to take a few minutes to comment on your editorial from
    the 1452 edition of the snooze;

    "Where are we a year later?"

    If no one wants to get the required vote together, I'll be the
    International Coordinator... :) There NEEDS to be a leader. We've been
    going nowhere fast for far too long.

    The Nodelist... You've got to be kidding. Why not? There are tens
    of folks who could do that job right here in Net261. We need to get
    rid of the "dead wood", don't we.

    Why hang on??? All of the above offerings listed in your commentary
    and then some. ;)

    Continued credit and KUDO's go deservedly out to Mr. Barchuk for
    attempting to re-invent Fido into what "it could be" if we all gave
    half a hoot and put our though, inventiveness and heart where our
    mouths are.

    Balance... Naaa. Too many folks complain and not enough folks give
    enough of a damn to do anything. Sad, ain't it. Imagine what we
    could be if everyone who joined, contributed and participated...
    Really sad.

    If folks aren't going to participate, why get involved? If you're
    not part of the solution...

    Cheers!

    Gordo

     -30-

    -----------------------------------------------------------------

    Reply-To: <[email protected]>
    From: [email protected] (Martin Belcke)
    To: "Chris Baker" <[email protected]>
    Subject: Fidonews
    Date: Wed, 31 Dec 1997 17:07:16 -0600

    Chris,

    I have made available every single issue of Fidonews, since the
    beginning issue, as well as yearly archives, all via FTP.  They are
     FIDONEWS 15-01               Page 3                    5 Jan 1998


    organized as follows:

    FIDO1.ZIP   (All of the issues for Volume 1)  Replace the number with
    the number or letter of the volume as it appears in the FNEWSxxx.ZIP
    format.  Current would be FIDOE.ZIP

    Each issue is also available, so if someone only needs a specific
    issue, they can get that issue as well.  There is an index file called
    00_index.txt that is a complete list of all issues by name, volume and
    issue, and date of issue.

    All of this is available via anonymous ftp at   ftp.irvbbs.com

    The name of the directory is  fidonews  (can't figure out why I
    thought of using that name - grin )

    If you would like to add a link to the Fidonews web page, feel free to
    do so.

    --Martin--

     -30-

    -----------------------------------------------------------------

    Date: Sat, 03 Jan 1998 08:39:01 -0800
    To: [email protected]
    From: "Damien Sam" <[email protected]>
    Subject: Mailed From FidoNews Homepage

      As I read the FidoNews articles, I am constantly reminded of the
    fact by other submitted articles that Fidonet is a dying breed due to
    the inception of the Internet.
      There have been kudos granted out to systems such as ours that offer
    Fidonet Backbone and Filebone feeds to the rest of the world using
    usually FTP server access and sometimes e-mail file attaches, although
    the latter would not be efficient due to the size of mail packets
    and/or files that are passed down the links.
       What had occurred was a sort of hybrid mating of Fidonet to the
    Internet, however, this form of mail transport still required some
    main system that operated servers, and then would have to configure
    various "secure" ftp sessions to allow the attainment of mail and
    files.
        Although efficient, this still seemed to be much work for the
    individuals who offered this service.  What was required was a more
    efficient method of transport and a better "marriage" of Fidonet to
    the Internet.
       One specific individual/company (Max Masyutin/Ritlabs)
    http://www.ritlabs.com/argus/ , has produced a piece of software that
    seems to have made the mark!  The program is a front end mailer called
    ARGUS which has built in TCP/IP support!  Although at this moment in
    time, it is only available in Win95 and NT flavors!  (Please no
    tossing of cookies).
       Zone 2, and more specifically Russia, has jumped the gun in
    implementing new flags to facilitate this new form of technology.  The
    flags in question are and have been listed in previous editions of the
     FIDONEWS 15-01               Page 4                    5 Jan 1998


    Fidonews; RAW,IFC,BND,TEL,VMP and a few other variants, but more
    importantly, "BND" being as the focal point for this new wave of
    technology.  On the outset, ARGUS is just another Binkley type mailer,
    but within it's inner workings lies some new form of technology.
    Specifically, the ability to use a TCP/IP connection and allow the
    "Re-mapping" of a normal Fidonet Node Number to an Internet IP
    address.
        So rather than say dialling up a Long Distance node via standard
    phone lines, the mailer in effect calls up the TCP/IP address and in
    normal fashion, transfers all mail packets and files to the remote
    node, only via the Internet, thereby saving the cost of Long Distance
    charges...
        This has definitely made our lives here much easier, as we are now
    connected up to the UK, and Russia, and a few nodes across ZONE 1 and
    a pending node in Indonesia, and we are transferring mail and files
    with ease using this mailer.  No need to setup the secured ftp site,
    and all that must go with this task,  just the usual setup under the
    mail tosser and the mailer itself...and the seemingly greatest benefit
    of all this technology, is that our TCP/IP lines are "NEVER BUSY"!  We
    may be holding files and a node may connect up via TCP/IP, but that
    does not tie up our phones lines, so a busy signal is never reached,
    another IP node can connect up just as easily and receive their mail
    and so on.  In fact, other than bandwidth, the TCP/IP connections are
    almost limitless!

        This is not an advertisement for this company that produces this
    mailer, as another company is on the forefront of using this as well,
    (BEEMAIL), however, this is more of an informative session to all
    those FIDOnet nodes out there that are not aware that this technology
    exists right now, and further more, for those *Cs that render the
    decisions, and perhaps enlighten them on this technology, so that they
    may as well "Push for FLAG CHANGES".

        Yes, we offer Fidonet mail and files over the internet, and yes,
    we offer it via FTP as well, however, with this new mailer, it has
    made life that less complicated for sending and receiving of mail long
    distances without costing anyone a single dime in long distance
    charges, and to be able to offer the mail to those nodes that may not
    be able to currently poll long distance, yet still have an internet
    connection.

    Yours Truly,

       Damien Sam   [email protected]

     1:153/750@fidonet        http://www.mindsedge.com/knightmare.html
     1:153/950@fidonet       http://www.mindsedge.com/fidonet.html

    -----------------------------------------------------------------

    --- Following message extracted from NETMAIL @ 1:18/14 ---
        By Christopher Baker on Wed Dec 31 21:11:20 1997

    From: Jerry Schwartz @ 1:142/928
    To: Editor @ 1:1/23
    Date: 29 Dec 97  20:32:10
     FIDONEWS 15-01               Page 5                    5 Jan 1998


    Subj: FidoNet pages

    I have an "Intro to Fidonet" type page at
    http://owls.com/~jerrys/fidonet.html


    Jerry Schwartz

     -30-

    -----------------------------------------------------------------

    Return-Path: [email protected]
    Date: Tue, 30 Dec 1997 17:45:08 -0500
    From: "John D. Vo" <[email protected]>
    Reply-To: [email protected]
    Organization: Eagle Communication
    To: [email protected]
    Subject: Fido

    Damn, you guys are still around? do you know anything about MajorBBS?
    I have one user (yes, one) that really interested in getting Fido-
    news/mail....can you help?

    John Vo
    [email protected]

     -30-

    -----------------------------------------------------------------

    --- Following message extracted from NETMAIL @ 1:18/14 ---
        By Christopher Baker on Sun Jan 04 19:07:36 1998

    From: Felix Mueller @ 2:2480/903
    To: Christopher Baker @ 1:18/14
    Date: 01 Jan 98  20:08:03
    Subj: Comments to News Vol.14, No 52

    Hi Christopher,

    I just received the latest newsletter and read it. There are two
    things, I like to say.

    The easier: In the FidoSoft part, there are stated two old versions.
    BGFax version is 1.70 since a few month. And RAR is 2.02.

    Now the second one. I saw Ward's statistics on the Fidonet and was
    frightened.  Zone 1 is growing down with a 21% step in only 6 month.
    Where does Fido in Zone 1 go? I know, that there are a lot of people
    are going to use more the Internet, but I have the feeling, that this
    isn't the right way. This will loose the privacy and personality,
    which we have in Fidonet. So I hope people will find back to Fido.


    regards,
     FIDONEWS 15-01               Page 6                    5 Jan 1998


    --------------/    ****************************************
    (----- -    - )                 Felix Mueller
    ( |--  | \/ | )            email: [email protected]
    ( |    |    | )         PGP public key via magic F-PGP
    /---------------    ****************************************

     -30-

    -----------------------------------------------------------------

     FIDONEWS 15-01               Page 7                    5 Jan 1998


    =================================================================
                                ARTICLES
    =================================================================

    Zone 1 Echomail Coordinator Election List of Candidates
    by Martin Belcke 1:232/10, 1:232/16, [email protected]

    To The Members of Fidonet, Zone 1.

    In compliance with a directive from the Zone 1 Coordinator, an
    election for the position of Zone 1 Echomail Coordinator has
    been underway.  The first phase, nominations, has concluded.
    The following is the result of the nomination phase....

    ************  REPORT OF NOMINATIONS FOR Z1EC  *************

    The following candidates have been properly nominated, seconded and
    have accepted for the upcoming Zone 1 Echomail Coordinator election.
    As per the election rules, these are the only candidates eligible
    for election to the position of Z1EC.


    CANDIDATE            NOMINATED BY     SECONDED  BY          ACCEPTED
    NODENUMBER            NODENUMBER       NODENUMBER           DECLINED
    ====================================================================
    Gary Gilmore         Keith Wineka      Scott Hansen         ACCEPTED
    1:2410/400           1:2220/10         1:154/750            12/10/97
    ====================================================================
    Wayne DeLisle Sr     Jack Sargeant     Christine LaBonte    ACCEPTED
    1:379/33             1:379/12          1:163/384            12/11/97
    ====================================================================
    David Calafrancesco  Robert Vaughn     Joe Brown            ACCEPTED
    1:2624/0             1:273/304         1:2625/111           12/13/97
    ====================================================================
    Mike Luther          Skeet Masters     Jeff Edmonson        ACCEPTED
    1:117/3001           1:117/100         1:387/510            12/14/97
    ====================================================================
    Jeff Smith           Bruce Toothman    Andrea Santos        ACCEPTED
    1:282/1031           1:282/1046        1:135/382            12/20/97
    ====================================================================
    Jim Balcom           J Kershaw         Ken Thierfelder      ACCEPTED
    1:109/334            1:2604/514        1:107/460            12/22/97
    ====================================================================
    John Glinski         Bill Bogue        Ken Sims             ACCEPTED
    1:320/237            1:320/240         1:120/523            12/24/97
    ====================================================================
    Bob Kohl             Jim McLaughlin    David Randall        ACCEPTED
    1:102/861            1:2604/104        1:319/10             12/28/97
    ====================================================================

    One nomination was made by a person who was not a node.  This
    nomination was invalidated.

    The following nodes returned a DECLINED message:

    Dave Anderson       1:3619/25
     FIDONEWS 15-01               Page 8                    5 Jan 1998


    Christopher Baker   1:18/14
    Ben Hamilton        1:124/7008
    Ken Tuley           1:18/0
    Jim Smoot           1:395/0
    Darryl Gregorash    1:140/86
    Adrian Walker       1:153/751

    ************************   END REPORT  *************************

    The next phase, campaigning will commence January 1, 1998 and
    end January 15, 1998.  During this time period, you are encouraged
    to question candidates on the issues.  Flaming will not be tolerated
    and will be dealt with accordingly by the moderator of Z1_ELECTION.

    Please turn on the echo Z1_ELECTION so that you may be able to
    participate in the election process.  All members of Fidonet, Zone 1
    are eligible to participate.  During the election process, the
    moderatorship of the Z1_ELECTION echo will be handled by Lisa
    Gronke (1:105/16) as the ELISTed moderator is also the election
    coordinator.

    This announcement is respectfully submitted to you, the members of
    Fidonet, Zone 1, and serves as the official announcement of the
    list of candidates for Fidonet Zone 1 Echomail Coordinator.  Thank
    you for your time and look forward to seeing you participate in the
    election.

    --Martin Belcke--
      Election Cordinator, Z1EC election
      Fidonet Node 1:232/10
      Fidonet Node 1:232/16
      primary e-mail  [email protected]

    -----------------------------------------------------------------

    From: [email protected] (Lisa Gronke)
    Subject: Memo:[candidate questionnaire netmailed]
    To: [email protected]
    Date: Wed, 31 Dec 1997 13:40:23 -0800 (PST)
    Cc: [email protected]

    I just wrote and crashmailed the following netmail to all eight
    candidates.

    Msg#   From                 To                   Subject
    -------------------- -------------------- ---------------------------
    1675-Lisa Gronke     Gary Gilmore         Candidate Questionnaire
    1676-Lisa Gronke     Wayne DeLisle Sr.    Candidate Questionnaire
    1677-Lisa Gronke     David Calafranesco   Candidate Questionnaire
    1678-Lisa Gronke     Mike Luther          Candidate Questionnaire
    1679-Lisa Gronke     Jeff Smith           Candidate Questionnaire
    1680-Lisa Gronke     Jim Balcom           Candidate Questionnaire
    1681-Lisa Gronke     John Glinski         Candidate Questionnaire
    1682-Lisa Gronke     Bob Kohl             Candidate Questionnaire

    [1679 / 1682]  Msg.area Net ... NetMail
     FIDONEWS 15-01               Page 9                    5 Jan 1998


    From:    Lisa Gronke                    Pvt Crash
    To:      Gary Gilmore                   Msg #1675, Dec-31-97 11:21:56
    Dest:    Bloom County (1:2410/400) Dearborn Mi
    Subject: Candidate Questionnaire

    MSGID: 1:105/61.0 34aa9b54

    I just posted the Z1EC candidate questionnaire in the Z1_ELECTION
    echo.  I hope you will take this opportunity to respond to these
    questions.  Please post your reply in the Z1_ELECTION echo (any time
    after midnight).

    I will see that your response to this questionnaire is forwarded to
    FidoNews.

    ==================================================
    From:    Lisa Gronke
    To:      Candidates                   Msg #100, Dec-31-97 10:26:58
    Subject: Candidate Questionnaire

    1998 Z1EC ELECTION -- CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE
    --------------------------------------------------
    1> What are your qualifications? What FTN positions have you held?

    2> If elected Z1EC, would you continue with other currently held FTN
       positions?

    3> Do you foresee any problems with the list of duties for the ZEC
       position?
    3> Which of those functions do you consider most important?

    4> How do you feel about Echomail Policy?

    5> Are there any functions not listed in the job description that you
       think are important?

    6> Do you anticipate any problems working with the Z1C, the RECs, the
       EchoList Coordinator, or those who run the major and minor
       distribution systems?

    7> What do you think the major echomail problems in the next two years
       will be?

    8> With a two year term, Jan 1, 2000 comes on your watch. What role do
       you see for the Z1EC at that time?

    9> Any other comments?
    --------------------------------------------------

    Lisa Gronke
    Z1_ELECTION Moderator Pro Tem
    FidoNet: 1:105/16
    Internet: [email protected]

    -----------------------------------------------------------------

     FIDONEWS 15-01               Page 10                   5 Jan 1998


    The Z1EC Election (a candidate questionnaire)
    by Lisa Gronke, 1:105/16
    [email protected]

    I was asked to moderate the Z1_ELECTION echo during the Z1EC election,
    because the regular moderator, Martin Belcke, was serving as Election
    Coordinator. My candidate questionnaire (below) is adapted from one
    used in the 1991 Z1EC election. The Z1EC "job description" that it
    refers to was published in FIDO1449.NWS. I will be forwarding the
    candidate replies to FidoNews as they are received.

    Two other Z1_ELECTION participants have also addressed lists of
    questions to the candidates, David Hallford [1:10/2] & Dale Simmons
    [1:202/1100], and a number of good single questions have been posed.
    Participate in the Z1_ELECTION yourself, or ask your NEC to keep your
    Net informed.

    * Forwarded from the Z1_ELECTION echo:

    From:    Lisa Gronke
    To:      Candidates                   Msg #100, Dec-31-97 10:26:58
    Subject: Candidate Questionnaire

    1998 Z1EC ELECTION -- CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE
    --------------------------------------------------
    1> What are your qualifications? What FTN positions have you held?

    2> If elected Z1EC, would you continue with other currently held FTN
    positions?

    3> Do you foresee any problems with the list of duties for the ZEC
    position? Which of those functions do you consider most important?

    4> How do you feel about Echomail Policy?

    5> Are there any functions not listed in the job description that you
    think are important?

    6> Do you anticipate any problems working with the Z1C, the RECs, the
    EchoList Coordinator, or those who run the major and minor
    distribution systems?

    7> What do you think the major echomail problems in the next two years
    will be?

    8> With a two year term, Jan 1, 2000 comes on your watch. What role do
    you see for the Z1EC at that time?

    9> Any other comments?
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------

    -----------------------------------------------------------------

    Forwarded from the Z1_ELECTION echo by Lisa Gronke

    From:    John Glinski
     FIDONEWS 15-01               Page 11                   5 Jan 1998


    To:      Lisa Gronke                  Msg #70, Jan-01-98 20:15:00
    Subject: Candidate Questionnaire

    -> 1> What are your qualifications? What FTN positions have you held?

       Currently in Fido:  HC & N320EC
          "    OtherNets:  ZC & ZEC for USnetMail(Zone 587) {Nodes: 60}
                           ZEC for ScifiNet(Zone 102)  {Nodes: 56} Several
                           Moderator/Host positions


    -> 2> If elected Z1EC, would you continue with other currently held ->
    FTN positions?

       I would maintain my HC status but would request an election for
    N320EC commence to find a successor.
       My OtherNet positions require little time and would not interfere
    with my ZEC functions.


    -> 3> Do you foresee any problems with the list of duties for the ZEC
    -> position? Which of those functions do you consider most important?

       I find no problem with the approved list of ZEC duties. I cannot
    state that any one function is most important.  Importance of a
    function is determined at that point in time.  Mediation may be very
    important at one time but not at others.  The EchoPol initiative is
    very important IF done correctly & written properly.


    -> 4> How do you feel about Echomail Policy?

       My participation in FIDOECHOPOL since its addition to NAB should
    speak for itself.  For those that do not know me, I believe in
    EchoPol, but with restrictions.  EchoPol cannot set standards for
    Moderators nor impose "membership" requirements on them.  Both of
    these ideas were discussed in FIDOECHOPOL.  EchoPol must be written to
    create "standards" without utilizing "police" power tactics for
    "enforcement".  I know these are general statements but I truly
    believe that an EchoPol could be a positive document that in fact
    could prevent past echomail abuses and power plays. For example,
    EchoPol could establish that *EC must be elected and establish the
    Length of Service. This would have a positive effect.


    -> 5> Are there any functions not listed in the job description that
    -> you think are important?

       The listed functions are wide sweeping and until a properly
    ratified EchoPol is established I believe they are sufficient.


    -> 6> Do you anticipate any problems working with the Z1C, the RECs,
    -> the EchoList Coordinator, or those who run the major and minor
    -> distribution systems?

     FIDONEWS 15-01               Page 12                   5 Jan 1998


       Hopefully not, at present I have no individuals in the *C, *EC, or
    moderator positions that would in any way have a negative disposition
    towards me.


    -> 7> What do you think the major echomail problems in the next two ->
    years will be?

       1)  NAB, a decision must be made to determine its status in
    relation to Zone 1 FidoNet.
       2)  Internet:  An on-going effect to utilize its technology to
    further FidoNet.  Should be addressed in the Technology section of
    EchoPol.
       3)  Moderators, are they "god" of their echo or not? Could be
    addressed in EchoPol.


    -> 8> With a two year term, Jan 1, 2000 comes on your watch. What
    -> role do you see for the Z1EC at that time?

       Hopefully we will still have echomail distribution.  :-)  We need
    to really address mailer/tosser and even BBS software ability to
    handle echomail at the turn of the millennium.


    -> 9> Any other comments?

       We need to attempt to make FidoNet more friendly and supportive if
    we are to have any chance of halting the shrinking membership. Yes,
    this is a hobby, and its suppose to be fun. :-)  At the same time we
    need to support/assist each other, that is something that the Inet
    lacks. Inet is all too often cold & impersonal and filled with an
    excessive amount of "junk" in its UseNet conferences.
       I live by a very simple philosophy when I joined FidoNet and any
    OtherNet,  "I assist my uplink & support my downlink." Period.

       Thank you for taking the time to read this and I would be greatly
    honored to serve you as Z1EC.

                            John Glinski
                            SysOp: Tiger's Lair BBS, Middletown CT
                            Fido: 1:320/237
                            Inet: [email protected]

    --- QScan/PCB v1.19b / 01-0553
     * Origin: Tiger's Lair *Middletown,CT* *860-347-7510* (1:320/237)
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------

    -----------------------------------------------------------------

    Forwarded from the Z1_ELECTION echo by Lisa Gronke

    From:    Mike Luther
    To:      All                          Msg #82, Jan-02-98 06:28:44
    Subject: Answer to Lisa's Questions

     FIDONEWS 15-01               Page 13                   5 Jan 1998


    In a message to candidates on Dec-31-97 at 10:26:58  Lisa Gronke
    asked:

    1> a.) What are your qualifications?
       b.) What FTN positions have you held?

    Answer 1b:

    I have not held an FTN position - that actually may be in my favor,
    as I get to make all brand new enemies! Chuckle... I am NC of Net
    117.

    Answer 1a:

    As to my qualifications, you'll either read this long post if you
    really want to know, or else - you'll toggle on! :)


    Greetings from Central Texas and Mikey!

    I'm a Fido SysOp of more than ten years. Node 1:117/3000 was first
    assigned to me by Paul Sittler when Net 117 in College Station was
    bigger, for a short time, than Net 106 in Houston! I still have a
    printed doc copy and original disk of Tom Jennings' Fido BBS program,
    though it was replaced soon with the original OPUS program. Both my
    Heathkit H89, serial #699, and the early Z100 that ran 1:117/3000 are
    still here, with software on which they were retired! They still run.
    Ruth Grove ex-NC117, still has my borrowed FidoNet 117 YooHoo 2/U2
    tee shirt, so OPIE isn't lonely, I guess. :)

    Fido, for me, has always been trying to learn things Fido offers and
    putting together unique ways to use them. I'm a management,
    programming, hardware and communications system person. Paid my own
    way twice through Texas A&M University, along with a Wife and four
    Kids, plus almost a full degree for her at the same time. That came
    from telecommunications engineering. My Novice license in ham radio
    in 1952 became an Extra Class in 1953 at age 14. I work mostly HF CW,
    some 2 Meters and am competition oriented. As W5WQN, I've placed
    repeatedly in the top ten single-band entries in the USA in the ARRL
    CW DX contest, the ARRL Sweepstakes and the CQ WW. I frequently do
    not send in scores because year after year the ranks don't change
    much. Passing around a coveted piece of paper is more important to me
    than having them over and over again..

     That should tell you something about what you can expect of me here.

    I have an English degree and an MBA in corporate planning from Texas
    A&M University and a graduate minor in Sociology, earned where my
    Dad, may he rest in peace, was head of the Math Department and made a
    heck of a lot of enemies of folks whom didn't want to learn the math.
    Incidentally, Mikey is still known at the math department for being
    the kid that said, "But I don't want to do it that way!"

     That should tell you something else about what you can expect of me
    here.

     FIDONEWS 15-01               Page 14                   5 Jan 1998


    Ham radio became a Commercial First Phone and a quite rare Commercial
    First Telegraph licenses in sea service for the Oceanography
    Department at Texas A&M - while still going to school in chunks. On
    the way through I got to help build the first weather radar sets ever
    built, then worked on the first color weather radar sets ever built,
    and also the forerunner for what is now the Ryan Stormscope for
    aviation and your nightly lightning strike display on TV. I got to
    build much of the hardware for some of the first computer modeling of
    the atmosphere ever done. At sea, I engineered the first long
    distance oceanographic seismic runs on single sideband data circuits
    ever shot and some of the first remote sensing RF-linked
    oceanographic telemetry work ever done. Finally, during the MBA work,
    I got to do instrumentation and electronics for the Mach 40 plasma
    lab wind tunnel at Texas A&M where some of the Mariner Mars probe re-
    entry atmospheric research was done! No, I didn't make it into
    computer science back then, but I did get a license to learn out of
    all this.

     That should tell you something else about what you can expect of me
    here.

    What expanded into my Narte Senior Telecommunications Engineering
    ticket in six professional specialties, launched me into the
    business of aviation radio and - flying! That turned into the Chief
    Pilot's position at the ROTC flight training school at Texas A&M
    during the Viet Nam war. It opened the door to an executive position
    with two manufacturing firms that were highly aviation oriented. I
    have a substantial number of hours in light twins, much in *VERY*
    heavy solid IFR weather operations - flown by hand. When you have to
    balance running the money around the sky, covering the payroll,
    keeping up with up to 200 people in the plant as a CEO and answering
    the bank call every day; as a pilot, you learn to look into things
    and problems from the TOP DOWN, while realizing that the MAJORITY can
    whip up on you if you make too many errors. You HAVE to do a good job
    with what the majority wishes done or your airplane
    doesn't come home one dark and stormy night.

     That should tell you something else about what you can expect of me
    here.

    I've earned every one of my 58 year old gray hairs still left on my
    head.

     That should tell you something else about what you can expect of me
    here.

    If you think airline food is bad, try franchise food for lunch every
    day of the week hand-flying a Beech Baron back from squirreling money
    somewhere that IRS won't levy, for three years, to survive. You do
    what you have to.

    Our product in one operation is in every State in the United States,
    every province of Canada, Alaska, Mexico and now, to my knowledge 28
    countries on five continents. Twice I've built a National marketing
    operation. All the while, we were this Nation's test case for
    Manufacturer's Excise Tax for our product, over a claimed $6,000,000
     FIDONEWS 15-01               Page 15                   5 Jan 1998


    in, "Taxes due." They were not; they never were. Everything that
    happened to us for 18 years it took to break that claim - properly -
    *TWICE* - in Federal court, was done improperly by the "Claimant."
    There is a right way and a wrong way about going about taking care of
    problems. You never win, but, you do. The complete law on Excise tax
    over the issue was re-written to cover what was unjust about the go
    around. We will never be #1, but..

     That should tell you something else about what you can expect of me
    here.

    For years, I've operated a FidoNet Private Node that has, in the
    opinion of almost all those that have dealt with the issue, been
    supportive of both Fido system-wide and VERY much, our local Net 117.
    It offers some unique public service emergency gateway access between
    land-line and direct air access. That has gained Fido some very
    important notice by ARRL and others as a method that could be used
    for emergency traffic handling for thousands of needed public service
    messages in time of a real emergency.  Few FidoNet people, I think,
    really understand how closely the ham radio crew and the FidoNet crew
    are to each other. Over the years, the interface is more than just a
    coincidence. As a programmer and systems-level wanna-bee (aren't we
    all?), I rightly or wrongly chose Opie as an actual embedded portion
    of some of the code. That's why he is still around, but his time is
    coming. You will note that 1:117/3001 is a public node and will soon
    host Net 117 - it's being moved to BINK/MAX, FAM/2, OS/2's server
    setup and more, as I learn how.

    There is always something new and different, some better way to
    operate a system, if you really want to learn about it. All it takes
    is being willing to take the risk to gain a reward which justifies
    the risk. All it takes is the desire to stand up for the right
    technical and social answers for the good of the group and not be
    beholdin to any one segment. Shakespeare said it well, "Neither
    borrower nor lender be, for borrowing oft dulls the edge of
    husbandry." I am not a puppet of ANYONE in Fido, nor do I have the
    slightest wish to be a puppet master.  I only wish to server, pun
    intended.

     That should tell you something else about what you can expect of me
    here. I think that the chance to look at the Z1EC slot and upper
    management section of Fido is worth the risk to run.

       1.) I think there is a future for Fido if we act quickly to focus
           our strengths more vertically as a group, targeting our
           "marketing", so to speak, on the sysop here mostly because he
           or she wants to be a mini-IP, if you will.

       2.) I think local interest by even just a few dedicated users that
           interact with a local sysop, much like gossiping over the
           backyard fence, will keep Fido here in even heavily trafficked
           Internet areas.

       3.) I think that there is PLENTY of room for Fido in less developed
           parts of the world and though I've never been to very many of
           them, I have been to some. I do understand the technical
     FIDONEWS 15-01               Page 16                   5 Jan 1998


           problems of bringing full level telecommunications to those
           areas.

       4.) Although P4 does regulate Fido, I have *NO* problem in working
           with it even as it stands, in bringing forward the final echo
           organization that must be done for what was never finished with
           P4. The job can be accomplished - if it is organized well.

       5.) I think there is room for both the control from assignment and
           elected influence.

    I'm neither pro-P5 nor anti-P4 in all of this. I am, hopefully, a
    good choice for an ADMINISTRATOR and really, simply a COORDINATOR for
    what should happen in the echo medium we have here. Heck, the chair
    doesn't even vote on a committee, unless actually needed, folks! I
    couldn't care less about any power trip here - just believe that I
    can make a difference in Fido and can help move it forward into the
    future.

    I ask your support to let me try to simply chair this group that
    really is the technical nuts and bolts of Fido, nothing more.


    2> If elected Z1EC, would you continue with other currently held FTN
    positions?

    Answer 2:

       P4 says:

       "Coordinators are encouraged to limit the number of FidoNet
        functions they perform.  A coordinator who holds two different
        positions compromises the appeal process.  For example, if the
        Network Coordinator is also the Regional Coordinator, sysops in
        that network are denied one level of appeal."


    3> a.) Do you foresee any problems with the list of duties for the
           ZEC position?

       I've added the (1) as in Z1EC in a few places where I think it
       was left out, but maybe that's an error! :)

     AT THE PLEASURE OF THE Z1C, THE DUTIES OF THE Z1EC SHALL BE:

       1) Coordination between the Z1 distribution systems

            Answer - > (See job description for Mule later on.) :)

                       I'm old enough to recall the old
                       "20 Mule Team Borax" boxes...
                       I will be one of the mules...  :)

       2) Coordination of the RECC and with the Z1 RECs.

          The Z(1)EC shall be the chairperson of the RECC. He shall
     FIDONEWS 15-01               Page 17                   5 Jan 1998


          put forth ideas to and/or moderate the discussion of
          ideas brought before the RECC.

            Answer - > That's the general format in most committees,
                       I've never had a problem with that.

          He shall also act as a tie breaker in the event of a tie
          vote.  The RECC may overturn a Z(1)EC proposed action/idea
          with a 2/3rds majority of the RECC.

            Answer - > That's the general format in most committees,
                       I've never had a problem with that. More
                       specifically, it is my rule as Chair on all
                       committees on which I've served, that the
                       Chair does *NOT* vote, unless to break a tie.
                       The Chair is, technically, assumed to be <FOR>
                       the matter at hand, but not - of record.

          If the RECC concludes that the Z(1)EC is not active,
          ineffective in his/her job or is just not taking care
          his/her responsibilities; they may take a vote of
          no-confidence. If the vote of no-confidence passes with
          a 2/3rds majority, the RECC will refer this issue to
          the ZC for mediation or action as the Z1C sees fit

            Answer - > That's the general format in most committees,
                       I've never had a problem with that.

          On the same basis, the Z(1)EC shall be allowed to take issue
          with RECs that are not participating and/or doing their
          job; by taking the matter up with both the host RC
          of the RECs hosting region and the Z1C for mediation or
          action as the Z1C sees fit. These two actions shall NOT
          be taken lightly without all due consideration of possible
          extenuating circumstances.

            Answer - > That's the general format in most committees,
                       I've never had a problem with that.

       3) Coordination with the other ZECs.

            Answer - > I foresee that problems will exist in the future
                       in that the "culture" of FidoNet is changing
                       markedly.  Technology is molding FidoNet into
                       a far different dog than it was.  You have to
                       understand language is culture and the reverse
                       is also true! It wasn't just that FidoNet was
                       'English', the culture of it was also 'English',
                       at first.  The 'English' way of doing things
                       also suited it's growth needs quite well.

                       FidoNet once 'needed' that just to be able to
                       grow.  Now, there are many places in the world
                       where the 'English' way of doing things is
                       losing leverage because technology is empowering
                       even an average participant in ways that make
     FIDONEWS 15-01               Page 18                   5 Jan 1998


                       it possible to emplace other cultures quite
                       readily - if you please.  That may not be good.

                       Sidebar - The ICAO standard 'culture' is English.
                       Noticed what I think is a significant rise in
                       major international airline accidents, lately?
                       Think about this whole language - culture deal
                       a minute or two and that ....

                       We will see similar 'accidents' come full force in
                       the next two years here, in Fido, in my opinion.

                       Curiously - I also feel that the organization,
                       to survive - still has to have a 'standard'
                       culture, if that's what we mean here!

                       Thus - brought full face-forward by the issues
                       involving echomail - our major job is to actually
                       re-define our 'Fido Culture' as something quite
                       different than we currently see..

                            Be careful. That can be taken more than
                            one way... :)

                            You have to watch Mikey's use of words.

                            I make a coordinated effort at all things. :)

                       It is my opinion that is one reason Z1C embarked
                       on letting this process loose...

                       Z2 is watching this one closely, I opine.

                       I think I can speak culture well enough
                       to help Fido survive.

       4) Central repository of information for the various Z1
          distribution systems.

            Answer - > The Z1EC serves at the pleasure of the Z1C.
                       However, please note that back in the '20's
                       in the US'nA, the price of steel magically
                       rose and rose and rose despite 'guvmint
                       screaming - Later we found out Andrew
                       Carnegie was pulling on his left ear lobe too
                       often.   That old encrypted mail issue.,, :)

                       In order to survive it appears we might need
                       a large 2 X 4... Z1C will have to issue it
                       to minimize inter-distribution system fighting.

       5) Mediation of Zone 1 echomail issues.

            Answer - > Mediation means exactly what it says;
                       it is often confused with the word
                       arbitration.  Note the difference.
     FIDONEWS 15-01               Page 19                   5 Jan 1998


                       You may ask those here that know me
                       if I know that difference.  I think
                       they will say I do; even though I
                       didn't ask to marry them at all! :)

                       In a volunteer organization the equal
                       and opposite force to, "You will" is;
                       "I quit."

                       "Patience is a virtue."

                       "The constant dripping of water wears
                        away stone."

                       I will do everything I can to avoid
                       arbitration. I prefer that people
                       learn to exist together rather than
                       have to be told to leave.

       6) Upper level mediation between Moderators, Fidonet
          distribution systems on related echomail issues.

            Answer - > I foresee that problems will exist in the
                       future here because cost-push mail offering
                       will suffer a MUCH heavier assault from
                       demand-pull enabled lower-level sysops, whom
                       will have terribly more effective systems,
                       for peanuts in price, in the near future.

                       Burnham Woods will march on Dunkirk Castle
                       in the reign of this Z1EC, if my guess in
                       correct.

                       'Get this off my proposed back' - Z1C...
                        Yes Sir, I'll do my best, Sir. :)

       7) Coordination with the Echolist Keeper.

            Answer - > If 30,000 'nodes' can be listed weekly and
                       distributed weekly, so can a 'culturally'
                       correct Echolist. It can be done one
                       way or another.

                       The same type tools that enable Internet
                       usegroup selection techniques will not
                       only surface here in the next two years,
                       they will force a 'standardized' Echolist.

                       The list will force its keeper into the open.

       8) Help in the formation and implementation (in conjunction
          with the RECC) of a Zone/Fido-wide Echomail policy. The
          Z(1)EC shall keep the RECC informed of these discussions so
          that the RECs may pass this information down to their
          regional sysops.

     FIDONEWS 15-01               Page 20                   5 Jan 1998


            Answer - > I foresee this to be one of the most important
                       things we have to do.

                       Help in.. means.. the Chair is charged with
                       the responsibility for the organization of
                       and laying out of the work format.

                       Comment - The only way I have EVER seen any
                       committee EVER get anything done was to lay
                       out the agenda and work it through/

                       When the list is done - it's reported out to
                       the boss, Ichi Ban, El Jeffe, El Patrone, Il
                       Padrone (Z1C + the SysOps of this Zone) and
                       what's done with it after that will be up
                       to the decision of the Zone.

       9) Term(s) of no more than 2 years.  No limit on number of terms

            Answer - > Survival is doubtful.  Crosses himself, looking
                       for wallet.

      10) Codify, with the RECC, the procedure for future ZEC elections.
          All future elections are subject to review by the Z1C..

            Answer - > If you don't understand P4, go back and read it
                       again.  This is *NOT* a democracy.  The only
                       purpose for any election in FidoNet, that I
                       know about, is either defined specifically in
                       P4 already, or is for the allowed purpose of
                       feeding input to Empire Central.

                       "You will." - "I quit." - "So what do we do now?"

                       "Find another bank."  Mikey, to a VP of the
                        First City Bank, Houston, 1976.. having read
                        the remark elsewhere before and since.

                        Any suggestions that I might have for the
                        future elections should be tempered by
                        the experiences in this one. I have
                        confidence we will learn from our experiences
                        in this election. If it needs to be changed,
                        I suspect it will be evident. If it works
                        well, I suspect that will be evident too.

      11) Provide for an interim Z1EC, should anything happen to
          currently seated Z1EC to prevent him/her from fulfilling
          these duties. The single duty of the interim Z1EC shall be
          to expedient an election and a smooth transition to the
          next Z1EC (should it become necessary). If there are
          problems the interim ZEC shall contact the Z1C for help if
          the problem cannot be resolved within the RECC.

            Answer - > I will.. Boss.

     FIDONEWS 15-01               Page 21                   5 Jan 1998


                       Specifically, in a similar manner to the
                       fact that there is no ANC, but we've had
                       'one' formally in Net 117, I'll, if
                       elected, at the outset, determine whom
                       was the next ranking candidate in this
                       election...

                           I'll ask for help.

                       You never know how much you needed it until you
    ask.

                       The deal you do not investigate is always the deal
                       you lose.

       b.) Which of those functions do you consider most important?

            Answer - > Discussing the issue with the Boss, if
                       it hasn't been left to me to do. :)

                       When a 30 year client of mine bought his first
                       radio station with private financing arranged
                       for by the late John Hicks, a short while later
                       he called him up and asked, "What should I do?"

                       John replied, "That's what you got the money for.
                       It's YOUR problem." :)


    4> How do you feel about Echomail Policy?

           Answer - > 'Sunfinshed Business.  Finish what you started,
                      before asking for more problems.  We need to
                      finish the Policy.


    5> Are there any functions not listed in the job description that
       you think are important?

            Answer - > Privately..  We are electing a whining rod, which
                       is OK by me... :)

                       I can tell this one.. OK?     chuckle..

                       There is a good Jewish joke.  Rabbi Cohen was
                       killed with Father Flannigan, jointly.  Heaven
                       bound, it got too hard for Father Flannigan to
                       climb.  Cohen invited him to be carried the rest
                       of the way.  Peter looked out at the party
                       approaching the gates.  He called out, "Father
                       Flannigan, so good to see you, park your mule
                       over there and come on in."
                       :)

                       Nice mule.

     FIDONEWS 15-01               Page 22                   5 Jan 1998


    6> Do you anticipate any problems working with the Z1C, the RECs,
       the EchoList Coordinator, or those who run the major and minor
       distribution systems?

            Answer - > Of course - ROTFL mule's ears Off!

                       Don't worry about the mule - load the wagon.
                       Mikey the Mule will pull it, 'sbest he can.


    7> What do you think the major echomail problems in the next two
       years will be?

            Answer - > Bandwidth on Demand, which will free many from
                       the slavery of modem connects to their
                       'provider', whether it be an IP or a BBS,
                       a la FidoNet.

                       There are tools coming on line FAST that will
                       GREATLY expand the role of client-server
                       right down into our beloved Fido's dog dish.

                       They will be cheap.  They will be effective.
                       They will literally tear apart the entire door-
                       concept BBS that we know of today.
                       Empires will crumble and new ones will arise.

                       The problems we face in dealing with echomail
                       today will be far different and serious when
                       these tools come on line and Fido assimilates
                       them, if that happens, which I think it will.

                       :(


    8> With a two year term, Jan 1, 2000 comes on your watch. What role
       do you see for the Z1EC at that time?

            Answer - > Set the date on your system to ten minutes before
                       midnight after doing a full tape backup for
                       restore.  Watch what happens. Be prepared to
                       <CTL C> before anything gets out before hand here..

                             chuckle.

                       Restore when through playing.

                       Z1EC has to both start a program to ferret out
                       that mess in here *AND* be prepared to recommend
                       to the Region and El Patron(s) that we force
                       the network to do certain things, if needed.

                       It is up to the current COMMITTEE to decide on
                       the specific action to be taken.. :)

                       That will probably mean EchoPol may even have to
     FIDONEWS 15-01               Page 23                   5 Jan 1998


                       have that in it and proof of compliance to stay
                       in the NodeList...

                            which will bring HORRIBLE fireworks from
                            Zx, Zy and Zzzzzz after which we may
                            all gracefully have a massive CVA and
                            never wake up.. :(

                       Begin a program - top down - to determine Y2K
                       capabilities here and post that part, at least
                       to the level of the HUBs, as part of the
                       directory effort.


    9> Any other comments?

            Answer - > PLEASE VOTE.  Even if you do not vote for me,
                       please DO vote.  I wish to see Zone 1 pulled
                       back together as a much less fragmented sort
                       of group.  We can operate with many independents,
                       but we need to be coordinated.  This is your
                       chance to make your voice heard.

                       Concentrate on the real job of going forward,
                       not arguing about little details.

                       Please understand that there is a huge
                       difference between engineering and management.
                       What is needed, in my humble opinion, is
                       a manager in this Z1EC position who can work
                       with technical people.  I believe that I can
                       do this job well, that's why I accepted the
                       chance to represent you all.

    Mike @ 117/3001

    --- Opus-CBCS 1.73a
     * Origin: Ziplog Public Port (1:117/3001.0)

    -----------------------------------------------------------------

    Forwarded from the Z1_ELECTION echo

    From:    David Calafrancesco
    To:      Lisa Gronke                  Msg #99, Jan-02-98 00:32:28
    Subject: Candidate Questionnaire

    Lisa Gronke wrote in a message to Candidates:

     LG> 1998 Z1EC ELECTION -- CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE
     LG> --------------------------------------------------

    Lisa, please don't do anything to discourage questions from the other
    members of FIDO. Perhaps your title should read "Lisa Gronke's Z1EC
    candidate questions from previous elections" or something to signify
    that the questions are recycled and that they are being asked by you
     FIDONEWS 15-01               Page 24                   5 Jan 1998


    as a node and not you as the election echo moderator implying that
    other questions will be out of order.

    Thank you for compiling these questions from previous elections and
    adjusting them to our circumstances. It should help to compare
    candidates with what has happened in the past.

     LG 1> What are your qualifications? What FTN positions have you
     LG 1> held?

    I have been a member of FIDO for almost a decade. In that time I have
    almost always been a HUB of some sort. I am currently an RHUB in
    region 13, as well as NC and NEC of net2624 along with being a feed
    source for the net. I have always looked at the costs of moving our
    mail and looked for ways to increase reliability while decreasing
    costs. I hope to do the same on a zone wide basis. I was briefly
    interim R13EC a couple of years ago.

     LG 2> If elected Z1EC, would you continue with other currently held
     LG 3> FTN positions?

    If someone locally was willing to pickup one or both of the local
    positions I would pass them on. As the local NC/NEC positions have
    only taken a few minutes per month I would otherwise keep them as I
    see no particular conflict. I would consider passing the RHub on to
    someone else but again the load is not that big. As a ZEC I would not
    be expecting to be a ZHub or other major mail mover for the zone, but
    instead an interface between the various feed systems and the
    regions/networks.

     LG 3> Do you foresee any problems with the list of duties for the ZEC
     LG 3> position?
     LG 3> Which of those functions do you consider most important?

    First off, the "list of duties" you are referring to was hashed out
    by one of the candidates with some feedback from participants in this
    echo among others. As ZEC, I would be working for the ZC. Period. I
    also feel it is best to allow the ZEC to define what their job is in
    relation to what the ZC expects from them.

    Did you know there have been over 500 messages with ZEC and DUT in
    the subject in this echo alone? A quick scan finds several revisions,
    not one that is listed as a final revision. I will paste the last
    version here so we can be sure we are on the same sheet of music.

    {begin paste}

    Area : Z1_ELECTION
    Date : Nov 21 '97, 02:41
    >From : Bob Kohl, 1:102/861
    To   : All
    Subj : Re: ZEC duties Rev. 21934575-86721569-35d
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    Feel free to crosspost at will:

    At the pleasure of the Z1C, the duties for the Z1EC shall be:
     FIDONEWS 15-01               Page 25                   5 Jan 1998


    1) Coordination between the Z1 echomail distribution systems

    2) Coordination of the RECC and with the Zone 1 RECs.

    The ZEC is the chairperson of the RECC.  He or she shall bring ideas
    to the RECC and moderate the discussion of ideas. He or she shall also
    act as a tie breaker in the event of a tie vote. The RECC may overturn
    a ZEC proposed action or idea with a 2/3rds vote of the RECC.

    If the RECC concludes that the ZEC is not active, ineffective in his
    or her job or not taking care his or her responsibilities per this
    list;  they may take a vote of no-confidence. If the vote of
    no-confidence passes with 2/3rds majority, the RECC will refer this
    issue to the Z1C for mediation or action as the Z1C sees fit.

    The ZEC shall be allowed to take issue with RECs that are not
    participating or doing their job, by taking the matter up with the
    host RC of the REC's region and the Z1C for mediation or action.

    These two actions shall NOT be taken lightly without all due
    consideration of possible extenuating circumstances.

    3) Coordination with the other ZECs.

    4) Central repository of information for the various Z1 distribution
       systems.

    5) Mediation of Zone 1 echomail issues/disputes.

    6) Upper level mediation between Moderators, Fidonet distribution
       systems on related echomail issues.

    7) Coordination with the Echolist Keeper.

    8) Help in the formation and implementation of a Zone/Fido-wide
       Echomail policy. The ZEC shall work in conjunction with the RECC
       on this issue, so that the REC's can take this information to
       their respective regions for feedback.

    9) Term(s) of no more than 2 years.  No limit on number of terms

    10) Codify, with the RECC, the procedure for future ZEC elections.
        All future elections are subject to review by the Z1C..

    11) Provide for an interim Z1EC, should anything happen to currently
        seated Z1EC to prevent him/her from fulfilling these duties. The
        single duty of the interim Z1EC shall be to expedite an election
        and the smooth transition to the next Z1EC. The interim ZEC shall
        refer to the Z1C for help with problems if the RECC cannot resolve
        said issue(s).

                                         BK

    {end paste}

     LG 4> How do you feel about Echomail Policy?
     FIDONEWS 15-01               Page 26                   5 Jan 1998


    There isn't one. Should there be? If the members of the zone wish to
    have an echo policy I would do my best to see that they have the
    chance to create one. It would be built with their input. I don't see
    there being any particular aura about the title of ZEC that would
    confer special wisdom or power over the rest of the zone. I see the
    ZEC as being more a facilitator and interface between the different
    parts of the echo distribution system. Those parts being the nodes,
    the hubs and moderators. All net/region/zone coordinators of whatever
    flavor are servants of their respective area and should be doing what
    is in the best interest of the area.

    In summary, I don't 'feel' much of anything for echomail policy.

     LG 5> Are there any functions not listed in the job description that
     LG 5> you think are important?

    I am sure that my interpretation of the ZEC duty suggestions as
    outlined above will differ with others. For example, I interpret #4
    as publishing a master list of echos which combines all echo titles
    and shows what is available from each distribution system. There is
    currently no central source for any node or HUB who is contemplating
    a switch to a different feed to know what is available on the other
    system.

    I would also delegate specific jobs if I found the load too heavy. Of
    course I would remain responsible for the proper completion of the
    job and any deputy would be answerable to me directly.

    Another example, I don't consider #8 to mean the ZEC writes the
    echomail policy or puts into it what he feels is advantageous to his
    faction. I would interpret that to mean assist in the mechanics of
    setting up whatever mechanism the people of Zone 1 want to assist
    them in creating an echo policy, should they feel an echo policy is
    needed.

    I would also ensure that I have a drop dead deputy available to step
    in and act on my behalf should something happen.

     LG 6>  Do you anticipate any problems working with the Z1C, the
     LG 6>  RECs, the EchoList Coordinator, or those who run the major
     LG 6>  and minor distribution systems?

    Nope... So far I don't seem to have pissed off too many people and I
    try to be moderate in all things. I dislike fanatics and fanaticism
    and am usually content to ignore them until they go away but have
    been known to blast with both barrels on occasion.

     LG 7> What do you think the major echomail problems in the next two
     LG 7> years will be?

    Integrating FIDO with new technology to maintain our supremacy in
    high signal to noise ratio mass communications. Our content is very
    similar to internet mailing lists in that our conferences are usually
    topical and spam free yet we use a method similar to newsgroups in
    that any node whose HUB receives an echo can link to it instantly.
    Helping FIDO to grow and adapt to the changing technology will become
     FIDONEWS 15-01               Page 27                   5 Jan 1998


    more important as time rolls on. Currently the overwhelming majority
    of traffic in FIDO is passing around the zone without standard LD
    charges.

    Zone 1 has an almost 100% saturation of ISPs available and that means
    that almost anyone who wishes can move their traffic via the
    internet. That spells an end to the strife caused by CRP feeds. For
    pennies per day and an FTP account anyone can get darn near anything.


    For years FIDO has had a centralized mail routing system. It
    currently flows via the echomail paths. With the increase in
    individuals connecting directly to ZHubs class servers mail routing
    dynamics are changing. I am not sure if the complexity has increased
    or decreased but it seems that reliability is up. It used to be that
    hardly anything would arrive on a timely basis if you routed it out
    through the net. Now, I am seeing replies back in a few hours from
    messages I have sent as routed netmail. Yes, sometimes the various
    HUBs get confused as to where someone's mail goes but that is
    generally limited to people who have changed feeds recently. Once the
    feed is stable, it should remain functional with minimal maintenance.


     LG 8>  With a two year term, Jan 1, 2000 comes on your watch. What
     LG 8>  role do you see for the Z1EC at that time?

    Much the same as I see it now. The ZEC is a servant of the zone,
    working for the ZC, assisting the regions work with the various
    distribution systems and working with the rest of the zones on
    interzonal echomail issues. Unless something drastic changes in the
    next two years, there will still be nodes, echomail, regions, zones
    and distribution systems.

     LG 9> Any other comments?

    FIDO is a hobby for me, it is not a career move. I feel I can make a
    decent contribution to the betterment of the zone or I wouldn't have
    agreed to run.

    Dave Calafrancesco, Team OS/2
    [email protected]

    ---
     * Origin: Druid's Grove BBS - (914)/876-2237 (1:2624/306)

    -----------------------------------------------------------------

    Forwarded from the Z1_ELECTION echo by Lisa Gronke

    From:    Jim Balcom
    To:      Lisa Gronke                  Msg #66, Jan-02-98 19:44:50
    Subject: Candidate Questionnaire

    1998 Z1EC ELECTION -- CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE
    --------------------------------------------------
    1> What are your qualifications? What FTN positions have you held?
     FIDONEWS 15-01               Page 28                   5 Jan 1998


    I was NEC of Net-109 for five years, (one of the larger nets in Zone
    1) re-elected to the position annually. I have been REC of Region 13
    for 19 months. I have functioned as the major Net-109 echomail hub
    for 7 years. I have had RHub status for 3+ years.

    2> If elected Z1EC, would you continue with other currently held FTN
    positions?

    The next REC-13 election is scheduled for the April/May timeframe. I
    would not stand for that election. I would probably continue to be a
    mail hub. I've always felt that it is important for an *EC to be
    active in the mail moving department so that they are aware,
    first-hand, of the various problems.

    3> Do you foresee any problems with the list of duties for the ZEC
    position?

    No.

    Which of those functions do you consider most important?

    Paragraph 6: Upper level mediation (and, adding in co-ordination)
    between Moderators and Echomail Distribution Systems.

    4> How do you feel about Echomail Policy?

    I believe that there needs to be an Echomail Policy. I think that
    getting one properly approved is going to be similar to trying to
    build a snowman in Panama!

    As ZEC, it is something that I would keep on the table with the RECC
    and that as a group of 10 REC's and the ZEC that we would keep
    plugging away on in an attempt to get some progress made.


    5> Are there any functions not listed in the job description that you
    think are important?

    No. If there were, I would have provided that input during the
    formulation of the description.


    6> Do you anticipate any problems working with the Z1C, the RECs, the
    EchoList Coordinator, or those who run the major and minor
    distribution systems?

    None at all.


    7> What do you think the major echomail problems in the next two
    years will be?

    We are going to see more and more interaction with the Internet. The
    present policies, specifications, and procedures were developed in
    the '80's. They don't consider the Internet.

     FIDONEWS 15-01               Page 29                   5 Jan 1998


    Law enforcement agencies are becoming more computer-literate. There
    is more and more public pressure to get 'obscene' information off of
    the Internet. The Internet is a hard animal to attack. Fidonet Sysops
    are much better defined and much easier to see and find. I think that
    Fidonet is going to be subjected to much more scrutiny by law
    enforcement agencies as to the content of the traffic they are
    carrying and moving, primarily because it's a lot easier to find a
    Fidonet Sysop, than it is to find the "Internet". I think that
    Fidonet Sysops will be seeing more 'witch-hunts' about the content of
    echomail.

    8> With a two year term, Jan 1, 2000 comes on your watch. What role
    do you see for the Z1EC at that time?

    That question is not clear to me. On the one hand, it is redundant to
    Question 7. If you are referring to the 'Year 2000 Problem', I doubt
    that it will have a lasting effect on Fidonet Sysops. We may see some
    'interesting' quirks during the first few weeks, particularly with
    software that is checking the age of messages, but those should be
    able to be dealt with swiftly.

    If you mean, "What will the Z1EC's job be in January 2000?", I don't
    have an answer for that one. I think that in the next two years that
    we will see a lot of changes, just as we have seen a lot of changes
    over the past 18 years in any two-year segment you want to pick. A
    lot is going to depend on the mix of REC's and the thoughts and ideas
    that they bring to the RECC table.

    9> Any other comments?

    As ZEC, I would like to see some standardization for the movement of
    echomail. The specifications that we are presently working with are
    7-15 years old. This, in a technology that vastly changes on a daily
    basis. Software authors are pulling their hair out trying to write
    software that will work under all imaginable conditions - including
    some VERY bizarre conditions that they should not have to be
    considering.

    Ideally, I would like to see a Fidonet-wide FTSC become VERY active
    and to codify some specifications so that all authors would be
    singing out of the same hymnbook. Barring that, I believe that it is
    possible to formulate a set of technical criteria that all traffic
    entering the "Echomail Distribution System in Zone One" has to meet.
    This has nothing to do with content or purpose. But, it does mean
    that all traffic must be technically correct. Time/date fields
    properly formed. A proper Origin Line. A Path line. A MSGID line.
    Etc. Major mail movers already know what those problems are and are
    trying to protect the distribution systems from damage caused by
    those problems. I believe that, in some way, we need to 'officialize'
    much of this.

    I believe that there is room in the "Echomail Distribution System in
    Zone One" for a multitude of distribution systems. I see no reason
    why all of them can not work together in a harmonious, co-operative
    relationship. As ZEC, I would work diligently toward that end.
    Retailers have done this for ages.
     FIDONEWS 15-01               Page 30                   5 Jan 1998


    I see the ZEC in a true co-ordinator role. He depends heavily on
    input from the REC's, and moves forward with their ideas, even if he
    doesn't fully agree with the majority of them. The future of
    Fidonet's echomail is more in the hands of the REC's than in the
    hands of the ZEC. But, even more than in the hands of the REC's, is
    the work and efforts put forth by the NEC's!

    -= Jim Balcom =-

    ++ Jim ++


    --- Alexi/Mail 2.02b (#2)
     * Origin: Bottomless Pit - [email protected] - Alexandria, VA
    (1:109/334)

    -----------------------------------------------------------------

    Retrofitting & Updating Conference Naming Conventions

    12/29/97
    Net 261 Local EchoMail & FileBone Naming Convention Proposal
    (Maybe even the Entire Network)
    by Gordon Malone 1:261/1195, [email protected]


    I originally intended to present this proposal to my local and
    Neighboring Nets, 261 and 109. Only after contemplating the
    possibilities and benefits did it make sense to offer it to the entire
    net as food for thought and hopefully action.

    Since joining FidoNet some 8 years ago I noticed that tossers were
    incomplete in the way they sort or display listings. Sure, they work
    fine by default to sort by name, but not by group. Some authors of
    processors have made attempts and some have even had success (Harald
    Harms - ALLFIX file processor) in providing a means for displaying
    areas by group to facilitate easy maintenance.

    Unfortunately, not all tossers of either flavor, mail or file have
    adopted this common sense approach as a 'standard' and we're left to
    muttle through due to lack of foresight as best we can and Fido as a
    whole, is slow to implement forward thinking ideas and concepts that
    would foster growth and ease of use or operation. There are MANY
    networks now available to join with echoes that certainly duplicate
    echo names.

    With that in mind, I'd like to propose that we take steps to improve
    and insure two things.

    1) An easily identifiable naming convention prefix for the net that
    would both make grouping and editing much easier and faster,

    2) Eliminate the possibility of duplication of conference names
    imported and processed from any source.

    This could easily be accomplished through the use of a naming PREFIX
     FIDONEWS 15-01               Page 31                   5 Jan 1998


    policy much like that used by the InterNet. Why shouldn't we adopt
    tried and true solutions? It only makes sense that we use FIDO.261
    as our prefix...

    I'd like to put this suggestion to all of FidoNet and especially our
    neighbors in Net109 with whom we share local echoes. Who knows, maybe
    it'll spread throughout Fido. I'm surprised it hasn't happened sooner.


    Proposal:

    Below is an actual sample of areas in our FIDONET.261 area file
    that our NEC just released:

    ADS109          ;ads, including commercial
    AUTO109         ;automatic announcements (mainly files)
    AUTO261         Automatic messages                      OPEN
    BALTIMORE-BBS   BBS Notices, Ads                        1000
    BURPNET         ;Brewers United For Real Potables
    CATS            Feline Friends (Local)                  OPEN
    COMMUNITY       Community Association Stuff             1000

    Under the new naming convention they would look like this using the
    network.net.<areaname> Prefix:

    FIDO.109.ADS109
    FIDO.109.AUTO109
    FIDO.261.AUTO261
    FIDO.261.BALTIMORE-BBS
    FIDO.261.BURPNET
    FIDO.261.CATS
    FIDO.261.COMMUNITY

    It's real easy to see what area comes from where and there is
    little possibility of duplication prohibiting the addition of
    duplicate echo names from different networks.


    Conclusion:

    I realize that this would cause some minor disruption during the
    renaming period, but the future benefits and ease of operation, I
    feel, make it well worth the small amount of work involved for us all
    to accomplish this. Maybe the MODERATOR conference would be a good
    place to discuss a possible self imposed cutoff date which could be
    agreed upon to have the ELIST updates submitted by.

    Kinda funny when you stop to consider all of the power we have, yet we
    don't know how to harness and exploit it like everything else we
    devour... Years ago I thought we'd have .WAV or some kind of
    compressed voice email conferences with threads going by now... If
    only we knew what we were doing. It's scary, or is it just me...?

    If we're all not working to constantly improve and build on the net,
    what's the point? Isn't that what a network of like minded folks is
    all about!
     FIDONEWS 15-01               Page 32                   5 Jan 1998


    As you can see, not only does this naming convention make it
    undeniably clear of the echo origins, but editing within *any*
    processor system will be universal. Searching and constant referencing
    printouts, or jumping between windows would be eliminated when doing
    updates. All areas would be displayed in order, together and sorted by
    NETWORK.NET.<ECHONAME> regardless of the processor used, as long as
    they utilize some sort of sorting method, which most do.

    An added bonus to the two benefits above, AUTOADDING in a myriad of
    processors and BBS systems, with more control of defaults will now be
    possible, allowing and promoting greater participation and/or
    expansion locally.

    In closing, I respectfully request that our leadership, software
    authors, moderators and potential new echo submitters seriously
    consider implementing this proposal, for all of the reasons and
    benefits stated above. We can retrofit and bring the net up to speed
    if we want to...

    At the risk of sounding 'corny', IMHO it is our duty, if we truly
    enjoy and care about this hobby, to do whatever makes sense to build
    upon and improve every aspect of the hobby that presents itself...

    Comments Anyone? :)

    Cheers!

    Gordo

    -----------------------------------------------------------------

     FIDONEWS 15-01               Page 33                   5 Jan 1998


    =================================================================
                           COORDINATORS CORNER
    =================================================================

    Nodelist-statistics as seen from Zone-2 for day 002
    By Ward Dossche, 2:292/854
       ZC/2

     +--------+-------+----------+----------+----------+----------+--+
     !Zone/Jul!Ndl-339!Nodel.-346!Nodel.-353!Nodel.-360!Nodel.-002!%%!
     +--------+-------+----------+----------+----------+----------+--+
     !  1/360 !  6338 ! 6338    0! 6225 -113! 6199  -26! 6199    0!27!
     !  2/002 ! 14627 !14654   27!14605  -49!14523  -82!14538   15!63!
     !  3/360 !   591 !  591    0!  592    1!  580  -12!  580    0! 3!
     !  4/353 !   436 !  434   -2!  434    0!  435    1!  435    0! 2!
     !  5/353 !    92 !   92    0!   92    0!   91   -1!   91    0! 0!
     !  6/318 !  1091 ! 1091    0! 1091    0! 1091    0! 1091    0! 5!
     +--------+-------+----------+----------+----------+----------+--+
              ! 23175 !23200   25!23039 -161!22919 -120!22934   15!
              +-------+----------+----------+----------+----------+

    -----------------------------------------------------------------

     FIDONEWS 15-01               Page 34                   5 Jan 1998


    =================================================================
                                 ECHOING
    =================================================================

    North American Backbone Echo Changes [Nov-Dec]
    by Lisa Gronke, 1:105/16
    [email protected]

    Summary of backbone & quasi-backbone echo changes during Nov & Dec.

    Brought to you courtesy of (unix) diff.

    diff (backbone.na + backbone.no) 02-Nov-97 04-Jan-98 [edited].

    Echotag change
    --------------
    < WC!_CHAT            Wildcat 3rd Party Support [old tag]
    > WILDCAT!_SUPPORT    Wildcat 3rd Party Support [new tag]

    Added to the backbone
    ---------------------
    > ARGUS               Argus Support Echo
    > ART_BELL            The Art Bell Talk Radio Show
    > BFDS_MAIL           Batch File Distribution System, Coordination
    > DIABETIC_RECIPES    Recipes for people with Diabetes!
    > EFC                 Earth: Final Conflict series discussions
    > IFTP_SUPPORT        iFTP Support
    > IP_CONNECT          Fidonet IP Integration Discussions
    > IRC_CHAT            IRC_CHAT Discussion Conference
    > IRC_SCRIPTS         IRC_SCRIPTS Discussion Conference
    > NASCAR_CONTEST      (low traffic since 12/1/97)
    > NATURE              Discussion of Nature and Natural Science
    > OT_SUPPORT          (low traffic since 12/1/97)
    > SERVERS             Servers Conference
    > STATS               Echomail Stats & Info

    Removed from the backbone or quasi-backbone
    -------------------------------------------
    < ADEPTSOFT           (low traffic since 10/1/97)
    < BAHAI               (low traffic since  7/1/97)
    < BE                  (low traffic since  7/1/97)
    < CAP_NAT             (low traffic since  7/1/97)
    < CAR_AUDIO           (low traffic since 10/1/97)
    < ECPROG              (low traffic since  7/1/97)
    < FENCE_POST          (low traffic since  7/1/97)
    < FIDS_DEV            (low traffic since  9/1/97)
    < FIDS_SYSOP          (low traffic since  9/1/97)
    < MACWOOF             (low traffic since  9/1/97)
    < METAWORLDS          (low traffic since  7/1/97)
    < RANMA_1/2           (low traffic since  7/1/97)
    < RIGHTS              (low traffic since  8/1/97)
    < ROMULAN_STAR_EMPIRE (low traffic since  6/1/97)
    < SHARING             (low traffic since  7/1/97)
    < SHOTGUN_USERS       (low traffic since  7/1/97)
    < WGW                 (low traffic since  7/1/97)
    -----------------------------------------------------------------
     FIDONEWS 15-01               Page 35                   5 Jan 1998


    o There are 660 echos in backbone.na [04-Jan-98] (down 19)
    o There are 114 echos in backbone.no [04-Jan-98] (up 16)
    o for a total of 774 backbone & quasi-backbone echos (down 3)

    -----------------------------------------------------------------

     FIDONEWS 15-01               Page 36                   5 Jan 1998


    =================================================================
                                 NOTICES
    =================================================================

                               Future History

    12 Jan 1998
       HAL 9000 is one year old today.

    30 Apr 1998
       Queens Day, Holland.

    17 May 1998
       Independence Day, Norway.

    22 May 1998
       Expo '98 World Exposition in Lisbon (Portugal) opens.

    14 Sep 1998
       Start of International BBS Week [thru 20 Sep 98].

    22 Sep 1998
       First anniversary of the FidoNews domain of www.fidonews.org.

     1 Dec 1998
       Fifteenth Anniversary of release of Fido version 1 by
       Tom Jennings.

    24 Jul 1999
       XIII Pan American Games [through 8 Aug 99].

    31 Dec 1999
       Hogmanay, Scotland. The New Year that can't be missed.

     1 Jan 2000
       The 20th Century, C.E., is still taking place thru 31 Dec.

     1 Jun 2000
       EXPO 2000 World Exposition in Hannover (Germany) opens.

    15 Sep 2000
       Sydney (Australia) Summer Olympiad opens.

     1 Jan 2001
       This is the actual start of the new millennium, C.E.

    -- If YOU have something which you would like to see in this
       Future History, please send a note to the FidoNews Editor.

    -----------------------------------------------------------------

     FIDONEWS 15-01               Page 37                   5 Jan 1998


    =================================================================
                        FIDONET SOFTWARE LISTING
    =================================================================

    [from 1449. Ed.]
    Latest Greatest Software Versions
    by Peter E. Popovich, 1:363/264

    New entry: Tornado, a BBS from Konstantin Klyagin. Welcome to the
    list... ;-)

    -=- Snip -=-

    Submission form for the Latest Greatest Software Versions column

    OS Platform                             :
    Software package name                   :
    Version                                 :
    Function(s) - BBS, Mailer, Tosser, etc. :
    Freeware / Shareware / Commercial?      :
    Author / Support staff contact name     :
    Author / Support staff contact node     :
    Magic name (at the above-listed node)   :

    Please include a sentence describing what the package does.

    Please send updates and suggestions to: Peter Popovich, 1:363/264

    -=- Snip -=-

    MS-DOS:
    Program Name   Version  F C Contact Name      Node        Magic Name
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    Act-Up         4.6      G D Chris Gunn        1:15/55     ACT-UP
    ALLFIX         5.00     T S Harald Harms      2:281/415   ALLFIX
    Announcer      1.12     O S Peter Karlsson    2:206/221   ANNOUNCE
    BGFAX          1.60     O S B.J. Guillot      1:106/400   BGFAX
    Binkley Docs   2.60     M F Bob Juge          1:1/102     BDOC_260.ZIP
    BinkleyTerm    2.60     M F Bob Juge          1:1/102     BDOS_260.ZIP
    BinkleyTerm-XE XR5      M F Thomas Waldmann   2:2474/400  BTXE_DOS
    CFRoute        0.92     O G C. Fernandez Sanz 2:341/70    CFR
    CheckPnt       1.0a     O G Michiel vd Vlist  2:500/9     CHECKPNT
    FastEcho       1.46.1   T S Tobias Burchhardt 2:2448/400  FASTECHO
    FastEcho/16    1.46.1   T S Tobias Burchhardt 2:2448/400  FEX
    FastLst        1.36     N S Alberto Pasquale  2:332/504   FASTLSTD
    FidoBBS (tm)   12u      B S Ray Brown         1:1/117     FILES
    FrontDoor      2.12     M S JoHo              2:201/330   FD
    FrontDoor      2.20c    M C JoHo              2:201/330   FDINFO
    GEcho          1.00     T S Bob Seaborn       1:140/12    GECHO
    GEcho/Plus     1.11     T C Bob Seaborn       1:140/12    GECHO
    GEcho/Pro      1.20     T C Bob Seaborn       1:140/12    GECHO
    GIGO           07-14-96 G S Jason Fesler      1:1/141     INFO
    GoldED         2.50     O S Len Morgan        1:203/730   GED
    GoldED/386     2.50     O S Len Morgan        1:203/730   GEX
    GoldED Docs    2.50     O S Len Morgan        1:203/730   GEM
    GoldNODE       2.50     O S Len Morgan        1:203/730   GEN
     FIDONEWS 15-01               Page 38                   5 Jan 1998


    Imail          1.75     T S Michael McCabe    1:1/121     IMAIL
    ImCrypt        1.04     O G Michiel vd Vlist  2:500/9     IMCRYPT
    InfoMail/86    1.21     O F Damian Walker     2:2502/666  INFOMAIL
    InfoMail/386   1.21     O F Damian Walker     2:2502/666  INFO386
    InterEcho      1.19     T C Peter Stewart     1:369/35    IEDEMO
    InterMail      2.29k    M C Peter Stewart     1:369/35    IMDEMO
    InterPCB       1.52     O S Peter Stewart     1:369/35    INTERPCB
    IPNet          1.11     O S Michele Stewart   1:369/21    IPNET
    JD's CBV       1.4      O S John Dailey       1:363/277   CBV
    Jelly-Bean     1.01     T S Rowan Crowe       3:635/727   JELLY
    Jelly-Bean/386 1.01     T S Rowan Crowe       3:635/727   JELLY386
    JMail-Hudson   2.81     T S Jason Steck       1:285/424   JMAIL-H
    JMail-Goldbase 2.81     T S Jason Steck       1:285/424   JMAIL-G
    MakePl         1.9      N G Michiel vd Vlist  2:500/9     MAKEPL
    Marena         1.1 beta O G Michiel vd Vlist  2:500/9     MARENA
    Maximus        3.01     B P Tech              1:249/106   MAX
    Max User Ed.   0.18     O F Larry Cooke       1:300/53    MUE
    McMail         1.0      M S Michael McCabe    1:1/148     MCMAIL
    MDNDP          1.18     N S Bill Doyle        1:388/7     MDNDP
    Msged          4.10     O G Andrew Clarke     3:635/728   MSGED41D.ZIP
    Msged/386      4.10     O G Andrew Clarke     3:635/728   MSGED41X.ZIP
    NEF            2.38     O S Alberto Pasquale  2:332/504   NEFD
    NorthStar      3.31.29  B S A&B Darin         1:285/82    NSTAR
    Opus CBCS      1.79     B P Christopher Baker 1:374/14    OPUS
    O/T-Track      2.66     O S Peter Hampf       2:241/1090  OT
    PcMerge        2.8      N G Michiel vd Vlist  2:500/9     PCMERGE
    PlatinumXpress 1.3      M C Gary Petersen     1:290/111   PX13TD.ZIP
    QuickBBS       2.81     B S Ben Schollnick    1:2613/477  QUICKBBS
    RAR            2.01     C S Ron Dwight        2:220/22    RAR
    RemoteAccess   2.50     B S Mark Lewis        1:3634/12   RA
    Searchlight    4.5      B S Paul Casey        1:343/117   DEMO450.ZIP
    Searchlight    5.02     B C Paul Casey        1:343/117   SLBBS50.TXT
    Silver Xpress
      Door         5.4      O S Gary Petersen     1:290/111   FILES
      Reader       4.4      O S Gary Petersen     1:290/111   SXR44.ZIP
    Spitfire       3.51     B S Mike Weaver       1:3670/3    SPITFIRE
    Squish         1.11     T P Tech              1:249/106   SQUISH
    StealTag UK    1.c...   O F Fred Schenk       2:284/412   STEAL_UK
    StealTag NL    1.c...   O F Fred Schenk       2:284/412   STEAL_NL
    T-Mail         2.600    M S Ron Dwight        2:220/22    TMAIL
    Telegard       3.02     B F Tim Strike        1:259/423   TELEGARD
    Terminate      5.00     O S Bo Bendtsen       2:254/261   TERMINATE
    Tobruk         0.33     T G Paul Edwards      3:711/934   TOBRUK
    Tornado        1.50g    B F Konst Klyagin     2:461/22    TORNADO
    TosScan        1.01     T C JoHo              2:201/330   TSINFO
    TransNet       1.00     G S Marc S. Ressl     4:904/72    TN100ALL.ZIP
    TriBBS         11.0     B S Gary Price        1:3607/26   TRIBBS
    TriDog         11.0     T F Gary Price        1:3607/26   TRIDOG
    TriToss        11.0     T S Gary Price        1:3607/26   TRITOSS
    WaterGate      0.93     G S Robert Szarka     1:320/42    WTRGATE
    WWIV           4.24a    B S Craig Dooley      1:376/126   WWIV
    WWIVTOSS       1.36     T S Craig Dooley      1:376/126   WWIVTOSS
    xMail          2.00     T S Thorsten Franke   2:2448/53   XMAIL
    XRobot         3.01     O S JoHo              2:201/330   XRDOS

    OS/2:
     FIDONEWS 15-01               Page 39                   5 Jan 1998


    Program Name   Version  F C Contact Name      Node        Magic Name
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    ALLFIX/2       5.00     T S Harald Harms      2:281/415   AFIXOS2
    BGFAX          1.60     O S B.J. Guillot      1:106/400   BGFAX
    Binkley Docs   2.60     M F Bob Juge          1:1/102     BDOC_260.ZIP
    BinkleyTerm    2.60     M F Bob Juge          1:1/102     BOS2_260.ZIP
    BinkleyTerm-XE XR5      M F Thomas Waldmann   2:2474/400  BTXE_OS2
    CFRoute        0.92     O G C. Fernandez Sanz 2:341/70    CFR
    FastEcho       1.46.1   T S Tobias Burchhardt 2:2448/400  FE2
    FastLst        1.36     N S Alberto Pasquale  2:332/504   FASTLST
    FleetStreet    1.21     O S Michael Hohner    2:2490/2520 FLEET
    FP-OS/2        97-03-21 O F Mike Bilow        323/107     FPOS2
    GEcho/Pro      1.20     T C Bob Seaborn       1:140/12    GECHO
    GIGO           07-14-96 G S Jason Fesler      1:1/141     INFO
    GoldED         2.50     O S Len Morgan        1:203/730   GEO
    GoldED Docs    2.50     O S Len Morgan        1:203/730   GEM
    GoldNODE       2.50     O S Len Morgan        1:203/730   GEN
    ImCrypt        1.04     O G Michiel vd Vlist  2:500/9     IMCRYPT
    Maximus        3.01     B P Tech              1:249/106   MAXP
    Max User Ed.   0.18     O F Larry Cooke       1:300/53    MUEP
    Msged/2        4.10     O G Andrew Clarke     3:635/728   MSGED41O.ZIP
    NEF            2.38     O S Alberto Pasquale  2:332/504   NEF
    PcMerge        2.3      N G Michiel vd Vlist  2:500/9     PCMERGE
    RAR            2.01     C S Ron Dwight        2:220/22    RAR2
    Squish         1.11     T P Tech              1:249/106   SQUISHP
    T-Mail         2.600    M S Ron Dwight        2:220/22    TMAIL2
    Tobruk         0.33     T G Paul Edwards      3:711/934   TOBRUK
    Tornado        1.50g    B F Konst Klyagin     2:461/22    TORNADO2
    WaterGate      0.93     G S Robert Szarka     1:320/42    WTRGATE
    XRobot         3.01     O S JoHo              2:201/330   XROS2

    Windows (16-bit apps):
    Program Name   Version  F C Contact Name      Node        Magic Name
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    BeeMail        1.0      M C Andrius Cepaitis  2:470/1     BEEMAIL
    FrontDoor APX  1.12     P S Mats Wallin       2:201/329   FDAPXW

    Windows (32-bit apps):
    Program Name   Version  F C Contact Name      Node        Magic Name
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    Argus 95/IP    2.704    M S Max Masyutin      2:469/77    A9I
    Argus NT/IP    2.704    M S Max Masyutin      2:469/77    ANI
    BeeMail        1.0      M C Andrius Cepaitis  2:470/1     BEEMAIL
    Binkley Docs   2.60     M F Bob Juge          1:1/102     BDOC_260.ZIP
    BinkleyTerm    2.60     M F Bob Juge          1:1/102     BW32_260.ZIP
    BinkleyTerm-XE XR5      M F Thomas Waldmann   2:2474/400  BTXE_W32
    CFRoute        0.92     O G C. Fernandez Sanz 2:341/70    CFR
    FastLst        1.36     N S Alberto Pasquale  2:332/504   FASTLSTW
    GoldED         2.50     O S Len Morgan        1:203/730   GEO
    GoldED Docs    2.50     O S Len Morgan        1:203/730   GEM
    Maximus        3.01     B P Tech              1:249/106   MAXN
    Msged/NT       4.10     O G Andrew Clarke     3:635/728   MSGED41W.ZIP
    NEF            2.38     O S Alberto Pasquale  2:332/504   NEFW
    PlatinumXpress 2.00     M C Gary Petersen     1:290/111   PXW-INFO
    Searchlight    5.02     B C Paul Casey        1:343/117   SLBBS50.TXT
    T-Mail         2.600    M S Ron Dwight        2:220/22    TMAILNT
     FIDONEWS 15-01               Page 40                   5 Jan 1998


    WinFOSSIL/95   1.12 r4  F S Bryan Woodruff    1:343/294   WNFOSSIL.ZIP
    WinFOSSIL/NT   1.0 beta F S Bryan Woodruff    1:343/294   NTFOSSIL.ZIP

    Unix:
    Program Name   Version  F C Contact Name      Node        Magic Name
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    ifmail         2.12     M G Eugene Crosser    2:293/2219  IFMAIL
    ifmail-tx      ...tx8.6 M G Pablo Saratxaga   2:293/2219  IFMAILTX
    ifmail-tx.rpm  ...tx8.6 M G Pablo Saratxaga   2:293/2219  IFMAILTX.RPM
    Msged          4.00     O G Paul Edwards      3:711/934   MSGED
    Tobruk         0.33     T G Paul Edwards      3:711/934   TOBRUK

    Amiga:
    Program Name   Version  F C Contact Name      Node        Magic Name
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    CrashMail      1.31     T X Rene Laederach    2:301/133   CRASHMAIL
    CrashTick      1.2      O F Rene Laederach    2:301/133   CRASHTICK
    DLG Pro BBOS   1.15     B C Holly Sullivan    1:202/720   DLGDEMO
    GMS            1.1.85   M S Mirko Viviani     2:331/213   GMS
    Msged          4.00     O G Paul Edwards      3:711/934   MSGED
    Tobruk         0.33     T G Paul Edwards      3:711/934   TOBRUK
    TrapDoor       1.86.b2  M S Maximilian Hantsch
                                                  2:310/6     TRAPDOOR
    TrapToss       1.50     T S Rene Hexel        2:310/6     TRAPTOSS

    Atari:
    Program Name   Version  F C Contact Name      Node        Magic Name
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    ApplyList      1.00     N F Daniel Roesen     2:2432/1101 APLST100.LZH
    BinkleyTerm/ST 3.18pl2  M F Bill Scull        1:363/112   BINKLEY
    BTNC           2.00     N G Daniel Roesen     2:2432/1101 BTNC
    JetMail        0.99beta T S Joerg Spilker     2:2432/1101 JETMAIL
    Semper         0.80beta M S Jan Kriesten      2:2490/1624 SMP-BETA

    Function: B-BBS, P-Point, M-Mailer, N-Nodelist, G-Gateway, T-Tosser,
              C-Compression, F-Fossil, O-Other. Note: Multifunction will
              be listed by the first match.

    Cost: P-Free for personal use, F-Freeware, S-Shareware, C-Commercial,
          X-Crippleware, D-Demoware, G-Free w/ Source

    Please send updates and suggestions to: Peter Popovich, 1:363/264

    -----------------------------------------------------------------

     FIDONEWS 15-01               Page 41                   5 Jan 1998


    =================================================================
                           FIDONEWS PUBLIC-KEY
    =================================================================


    [this must be copied out to a file starting at column 1 or
     it won't process under PGP as a valid public-key]


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    Version: 2.6.2
    Comment: Clear-signing is Electronic Digital Authenticity!

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    File-request FNEWSKEY from 1:1/23 [1:18/14] or download it from the
    Rights On! BBS at 1-904-409-7040 anytime except 0100-0130 ET and Zone
    1 ZMH at 1200-9600+ HST/V32B. The FidoNews key is also available on
    the FidoNews homepage listed in the Masthead information.

    -----------------------------------------------------------------
     FIDONEWS 15-01               Page 42                   5 Jan 1998


    =================================================================
                           FIDONET BY INTERNET
    =================================================================

    This is a list of all FidoNet-related sites reported to the Editor as
    of this appearance.

    ============

    FidoNet:

      Homepage     http://www.fidonet.org
      FidoNews     http://ddi.digital.net/~cbaker84/fidonews.html
      HTML FNews   http://www.fidonews.org
      WWW sources  http://www.scms.rgu.ac.uk/students/cs_yr94/lk/fido.html
      FTSC page    http://www.portal.ca/~awalker/ftsc.htm
      Echomail     http://www.portal.ca/~awalker/index.html
      WebRing      http://ddi.digital.net/~cbaker84/fnetring.html

    ============

    Zone 1:       http://www.z1.fidonet.org

      Region 10:  http://www.psnw.com/~net205/region10.html

      Region 11:  http://oeonline.com/~garyg/region11/

      Region 13:  http://www.smalltalkband.com/st01000.htm

      Region 14:  [disappeared?]

      Region 15:  [disappeared?]

      Region 16:  http://www.tiac.net/users/satins/region16.htm

      Region 17:  http://www.portal.ca/~awalker/region17.htm
          REC17:  http://www.westsound.com/ptmudge/

      Region 18:  http://www.citicom.com/fido.html

      Region 19:  http://www.compconn.net

    ============

    Zone 2:       http://www.z2.fidonet.org

    ZEC2:         http://www.proteus.demon.co.uk/zec.htm
    Zone 2 Elist: http://www.fbone.ch/z2_elist/

      Region 20:  http://www.fidonet.pp.se (in Swedish)

      Region 24:  http://www.swb.de/personal/flop/gatebau.html (in German)

      Region 25:
                  http://www.trak-one.co.uk/net254

     FIDONEWS 15-01               Page 43                   5 Jan 1998


      Region 27:  http://telematique.org/ft/r27.htm

      Region 29:  http://www.rtfm.be/fidonet/  (in French)

      Region 30:  http://www.fidonet.ch  (in Swiss)

      Region 33:  http://www.fidoitalia.net (in Italian)

      Region 34:  http://www.pobox.com/cnb/r34.htm  (in Spanish)
          REC34:  http://pobox.com/~chr

      Region 36:  http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/7207/

      Region 38:  http://public.st.carnet.hr/~blagi/bbs/adriam.html

      Region 41:  http://www.fidonet.gr (in Greek and English)

      Region 48:  http://www.fidonet.org.pl

    ============

    Zone 3:       http://www.z3.fidonet.org

    ============

    Zone 4:       (not yet listed)

      Region 90:
        Net 904:  http://members.tripod.com/~net904 (in Spanish)

    ============

    Zone 5:       http://w3.eastcape.co.za/fidonet/index.htm

    ============

    Zone 6:       http://www.z6.fidonet.org

      Region 65:  http://www.cfido.com/fidonet/cfidochina.html (China)

    ============

    -----------------------------------------------------------------

     FIDONEWS 15-01               Page 44                   5 Jan 1998


    =================================================================
                          FIDONEWS INFORMATION
    =================================================================

    ------- FIDONEWS MASTHEAD AND CONTACT INFORMATION -------

    Editor: Christopher Baker

    Editors Emeritii: Tom Jennings, Thom Henderson, Dale Lovell,
                      Vince Perriello, Tim Pozar, Sylvia Maxwell,
                      Donald Tees

    "FidoNews Editor"
        FidoNet  1:1/23
        BBS  1-904-409-7040,  300/1200/2400/14400/V.32bis/HST(ds)

     more addresses:
        Christopher Baker -- 1:18/14, [email protected]
                                      [email protected]
                                      [email protected]
                                      [email protected]

    (Postal Service mailing address)
        FidoNews Editor
        P.O. Box 471
        Edgewater, FL 32132-0471
        U.S.A.


    voice:  1-904-409-3040 [1400-2100 ET only, please]
                           [1800-0100 UTC/GMT]

    ------------------------------------------------------

    FidoNews is published weekly by and for the members of the FIDONET
    INTERNATIONAL AMATEUR ELECTRONIC MAIL system.  It is a compilation
    of individual articles contributed by their authors or their
    authorized agents.  The contribution of articles to this compilation
    does not diminish the rights of the authors.  OPINIONS EXPRESSED in
    these articles ARE THOSE OF THE AUTHORS and not necessarily those of
    FidoNews.

    Authors retain copyright on individual works; otherwise FidoNews is
    Copyright 1998 Christopher Baker.  All rights reserved.  Duplication
    and/or distribution permitted for noncommercial purposes only.  For
    use in other circumstances, please contact the original authors, or
    the Editor.

                           =*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=

    OBTAINING COPIES: The most recent issue of FidoNews in electronic
    form may be obtained from the FidoNews Editor via manual download or
    file-request, or from various sites in the FidoNet and Internet.
    PRINTED COPIES may be obtained by sending SASE to the above postal
    address.  File-request FIDONEWS for the current Issue.  File-request
    FNEWS for the current month in one archive.  Or file-request specific
     FIDONEWS 15-01               Page 45                   5 Jan 1998


    back Issue filenames in distribution format [FNEWSFnn.ZIP] for a
    particular Issue.  Monthly Volumes are available as FNWSmmmy.ZIP
    where mmm = three letter month [JAN - DEC] and y = last digit of the
    current year [8], i.e., FNWSJAN8.ZIP for all the Issues from Jan 98.

    Annual volumes are available as FNEWSn.ZIP where n = the Volume number
    1 - 15 for 1984 - 1998, respectively. Annual Volume archives range in
    size from 48K to 1.4M.


    INTERNET USERS: FidoNews is available via:

                         http://www.fidonews.org
                         http://www.fidonet.org/fidonews.htm
                         ftp://ftp.fidonet.org/pub/fidonet/fidonews/
                         ftp://ftp.aminet.org/pub/aminet/comm/fido/
                         ftp://ftp.irvbbs.com/fidonews/

                                     *=*=*

    You may obtain an email subscription to FidoNews by sending email to:

                         [email protected]

    with a Subject line of: subscribe fnews-edist

    and no message in the message body. To remove your name from the email
    distribution use a Subject line of: unsubscribe fnews-edist with no
    message to the same address above.

                                       *

    You may retrieve current and previous Issues of FidoNews via FTPMail
    by sending email to:

                         [email protected]

    with a Subject line of: help

    and FTPMail will immediately send a reply containing details and
    instructions. When you actually make a file request, FTPMail will
    respond in three stages. You find a link for this process on
    www.fidonews.org.

                                     *=*=*

    You can read the current FidoNews Issue in HTML format at:

                         http://www.fidonews.org

    STAR SOURCE for ALL Past Issues via FTP and file-request -
    Available for FReq from 1:396/1 or by anonymous FTP from:

                         ftp://ftp.sstar.com/fidonet/fnews/

    Each yearly archive also contains a listing of the Table-of-Contents
     FIDONEWS 15-01               Page 46                   5 Jan 1998


    for that year's issues.  The total set is currently about 13 Megs.

                                =*=*=*=

    The current week's FidoNews and the FidoNews public-key are now also
    available almost immediately after publication on the Editor's new
    homepage on the World Wide Web at:

                 http://ddi.digital.net/~cbaker84/fidonews.html

    There are also links there to jim barchuk's HTML FidoNews source and
    to John Souvestre's FTP site for the archives. There is also an email
    link for sending in an article as message text. Drop on over.

                           =*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=

    A PGP generated public-key is available for the FidoNews Editor from
    1:1/23 [1:18/14] by file-request for FNEWSKEY or by download from
    Rights On! BBS at 1-904-409-7040 as FIDONEWS.ASC in File Area 18.  It
    is also posted twice a month into the PKEY_DROP Echo available on the
    Zone 1 Echomail Backbone.

                               *=*=*=*=*

    SUBMISSIONS: You are encouraged to submit articles for publication in
    FidoNews. Article submission requirements are contained in the file
    ARTSPEC.DOC, available from the FidoNews Editor, or file-requestable
    from 1:1/23 [1:18/14] as file "ARTSPEC.DOC".  ALL Zone Coordinators
    also have copies of ARTSPEC.DOC. Please read it.

    "Fido", "FidoNet" and the dog-with-diskette are U.S. registered
    trademarks of Tom Jennings, P.O. Box 410923, San Francisco, CA 94141,
    and are used with permission.

            "Disagreement is actually necessary,
             or we'd all have to get in fights
             or something to amuse ourselves
             and create the requisite chaos."
                               -Tom Jennings

     -30-

    -----------------------------------------------------------------



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