
Wednesday 07-Jun-95 18:18:46

--1950--

JS> When will CNet 3.5 be released ?? Or is it still and no one told me :)

You'll probably be hearing a lot of wild rumors.  But here are the actual
quotes from Ken himself...

KEN> A "3.50" version is planned for the second quarter of this year.
(That's somewhere between Apr95-Jun95.)

KEN> A "4.00" version is planned for the fourth quarter of this year.
(That's somewhere between Oct95-Dec95.)

I'll leave it up to you to decide whether those are optimistic estimates or
not.

If anyone has heard *KEN* give any further estimates, please post them.
Thanks.

--1951--

GS> According to the Sysinfo, there are 1308351491 responses online, this by
GS> the way is not true 8)

What does the "AM" cmd show?

GS> I tried reorganizing the subboards plus resetting the period and graph but
GS> it still says the same number. Any ideas?

Try running "pfiles:maintenance/count".  I run mine as an automatic event
every couple of weeks.  Keeps things working fine.

--1952--

EF> It seems that Future World is down again.

FW is back online as of today.

EF> I have been calling for two
EF> days and can not get through. It just rings. How long has it been down
EF> this time, and why?

Here are the days (part of the day, or the entire day) that Future
World was offline...

>                         1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3
>       1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1
> Dec94                                                               Dec94
> Jan95                                                               Jan95
> Feb95   X                                                           Feb95
> Mar95       X                                                   X X Mar95
> Apr95                 X                                             Apr95
> May95                                 X X X X X                     May95
> Jun95             X   X                     X           X X X X     Jun95
> Jul95                 X X X X X X                                   Jul95
> Aug95                                                               Aug95
> Sep95                                                               Sep95
>       1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3
>                         0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1

You can view the above chart at anytime by any of 3 methods:
   1) File-req "CONNECTS" from 1:2410/207.
   2) Dial 1-810-473-2020 and type "FW" at any prompt.
   3) Dial 1-810-473-2020 and type "!FW" at the log-in prompt.

--1953--

> Ok All, here is the scoop on Subboards 3 file  as well as the Users file.
> When a new subboard is created it is given a logical sequence number.  It is
> also allocated a specific block size to hold it's data. This SEQ# is the
> number that QWK and RR use to differentiate between two identical subboard
> names and possibly data.  Suboards3 doesn't care if there is 1 item or 32000
> in the directory..  it's allocated enough space so that it never has to move
> outside of that block for the current SEQ#.
>
> When a subboard is deleted it's SEQ# space is saved <because to remove it
> would throw off the count on all subs down the line>.  the next subboard you
> add will reuse that NUMBER.  Thats why deleting subs does not reduce the size
> of your subboards 3 file.  If you were to write a program to remove the
> deleted items you would also have to go through and renumber each additional
> subboard from that point on.  AND THEN PRAY that nobody is going to upload QWK
> packet replies after you have made the changes. Since their replies would then
> go to either the wrong area or worse yet, an area # that is no longer used
> (really screwing up the database)
>
> So if you want a smaller subboards3 file.  rename the one you have and them
> start from scratch and add only the subbs you want in the list.. a bitch of an
> undertaking if you run a BBS of any size.

1a) Write a prg that renumbers *ALL* bases.
    (Throws everything off.)

2a) CNet RR renumbers *ALL* bases.
    (Throws everything off.)

3a) I already deleted base #47 long, long ago.
 b) No outstanding QWK packets are going to come into #47.
 c) (Or my system doesn't use/support QWK at all.)
 d) Therefore my next newly created sub can fall into slot #47.

I can understand why #1 and #2 would be dangerous.  But why can't CNet do #3?
The MOST damage it could do would be to throw off that 1 sub.
And if you take 3b or 3c into account, not even that is a big problem.

I feel that would certainly be better than a file that forever grows larger
(even the more you delete things) for the life of your BBS.  No?

--1954--

S> I think it would be really helpful to people (like myself) who are looking
S> at getting connected, to hear from other Cnet sysops about what works, and
S> what doesn't, for them.

As well as hearing exact step-by-step procedures.

BT> I run a 128kb ISDN PPP connection to my provider.

Dave (or anyone), if you get time would it be possible for you to throw
together a "How-To" file?  Very detailed step-by-step procedures on rates,
providers, hardware needed, costs, who to call, etc.  Basically a "here's what
I did" file.  Maybe even add a mention of a few of the different choices we
have in dial-in connections, SLIP/PPP/ISDN/etc.

BT> Cnet isn't the best platform for the internet thought.  The Fifo handler
BT> that talks to dos pfiles (what the internet clients talk to CNet thru)

If I can get Ken to release the C source code for the CNET fifo-handler would
anyone be interested in trying to fix it up?  (Or make a special Internet
Client version.)

I already have the full C source to the original fifo-handler.  File-requ
"FIFO" from 1:2410/207 to get:
> FIFO374.lha                51834 ----rwed 07-Oct-91
> Handler (and full C source) to access Dillon's FIFO pipe v37.4 07Dec91

BT> locks up ports on a regular basis, which is why I use Linux for the
BT> majority of my Internet stuff.

As well as what we need to buy/run Linux.
(And I thought this was going to be easy.)

--1955--

RE> find some source code for pfiles written in C for c-net 3.xx . Current
RE> project is a new who command that allows users to add color to their
RE> banners, and possibly multiple bannersheld in the users data file to be
RE> randomly selected as the who command is issued

Have you seen a pfile called (oddly enough) "Banners"?

Each user can have up to 25 different WHO-banner strings.
Each time they log-in, a different one is picked at random.
Or they can issue a "RandomBanner" cmd online at any time.
If you give your users MCI-Level-1 access, they can also have colored
WHO-banners.

File-requ "BANNERS.LHA" from the address shown below, to get the very
latest release (Banners.rexx v0.3 Thu 20-Oct-94 17:30:02) directly from
the author (me).

--1956--

ML> I am currently running Cnet2.63 and the question is... Upgrade..Y/N?

ML> [1] Is the Upgrade really worth it?

In my opinion, yes.  Keep in mind that v2.63 is from April *1993*.
Quite an old prg.  Quite a bit was changed.  Even more will be changed
in CNet v3.5 and v4.0.  So you might want to wait for those.  But how
long will you have to wait?  I wish I knew.

You might want to email Ken and ask "if I register v3.05c NOW, will I
get a discount when I update to v3.5 and v4.0?"

ML> [2] What do I have to look forward to?
ML> [3] What am I missing out on?

You could always take a look at Ken's ReadMe file.  Literally 100s of
changes are listed.  File-requ "README1" from 1:2410/207 or call 810-
473-2020.

ML> [4] Will I have to "Re-Do" everything?

Everything?  No.  Data converting prgs are included to convert SOME of
the items.  But you will have to manual redo others.

You could always run the free 3.05c demo.  It's identical to the non-
demo except (without a v3.05c license file) you'll only be able to use
it for 1-2 weeks.

--1957--

1 AD> Can you write a program that scans all areas,
2 AD> gets the descriptions and makes a FILES.BBS file in each area,
3 AD> and adds FILE_ID.DIZ to files which do not have them??

Here's a quick/easy way to step #2:

List >files.bbs #? LFORMAT "%-17n %c" FILES

--1958--

JW> I would like to get connected with fidonet. I have a couple of questions
JW> though. First is there a number I can call locally. Im located in Mountain
JW> Home, Idaho. Local calls are to Glens Ferry and Mountain home only. If
JW> there is a bbs running fidonet in either area could someone send me the
JW> number? If not in one of those areas, than one of the neighboring states,
JW> Number 208-832-7165 (14.4 bps)

If you (or anyone) ever needs to find a Fidonet BBS near you
(regardless of where in the world you are located), this works 24hrs/
day, 7days/week.  (And is continually updated with the latest info.)

1) Dial 810-473-2020.

2) Type "!NLS" at the log-in prompt.  (No need to have an account, nor
   create a new one, nor even log into the system at all. "!NLS" will run
   a high-speed Node-List-Searcher prg.  Don't forget the
   leading "!" character.)

3) When prompted, enter the first few digits of your phone number.
   (1-208-8" should do, in your case.  The more digits you enter, the
   closer to home your sites will be.  If you enter fewer digits, the
   calls will be longer distances from you.)

Here's are a few to get you started...
Bonners_Ferry_ID,Ed_Katz,1-208-267-8974,9600,CM,V32,V42
Liberty_Northwest,Bonners_Ferry_ID,Frank_Reichert,1-208-267-9 851,9600,V42
Boise_Id,Kim_Gross,1-208-887-5437,9600,V34,H16,V32b,V42b
Cybercity,Boise_Id,Sam_Evans,1-208-368-0502,9600,V32T,V32b,V42b
Hafenlichter,Middleton_Id,Francis_Meetze,1-208-585-3788,9600,V32b,V42b
The_ChatterBox_BBS!,Twin_Falls_Id,Arthur_Call,1-208-734-2998,9600,V32b
Merlin's_Den,Salmon_Id,Shirley_Darragh,1-208-756-8174,9600,VFC,V32b
North_by_Northwest,Boise_Id,Jeff_Douglas,1-208-345-0076,9600,V32b
The_Bodhi_Tree,Boise_Id,Kim_Day,1-208-327-9916,9600,V32b,V42b
Kerrel's_Hammer,Salmon_Id,Kerry_Walters,1-208-756-3485,9600,V32b
Temporality_]I[,Boise_Id,Jason_Kane,1-208-336-5503,9600,V32b,V42b
Lee's_Lounge,Mountain_Home_AFB_Id,Lee_Nease,1-208-832-7036,9600,V32b
First_Extension,Idaho_Falls_Id,Michael_Mathews,1-208-523-3685,9600,V32b
Back_Country_BBS,Grangeville_Id,Jeff_Adkison,1-208-983-0799,9600,V32b
'C'_clearly_now!,Boise_Id,Scott_Gartner,1-208-322-2866,9600,V32b,V42b
Mountain_Echo's_BBS,Boise_Id,Mel_Lee,1-208-345-1446,9600,H16,V32b,V42b
Dimension_23,Boise_ID,Rick_Castle,1-208-331-3672,9600,CM,XA,H16,V34,V32b
The_HOT_TUB(-:,Bob_Huth,Boise_Id,1-208-331-3703,9600,V32b,V42b,MO,XA
The_Cat's_Lair,Meridian_Id,Kim_Gross,1-208-887-4752,9600,H16,V34,V32b,V42

--1959--

Whenever I edit any acct with "EA ###" and look under the
"CREDITS/BALANCES" choice, I see:
> Last call date : 03-Aug-95 04:21
> Calls today    : 1

If today is 15-Aug-95, how can a user with a last-call-date of
03-Aug-95 have "1 call today"?

--1960--

When you 1st enter a subboard, v3.05c shows you:
> Used: 50% of 900M     Free: 450M

Is CNet using 1,000 and 1,000,000 for its KILO and MEG calculations?

Using 1,024 and 1,048,576 should produce more accurate results:
> Used: 50% of 858M     Free: 429M

(Just so nobody wonders where 42,000,000 bytes "disappeared" to.)

--1961--

BB> Any additional tips on #1 only?

BT> Bill, in the world of the internet, and especially with the attitude most
BT> folks have about the internet and BBS's on a whole, I think that rtfm
BT> would be a proper way to start.  When I started with amitcp2 over 1 1/2
BT> years ago, I didn't have someone to hold my hand.

I feel it is FAR better for each person to help others as they learn.
The info can be gathered and snowballed into a larger and larger
collection.  Instead of "everybody must re-learn it all themselves 1-
by-1.  No one helped me.  I'm not helping anyone."  Our opinions
different as to the best methods.  (And that's OK.)

BT> If you would listen to
BT> what other folks are trying to tell you the AMIGA CURRENTLY CANNOT PROVIDE
BT> THE SERVICES NEEDED TO BE A ISP.  If you dont know what ISP means, your'
BT> really lost.

ISP= Internet Service Provider.

By YOUR definition, does that include #A or #B:
A) Allowing my CNet callers to access the Internet through my BBS.
B) Provide direct Internet connections for OTHER BBSs that also wish to
   connect to the Internet through me.

BT> Period, bottom line, end of discussion.

I'd like to continue to discuss #A anyway.  (If you'd rather not,
that's OK.)  But I think the original poster (and nearly all others)
are seeking info on #A.  (But you are addressing #B instead.)  Or does
A==B?

BT> You can not sell PPP's via a Amiga,

Not interested in doing so.  Isn't that (yet another) #B feature?

BT> and with the shitty Fifo interface to the 2 year old plus clients
BT> on the Amiga, if you have a real internet provider in yoru area they will
BT> laugh at you for even trying.

I don't mind if they laugh.  I just need to do #A.  (And quite a few
CNet SysOps are already doing so.)  Must be a lot of laughing going on.

--1962--

BB> I want to use *CNET* and my *AMIGA* to offer Internet access to my
BB> callers.

#1
C> If you are interested, i will help you out on whatever you need.

#2...
C> But if it is about providing Slip/PPP for your users online,
C> it can not be done.

I don't think the original poster (nor myself) have ever asked for #2.
(A few other users seem to have accidently gotten off the track and
steered things towards #2 instead.)

Regarding #1, let's just start out with the basics...

Where do we start?  Who do we call?  What are my choices in software?
What do I need?  What are the monthly price ranges I can expect to pay?
What additional hardware will I need.  Can I just start out offering
the basic services (FTP/TELNET/IRC/NEWSGROUPS) and grow from there?
(Or what WOULD be a logical order to proceed in?)

C> ...i will help you out on whatever you need.

Wouldn't it be better for you (or someone) to throw together a single
file about "Connecting your Amiga and CNet to the Internet", instead of
having everyone privately email you specific questions, and you private
responding 1-by-1?  (Or perhaps you could do both.  Throw together a
startup file.  *AND* toss all future private questions (and your
answers) in also.  Make the whole ball of wax public.)  The info
collection grows as you go along.  (That's what I've done with my "KEN"
text file.  It now contains nearly 2 *THOUSAND* tips, hints,
suggestions, ideas, improvements, questions, answers, etc.  And almost
nothing about #1.)

I'd love to see a "Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) file" about CNet.
As well as a second FAQ about "CNet+Amiga+Internet==BBS", put together
in the true FAQ format often used on the Internet.  (I'm sure you've
seen your share of various FAQs.)

Thanks!

--1963--

KD> Im not sure what his problem is with support now-a-days... But, if he
KD> wanted
KD> to do something that would SHOCK everyone... He could announce plans on
KD> making a BBS for the PC computer world...

Ken's already stated there will be a CNET for the IBM.
(I have no idea on WHEN, though.)

KD> As for the lack of support for the Amiga, I can't quite figure that out
KD> either... Unless its just that it costs an arm and a leg just to keep the
KD> system up and running, and he doesn't want to do that...

Which is cheaper for Ken (or anyone)?
1) Keeping a 6-line BBS up and running.
2) Keeping a 6-line BBS up and running and using it for support.
Should be about the same price.  Since #1 is already being done, how
can "costs an arm and a leg" be a reason for not doing #2?

Once all the hardware and software has been purchased, about the only
cost is the phone and electric bills.  (And both #1 and #2 systems have
to pay that.)

I'm only guessing, but I think Ken is just plain BUSY.
Busy coding the new CNet release, busy with life, job, school, friends, wife.
Same as everybody.

Just with CNet alone... Ken's trying to be a *1* man design-team,
programmer, debugger, author, marketer, salesman, order-filler,
support-team, SysOp, everything.  I sure wouldn't attempt that without
a crew of at least 6.  Would you?

--1964--

Ken, just wanted to let you know, a few of us are interested in
creating a main CNet web-page on the net.  (Or do you have the time/
resources to do so?)  Here's something I posted into the CNet Fidonet
echo recently...

===cut here===

BB> Does anyone know of a CNet Web Home Page on the Internet?
BB> (Or would anyone care to start one?)
BB> XenoLink-BBS has a nice one at:
BB> http://www.xs4all.nl/~xecho/xenolink/index.html

CH> I could start one ... do you have any ideas on what to put on it or have
CH> any HTML samples?

I don't know how soon (if ever) I could throw one together.  Is anyone
willing to give me some free web-page space on the net?

You'll have to double check that all of these actually exist...

For starters, links to various aminet sites pointing into the comm/cnet dir.
http://www.netnet.net/pub/aminet/comm/cnet
http://wuarchive.wustl.edu/pub/aminet/comm/cnet
various other aminet sites.

Links to FTP, Telnet, Web-pages at various CNet's on the internet....
tbag.tscs.com
amiglynx.wisdom.bubble.org
aquarium.Buffalo.NY.US
proton.com
tedgebbs.com
pln.com
hotcity.com
shadowso.com
129.137.188.37
bbs.tnp.com
38.146.83.209 vrb.com
cnet1023.cts.com
bstorm.bga.com
198.3.118.75
biolink.com
colossus.com
laserbase.com
198.206.133.4
oau.org
oo.com
hot-head.com
net.xnet.com
198.147.221.4
mother.com
netcom.com purgatory.com
energytele.com
(Again, double check which of those are valid/invalid sites.)

Pointers to display a few large text-files of CNet BBS lists.
(Who has the biggest SysData:BBSlist/bbslist.txt file these days?)

Pointers to several large lists of available CNet pfiles.
(I have a list of my 120.  Complete with the latest version #s taken
directly from the prgs themselves, nightly.)

Pointers to the giant 2000 tips/hints/tricks/ideas/suggestions/help-
text in my KEN.LHA file.

Pointers to the IRC CNet-chat on channel "#AmigaCNet" every Sunday
8-9pm EST.

A "mailto:" link to Ken's email address on the net.  (What was that
again?)

Info on how/where to order CNet, get updates, install updates,
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about CNet.  A few sample alternate
BBSTEXT and BBSMENU files.  (I have a giant BBSMENU with over 800 cmds
in it.)

Perhaps Ken himself would be willing to email you a "what's going on
with CNet" file every week or so.  (Tell him it is a quick/easy way to
reach MILLIONS of people on the net with just *1* weekly emailing.)

If several different people each decide to create CNet web-pages, have
pointers linking all the them together.

Pointers to the current CNet mailing-list.  (Would it be possible/
feasible to create a CNet newsgroup?)

Pointers to generic sites that all SysOps (not just CNet) might find handy....
supra.com, zyxel.com, usr.com, motorola.com, Prac. Perf., Hayes, etc

Links to some good generic info about modems...
http://www.columbia.edu/~mig/motorola-power.html
http://web.aimnet.com/~jnavas/modem/faq.html
http://www.columbia.edu/~mig/modems.html

How's that for starters?

===cut here===

--1965--

Does anybody know how I could show my callers my ATI modem configuration in
real-time?  (While the user remains online.)

The MCI code "\W3" waits 3 seconds for guard-time.
Shouldn't something like this simple text file do it:

> \W3+++\W3
> ATI10 \W4
> ATO \W4

It doesn't work.  Is there a better way?
Thanks.

--1966--

JV> >>> Not enough memory to enter the editor. <<<
JV> AAAAaarrrgggg... NO line editor, NO fullscreen editor.
JV> Even after close port, reopen.. still: Not enough memory...blabla

This is just a guess.  Don't know if it'll help, but it's worth a try...

Use "EA" to check your "Limits/ratios/flags" for "Editor lines".
Is it set to some horribly large number?
Try a lower value like "50 lines".

--1967--

H> Can anyone post some info on how to use the VISED in a Cnet C program?
H> I am just starting out on C and am doing ok learning the language and
H> using
H> the empty.c file & the callbacks, but I'm somewhat in the dark as to
H> how to create a VISED file and how to bring it up in a program.

TB> You use all of the normal editor callbacks;  Whether or not the Visual
TB> editor in particular gets called up depends on the user's preferences
TB> whose running your program;  There's no way I know of to force the visual
TB> editor it's self to come up.

There IS a way.  Have your prg:
1) Keep track of the user's current editor choice and ANSI setting.
2) Change it to "full screen editor" and ANSI ON.
3) When done, change it back to #1.

The question isn't really... "CAN it be done", but rather... "Would you
*WANT* to force a certain editor to be used even though the user wants
to use another choice?"  Let the user decide instead.

If you are writing something that just "has to" use the full screen
editor, just have your prg say...  "Sorry, you must be using the full-
screen editor to use this feature."  (And it would be a good idea to
also tell the caller HOW he sets his editor choice.)

--1968--

TK> FACT:  Most CNet SYSOPs don't WANT to switch to anything else...but
TK> we're being forced to.

I've only seen an extremely small number of the CNet SysOps switch to
other software.  Have you seen 100s?

TK> FACT:  Dealers can't sell CNet because it's old, and lacks features
TK> present in "competitive" packages.

Dealers "can't" sell it because of that?  I haven't checked, how many
"can't" (and have stopped) selling it because of those reasons?

TK>   FACT:  Dealers can't honestly refer someone to CNet without saying
TK> "well, he hasn't released any updates or bug fixed in almost two
TK> years...but it's a really good program..." Yah, that forsters customer
TK> confidence, doesn't it?

Sounds like an extremely fair, honest dealership.  (But I bet most
dealers wouldn't mention anything like the above.)  Have you had a few
(many?) mention those things?

TK>   FACT:  With Future World still running on the exact same version as
TK> we're ALL running on, what proof do we have that he's even WORKING towards
TK> another release?  What proof do we have that he's even written a single
TK> line of code since his infamous HD crash?

What "proof" do we ever have?  Ken says he's working on it.  You don't
think he is.  I'm afraid I have to believe Ken.  What would he gain by
"not writing a single line of code", but claiming he has?  He can't
sell something that he hasn't even started on.

TK> Ken'd probably be looking a little closer to the realities of BUSINESS
TK> and start telling people SOMETHING that's based in FACT, or we'll all be
TK> forced to buy something else eventually...like it or not.

No one will ever be "forced" to buy something else "like it or not".
The choice always has been (and always will be) yours to make.
I'll only buy software that I like.  I still rather like CNet.

--1969--

MS> hmmmm.... I just wish instead of all these e-mails i hear about he would
MS> just post a news bulletin saying "I'm alive here, life has been rough and
MS> C-Net development has been slow but I am still working at it."

Sure would be nice.  (And simple to do.)

MS> Damn, I think I just did it for him, maybe I should get the job as PR for
MS> him.

Maybe that's what is needed.  Volunteers to help spread current and
correct info about CNet.  Ken could (and should) do it himself.  But
doesn't.  So maybe we all can help.  Let Ken concentrate on writing
code.

If you have a bit of info about the current status of CNet v3.50 or
v4.00 please post it here.  *NO* rumors, or guesses, or wishes.  Just
things that you've seen Ken himself write.

--1970--

AP> Just wondering what the Exact name for the nad name/Number files is, the
AP> Format for the information, and where it should be in the System.

SysText:BadNames and SysText:BadNumbers

AP> I have
AP> Looked in the Book, and Still have not found what I need.  Any Help?

What page are you looking at?  p.263 tells all about it.  If you have
*ADDITIONAL* questions that aren't covered there, I'll be more than
happy to try and answer them.  (But the manual looks like it covers it
all.)

Also...
You do know that *any* bad-name feature of *any* BBS is pretty useless.
If you lock-out "John Doe" he can just call back under the name "Jane Smith".
Pointless "security".

You're much better off allowing anybody/everybody to call your system.
Just don't give access to the callers you don't want to have access.
If someone just gets only 1 minute per day, no file access, no email
access, no msg base access, no feedbacks, no news/pfile/gfile access...
Sooner or later he'll see that it is pretty pointless to keep calling
your system everyday.

--1971--

TK> FACT:  Most CNet SYSOPs don't WANT to switch to anything
TK> else...but we're being forced to.

BB> I've only seen an extremely small number of the CNet SysOps switch to
BB> other software.  Have you seen 100s?

TK> Does the numerican information matter, really?

Of course it does.  There will always be small numbers of people
switching BBS software.  As far as I know CNet is *STILL* the most used
Amiga BBS software in the world.  (I'll send you the actual numbers.)
Quite a statement for software that "*MOST* CNet SYSOPs don't want to
switch to anything else...but we're being *FORCED* to."

I've only seen about 5 people switch to other software.  And most of
those have not only switched BBS software but have switched to IBM
systems.  So it doesn't sound like they were happy with the lack of
updates, with CNet v3.05c itself, or with *ANY* Amiga BBS software, or
even with the Amiga itself.  Spending $2000-$5000 on a completely new
IBM system means they must have *REALLY* wanted to switch.  So they
did.  As they should have.  Perhaps you should too.

TK> If there's noone buying
TK> into it for the simple fact that there's not been an update for two years,
TK> is that everyone else's fault, or Ken's?

I can't imagine why it would be "everyone else's" fault.  (Has someone
stated that?)  Only Ken controls the writing of CNet.

I'll admit a CNet update is long, long overdue, but you better have
another look at that calendar.  CNet v3.05c was released on 10-Feb-94,
*NOT* 03-Sep-93.

I hope you don't think I (or anyone) is stating "No, no, we don't want
an update."  (I haven't seen anyone state that.)  I'm sure most people
(including Ken himself) are aware an update is long overdue and badly
needed.

Like all software, we really only have two choices:
1) Wait for the update.  (Mentioning to the author that 1 is needed.)
2) Switch to other software.

I really wish there was a 3rd option:
3) Force Ken to release an update this week.
That's not possible.

TK> PS:  If we lose the biggest and best CNet's (which for the most part, we
TK> already have) to cloneware, who are you to say that numbers matter?

Numbers == sales.  Approximately how many of these "biggest and best
CNet's" have switched to other software?  I really need to know if we
are talking about 5 systems, 50, or 500.

TK> FACT:  Dealers can't sell CNet because it's old, and lacks
TK> features present in "competitive" packages.

BB> Dealers "can't" sell it because of that?  I haven't checked, how many
BB> "can't" (and have stopped) selling it because of those reasons?

TK> The only dealers I go to are HONEST, and they won't reccommend something
TK> without a damned good view of it.

You've very, very lucky to find honest dealers that have the time to:
1) Review software *FOR* you.
2) Tell *YOU* what you'll like or dislike and want to buy or skip.
   (I like to make those decisions myself.)
3) Refuse to stock certain titles.
   (Even in an Amiga market that currently isn't doing too well and doesn't
    have too many new/great titles being released anyway.)
4) Keep track of every version # (and every release date) for every title.
   (Or do they just do that for CNet alone?)

Personally, I purchased CNet directly from the author himself, so no
dealer was even involved at all.

TK> important of all is to RELEASE IT IN THE FIRST PLACE!  "HD Crash" for an
TK> "alleged" professional programmer is NOT an excuse to basically say "F#&%
TK> YOU" to all those people, who PAID for the software.

I highly doubt that's what Ken's saying or thinking.  HD crashes are
*VERY* unfortunate, but what's done is done.  You comments won't
"uncrash" Ken's HD.  I sure hope Ken is making backups these days.  If
he isn't, and his HD crashes again, there's absolutely nothing you or I
can do about it.  Why worry about things that aren't within your
control at all?

TK> PS:  Several people have run the online order door MONTHS AGO, and have
TK> already been charged on their credit cards.  At least one of which has
TK> filed against Ken for his dishonest billing practices.

Can I have that user's name?  I'd like to contact him.  Thanks.

BB> Sounds like an extremely fair, honest dealership.  (But I bet most
BB> dealers
BB> wouldn't mention anything like the above.)  Have you had a few (many?)
BB> mention those things?

TK> Don't be a dick, Bill.

I don't think childish name-calling is need here.

TK> If they didn't mention things like that, they'd
TK> be selling clones.

I wish I could make such wild generalizations...
Amiga dealers == fair and honest.
IBM dealers == unfair and dishonest.
I think there's a lot more to it than your oversimplification.
Dealers decide to carry (or drop), or be fair/unfair, or be honest/dishonest
for a wide variety of reasons.  (Most likely due to the $$$.)

TK> single person whose only words to date are "Sure, I'm working on it..."
TK> but never even providing any potential beta release date...except for July
TK> 7th, and we ALL know what a joyous rollout party came with that
TK> release..."  Suuuuuuure...PROVE IT.  I've been saying that for more than a
TK> year already.  PROVE IT.

How far off *DO* you think CNet v3.50 or v4.00 is?  1-2 years?  If so,
I strongly suggest that you switch BBS software I-M-M-E-D-I-A-T-E-L-Y.
You'll be much, much happier running something else.  I'm surprised
you've hung onto it as long as you have.  You clear are NOT NOT NOT
happy.

TK> PS:  Anyone who says "I'll release another version when people stop
TK> asking me for a new version" is more then enough reason to me to bellieve
TK> that he's a complete and utter idiot...

You wouldn't mind if I forwarded your name-calling to Ken, would you?
He really should know how you feel.  Personally, I don't think name-
calling helps the situation at all.  Maybe it's worth a try.  (I sure
won't be joining in.)

You're better off just typing "MS Ken Pletzer@1:2410/215" and simply
stating "Hey, Ken, we really need that update."  I bet letters from
hundreds of SysOps would really make a statement.

--1972--

BB> You do know that *any* bad-name feature of *any* BBS is pretty
BB> useless.

D> *any*? Even to eliminate the use of bad words?? I think that's a excellent
D> useage of the badnames feature. Certainly not useless.

Does it "eliminate" the use of bad-word handles?  Or are you constantly
finding users still using new and innovated words, and you have to
constantly delete accounts and add the new words into your badnames
file?  (I wish I had the time.)  Making certain that *none* of them
will ever restrict any user's real names.  Remember, "Dick Assman" from
the Letterman show might be calling. :-)

How long is your badnames file?  There are 1000s of off-color words
that you have to check for.  (I've seen a list of 100s of slang words
just that pertain to the human female breast alone.)

I do it the easy way...  If you don't follow some simple, basic rules,
you remain at level 2 with 0 minutes, 0 file credits, 0 byte credits, 0
everything forever.  Not too many people waste their time logging in
with obscene handles.

Use whichever method works for you.

--1973--

BB> What page are you looking at?  p.263 tells all about it.  If you have
BB> *ADDITIONAL* questions that aren't covered there, I'll be more than
BB> happy
BB> to try and answer them.  (But the manual looks like it covers it all.)

AP> Thanks a Million, I looked, and Looked, and Didn't spot that listing, and
AP> as far as I could see, there was no mention in the Index, but with those
AP> locations, and the Page number, I can get that User's Number Blocked out.

You need the CNet EXTENDED index file.  Contains more than 650
additional entries.  (If you find additional ones still missing, please
post TOPICS and PAGE NUMBERS.)

File-requ "INDEX" from 1:2410/207.  Print it out and slip it into the
back of your manual.

No charge.

--1974--

JG> Until we SEE something Ken's word is about as good as mine talking about
JG> something I am working on and no one has seen or tried..  zip zero nada..

But I *HAVE* seen many years of Ken's excellent past work.

No offense, but I put more stock in the word of the author himself,
than I do in someone just trying to guess what's going on.  Especially
when the author is the author of the most popular Amiga BBS software
ever written.  (Your views different.  That's OK.)

JG> believe.. the defence of the author by a beta tester OR the author himself
JG> gives us faith again... This is my opinion.. and Bill if this is going to
JG> get violent lets take it to NET mail now then..

Sorry, I can't possibly answer all the private email I get each week on
a regular basis.  Please keep *ALL* discussions regarding CNet in a
public forum like the echos.  Thanks.

JG> I know how you don't like to be dissagreed with about Ken..

I welcome any/all comments, regardless of whether or not they agree
with mine.  (I think you have me mixed up with someone else that
"doesn't like to be dissagreed with about Ken".)

--1975--

BB> I've only seen an extremely small number of the CNet SysOps switch
BB> to other software.  Have you seen 100s?

K> Does the numerical information matter, really?

BB> BBS software.  As far as I know CNet is *STILL* the most used Amiga
BB> BBS software in the world.  (I'll send you the actual numbers.)

TK> Post the numbers for everyone, don't waste time sending them to me...

I was hoping *YOU'D* post some numbers that would show a massive # of
SysOps dropping CNet and switching to other BBS software.  (I don't
think that is the case.)

Looking at the largest single list of Amiga BBSs.... (If you have a
larger list, please let me know.)

Searched 1290 BBSs systems running between 10 and 9999 copies...
    AB: Abbs           =  10
    AE: AmiExpress     =  17
    BX: BBX            =  18
    CI: Citadel        =  16
    CN: C-Net          = 403
    DL: Dialog Pro     = 220
    E!: Excelsior!     =  94
    FC: Fastcall       =  13
    MA: Max's BBS      =  43
    SK: Skyline II     =  12
    ST: Starnet/MEBBS  =  52
    TR: TransAmiga     =  27
    XE: Xenolink       = 110
I'm sure there are 100s of additional BBSs not listed here.
(CNet is used nearly TWICE as much as the next leading competitor.  DLG.)

TK> things are going BACKWARD there...Ohh, but now you're gonna say "Well, if
TK> you had 32 Megs of RAM in the Pentium, it'd be a LOT faster than an '030
TK> Amiga, still..." but then you consider that the '386 chip was supposed to
TK> be the "equivalent" to the '030, and people still compare the '030
TK> machiens to Pentiums?!  Where's the logic in that?!  How do you upgrade
TK> from a 286 or 386 to a Pentium without swapping the motherboard?
TK> If they wanna get into that mess, then let them go.

Those are just some of the things you must face and accept if you drop
the Amiga.  (But I thought you were *NOT* happy with CNet v3.05c and
its lack of updates.  Why are you now making CNet sound a lot better
than switching to something else???)

BB>  As they should have.  Perhaps you should too.

TK> With people like you around, it sure as hell would be a change to deal
TK> with IBMers who at least acknowledge that they're not doing anything but
TK> catering to the fool-masses for their own gain.

I wouldn't switch computers just because of "people like Bill".
Go IBM if you wish.
Go Amiga if you wish.
Go CNet if you wish.
Go non-CNet if you wish.
*YOU* decide.  Don't let Bill (or anyone) force you to switch.

TK> If there's noone buying
TK> into it for the simple fact that there's not been an update for two
TK> years, is that everyone else's fault, or Ken's?

BB> I can't imagine why it would be "everyone else's" fault.  (Has someone
BB> stated that?)  Only Ken controls the writing of CNet.

TK> Yes, is HAS been stated, and you know damned well that it was.  Unles
TK> you conceniently blocked that out of your mind because you were too busy
TK> butt-kissing Ken for whatever purposes you had in mind that afternoon...

Childish name-calling isn't really needed here.

TK>   There was a LONG discussion about a release a long time back, and you
TK> KNOW that Jim said if anyone said anything about a new release, that Ken
TK> wasn't going to release anything for another 6 months.  Did Ken release
TK> it?  No.  Did Jim say so beforehand?  Yes.  Whose fault was it that he
TK> lost the code?  Ken's.  Who took the blame?  The PAYING CUSTOMERS.

Huh?  How does that mean that the *BLAME* of lost code (or no updates)
falls on the customers?  I *REALLY* must have missed that "long
discussion".  (Glad I did.)  I think you are misunderstanding the words
"BLAME" and "FAULT" in the context you are using them.

BB> I'll admit a CNet update is long, long overdue, but you better have
BB> another look at that calendar.  CNet v3.05c was released on 10-Feb-94,
BB> *NOT* 03-Sep-93.

TK>   Quit wasting time.  If it's 1.5 or 1.51 or 1.99 years or any other
TK> damned figure it matters no more when you've paid in advance for it, which

I feel the correct facts *DO* matter.  You do not.  That's OK.

TK> we knew in advance that we'd be paying for 4.0.  I don't give a rat's ass
TK> for his problems being dumped in our laps.  If he had made a simple HD
TK> backup, none of this would have ever happened, now would it?

How can anything change the past?  What's done is done.  Let's look at the future.

BB> Numbers == sales.  Approximately how many of these "biggest and best
BB> CNet's" have switched to other software?  I really need to know if we
BB> are talking about 5 systems, 50, or 500.

TK> What does it matter?  If he's lost them, they're no longer CNet boards,
TK> so what the hell is the point of quoting numbers that don't even have any
TK> bearing on the Amiga market at all?

But I feel the numbers *DO* matter.  5, 50, 500.  Quite a difference.

BB> You've very, very lucky to find honest dealers that have the time to:
BB> 1) Review software *FOR* you.
BB> 2) Tell *YOU* what you'll like or dislike and want to buy or skip.
BB>    (I like to make those decisions myself.)
BB> 3) Refuse to stock certain titles.
BB>    (Even in an Amiga market that currently isn't doing too well and
BB>     doesn't have too many new/great titles being released anyway.)
BB> 4) Keep track of every version # (and every release date) for every
BB>    title.  (Or do they just do that for CNet alone?)

TK> Boy, you're really a genius some days, aren't you?  Why don't you grow
TK> up and start realizing that not everyone is a money-grubbing scumbag who
TK> doesn't give a damn about their customers.

So the dealers you shop at *DO* regularly do #1-#4.  I'd love to shop there.
Can you give me a list of those dealers?

TK> PS:  Like advertising Amigas in Amiga mags, selling CNet ONLY through
TK> his own BBS isn't targetting many new markets, is it?   What does this
TK> mean?

As far as I can see CNet is *STILL* being advertised in magazines.
And still being sold directly by the author.
(Yes, it's v3.05c.  You can't buy v4.00 yet.  But then you can't buy
*ANY* software before it actually exists.)

TK> I'm sure that you'd be quite depressed if you heard that MicroSoft had a
TK> hard drive crash and they lost all of THEIR source code, so THEY woupdn't
TK> be making anything new for a few years while they rewrote everything from
TK> scratch...

Wouldn't bother me in the least.  I don't use IBM or MicroSoft software
products.  I certainly would't call MicroSoft and throw childish,
obscene remarks at them.  As you are doing with Ken.  To each their
own, I guess.

TK> maybe you'd just better learn that the sun does _NOT_ actually,
TK> shine out Ken's ass.

I hope not.  Better use a sunscreen just in case though.

BB> I sure hope Ken is making backups these days.  If he isn't, and his HD
BB> crashes again, there's absolutely nothing you or I can do about it.
BB> Why worry about things that aren't within your control at all?

TK> Duuuh.  If you're that dense as to have to ask a stupid question like
TK> that, you're obviously not smart enough to process the answer.

Answer it any way.  I'll try and understand it.
You mean we *SHOULD* be worry about things that aren't within our control?
No thanks.

TK> PS:  Several people have run the online order door MONTHS AGO, and
TK> have
TK> already been charged on their credit cards.  At least one of which
TK> has filed against Ken for his dishonest billing practices.

BB> Can I have that user's name?  I'd like to contact him.  Thanks.

TK> It's not my money, so I don't care.

I didn't think you'd respond.  That's OK.

TK> If you REALLY want that
TK> information, post about it on Future World the next time you're there, and
TK> you're sure to get either a response, or not.  Guaranteed.

What possible reason could Ken have to take money and NOT give a user
v3.05c?  (Your claim, not mine.)  v3.05c is already available.  If Ken
already has the user's money (whether he gives him the software or
not), why WOULDN'T Ken give him the software?  Huh?  Is that what you
are claiming?  Ken's DELIBERATELY taking money and not giving users
v3.05c???  (But when I ask *WHO* has experienced this, you'd rather not
say.  I wonder why???)

BB> Sounds like an extremely fair, honest dealership.  (But I bet most
BB> dealers
BB> wouldn't mention anything like the above.)  Have you had a few
BB> (many?) mention those things?

TK> Don't be a dick, Bill.

BB> I don't think childish name-calling is need here.

TK> That's because you're being a dick, as usual.

Yikes, more childish name-calling.

TK> in his eyes.  This is the ONLY reason that I've ever seen you poke at
TK> ANYONE's responses over the years, and I don't believe a word that you say
TK> because of it.

That's OK.  It's quite smart to be selective and believe (and not
believe) everything you read in the echos.  I do it all the time.  I
like to check and verify facts myself.  Your's are wrong.  Please don't
be offended.

TK>   NOONE makes such "wild generalizations" as good as you, it seems.  I
TK> never said that "Amiga dealers were better than IBM dealers" as that's a
TK> simple fact.  IBM dealers don't sell Amigas, so therefore they ARE better.

120,000,000 people disagee with you.  They buy/use IBMs.
Doesn't make the dealers/users/buyers "better" or "worse".
Just different.  They like what they like.  I like what I like.
As it should be.

The big question is...
Are *YOU* running the computer you like?
Are *YOU* running the BBS software you like?

TK>   What I SAID was that I only DEAL WITH HONEST, REPUTABLE stores who KNOW
TK> what they're talking about.  And you speak of "wild generalizations" and
TK> talk down to me?

No one is "talking down to you".  You just have a few of your facts wrong.
It happens.

TK> Basically what it amounts to:  "Could be a month.  Could be a year.
TK> Could never be completed."  It's anyone's guess until it's AVAILABLE FOR
TK> SALE, or until KEN ANNOUNCES A CONCRETE RELEASE DATE.  PERIOD.

Software authors can't always release "A CONCRETE RELEASE DATE".
Some users are stating the latest word from Ken is "Christmas 1995".
You are free to believe, not believe, verify, not verify.
I don't mind.

TK> As for me not being happy, you'd have to have an IQ lower than Jaques
TK> Parizeau not to see that!

More insults and personal attacks?   I wonder why those are needed?

TK> little quicker than usual.  I don't do that, as I know what I paid for,
TK> and it's almost two years late already.

You think that you should have received an update IMMEDIATELY after
v3.05c was released?  I think you better re-read the CNet policy on
updates.  They don't fit into any fixed timetable.  1 months, 12
months, or 12 years.  They can appear as often (or as rare) as the
author wants.

TK> The ONLY time I EVER get any responses from Ken is when there's some
TK> idea that I'd like to see coded in, and he agrees.  I've NEVER gotten back
TK> a release date quote since his HD failure, nor have I gotten a listing of
TK> things "yet to be started" or "completed" either.

With comments like this, I'm surprised Ken responds to you at all...

TK> PS:  Anyone who says "I'll release another version when people stop
TK> asking me for a new version" is more then enough reason to me to bellieve
TK> that he's a complete and utter idiot...

--1976--

Date: 15-Sep-1995

Important notice....

===========================================================
The new phone number for the CNet HQ BBS is 1-313-982-0639.
===========================================================

-Bill Beogelein

--1977--

MA> Does anyone know why my Voting Booth won't alert people to new topics when
MA> they log on?

It's NOT automatically part of CNet.
What does your sysText:sys.welcome file look like?
It (or any of your log-in files) have to specifically call the
"{#2 Pfiles:bbs/Vote}" pfile.

--1978--

SG> GREAT! Because he wants it taken off the backbone it means Australian
SG> CNet
SG> sysops won't get it. FAN-BLOODY-TASTIC!! I'm getting real sick of
SG> this.

DA> Dont worry about it, as soon as it's off the bone, we'll rename cnet_bbs
DA> to cnet.

Why is that necessary?
1) Everybody that received CNET and CNET_BBS gains nothing.
2) Everybody that received CNET and not CNET_BBS will gain.
   (Even thought *THEY* are the ones that lost the CNET echo.)
3) Everybody that received CNET_BBS and not CNET will lose.

Can't group #2 just start receiving CNET_BBS since CNET was dropped?
No echo name changes needed at all.

CNET_BBS is a better definition of the echo anyway.
"CNET" is also the name of an IBM hardware item.
"CNET" is also the name of a TV show and its internet online service.

--1979--

MS> I'm having a BIG problem with the Mail Verify command. If I use it for any
MS> account but mine, it says "Mail box is empty.", even if it isn't!!!
MS> What's the problem???

Is there "mail in the box" or is there "mail in the box addressed from you"?
SysOps can view both types of mail.
Normal callers can only view the latter.

--1980--

GM> Not sure, is he is smart, he has ring-down.  Most good multi-line
GM> boards have this.  Its cheap, and you just need to advertise one number.
GM> You call it, if its busy, it will go to the next line.

Trunk-hunting here at my location is a $0 charge from the phone co.

*NOT* having trunk hunting has its benefits:
You can set-up individual HST, non-HST, v34, vfclass lines.
(If you don't have single modems that can't "do it all".)

You can have separate "paying members" and "non-paying member" lines.

You can have a separate "Fidonet/Usenet/Network" line apart from the
normal caller's line.

(None of those things can be done if all your lines trunk-hunt.)

Even *WITH* trunt hunting installed:
Knowing each of the individual phone #s has its benefit:
If one port hangs, you can directly dialing into another.
(Move "around" the bad modem.)

And one more point... I still see some SysOps that set-up trunk-hunting
like:
33600 -> 28000 -> 14400 -> 9600 -> 2400 lines.
That's exactly the opposite of what needs to be done.
You never want your high-speed callers switched *DOWN* to a slower line.
You want them to always hit the *HIGHEST* modems they can.

--1981--

GC> Is anyone using the CNet 3.05c iuunews program?  I cannot get it to
GC> properly show the text items of my CNet UUCP message base.  Importing thru
GC> iuunews gives me only headers.  Do you know of another way to get the
GC> entire text of a USENET Newsgroup post into Cnet's message base?

Are you deleting the numbered 1,2,3 msg files?
Don't.

I'm *NOT* running iuunews, but if I remember correctly...
1) Import the msg text directly into the msg data files.  (Like Fidonet.)
2) Import only the headers.  The actual msg text stays in the individual
   msg files.

I wish CNet both choices.  But we only have #2.  (I'd love to see #1
also available in a future release of CNet.  I'd use it.)

--1982--

> Maybe, but CNet has been my BBS program ever sence I owned my  64,
> and that was way before any of those other names showed up!

TK> If Ken used the name first, and had it properly copyrighted, he's got
TK> grounds to sue on both counts, as they are both computer-related...I don't
TK> know how far he'd get since he's not writing anything anymore...
                                ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

That is a false statement.  Ken is currently continuing to work on CNet v4.0.
Please help spread facts, not fiction.
Thanks.

--1983--

xxx

Subj: Bar-graph of 1 BBS's connect-rates

I've written a prg that displays a bar-graph of connection-rates
we get at The Amiga ShareWare HeadQuarters BBS.  Do these numbers
look unusually high/low/good/bad?

>                  'ConnGraph' by Bill Beogelein
>
> Distribution of the last 105 calls (16k8-28k8 only) to 1-810-473-2020...
>
>        14%  25%  31%  14%   9%   4%
>    33           ****
>    30           ****
>    28           ****
>    26      **** ****
>    24      **** ****
>    22      **** ****
>    19      **** ****
>    17      **** ****
>    15      **** ****
>    13 **** **** **** ****
>    11 **** **** **** ****
>     8 **** **** **** **** ****
>     6 **** **** **** **** ****
>     4 **** **** **** **** **** ****
>     2 **** **** **** **** **** ****
> BPS-> 16k8 19k2 21k6 24k0 26k4 28k8

Some things to keep in mind...
Only the *INITIAL* connect-rate is displayed.
(NOT any of the increases/decreases that occur during the call.)

Only 16k8-28k8 bps callers are shown.
(NOT any of the 2400-14k4k calls, even if they are v34.)

The BBS uses an external SupraFaxModem 288 with v1.300-07-V34_DS ROM.
The callers use a wide variety of modem brands, over a wide variety of
phone lines, calling in from all over North America.  (So there's no
telling if the large number of 21k6 connects are the fault of the
modems, phone lines, ROM, wrong configs, etc.)  But the graph "should"
give you an rough idea of the most common connect-rates that are
occurring.  (For whatever reason.)

If you'd like to see the latest display (updated after every caller)
dial 1-810-473-2020 and *WITHOUT* logging-in type "!CGH" at the "LOGIN"
prompt.  (The "!" character is needed.  You can also type "!CG" to see
a graph of all 2400-28k8 callers.)  You don't need an account, you
don't need to log-in, you don't need to be a member of the BBS.  (The
BBS is located in Detroit, MI, USA.)

--1984--

RR> Is there a Fixed limit on the number of user accounts in CNet BBS?  I can
RR> not seem to change the number from 200, either Up, or Down.  Am I missing
RR> something?

Try this...
1) Shut down all ports.
2) Shut down the CNet control panel.
3) Just run CNet:config alone.
4) Edit and save your changes.

--1985--

JG> the BBS package called DLG Professional has passed from ATIS to
JG> myself.
JG> ATIS is going out of business completely, but DLG has been salvaged
JG> from its downfall.

SL> I knew this! One thing that would be a real great idea would be for you
SL> and
SL> the new E! guys to put heads together and come up with a cross-package
SL> implementation of E!s LINK utility, which allows sysops to link BBSs
SL> together over multiline systems.

I'm sure many E! users would love to see DLG use E!'s linking methods.
I'm sure many CNET users would love to see DLG use CNET's methods.
I'm sure many E! users would love to see CNet use E!'s methods.
I'm sure many <pick one> users would love to see <pick one>'s methods.

It would be great if everyone could agree on a linking standard.
But I bet it never happens.  (You sure are welcome to try.)

How about this idea instead...
No standard is needed.
Anytime any BBS dials another and uses the special log-in name "LINK",
a link is formed.  After that, every cmd that is issued is executed and
the results sent back to the system that called.  Public chat-links,
private chat-links, msg-base links, file-links, email-links, whatever.
Any/all BBSs could join in.  Any/all links are possible.

--1986--

To: Ken Melvin

E> Ok I'm having troubles getting sysolm to work on my system, I have gone
E> throught and configed the file with the sysop configs.

I need to see a copy of that.

E> But if I put it in BBS menu or BBStext
E> it returns this message Program not found 1/5 failed something to that
E> effect...

I need to see the lines you've used to place it in BBSmenu or BBStext.
If you used "myDev:myPath/MyDir/SysOLM.rexx" in BBSmenu or BBStext can
you also successfully type "DIR myDev:myPath/MyDir/SysOLM.rexx" at a
DOS prompt and see the file is present?

E> Also if someone is playing H/s or anything else that muffles
E> olm's it locks up until that person is done.. If they are on port 2 then
E> port 3,4,5 won't get the olm till they're done on port 2 playing or
E> muffleing.

v2.0 fixes that problem.  But I haven't had time to complete it, test
it, and place it online.  (I hope you are running at least v1.9 though.)

E>I have gonfig'd the olm temp in the program... Please help
E>these L.d calls are getting expensive!
E>If possible can you send a reply to my questions through internet mail?

I don't have your Internet mail address.  But I really wish to discuss
*ALL* pfiles related to CNet in one of *PUBLIC* CNET Fidonet echos.

35 other users might be having the same problem with SysOlm that you
are having.  I really rather address them once, instead of 35
individual times via 35 (or more) private mailings.  I hope you
understand.  It's 35x easier for me.  And cheaper (free?) for you too.

I have more than 100 CNet pfiles released thus far.  You can imagine
the massive volume of email that would (and does) produce.  Unless it
is some top secret matter, *PUBLIC* discussion is always best.  (Who
knows, maybe a few other users have had the exact same problem you have
and can offer help too.)

--1987--

So if my prg only has access to CNet's MainPort structure, how
do I find out the bps rate of the user on a certain line?

(I'll be running this prg from the DOS prompt.)

Which:
BB> bps= (myMainPort->PortZ[line]->user1.BaudRate) *10;
BB> bps= (myMainPort->PortZ[line]->user2.BaudRate) *10;

What is the difference between the user1 and user2 structures?
Which should I be using here?

BB> bps= (myMainPort->PortZ[line]->user1.BaudRate) *10;
BB> bps= (myMainPort->PortZ[line]->user2.BaudRate) *10;
BB> What is the difference between the user1 and user2 structures?
BB> Which should I be using here?

I> I think user1 is the current users information (ie:  yours!)
I> and user2 is the scratch user information.  Kinda makes sense, no?

That's what I assumed UNTIL I saw Ken's header file...

KEN> struct   UserData user1,   /* 68 */
KEN>                   user2;   /* 740 actual user structs */

user2 is the "actual user structs".  (What does "actual" really mean?)
user1 is ... ???  (No explanation at all.)

I guess I could check a certain user1 and user2 value.
Alter the scratch.
Check user1 and user2 again.
See what changed.

Has anybody already experimented in that fashion?  If so, please post.

--1988--

BB> How about this idea instead...
BB> Anytime any BBS dials another and uses the special log-in name
BB> "LINK",

JG> You mean kinda like when a UUCP session is initiated, a special login name
JG> for the bbs is used, and that login name starts the uucp exchange
JG> program...

Yes.  I always wondered why Fidonet didn't do something equally simple
(and brilliant) for its connection methods.  "Hand shaking" becomes as
simple as looking for a certain text string entered at the log-in
prompt.  (Something all BBSs already do.)

JG> so when a link login name is used, a "link" program that anyone
JG> can use would be launched?  The only problem that I see is that the link
JG> programs would have to be specific on the bbs end of things, but could
JG> have a common command set so everyone can use it.

"Common commands" would be great.  (But I highly doubt you'll get a
handful of different BBS authors (as well as 100s of SysOps) to go
along with a standard.)  Devise a standard and see how many accept and
impliment it.

You'd be much better off having YOUR bbs software be configuratable.
Your users can type "FEE" "FII" "FOO" "FUM" and they will correctly be
translated into whatever cmds the remote BBS expects for those
functions.  (You'd just need a separate config-list for each different
type of BBS you call.)  E, CNet, DLG, Xeno, no problem.  Amiga, IBM,
Mac BBSs, no problem.

Perhaps we could get a few people to work on implementing a standard
for all BBSs.  But others could work on the "configuratable" method
instead.  We'll see which one works best, is most flexible, and catches
on.

--1989--

SB> On one of the boards that I'm co-sysop on we're experiencing quite
SB> a few Lost Carriers.  We are running CNet 3.05.  It happens just about all
SB> over the board, E-Mail, posts and uploading.  Once it dropped carrier on
SB> me as I was logging on.  It has happened to just about all our users.
SB> Where should we start looking?

Prgs like "LogCount.LHA" help you keep an eye on things like that:

>'LogCount' by Bill Beogelein
> Counts
>--------
>       2 TERM LINK
>      21 DUMPED BY SYSOP
>      28 IDLE TIME EXCEEDED
>      30 RE-LOGON
>      91 TIME LIMIT EXCEEDED
>     234 FILE XFER AUTO-LOGOFF
>     112 LOST CARRIER
>    1351 NORMAL LOGOFF
>    2139 INSTANT LOGOFF
>========
>    4008 total, as of Wed, 11-Oct-95

You don't mention what brand of modem (or ROM update) you are using.
(Sure helps.)  But have you read things like...

SupraUSR.lha                4638 ----rwed 01-Oct-95 21:24:00
: Info on how to fix the USR Sportster that drops carriers.

--1990--

KB> me what the cause might be.  Here is what happens and a list of my
KB> configuration.  If more info is needed I will be more than happy to
KB> provide it.

What is your stack set at?  I'm not sure what LHA needs, but I always
set mine unusually high (70k).  (Even if it isn't needed.)

CNet and CNetToss and all the CNet executables can be run on any stack sizes.
(They all adjust stack-sizes automatically themselves, as needed.)
Doesn't matter if your stack is set to even just "1 BYTE".

KB> usually my fido feed and it's usually a small packet 2-6K although I have
KB> had it crash on 2 larger packets 70-105K.  What happens, is I have in my
KB> after session a script that simply runs toss.  The packet unarchs just

Placing "SET ECHO ON" at the top of a DOS script shows each line as it
is executed.  (Put "SET ECHO OFF" at the end of the script.)

KB> 40.14.  CNET is 3.05c, My toss doesn't return a version number it just
KB> says CNet and its size is 37048.

You need to type "Version CNet:Fido/Toss FULL FILE".  If you aren't seeing
a version #, or have anything older than "CNetToss v3.05a" you need to update.

KB>         Here is my status and avail command.

"Status FULL" also shows stack sizes.

You'll find MANY more CNet SysOps in any one of the CNet echos than you
will here in SYSOP.

--1991--

JF> First,  It only gives the Text commands and utilities to the Users.
JF> ie:  Interuser Chat, CB (A local BBS IRC clone?), Interuser Messages,  and
JF> the
JF> Who prompts.    There is no way to really give access into Files or Doors
JF> unless we can get ALL the BBS packages to make a "STANDARD" format for
JF> commands and Access levels.

File-access *CAN* be done without standard commands...
If your BBS has a "SEEK" cmd, and my BBS has a "FIND" cmd, the BBS
would just need to know that "SEEK from a XENO BBS" means "FIND on a
CNET BBS".  A simple translation-table supported by either the remote
(or the local) system would handle all the translations automatically.
Callers wouldn't even need to know a single new cmd.  (But they could
learn/use them if the wanted to.)

File-access *CAN* be done without access level conflicts...
SysOps would just need to have the power to mark certain file-areas (or
groups of areas) as "available via linking" or "not available via
linking".  If 2 settings aren't enough, a dozen could be allowed.

JF> And since levels are something that Sysops do
JF> seperatly, I don't see any future in the File access...

Please step aside allow the many of us that *DO* see a future in
linking file-access to help implement it.  (Especially when it would be
VERY simple to do.)

Don't be so quick to totally exclude an incredible powerful feature
until you (at least) ask a few people about its (quite simple)
implementation.

Take a look at the more than 2 *THOUSAND* BBS tips, suggestions, hints,
ideas, thoughts, new features, fixes, work-arounds, etc, I've written
in files called "Ken.LHA" and "Master.lha".

--1992--

JV> I've contacted ken, And have gotten no response, I will retry. The
JV> confrence will either take place in the Inter.G. confrence or the IRC.
...
JV> I will continue to contact Ken, If I hear anything I will surely announce
JV> it in the form.
JV>      Editor-In-Chief/founder of Amigalink magazine
JV>      John Vlachos

If a real-time conference can't be set-up would you be interested in
the next best thing?  Email Ken all the questions you can think of,
publish his responses in Amigalink.  (Not as good as a real-time
conference, but definitely better than nothing.)

Thanks.

--1993--

TK>   I agree...noone IS up to the task, but that's no reason not to allow for
TK> more than ONE moderator for the echo.  I feel that a great number of
TK> people exist who would be more than capable of cooperatively handling this
TK> echo VERY NICELY...several of whom immediately come to mind:

TK>   Bill Beogelein, Bob Maple, Ken Pletzer (Hahahah...sorry, hadd do it...)
TK> Ray Akey, James Ankuda...the list goes on and on and on...so why is it
TK> that none of these people have been contacted?  Is there noone who WANTS
TK> this echo to continue?

Sorry, there aren't enough hrs in the day for me to moderate all the
echos I get offered on a regular basis.  To this date I've had to turn
down ALL offers.

Besides I highly doubt to0 many people would like my viewpoints on Echo
Moderation...
1) Free speech.  Good and bad comments, as long as they pertain (even
   REMOTELY, WILDLY) to the subject at hand in some manner.
2) You break the rules... Goodbye.  (Or at least READ-ONLY access.)

TK> Strangely enough, seeing that this echo is "dead" it's surprisingly
TK> active at this point... \\=^)  Should that be taken as a sign that someone
TK> HAS taken it over, or should we expect it's demise shortly?

I would assume that it just hasn't been fully disconnected from all the
sites yet.  Let's all move over to CNET_BBS just the same.

--1994--

GM> Maybe CNet will run like its supposed to if it had an up-date.  This
GM> version has been running here for two years with no up-date...

Huh?  How were you running CNet v3.05c in October 1993????
It wasn't even released until the following year.

Help spread facts, not fiction...

1) A CNet update is badly needed and overdue and desired by many.
2) You haven't been running v3.05c since October 1993.

--1995--

S>  Could anyone tell me please how I can get the feeds for Clink. I was

You can always dial 810-473-2020 and use the "HowTo" cmd.
You can even just type "!HowTo" at the log-in prompt, if you don't have
(nor want) to create an actual acct.

"HowTo" gives much good info.  I try and keep it up-to-date, but a few
of the text-files aren't always the very latest.  (But you'll at least
know where to obtain the latest.)

I think you need choice "E" below...

> login: !HowTo
>
> [A] How to gain higher "paid" access.
> [B] How to gain higher "non-paid" access.
> [C] How to find the best Internet service provider for your needs.
> [D] How to join Fidonet.
> [E] How to join the CLink network.
> [F] How to join the AmigaNet network.
> [G] How to access Merit/Michnet.
> [H] How to put your files into the ADS/SKY Fidonet File Echo.
> [I] How to put your files into the Internet AmiNet file site (and CD-ROM).
> [J] How to put your files into the Fred Fish collection (floppy or CD-ROM).
> [K] How to order Fred Fish CD-ROMs.
> [L] How to get Amiga files via the Internet with "Anonymous FTP".
> [M] How to "Telnet" to any site on the Internet.
> [N] How to access Internet FTP/WWW/GOPHER/NEWS/ETC via email.
> [O] How to access the Internet for free (via a *.freenet.org site).
> [P] How to send Fidonet email to/from the Internet.
> [Q] How to become a Fidonet Echo moderator.
> [R] How to add new Echoes onto the Fidonet BackBone.
> [S] How to create a new Internet NewsGroup.
> [T] How to get the full text of classic books via email (Gutenberg Project).
> [U] How to write code correctly.
> [V] How to upgrade a US Robotics Courier 28.8k modem to 33.6k.
> Choice:

--1996--

DR> I am having a little problem creating a SUB with invitatios only... I set
DR> the flag, and when I enter the sub and ivite users it don't create the
DR> Members file, or whatever it needs to remember who is invited. When I
DR> manually create the file it looks at it, but even after tryig to invite
DR> more users they do't appear in this file. Any Ideas?

How are you "manually" creating the file?

The "members" cmd doesn't work until after you execute "ME!" to 'start' one.

--1997--

BB> File-access *CAN* be done without standard commands...

JF> Yeah.  I know it can be done with this type of setup...   But that
JF> would
JF> also be More than just a Link.    That would be more along the lines of a
JF> Telnet...   ;)   (Also an Idea...)

Should be do'able as a 'link', 'more than a link', or while 'telnetting'.

BB> Please step aside allow the many of us that *DO* see a future in
BB> linking
BB> file-access to help implement it.  (Especially when it would be VERY
BB> simple to do.)

JF> Very simple for Who?   You?

Very simple for any BBS author to do, with or without a set of standard
commands common to all BBSs.

JF> Or the Different developers of Different
JF> software packages trying to Co-ordinate their efforts.

I know of no large group of competing Amiga BBS authors "trying to Co-
ordinate their efforts".  Are they?  (I really don't think it'll ever
happen.)

JF> From what I've seen in the past,  Most of them have an Ego trip so
JF> large,
JF> they would NEVER give up any Trade secrets to accomplish something of this
JF> nature.

Let them have their "large ego trip".  (But don't join in with them.)
If you feel sharing is best, do so.  If you feel trade-secrets are best
kept secret, that's OK too.  (I like the former, myself.)

JF> With this,  I do NOT see it as a "Very Simple" project.

My comments for a "very simple method" were those that did *NOT*
require many different BBS authors to set up a global cmd standard.

JF> I for one am Very willing to do something.   Now I just need to get
JF> some input from the Other developers.

I'll have to go back and re-read your original post.  Sounded like you
were *NOT* interested in even pursuing this matter.  Personally, I
don't think you'll accomplish it if you attempt to stick to your
"standard cmds for all BBS" approach.  But I wish you luck.

BB> Take a look at the more than 2 *THOUSAND* BBS tips, suggestions, hints,
BB> ideas, thoughts, new features, fixes, work-arounds, etc, I've written
BB> in files called "Ken.LHA" and "Master.lha".

JF> And I must ask you...   Has Ken implimented any of them into CNet?  ;)

Hundreds.  (I never intended for every single 1 to be added.)
Hundreds of others spawned countless new ideas.
(Many of those were added too.)
I've never really been concerned with "who has the greatest # of ideas".
Just that "ideas continue to flow freely from anyone/everyone".

JF> It's nice to have Lists like that...   I myself have been building a list
JF> for Excelsior! for about 2.5 years...   Well Now I have the chance to do
JF> something about them...   ;)

Can I get a copy of that list?  Please make it public.  After all, we
are not into ego trips here, we are here to share ideas, right?

Also...
Are they "ideas new just to your BBS" or "ideas new to Amiga BBSs
anywhere"?  (I'm not really interested in the former.  Many BBS already
have more than enough "old ideas" available in them.)

--1998--

JF>     Heres the Poop on the XLink for E!...

JF>     First,  It only gives the Text commands and utilities to the Users.
JF> ie:  Interuser Chat, CB (A local BBS IRC clone?), Interuser Messages,  and
JF> the
JF> Who prompts.    There is no way to really give access into Files or Doors
JF> unless we can get ALL the BBS packages to make a "STANDARD" format for
JF> commands
JF> and Access levels.   And since levels are something that Sysops do
JF> seperatly,
JF> I don't see any future in the File access...

JF>     However,  It IS possible to link with what is currently done in E!.
JF> (IUM's IUC, CB, Who, Etc...)   Just need to release the Structs for it and
JF> Co-ordinate with the other developers to get a Standard for these commands
JF> and the Port for linking.

Here's the Poop on the CNet....

CNet uses to 2 different methods.  (Both are available separately or at
the same time.)

Method #1
Only group-chats (or individual 1-on-1 chat-rooms) are linked between
systems. Up to 100 users can be on each site and up to 100 sites can be
linked.  Although I think things will start to slow down *LONG* before
all 100x100=10,000 users are online at once.  (Busy chat sessions.)
But I don't think 8x20=160 users would be too much of problem.

Method #2
The user "jumps" to the remote system itself.  100% of the cmds can be
used.  Search files, read msgs, post msgs, even U/Ls and D/Ls,
everything.  The user *IS* online at the remote system.  You can jump
to CNets, Xenolinks, E!, DLG, any IBM or Mac system, any BBS in the
world.

Both features have been a part of CNet for ages.  Nothing new.

None of the above requires Internet/Telnet powers.  (But those allow
even MORE slick features to be used with CNet.)

--1999--

xxx

> Why don't we talk about advancing the BBS effort in this echo?

It needs to be in an echo that is open to everyone.  (Read and write.)
(Callers' concerns need to be addressed, not just SysOps'.)

It needs to be done in 1 echo, not scattered about in 5 or more.

It needs to be in an echo that has the highest # of worldwide
distribution sites possible.

The moderator needs to welcome and allow any and all good (and bad)
comments.

The moderator needs to axe systems that interfere with open discussion.

Sorry, AMIGA_SYSOP doesn't meet all those.

--EOF--

Wednesday 18-Oct-95 05:40:14

-Bill "Mr. BBS" Beogelein, 1-810-473-2020, 2-line 28k8, 1:2410/207
