
                  ------------------------------
                  {COMMAC}.TXT  version A (Beta)
                  ------------------------------
                           July 13, 1995


        Table of Contents
        -----------------

        Mission Statement

        Copyright Notice

        {COMMAC} Collection Snippet Function Wish-list

        {COMMO} Macro Writers Directory

        List of {COMMO} Macro Suites and Related Programs
           {COMMO}
           Utility
           Tutorial
           Host mode
           BBS front end
           Automation Macro
           Logon and Mail Run
           Door & Game Playing
           Miscellaneous / Novelty

        {COMMO} Resource Libraries

        {COMMO} Networks, Mail-lists, Online help

        Appendix A  Submitting and Judging of Snippets
        Appendix B  {COMMAC} Technical Organization
        Appendix C  {COMMAC} Maintenance


Mission Statement
-----------------

We want to make it easy for you to enjoy the full power of {COMMO}
with a collection that will help you in your everyday communicating
with {COMMO}.

From all inclusive "kitchen sink" macro suites, to specialized tools
and snippets that you can plug into COMMO.MAC yourself, we aim to
meet your needs!

Thanks to the many organizers, programmers, and reviewers for their
contributions to this collection of {COMMO} macro programs.

A special thank-you to Fred Brucker for {COMMO} and for his ongoing
support of {COMMO}.  Truly "A New Standard in Telecommunications".


Copyright Information
---------------------
Copyright (c) 1995
The current {COMMAC} Collection owner is Chuck Seyboldt.

The {COMMAC} Collection contains the work of many individuals.
We strive to give accurate and complete attribution although
errors and ommissions may have been made inadvertantly.

"The {COMMAC} Collection" may be freely distributed without changes.

"The {COMMAC} Collection" (COMMACxx.ZIP) comprises the following files:

{COMMAC}.MAC    Macro engine
{COMMAC}.DAT    Macro snippets by various authors
{COMMAC}.TXT    {COMMO} resource list

The .DAT and .TXT files may be independently updated and released by
their respective "keepers".  Suggested names for the distribution
of these files files are;

CMMACDxx.ZIP    {COMMAC}.DAT alone
CMMACTxx.ZIP    {COMMAC}.TXT alone

Distribution of {COMMAC}.MAC without the supporting .DAT and .TXT
files is prohibited.

When {COMMAC}.MAC is updated, or when keepership of any of the three
{COMMAC} Collection (TXT/DAT/MAC) files changes, a new COMMACxx.ZIP
will be prepared including the most recent .DAT and .TXT files.
Version levels between the three files will not necessarily match.


              ----------------------------------------------
*-*-*-*       {COMMAC} Collection Snippet Function Wish-list
              ----------------------------------------------

        This is a list of macro functions that {COMMO} users have
        asked for at one time or another.  Macro snippets that
        satisfy these functions would be considered for addition to
        {COMMAC}.DAT.
        .
 Macro driven addition to .FON           (Brucker/Bishop added to COMMO.MAC)
 pine/vt keyboard emulation in a snap    (Brucker/Bishop added to COMMO.MAC)
 Command recall often used commands
 Alternate to ASCII upload built in function
 Alternate built-in capture file open/close
 Random number generator
 Random tagline selector
 View and change {COMMO} variables
 Address book
 Telephone dialer from address book (for voice connection)
 File upload manager
 Strew files from dl directory to desired final destination dirs
 Automatic macro compiling and renaming
 Move cursor with mouse
 change dl path -- change ul directory
 Large Print Clock
 Julian date <-> Gregorian date conversions
 FAX program integration
 automate a game door (game not specified)
 File download database w/automated downloads
 Macro "debug" mode to single step through a macro file


                   -------------------------------
*-*-*-*            {COMMO} Macro Writers Directory
                   -------------------------------

 These people are outspoken supporters of {COMMO}.

 If you have a macro wish or question, these people are an available
 resource.

 Inclusion in this directory is only done with an individual's
 expressed permission.

 cboldt@nlbbs.com                        Seyboldt, Chuck         programmer


                    ----------------------------
                    List of {COMMO} Macro Suites
                    ----------------------------

Title:     {COMMO} Production release
Filename:  COMMO642.ZIP   03/18/95  193999
Sitelist:  demod*,foxhole*,ordata*,ginger,masbbs,blink
Category:  {COMMO}
  Author:  Fred Brucker
 Support:

{COMMO} is small in size, loads rapidly and performs all functions with
great speed.

The powerful Macro Language allows you to:

     o    Write macro "scripts" to automate many common operations such as
          logging in, reading messages, uploading/downloading.  {COMMO}
          will perform these tasks in the middle of the night while you
          sleep.

     o    Assign Function Keys, Alt Keys, Keypad Keys, etc., to:

          - Send a string to the modem
          - Execute any DOS command
          - Start any macro
          - Initiate any {COMMO} function.

     o    Create pop-up menus with "hot keys" to start any macro.

     o    Edit all macros without exiting {COMMO}, using the Internal
          Editor.  Macros become effective immediately.

     o    Call your computer from a remote location using {COMMO}'s
          convenient Host Mode, written in {COMMO}'s macro language.

The free-form Dialing Directory has space for hundreds of entries.  Multi
Number Dialing is supported from the command line.  AutoBaud detect adjusts
to the speed of the connection.  A macro may be linked to each directory
entry.

Multi-tasking support.  {COMMO} is fully DESQview aware, operates in far
less memory than comparable programs.  Also supports OS/2, Windows,
OmniView, DoubleDOS and others.

Swap to disk is optional when shelling to DOS or executing external
programs.  The resident program kernel occupies less than 2k of memory.

Built-in ANSI-BBS and VT102 emulation.  Supports ANSI editing functions,
scrolling region, 132 column mode, graphics character set, tab set/clear,
printing, modes, reports, etc.  Complete auto-switching VT102 keyboard
support via Macros.

ENQ/ACK terminal protocol support.

Built-in file transfer protocols include Ymodem Batch, Ymodem-G Batch,
Xmodem-1k, Xmodem-1k-G and Xmodem.  Upload file selection macro.

ASCII Upload to send messages and text files.  Features line pacing and
blank line expansion.

The Setup File, Dialing Directory and Macro File are plain text files and
may be edited with the full-function Internal Editor, or with any external
editor.

Any file up to 64k in size may be edited within {COMMO} using the Internal
Editor.

String search is available in all support file windows.

{COMMO} supports all text display modes, including 132 column screens.

Character Translate Tables for both sending and receiving.  Tables can be
modified dynamically via macros.

Split-screen Chat Mode for communicating with another computer which is
also running a terminal program.  All program features are available while
in Chat Mode.

Doorway Mode lets you operate remote applications with full use of your
screen and keyboard.

{COMMO}'s Auto Receive feature lets you configure any 16 strings to
automatically trigger any 16 macros.  Thus any protocol with a "signature"
can be set to start automatically.  Zmodem and HS/Link are pre-configured.

Support for any four serial ports.  Port addresses and IRQ's are
configurable (including IRQ 8 to 15).  Port speeds up to 115,200 bps
(hardware dependent).  Automatic support for NS16550A (or AF) buffered UART
chip.

Serial port signal lights may be displayed on the Status Line, including
send and receive.  Very useful with internal modems.

Scrollback buffer up to 64k bytes gives instant replay of the text that has
scrolled off the screen.

Capture Log saves all text from the screen to a disk file.  Three different
capture modes are available.

Screen Image Save writes the current screen to a disk file.

Print Log writes all text from the screen to the printer.

Usage Log records date, time, length of call and other information about
each call.  Date of last call can be saved in the Dialing Directory.

Date and time formats used in logs and displays are configurable for use in
any country.

Support for visually impaired users with {COMMO}'s configurable Speech
Friendly Interface (using the "/b" command line switch or setting {sfi=yes}
in COMMO.SET).

Extensive context-related Online Help.

And {COMMO} is elegant, easy to learn and fun to use!


Title:     {COMMO} Public Beta release
Filename:  CMMO642I.ZIP              65353
Sitelist:  demod*,foxhole*,ordata*,ginger,masbbs,blink
Category:  {COMMO}
  Author:  Fred Brucker
 Support:

           Public Beta releases of {COMMO} are made available at the
           following BBS sites  ......

           BlinkLink                     phone numbers listed
           Charlie's Foxhole             elsewhere in this file
           Demodulator
           Ginger's Port
           MAS BBS


Title:     The {COMMAC} Collection
Filename:  COMMAC-A.ZIP   07/13/95   44000
Sitelist:  demod,foxhole
Category:  Utility
  Author:  Various
 Support:  Various

           The {COMMAC} Collection is a set of three correlated
           files.  A Macro engine, this {COMMAC}.TXT file and a
           {COMMAC}.DAT file.

           The {COMMAC} Collection contains a comprehensive list
           of {COMMO} macros and resources .... you are looking
           at that file now.

           The {COMMAC} Collection also contains {COMMAC}.DAT,
           a collection of macro snippets that have passed the
           scrutiny of a panel of volunteer judges, making this
           a sort of "best-of" collection.

           This is an unfinished Beta release.

Title:     HydraMac
Filename:  HYD_MAC.ZIP                3757
Sitelist:  demod
Category:  Utility
  Author:  Jim Bennett
 Support:  Demodulator          520-290-2807

           Modified COMMO.MAC with Hydracom on protocol menu


Title:     JBTUTOR
Filename:  JBTUTOR.ZIP               45625
Sitelist:  demod*
Category:  Tutorial
  Author:  Jim Bennett
 Support:  Demodulator BBS      520-290-2807

           JBTUTOR:  Not a macro, rather a "how to" set of tutorials
           on using the {COMMO} macro language to write a mailrun or
           logon script (Freeware).


Title:     Ringback
Filename:  RGBACK11.ZIP               9535
Sitelist:  demod
Category:  Host Mode
  Author:  Jim Bennett
 Support:  Demodulator          520-290-2807

           RINGBACK: Selectively load MOSTHOST on a remote PC by
           dialing in, allowing phone to ring once, then dialing back
           in.  RINGBACK watches phone line waiting for just one ring.
           If phone rings more than once, RINGBACK ignores that call.
           RINGBACK goes back in to "watch" mode after the call into
           MOSTHOST is terminated.  (Freeware)


Title:     JB Callback Verifier
Filename:  JBCB641.ZIP               35136
Sitelist:  demod*,foxhole*,ordata*
Category:  BBS Front End
  Author:  Jim Bennett
 Support:  Demodulator    520-290-2807

           JBCBxxx: A callback verifier for sysops who run TriBBS,
           SpitFire, WildCat, MacroBBS systems.  Or for sysops who run
           any other BBSware that offers an external BBSware util that
           can be run from a batch file, and which raises/lowers user
           security levels.  (Shareware.  It's a compiled macro.)


Title:     TriMail MAILRUN
Filename:  MLRN40A.ZIP               37110
Sitelist:  demod*
Category:  Logon and Mail Run
  Author:  Jim Bennett
 Support:  Demodulator          520-290-2807

           MALRNxxx: Automates mailruns with TriBBS systems using
           either/or TriMail/TriHub.  Supports multiple protocols
           (ZModem, HSLink, HydraCom) and multiple ZModem versions
           (internal, DSZ/GSZ, VZ, FWZModem, CEXYZ, etc.).  Logging
           function, session capture, has its own install routine.
           (Freeware)


Title:     Commo Master Control
Filename:  CMC53A.ZIP                24480
Sitelist:  demod
Category:  Automation Macro
  Author:  Don Garrett
 Support:

           Session Manager, Logons, Mailruns, File collecting.


Title:     ALCOMMO (PCBoard, WC! Mailruns)
Filename:  ALCOMMO.ZIP                4851
Sitelist:  demod,ginger
Category:  Logon and Mail Run
  Author:  Al Werner
 Support:  Ginger's Port Limited        614-855-8504

           There is another called ALCOMMO (latest version 3.2.)  It
           will do mail runs for Wildcat and PCB.  It's very easy to
           set up. You should be able to find it on Ginger's Port
           Limited (one of the beta sights) or I can E-Mail it to
           you.


Title:     Power Macros for Trade Wars
Filename:  PMAC312S.ZIP              50322
Sitelist:  demod
Category:  Door & Game Playing
  Author:  Frederick Polli
 Support:

           Power Macros for Trade Wars


Title:     Cmusic Music Player
Filename:  CMUSIC92.ZIP               4925
Sitelist:  demod
Category:  Miscellaneous / Novelty
  Author:  Jason J Meddaugh
 Support:


Title:     MacroBBS  BBS Ware
Filename:  MBBS35.ZIP               367699
Sitelist:  demod*,foxhole*,ordata*
Category:  Host Mode
  Author:  Jeff Oberlee
 Support:  Charlie's Foxhole    517-323-3405

           MacroBBS is a powerful set of macrofiles--a virtual BBS
           written in {COMMO} script.  Many features to rival
           commercial BBS software include DIZ extracting, file
           tagging, batch ul/dls and duplicate file renaming.
           External Script Files and menus allow almost endless
           customization,  Multi-node and high-speed modem support,
           EASY set-up, and features its own built-in network
           (MacroNET(tm)) facilities: netmail, echomail, automated
           file transfers, attaches, requests, and lots more!  A
           must-see for {COMMO} fans.

        Other nets have a {COMMO} echo; MacroNET has a {COMMO} engine.


Title:     Large Print Clock
Filename:  CLOCK11.ZIP                1708
Sitelist:  demod,foxhole*
Category:  Miscellaneous / Novelty
  Author:  Jeff Oberlee
 Support:  Charlie's Foxhole    517-323-3405

           This is a macro which will display the current time in
           large-print digits on your whole screen (or in a window
           if you use a multi-tasker).


Title:     CS-MAC Mail Run & More
Filename:  CSMAC13A.ZIP             179845
Sitelist:  demod*,foxhole*,ordata*
Category:  Logon and Mail Run
  Author:  Chuck Seyboldt
 Support:  Northern Lights BBS  207 761-4782

           CS-MAC is a full-featured mail run, file fetch, and
           online convenience series of macros.  It includes many
           nifty macro snippets in its own right.

           CS-MAC supports logon to over a dozen BBS types and
           mailruns to almost two dozen mail door types.

           CS-MAC is designed for the ambitious beginner, it includes
           menu driven configuration, extensive help, menu driven
           external protocol addition ... too many features to list.


Title:     CS-PILOT  Autopilot
Filename:  CSMAC13A.ZIP             179845
Sitelist:  previously defined
Category:  Automation Macro
  Author:  Chuck Seyboldt
 Support:  Northern Lights BBS  207 761-4782

           CS-PILOT.CSM is a compiled macro that makes designing an
           event schedule a snap.  While managing an event schedule,
           CS-PILOT watches the phone for rings, logs those rings to
           a file, and on a certain pattern goes into host mode with
           many options (answer, callback, callback w/password).
           If host mode isn't "used", CS-PILOT returns to managing
           the event schedule.

           Besides unattended convenience, CS-PILOT has a hot-key
           menu that can launch any {COMMO} macro that you specify.

           CS-PILOT runs with COMMO.MAC or CS-COMMO.  CS-PILOT is
           shareware, an unattended event has a chance of requiring
           a keypress to continue.  Registration removes this chance.


Title:     JBHOST Host Mode
Filename:  JBHST51B.ARJ               9998
Sitelist:  demod
Category:  Host Mode
  Author:  Jeff Bishop
 Support:


Title:     JBLEARN Macro Recorder
Filename:  JBL-12.ZIP                41112
Sitelist:  demod*,foxhole*,ordata*
Category:  Utility
  Author:  Jeff Bishop
 Support:


Title:     M4SELECT  File upload selector
Filename:  M4SELECT.ZIP               4258
Sitelist:  demod
Category:  Utility
  Author:  Alan Bowhill
 Support:

           Alternative file selector


Title:     M4 BBS Front-End
Filename:  M4GAMMA.ZIP
Sitelist:  foxhole*
Category:  BBS Front End
  Author:  Alan Bowhill
 Support:

           A full featured BBS front end.


Title:     MostHost
Filename:  MH642.ZIP                 12014
Sitelist:  demod,foxhole
Category:  Host Mode
  Author:  Fred Brucker / Shad Muegge
 Support:


Title:     Moo Goo Menu Maker
Filename:  MOOGOO15.ZIP              32447
Sitelist:  demod,foxhole,ordata*
Category:  Utility
  Author:  Nick Scott
 Support:

           A macro suite with a unique approach to making
           {COMMO} menus, keyboard definition, and editing.
           Includes a screen saver and file manager.


Title:     BronkMac
Filename:  BRONKMAC.ZIP               7158
Sitelist:  demod
Category:  Utility
  Author:  Ray Bronk
 Support:

           Ray Bronk's customized COMMO.MAC


Title:     Trunc v 1.3
Filename:  TRUNC13.ZIP               29587
Sitelist:  demod
Category:  Utility
  Author:  Jim Goodenough
 Support:  Directory Assistance BBS     707 823-9516

           Facilitates on-line quoting with any BBSware


Title:     Update System Clock to NBS
Filename:  TIME14.ZIP                 9807
Sitelist:  demod
Category:  Utility
  Author:  Carl Morris
 Support:

           A macro to update your time with the national time clock
           in Colorado. {TIME} 1.4 a {COMMO} macro file to use your
           modem to keep your clock on time!  Has numerous options
           relating to how often it is to call, what time offset
           you're in, and whether daylight savings is used in your
           area.


Title:     Autocomm logon and mailrun
Filename:  AUTOCM10.ZIP
Sitelist:  ordata*
Category:  Logon and Mail Run
  Author:
 Support:

           Automated download/script macro written for version 4.32


Title:     {COMMO} Point-n-Shoot File Selector
Filename:  PNS52.ZIP                 26775
Sitelist:  demod
Category:  Utility
  Author:
 Support:

           Commo Point 'n Shoot alternate upload macro.
           This is an .EXE file that produces a file list.


Title:     Call Log Analyzer
Filename:  ANALG131.ZIP              30050
Sitelist:  demod
Category:  Utility
  Author:
 Support:

           {COMMO} Call Log Analyzer


Title:     Logictec Mouse moves Cursor
Filename:  LOGICOMO.ZIP               5085
Sitelist:  demod
Category:  Miscellaneous / Novelty
  Author:
 Support:

           A menu for the Logitech mouse


Title:     Task scheduler
Filename:  TASK.ZIP                  11098
Sitelist:  demod
Category:  Automation Macro
  Author:
 Support:

           Launch OS programs at certain time of the day/week


Title:     COMMO.FON sorter
Filename:  CDM_V15.ZIP               85042
Sitelist:  demod
Category:  Utility
  Author:
 Support:

           Sorts COMMO.FON alphabetically


Title:     Convert to COMMO.FON
Filename:  COMMOCV4.ARJ               8891
Sitelist:  demod
Category:  Utility
  Author:
 Support:

           Converts dialing directories from other terminal
           programs into COMMO.FON format


Title:     Logon macro samples
Filename:  COMM1205.ZIP              54251
Sitelist:  demod
Category:  Logon and Mail Run
  Author:
 Support:

           Multiple .MAC file samples for logging onto various
           BBSware and doing mail downloads


Title:     Call Log Trimmer
Filename:  TRMLOG12.ZIP               3343
Sitelist:  demod*
Category:  Utility
  Author:  Jim Bennett
 Support:  Demodulator          520-290-2807

           Operate {COMMO} to do a Log file trim.
- -
                 --------------------------
*-*-*-*          {COMMO} Resource Libraries
                 --------------------------

Demodulator             520-290-2807            Jim Bennett     demod
Charlie's Foxhole       517-323-3405            Jeff Oberlee    foxhole
Blink Link              412-766-0732            William Wilson  blink
Ginger's Port           614-855-8504            Phill Terry     ginger
MAS BBS                 718-444-4555                            masbbs
ordata.com              ordata.com              David Klindt    ordata


                -----------------------------------------
                {COMMO} Networks, Mail-lists, Online Help
                -----------------------------------------

RIME
Fido            Moderated by Tim Spofford  (1:343/261)
Ilink           Moderated by Fred Brucker and Chuck Seyboldt
UN'I            Hosted by Chuck Seyboldt
WME
MacroNet
Intellec

                        COMMO MAILING LIST

    Commo, the highly-efficient, small, and flexible term program
    from New Standard software has a mailing list on the Internet.
    It will announce changes and updates to the program as well as
    utilities and macros written by various individuals.
    Discussion about the program is also highly encouraged.

    List submissions go to commo@yak.net.
    Subscribe and unsubscribe requests go to majordomo@yak.net and
    are of the form

    subscribe commo my-email@address
    unsubscribe commo my-email@address

    The address can be omitted, and majordomo will use the address
    from the e-mail.  Other concerns go to commo-owner@yak.net.

    Please note that this list is not run by the author of Commo and
    is completely independent of it.


           ------------------------------------------
           Appendix A  Snippet Submitting and Judging
           ------------------------------------------

  Please do not confuse "snippets" with "suites".
  If you have composed a macro suite or an extensive macro, it can
  be listed in {COMMAC}.TXT simply by providing a listing to the
  {COMMAC}.TXT keeper (name listed in the opening and Help screen of
  the {COMMAC} macro engine).

  If you have programmed a {COMMO} macro and would like to have it
  considered for addition to the {COMMAC}.DAT snippet collection,
  send your submission to the snippet judge coordinator (name listed
  in the opening and Help screen of the {COMMAC} macro engine).

  Please make your submission in conformance with the simple
  standard format that is described in Appendix B.

        Judges rules:

        +  At least 3 formal judges must approve of the snippet
        +  Any registered {COMMO} user is eligible to be listed as a
           formal judge.
        +  Snippets shall be evaluated on the basis of:
           - conformance to COMMAC format (required).
           - working as advertised ... reliability
           - clarity or intuitiveness of instruction and operation
           - readability of source code (neatness and comments)
        +  A formal judge should feel free to make suggestions to
             improve the snippet and to withold his "include" vote
             for good cause (doesn't meet COMMAC format, doesn't
             work).
        +  A given function will have only one example in
             {COMMAC}.DAT.  Macro composers will compete for entry.
        +  A function may be removed or replaced at the judges
             discretion.

        --------------
        Snippet Judges
        --------------

        Nick Debord
        Chuck Seyboldt          (confirmed)
        Sam Bushman
        Jim Bennett
        Nick Scott
        Jason Meddaugh
        Jeff Oberlee            (confirmed)
        Keven Pittsinger
        Phill Terry             (confirmed)
        Jeff Bishop


        -------------------------------------------
        Appendix B  {COMMAC} Technical Organization
        -------------------------------------------

{COMMAC}.TXT            This text file listing {COMMO} resources.

        The macro engine that reads {COMMAC}.TXT expects to find
        very specific strings to delimit and identify certain areas
        for screen-by-screen display and macro organization.

        The general format of a suite listing is apparant by
        inspection and is moderately flexible.


                        Macro Suite Listing
                        -------------------

        Category:  Miscellaneous / Novelty

        {COMMAC}.MAC reads {COMMAC}.TXT to dynamically build a list
        of categories.  After completing the read for category
        names, a second read is made to index each listed macro
        suite to a category.

        NOTE!  {COMMAC}.MAC only supports display of 20 Categories.
               Be careful to match categories exactly, or additional
               Categories will appear on the menu

        Filename:  WHATEVER.EXT   mm/dd/yy   xxxxx
                                  ^              ^
                          column 27              column 42

        For a neat display of filenames, the "Filename: " field of
        each listed macro suite should include a file date that
        begins in column 27 and a filesize that ends in column 42
        ... if a Suite title is not listed as available at any
        library (Sitelist is NUL), this protocol does not matter.
        It is only during the filtering by Library that the
        filename/filedate/filesize information is displayed.


        Sitelist:  demod,foxhole,ordata*,blink

        If the library code has an asterisk appended (e.i., demod
        vs. demod*), that file will be flagged as available for
        anonymous download from that library site.  Otherwise, it
        will not have the anon download flag set when displayed as
        available from that library site.

        See "Library List Building/Indexing" below for how to
        establish a library code for a new macro suite library.


                        Category List Building
                        ----------------------
        For display of macro suite Categories and macro suite
        Titles, the string ":   " (colon followed by three spaces)
        preceeds the Title of the macro suite.  After that line, but
        any number of lines following, the string "y: " (colon
        followed by two spaces) preceeds the Category of that macro
        suite.  Display of an individual suite's description starts
        with the Category line.  Display ends when the macro reads
        two consecutive blank lines.

        The macro stops scanning {COMMAC}.TXT suite list when it
        encounters "- -" (dash space dash) beginning in column one
        with nothing else on the line.  The minimizes scanning of
        {COMMAC}.TXT at startup and at "Suite by Library" filtering.


                     Library List building/indexing
                     ------------------------------
        For building the library site list, entries begin two lines
        after the string "*         {" (asterisk, 10 spaces, left
        curley) which is uniquely found in the header ...
                 --------------------------
*-*-*-*          {COMMO} Resource Libraries
                 --------------------------
        ... and end when the macro reads one empty line.

        NOTE!  {COMMAC}.MAC only supports display of 15 Library
               sites.  Expansion is open for discussion.

        The library list has a code beginning in column 65 which
        is the key used to filter the suite list by library.

        The site name *MUST* be expressed in columns 1 - 23

        The phone number used for dialing a library begins on
        column 25 and must end by column 46.  Only 22 characters
        are supported but the macro allows a user to edit the
        phone number before dialing.

        For extracting the "files available" at each library,
        {COMMAC}.TXT is read again, searching for the string
        "t: " (letter "t" colon space space) which preceeds the
        macro suite sitelist.  If the library code is matched
        anywhere on this line, this macro suite filename and
        title is displayed.


                        Snippet Wish-For List
                        ---------------------
        For display of the snippet function list, display starts two
        lines after the string "*      {" (asterisk, 6 spaces, left
        curley) which is uniquely found in the header .....
              ----------------------------------------------
*-*-*-*       {COMMAC} Collection Snippet Function Wish-list
              ----------------------------------------------
        ... and ends when the macro reads two consecutive blank
        lines.


                        Programmers Directory
                        ---------------------
        For display of the macro writers directory, display starts
        two lines after the string "*            {" (asterisk, 12
        spaces, left curley) which is uniquely found in the header
                   -------------------------------
*-*-*-*            {COMMO} Macro Writers Directory
                   -------------------------------
        ... and ends when the macro reads two consecutive blank
        lines.


                    {COMMAC}.TXT file limitations
                    -----------------------------
        Maximum of 20 Macro suite categories
        Maximum of 15 Library site listings

        There is no inherent limit to the size of the .TXT file.
        Lists and descriptions are displayed page by page in 20 line
        increments.


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

{COMMAC}.DAT            The {COMMAC} collection of macro snippets

        The macro engine that reads {COMMAC}.DAT expects certain
        strings to be present to start and end each snippet.  In
        this case, the "*-*-*-*" starting on column one and with
        nothing else on the line is the START of the snippet.  The
        next line is the title.  Lines between the title and the
        first macro label are introduction and will display 20 lines
        at a time.  The first macro label MUST be the start label for
        the snippet.  It may have any valid label name, it is
        strongly suggested that the start label be descriptive
        of the macro's function and that the label {:start} be
        avoided.

        To flag a macro snippet as non-launchable from the {COMMAC}
        engine, embed an ASCII 255 anywhere in the title line.

        A macro may be worth including in the {COMMAC} Collection
        snippet list but not lend itself to being launched.  In
        these cases, {COMMAC} would be useful to append the snippet
        to the user's COMMO.MAC

        Here are some reasons why a macro would be considered
        non-executable from the {COMMAC} launch pad ...

          - call another macro without testing if it exists
          - rely on variables that are not set
          - first label is not the startup label
          - require "excessive" variable space
          - rely on being online}

        The {COMMAC}.DAT file must end with the line
        " - end -"  (space dash space 'end' space dash)
        beginning in column 1 and with nothing else on the line.

    {COMMAC}.DAT format by example
    ------------------------------

*-*-*-*
Snippet Title           by  Proud Author

description and instruction lines
description and instruction ends with the first macro label

description/instruction should include "return to menu" instruction

 {:start_label}         ;the first label must be the start label
                        ; any valid label name may be used

         {macro commands here}

 {:end_label}
 {:retu} {retu}         ;preferred end is a (return)
                        ;  to make snippet callable

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

{COMMAC}.MAC            A {COMMO} macro that accesses the
                          {COMMAC}.DAT snippet collection and the
                          {COMMAC}.TXT resource listing.

        The macro has a few hidden features ...

        When at the "Select Append Filename" Menu
        -----------------------------------------
        "D" will display the macro snippet to the screen,
        aborting the append operation.

        "R" will run the macro snippet even if it was flagged
        as non-launchable from {COMMAC}.  This can crash
        when {COMMAC}.MAC is loaded as auxilliary, so the
        "Run" hidden command is only available when {COMMAC}.MAC
        is the resident macro.

        Ŀ
          When {COMMAC}.MAC is the auxiliary macro, {setr }    
          does not reload {COMMAC}.MAC to get to the label     
          {:err_run}.                                          
          ....                                                 
          {setr err_run,^(commac^).mac} ;set error response    
          {sete-p0 retu}         ;in case user aborts macro    
          {call %start_lbl,%tfile} ;command to run snippet     
          {setr}                 ;clear error response         
          {goto menu_snip}       ;snippet done, return to menu 
                                                               
          {:err_run}                                           
          {info-d6 Error at ^(call %start_lbl,%tfile^) %_met}  
          {goto menu_snip}                                     
          ....                                                 
        

        When told that "Anonymous downloads are supported only ...."
        ------------------------------------------------------------
        "~" (tilde) will get to the "Proceed with dialing [y/N]?"
        prompt.

        Dialing still needs to be developed, but I see no reason
        this feature couldn't be used to dial any site listed in
        the directory.

        If the directory "wants to get large", the macro will need
        to change from {menu} display to {disp} in order to
        accomodate the sheer number.  A large directory would
        occupy proportionate amounts of variable space.


        At "Enter a selection # (<CR> returns):" prompt,
        these commands can be made to operate:
        ---------------------------------------------
        ?       summary of available hidden commands
        cf      change from {COMMAC}.TMP temp file name
        {}      This command is used to enter a code to
                unlock further commands.


        .TXT and .DAT keepers may want to edit and test
        their files from {COMMAC}.  A code will be given
        to those respective file keepers.

        ed      edit {COMMAC}.DAT
        et      edit {COMMAC}.TXT
        rs      restart.  Clears variable space and re-reads
                .DAT and .TXT files.  Use after editing to verify
                changes have no unintended side effects.
        /s      shell with swap         (reloads macros)

        There is a choice between the internal editor and an
        external editor defined in %ext_ed.  If you have not
        defined %ext_ed, the macro provides an input window
        to do so.  There is no provision to change %ext_ed
        once it has been defined.


        The .MAC keeper further gets these hidden commands upon
        entry of the correct macro keeper's code.

        em      edit {COMMAC}.SRC       (macro source code)
        /v      view and/or change a %variable


                 --------------------------------
                 Appendix C  {COMMAC} Maintenance
                 --------------------------------

  Please send updates, corrections, and change requests to one of the
  {COMMAC} Collection keepers listed in the Top Level F1 help screen.

  Proposed division of {COMMAC} Collection responsibilities ...


  {COMMAC}.TXT keeper
  -------------------
  Maintains {COMMAC}.TXT in an up-to-date and complete condition.
  Strives to make this a complete listing of macro suites and useful
  {COMMO} resources.

  Acts on input from any {COMMO} macro author who wishes to have
  their macro suites listed or updated.

  Receives input from any librarian, and from any others who have
  suggestions for adding helpful categories or chapters.

  Receives input from {COMMO} users regarding additions to the
  snippet wish list.  Keeps wish list pruned in accordance with
  snippets contained in latest {COMMAC} Collection release.


  {COMMAC}.DAT keeper
  -------------------
  The keeper of the .DAT is the snippet judge coordinator.  Snippets
  included in the .DAT are to be exemplary of functional, well
  commented {COMMO} macro code.  It is "a high honor" to be in the
  {COMMAC}.DAT file and judges should be particular about additions.

   Ŀ
     Prior to non-beta release, the few macros in the snippet  
     list are provided only to illustrate how {COMMAC}.DAT     
     operates.  It is expected that a judges panel will be     
     convened and decide on a few snippets to include before   
     the {COMMAC} Collection is ready for non-beta release.    
     None of the included snippets have been approved by a     
     panel of judges.                                          
   


  {COMMAC}.MAC keeper
  -------------------
  Responsible to respond to bug reports and to add features to the
  {COMMAC} Collection macro engine as he sees fit.

  Responsible to make COMMACxx.ZIP releases when significant changes
  are made to any of the three {COMMAC} files.  No predetermined
  frequency is proscribed and the .DAT and .TXT files may be
  released independently by their respective keepers.

  The macro is distributed in compiled form.  .MAC/.DAT/.TXT keeper
  names are hardcoded into the macro.  When "keepership" of any of
  those files changes, a new version of the macro engine will be
  released.  This approach provides some security against
  unauthorized releases.
