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FidoNews · Vol 21, No 51 · 20 Dec 2004

     The  F I D O N E W S      Volume 21, Number 51             20 Dec 2004 
     +--------------------------+-----------------------------------------+
     | |The newsletter of the | |                                         |
     | |  FidoNet community.  | | Crash netmail articles to:              |
     | |                      | |          Editor @ 2:2/2 (+46-31-944907) |
     | |          ____________| |                                         |
     | |         /  __          | Routed netmail articles to:             |
     | |        /  /  \         |          Bjorn Felten @ 2:203/0         |
     | | WOOF! (  /|oo \        |                                         |
     |  \_______\(_|  /_)       | Email attach to:                        |
     |            _ @/_ \    _  |          bfelten @ telia dot com        |
     |           |     | \   \\ |                                         |
     |           | (*) |  \   ))|                                         |
     |           |__U__| /  \// |         Editor: Björn Felten            |
     |   ______   _//|| _\   /  |                                         |
     |  / Fido \ (_/(_|(____/   |   Newspapers should have no friends.    |
     | (________)       (jm)    |                    -- JOSEPH PULITZER   |
     +--------------------------+-----------------------------------------+
            Copyright 2004 by Fidonews Editor for Fidonews Globally.


                        Table of Contents
     1. FOOD FOR THOUGHT  .........................................  1
     2. EDITORIAL  ................................................  2
     3. GENERAL ARTICLES  .........................................  3
        What is a Bulletin Board?  ................................  3
        GENERAL ECHOMAIL POLICY 1  ................................  5
        What is???  ............................................... 16
     4. FIDONET BY INTERNET  ...................................... 18
        Fidonet Related Websites  ................................. 18
     5. ROBERT COUTURE'S FIDONET SOFTWARE LISTING  ................ 20
        FIDONet Software References  .............................. 20
     6. SPECIAL INTEREST  ......................................... 25
        Nodelist Stats  ........................................... 25
     7. FIDONEWS INFORMATION  ..................................... 27
        How to Submit an Article  ................................. 27
        Credits, Legal Infomation, Availability  .................. 29
     FIDONEWS 21-51               Page 1                   20 Dec 2004


     =================================================================
                             FOOD FOR THOUGHT
     =================================================================

     I don't think it is realistic to quantify a whole zone based on a few
     people you have differences of opinions with.

                         -- Phil Simpson

     -----------------------------------------------------------------
     FIDONEWS 21-51               Page 2                   20 Dec 2004


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

     It seems at least one of our readers understands how to make topics
     in the FIDONEWS echo becoming on topic. Thanks Matt!

        And to those of you, that keep on whining about messages posted in
     the echo being off topic, while constantly keeping on posting exactly
     that, I have only three words for you: SHAME ON YOU!

        Sorry for this, the very first acid editorial, but I really think
     some of the participants of the FIDONEWS echo should seriously
     contemplating getting a real life...

        To all the kind and friendly readers, I wish you a Merry Christmas,
     since the next time you get the Snooze, Christmas will be over. All
     the best returns to you all, and may peace, as well as whatever God
     you believe in, be with you!


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     FIDONEWS 21-51               Page 3                   20 Dec 2004


     =================================================================
                             GENERAL ARTICLES
     =================================================================

                           What is a Bulletin Board?
                           Matt Mc_Carthy, 1:396/45.17


     Way back in my military days, there were "Bulletin Boards" all over
     most military bases.

     There was a "Bulletin Board" in front of the Mess Hall which usually
     listed the meals and serving times for the current day.

     There was a "Bulletin Board" in front of the Headquarters Building
     which usually listed the 'Orders of the Day', the 'Uniform of the
     Day', which units were training on which areas of the base on
     certain days, as well as listings of coming Parades, Ceremonies, and
     hollidays.

     There was a "Bulletin Board" in front of the Chapel which listed
     Services and times for each of many denominations.

     There was a "Bulletin Board" in front of the Exchange which listed
     the hours of operation, specific uniform and dress codes required
     for admittance, and dozens to hundreds of personal cards for
     everything from 'Free Kittens' to 'baby sitting wanted', to cars and
     other stuff 'for sale'.

     The "Bulletin Board" in front of Headquarters, as well as the
     "Bulletin Board" at the Mess Hall were 'Read Only' Boards in as much
     as they were covered with glass doors that were kept locked.

     The "Bulletin Board" in front of the Exchange and the Chapel were
     'Read/Write' Boards, in as much as they were uncovered, and were
     open for anyone to post personal notes and messages on.

     In the late 1970's when computers began to catch on, several
     programmers wrote electronic "Bulletin Board" programs which exactly
     duplicated the functionality of the old manual "Bulletin Boards".

     I built my own computer and started running a local club's BBS
     program on it for the club.  All of the functions _exactly_
     duplicated the functionality of the manual "Bulletin Boards".  I was
     amazed that electronics could do that.

     By 1983 I began hearing of something called 'Fido' which was
     supposed to be a bunch of connected systems, or something like that.
     The concept of 'network' still didn't exist.  I went to a friend's
     and viewed a "FidoNet" system in operation.  Needless to say I was
     less than enthused.  It was NOT a BBS at all, merely a way to send
     'private messages' to other friends who were also part of the same
     system.  Since I didn't know anyone who was in that system, the idea
     of sending 'private messages' to an unknown person simply had no
     appeal whatever.

     FIDONEWS 21-51               Page 4                   20 Dec 2004


     During 1984 I heard that this "Fido" thing had begun 'Conferences'
     which now closely duplicated normal "Bulletin Boards", and again I
     had to take a look at it.  _NOW_ Fido began to look like a real
     "Bulletin Board" system; some conferences were 'closed', read only,
     some were 'open', read-write.

     That's _my_ definition of a BBS.




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     FIDONEWS 21-51               Page 5                   20 Dec 2004


                        GENERAL ECHOMAIL POLICY 1
                             February 1, 1989



     PROLOGUE

     This document  sets forth  policy governing  Echomail conferences
     and their distribution.

     This Policy applies to Zone One Backbone Echomail conferences and
     to any other conferences for which the Moderator desires it to be
     applicable.    Future changes to Echo Policy may be proposed only
     by a  simple majority vote of the Regional Echomail Coordinators.
     Those eligible to vote on any proposals made by the REC structure
     will be  the ZEC, RECs, NECs, NCs, RCs and IC.  Only one vote per
     person is  allowed.   Adoption of  changes will  require a simple
     majority of those voting to pass.

     In this  document, "a simple majority" means more than 50 percent
     of those  voting.   A good faith attempt must be made to make all
     potential  voters  aware  that  a  vote  is  occurring  and  make
     available all necessary information.


     I.  HISTORY

     Echomail consists  of the sharing of message bases or conferences
     between various  independent network  addresses.    The  Echomail
     concept started  with a  series of  programs by Jeff Rush.  Since
     the original  implementation, many  authors have written programs
     improving on  the original  idea.   In spite  of worries that the
     flow of Echomail would increase Netmail traffic to the point that
     the Network  would collapse  under its  own weight,  Echomail has
     been a  success.   To simplify  the distribution  of Echomail,  a
     national Echomail  Backbone formed  whose primary  purpose is the
     distribution  of  Echomail  at  a  national  level.    Of  recent
     introduction  to  the  Backbone  system  has  been  the  generous
     contribution of the Echomail Stars.  As a result of the growth of
     Fidonet and the increase in the volume of Echomail, it has become
     necessary to set forth a formal policy governing Echomail.


     II.  DEFINITIONS

     1.   ECHOMAIL:   The process  of sharing  message  bases  between
     independent systems with unique net/node addresses.

     2.   ECHOMAIL CONFERENCES:   An  Echomail conference is a message
     base of  forum design  distributed under  a specified  conference
     name dealing  with a  defined area of interest.  Notable examples
     include TECH,  the National  Technical Conference  and COMM,  the
     National Telecommunications Conference.

     3.   MODERATED CONFERENCE:  A moderated conference is an Echomail
     conference for  which a moderator has been appointed to supervise
     FIDONEWS 21-51               Page 6                   20 Dec 2004


     the flow  and content of the conference.  All conferences carried
     on the Backbone must be moderated.

     4.   SYSOP-ONLY CONFERENCE:   A  Sysop-Only Conference  is one in
     which the  Moderator has decided that the conference will be made
     available only to Sysops and not to users.

     5.     RESTRICTED  DISTRIBUTION   CONFERENCES:     A   restricted
     distribution conference  is  one  which  is  restricted  only  to
     eligible  recipients.    Notable  examples  include  REGCON,  the
     Regional Coordinators  Conference, COORD,  the National  Echomail
     Coordinators Conference,  and  MAGICK,  a  pre-register  Echomail
     Conference.

     6.    ZONE  ECHOMAIL  COORDINATOR  (ZEC):    This  individual  is
     responsible for coordination of Echomail on a FidoNet Zone level.

     7.   REGIONAL ECHOMAIL  COORDINATOR (REC):   This  individual  is
     responsible for coordination of Echomail within his region.

     8.     NET  ECHOMAIL  COORDINATOR  (NEC):    This  individual  is
     responsible for coordination of Echomail at the Local Net level.

     9.   ECHOMAIL  Backbone:    The  Echomail  Backbone  consists  of
     voluntary members  who provide  services to  enhance the national
     distribution of  Echomail.   The Backbone consists of nodes which
     handle a  high volume of Echomail traffic and are responsible for
     distribution of Echomail down to the regional level.

     10.    NATIONAL  ECHOMAIL  LIST:    The  National  Echomail  List
     identifies the  available national  conferences,  the  conference
     moderator and  requirements of the specified conference.  The ZEC
     will appoint the keeper of the National Echomail List.

     11.   AUTOMATED CENSORSHIP:  The term Automated Censorship refers
     to programs  which cause messages to be removed from the intended
     conference or have their content altered.

     12.   FIDONET POLICY:   The  document which  governs  Fidonet  as
     adopted by  Fidonet.   The document as of this writing is Policy3
     and is  subject to  change.   This policy is intended to become a
     part of  general Fidonet  policy.   Until it is incorporated into
     General Fidonet  policy, this  document  shall  serve  to  define
     policy violations occurring in Echomail.

     13.  OPEN ACCESS CONFERENCE:  This is a non-restricted conference
     open to all users who are willing to follow the posted conference
     rules.

     14.  TERMINAL NODE:  A system which does not process echomail for
     pickup by another system.


     III.  DUTIES OF ECHOMAIL COORDINATORS

     1.  GENERAL:   It is  the duty  of the  *ECs to make available to
     FIDONEWS 21-51               Page 7                   20 Dec 2004


     any  Fidonet  Sysop,  any  conference  which  the  Sysop  is  not
     prohibited from receiving by not meeting requirements as mandated
     by the  conference moderator.  If for any reason the *EC does not
     have access  via recognized  distribution channels  to a specific
     conference, they  can not  be expected  to pass  it on.  If a *EC
     fails  to  make  available  any  conference  to  qualified  lower
     distribution levels,  this shall  be deemed  to have violated the
     outlined duties  of the  position held.   Such violation is cause
     for the  removal as  provided by  this document.  Nothing in this
     provision requires  that a  *EC must import any conference to the
     extent of  adverse economic  impact.  It is recommended that cost
     sharing arrangements be employed.  Where financially feasible for
     the  supplier  any  conference  on  the  Backbone  must  be  made
     available (other than restricted conferences) when requested.

     An exception  is when  a *EC  cuts a  link  to  end  unauthorized
     distribution of  a conference.   In  this  case,  some  otherwise
     authorized nodes may temporarily lose their link.


     A *EC shall do everything in their power to insure that:

          1.   All downstream links are educated as to this policy.

          2.   Downstream  links   know  how  to  properly  link  into
               conferences.

          3.   Acceptable  and   unacceptable  behavior   in  echomail
               conferences is explained.

          4.   Downstream links  are not  engaging in  topologies that
               increase the risk of duplicate messages.


     2.   DUTIES OF  ZONE ECHOMAIL COORDINATOR:  It is the duty of the
     ZEC to  coordinate the  connections between the Echomail Backbone
     on  both   an  inter-Zone   and  intra-Zone   level  as  well  as
     coordination  of   inter-regional  connections.    The  ZEC  will
     coordinate transmission  of Echomail   and to provide for routing
     in a  manner  that  will  avoid  the  transmission  of  duplicate
     messages within  the same conference.  It is also the duty of the
     ZEC to monitor compliance with this policy on both a national and
     international basis.


     3.   DUTIES OF  REGIONAL ECHOMAIL COORDINATOR:  It is the duty of
     the REC  to provide  for  regional  Echomail  distribution.    In
     addition, the  REC  will  coordinate  any  inter-regional  cross-
     linking of  conference feeds  with the  REC of  the participating
     region with  the direct  knowledge of  the ZEC.    The  REC  will
     provide for  transmission and  routing of Echomail within his/her
     region in  a manner  to avoid  creation   of  duplicate  messages
     within the same conference.  It is the duty of the REC to monitor
     compliance with this policy at a regional level.


     FIDONEWS 21-51               Page 8                   20 Dec 2004


     4.   DUTIES OF  NET ECHOMAIL  COORDINATOR:  It is the duty of the
     NEC to  coordinate the  intra-net Echomail  and to cooperate with
     the REC  and NECs  of other  nets to  arrange for  the  inter-net
     transmittal of  echomail.  The REC may require the NEC to provide
     links for independent (regional) nodes.  The NEC shall maintain a
     list of  available Echomail Conferences within the net as well as
     the requirements  of each  Conference area  as  supplied  by  the
     conference moderator  (Echolist).   The NEC  shall  also  monitor
     compliance with this policy at a net level.


     5.   DUTIES OF  ECHOLIST COORDINATOR:   It  is the  duty  of  the
     Echolist Coordinator  to compile  and make available a listing of
     national and  international Echomail  conferences and optionally,
     conferences at  various local  levels.  The content and format of
     the Echomail  listing shall  be at  the sole  discretion  of  the
     Echolist Coordinator,  but shall  include the conference name and
     moderator for  each conference.   The  Echolist Coordinator shall
     also maintain  a list  of requirements  applicable to each listed
     conference.


     6.   DUTIES OF  ECHOMAIL CONFERENCE  MODERATOR:   It shall be the
     duty of  the Echomail  Conference Moderator to make in good faith
     every reasonable  effort to  insure that the moderated conference
     does not  distribute or promote illegal activities or information
     as defined  below in  Section V Paragraph 2.  The Moderator shall
     be responsible  for  insuring  that  messages  contained  in  the
     conference corresponds  to the  conference theme.   The Moderator
     shall report any violations of this policy to the proper Echomail
     coordinators and  lodge  any  appropriate  policy  complaints  as
     provided for  in  policy  documents  adopted  by  Fidonet.    The
     Moderator shall  post the  conference rules  in the conference at
     least once  a month.      The   Moderator  is  to  authorize  the
     disconnection of  the conference  feed.   Any Sysop the moderator
     believes is  violating policy  shall be reported to the offending
     node's nearest  local echomail  coordinator (may be a NEC, REC or
     in extreme  situations a  ZEC); and  the moderator shall formally
     authorize the  feed to  the offending  node to  be  severed.  The
     conference moderator  is the  sole judge - subject to review only
     by the  ZEC (or  his delegates)  if a  complaint is  filed by the
     banished party.  The Moderator may request in direct written form
     (netmail) that  the *ECs  disconnect a  node from  the conference
     when that  node refuses  to follow the published conference rules
     after at least 3 warnings.  Knowingly feeding  a conference  to a
     node that  has been  severed by  the Moderator  is  considered  a
     violation of  this echomail  policy and is subject to suspension.
     The length  of this   suspension  will be   determined by a joint
     decision of  the conference  moderator and the nearest local echo
     coordinator of  the node  illegally feeding the conference to the
     original offending node or point.

     Echo conference  complaints from  a Sysop  should be filed at the
     net level  (NEC) or  if the  complaining party  is an independent
     node then  with their  REC.   The NEC  or REC  receiving  such  a
     complaint must  take action  in accordance with the provisions of
     FIDONEWS 21-51               Page 9                   20 Dec 2004


     this echomail policy.

     For severe or chronic infractions  the NEC, REC or ZEC  may  file
     a complaint under general Fidonet policy for excessively annoying
     behaviour.


     IV.   APPOINTMENT  AND  ELECTION  OF  ECHOMAIL  COORDINATORS  AND
     MODERATORS.

     1.   GRANDFATHER CLAUSE:   Those Zone, Regional, and Net Echomail
     Coordinators and  Echomail Coordinators  currently holding  these
     positions as  of the  date of  acceptance of this Echomail Policy
     shall continue  to service  in said capacity until resignation or
     replacement under this policy.

     2.   ELECTION OF  ZONE ECHOMAIL  COORDINATOR:   The ZEC  shall be
     elected as follows:

          a) upon  resignation or replacement of the existing ZEC, the
          FidoNet Zone  Coordinator (ZC)  shall nominate at least five
          individuals to be voted upon.

          b) 10  days after  the nominees  are selected,  an  election
          shall be  held. The ZEC will be elected by a simple majority
          of IC,  ZC, RCs,  NCs, RECs, and NECs in their Fidonet zone.
          An individual  holding more  than one position can only cast
          one vote.  That is, if an individual is both a NC and a NEC,
          they may cast only one vote.

     3.   ELECTION OF REGIONAL ECHOMAIL COORDINATOR:  The REC shall be
     elected as follows:

          a) upon  resignation or  replacement of an existing REC, the
          ZEC shall nominate at least 3 individuals for election.

          b) 10  days after  the nominees  are selected,  an  election
          shall be  held. The REC will be elected by a simple majority
          of the  RC, NCs  and NECs  in  their  FidoNet  Region.    An
          individual holding  more than one position may only cast one
          vote.

     4.   NET ECHOMAIL COORDINATOR:  The NEC shall be appointed by the
     FidoNet Net  Coordinator (NC)  or in  such alternative  manner as
     determined by  the NC.  If a NEC is not appointed within 30 days,
     the REC will appoint the NEC.

     5.   REMOVAL OF  A *EC:  A *EC may be removed from their position
     by  a  simple  majority  of  those  allowed  to  vote  for  their
     successor.   For a NEC, the members of the Net may vote by simple
     majority to  remove the NEC.  The position directly above (in the
     *EC structure)  will oversee  the recall  election  in  the  same
     manner as prescribed for electing successors.

     A *EC may only be subject to recall for failure to properly carry
     out their  duties described  above, or  if they  are no  longer a
     FIDONEWS 21-51               Page 10                  20 Dec 2004


     member of  Fidonet.   A promise  of 'free' echomail delivery from
     another source  is *not*  considered  an  acceptable  reason  for
     recall.

     6.   RECOGNITION OF  CONFERENCES:  The *EC corresponding  to  the
     appropriate leve recognizes a conference at his level.  Examples:
     The NEC recognizes a conference as local.  The REC  recognizes  a
     conference to be regional.   A ZEC recognizes a conference to  be
     zonal.  The IC recognizes a conference to be inter-zonal.

     7.   REMOVAL OF  AN ECHOMAIL  CONFERENCE MODERATOR:   An Echomail
     Conference Moderator  may be  removed from  their position  by  a
     three fourths  (3/4) vote of the *EC structure voting.  This vote
     must be  carried out  in a fair and decent manner while giving at
     least ten  (10) days  notice to  the entire  *EC structure of the
     upcoming vote.   Notice  mediums acceptable are: Netmail from the
     ZEC, usage  of international  postings  in  such  conferences  as
     COORD.     Or  in  extreme  instances,  by  REC  to  NEC  written
     notification.

     An Echomail  Conference Moderator  may only  be subject to recall
     for failure to properly carry out their duties described above or
     continued pre-meditated  violation of  this documents  section V.
     Statement of  Policies as  seen below.   Failing  to perform  the
     above duties of a conference moderator for a period of 3 or more
     months and/or  failing to  designate a proxy in his absence shall
     be in  violation of this policy and be subject to recall.  A vote
     may only be callable by the ZEC (or his delegate).  This delegate
     should not  be from  the region or net of the affected conference
     moderator.

     Membership in  Fidonet need  not be  a paramount  issue,  but  is
     highly recommended.



     V.  STATEMENT OF POLICIES

     1.   BASIC ECHOMAIL  POLICY:   The basic policy of Echomail is to
     promote  communication  in  Echomail  Conferences  in  a  lawful,
     friendly  manner   consistent  with  the  general  principles  of
     FidoNet.

     2.   PROHIBITION ON ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES:  Any Node which knowingly
     distributes or allows to be entered into echomail conferences any
     messages  containing   or   promoting   illegal   activities   or
     information shall  be deemed  to have  violated  general  FidoNet
     policy as being excessively annoying.  As used in this paragraph,
     "illegal activities" includes activities which are a violation of
     civil law  as well  as activities  which would result in criminal
     prosecution.

     3.  AUTOMATED CENSORSHIP:  The use of Automated Censorship in the
     passing  or   distribution  of  echomail  will  be  considered  a
     violation of  this policy and will not be tolerated. Disciplinary
     action will  be as referred to in General Fidonet policy as being
     FIDONEWS 21-51               Page 11                  20 Dec 2004


     excessively annoying.

     An exception  to this  provision shall  be the  deletion and  not
     censorship of  messages by  any Sysop  which may  lead  to  legal
     action against that Sysop.

     No  echomail   shall  be  modified  in  any  manner  which  could
     potentially cause duplicates.

     4.   INTER-NETWORK  CONFERENCES:    Inter-Net  conferences  shall
     conform to  general Fidonet  policy as  well as the provisions of
     this  policy  document  in  addition  to  any  foreign  network's
     provisions.

     5.   CHARGING FOR  DISTRIBUTION:  Any entity which makes a profit
     from the distribution (passing from system to system) of echomail
     shall be  deemed to  be excessively  annoying and in violation of
     Fidonet policy  subject to  enforcement  under  existing  Fidonet
     policy.   Profit as defined in this paragraph is the charging for
     echomail distribution  that exceeds  actual cost  to  obtain  and
     distribute the Echomail over a sustained period.  The cost of the
     equipment used  to obtain  and distribute  echomail  may  not  be
     recovered.   A Sysop  that charges  users for access to their BBS
     shall NOT be in violation of this paragraph.

     6.   RESTRICTED DISTRIBUTION  CONFERENCES:   Participating  Nodes
     shall honor  and support  the restrictions placed upon restricted
     distribution conferences.    Violation  of  this  restriction  by
     individual nodes and points shall be a violation of this echomail
     policy  and   result  in  suspension  of  the  violated  echo  in
     accordance with  the above paragraph in Section III Duties of the
     Echomail Conference Moderators.

     A SYSOP  only conference  shall be  made available  only  to  the
     Sysops or Co-Sysops of Fidonet or other nets with which inter-net
     conferences exist.

     A  violation   of  the   restrictions  placed   on  a  RESTRICTED
     DISTRIBUTION CONFERENCE will be a violation of this policy if and
     only if  the moderator  has posted and specified the restrictions
     governing the conference.

     7.   PATH REQUIRED:   The PATHline, originally implemented by SEA
     in the  MGM package,  is required except for terminal nodes.   If
     your current Echomail  scanner supports  the  pathline  you  must
     enable it NOW.  If your current Echomail scanner does not support
     the pathline, and  if  there  is  no  alternative  scanner,  then
     enforcement  of  this paragraph  will  be deferred  for 60  days.
     After that date, the *ECs may refuse to accept/supply echomail to
     any node that is not supporting the pathline.

     8.  SEEN-BY LINE:  Under the current technology and topology (the
     routing structure  of echomail),  SEEN-BY lines play an important
     part in  reducing duplicate  messages.  Tiny SEEN-BYs will not be
     allowed until  the respective ZECs feel topology will allow their
     use.   Nor will  the stripping of SEEN-BYs (except Zone-Gates and
     FIDONEWS 21-51               Page 12                  20 Dec 2004


     Inter-Network EchoGates) be allowed unless approved by the ZEC.

     Violation of  the above  shall be  excessively annoying  behavior
     enforceable under  general Fidonet policy.  Zone-Gates and Inter-
     Network EchoGates SHOULD strip the SEEN-BYs of the exporting Zone
     or Network to reduce addressing conflicts.

     9.   COUNTERFEIT MESSAGES:   Entering  or knowingly  distributing
     counterfeit messages shall be considered excessively annoying and
     a violation  of Fidonet  policy enforceable  under the  terms  of
     Fidonet policy.  As used in this paragraph, a counterfeit message
     is defined  as any  message entered  using another person's name,
     handle or  node address with the intent of deceiving others about
     the true  author of  the message.   No  handles shall  be used to
     enter  messages   to  knowingly   provoke,  inflame,   or   upset
     participants in a conference with the purpose of deceiving others
     about the true identity of the author.

     10.   SYSOP'S RESPONSIBILITY:   It  is the responsibility of each
     Sysop to make every reasonable effort to assure that the users on
     his board  conform to  the provisions of this policy document.  A
     Sysop may  be held  responsible for  the acts of his users unless
     the Sysop  can show that a reasonable attempt was made to conform
     to this policy document.

     11.   ECHOMAIL SOFTWARE:   EchoMail  exchanges may consist of any
     type of  archival storage  format agreed  upon by  both  parties.
     SEA's ARC 5.1 (non-Squashing) archival storage format will be the
     "fallback" if  either party  is unable or unwilling to support an
     alternate method.  The continued use of Echomail software without
     prior agreement  of both  the sending  and receiving  nodes which
     interferes with  the  distribution  of  echomail  shall  lead  to
     disciplinary action  as described  previously in  this  document.
     See Section  III.   Examples of prohibited software would include
     the use  of  non-standard  echomail  packets  which  can  not  be
     processed by  the receiving  system. Another example would be the
     use  of   poorly  implemented  scanners  or  tossers  that  cause
     duplicates or  fail to  forward messages  to downstream links.  A
     further example  is the use of Tiny seenby options and the use of
     ^A hidden SEEN-BY lines.  Use of Echomail software which does not
     conform to  the minimum  acceptable standards  as defined  by the
     Fidonet  Technical  Standards  Committee  (FTSC)  shall  lead  to
     disciplinary action  as described  previously in  this  document.
     The Software Certification Committee is authorized  to  determine
     whether software meets minimum standards for use on the net.

     12.   HOST ROUTING OF ECHOMAIL:  Host routing of Echomail without
     the prior  consent of  both the Sending and Receiving Hosts shall
     lead to  disciplinary action  as  described  previously  in  this
     document.  See Section III.

     13.   SENDING OF ECHOMAIL DURING ZONE MAIL HOUR:  Transmission of
     echomail during  Zone Mail  Hour as  defined  in  Fidonet  policy
     without the  consent  of  the  receiving  system  shall  lead  to
     disciplinary action  as described  previously in  this  document.
     See Section III.
     FIDONEWS 21-51               Page 13                  20 Dec 2004


     14.   INTER-NETWORK CONFERENCES:   It  is the  general policy  of
     Fidonet   to   encourage   the   development   of   INTER-NETWORK
     CONFERENCES.   It shall be the duty of those providing the INTER-
     NETWORK CONFERENCE  links  to  remove  foreign  net  distribution
     identifiers which  will adversely  effect the distribution of the
     Echomail  Conference   while  in   Fidonet.    The  INTER-NETWORK
     CONFERENCE links  maintained in  Fidonet shall  be operated  in a
     manner not  to interfere  with the foreign network's distribution
     of Echomail.

     15.   DEFAMATORY POSTING:   The posting of any DEFAMATORY MESSAGE
     other than in conferences dedicated to this purpose (i.e. FLAME)
     shall lead to disciplinary action as described previously in this
     document.   See Section III.   The posting of substantiated facts
     shall not be considered a violation under this section.

     16.   ADDING OR  REMOVING  CONFERENCES  FROM  THE  Backbone:    A
     conference may  be added  to the  Backbone only by request of the
     RECOGNIZED Conference  Moderator.   A conference  may be  removed
     from the Backbone by lack of traffic. A committee composed of the
     ZEC and  4 RECs shall review the status of backbone echos every 6
     months.    At  which time those echos which have not maintained a
     minimum 10  messages a  week over the preceeding 6 months will be
     noted and  their Conference  moderators will be contacted.  These
     conferences will  be given  3 months  to improve their traffic or
     withdraw from  Fidonet backbone  distribution.    The  recognized
     conference moderator may request removal of their conference from
     the Fidonet backbone distribution at their discretion.

     17.   TOPOLOGY and  DUPLICATE MESSAGES:    Cross  Regional  links
     should be  avoided as  they increase the risk of improper linking
     and generation  of duplicate  messages.  Cross Regional links may
     be established  only with  the permission  of  the  REC  in  each
     region.  Each REC will do their best to make available high speed
     hubs, out  of state hubs, PC Pursuit hubs, etc, to facilitate the
     low cost,  efficient movement  of mail  within  their  respective
     Region.  If either REC has reason to believe duplicates are being
     introduced into  the system, an existing Cross Regional link must
     be immediately cut pending resolution.

     Any Sysop  who willfully  and knowingly  establishes  links  that
     either create  duplicate loops  (topology that  creates  circular
     feeds), increase  the risk  of such loops or who refuses to break
     those links  upon request  by their  NEC, REC  or  ZEC  shall  be
     subject to  disciplinary action  as described  previously in this
     document.  See Section III.

     18.   MESSAGE STANDARDS:   Until  the adoption  of a  superceding
     standard  by  the  Fidonet  Technical  Standards  Committee,  the
     following Echomail message standards will apply:

          a)   Eight-bit characters  (ASCII 128-255)  and non-printing
          low-order codes (ASCII 2-31) are prohibited,  except the use
          of 8Dh(soft  <CR> character)  per FTS-0004.    This  is  not
          intended to  discourage participation  of foreign  zones  or
          networks, which  may permit  said characters.   Any echomail
     FIDONEWS 21-51               Page 14                  20 Dec 2004


          processor  should   pass  information   exactly  as  it  was
          received, without stripping any non-standard characters.

          b)   Origin lines are limited to 79 characters including the
          required  ending   of  a   proper  network   address   (i.e.
          Zone:Net/Node.Point with zone and point being optional).

          c)   Tear lines  are limited  to 35 characters including the
          required "---  " lead-in.   These may ONLY contain packer or
          editor program  identification.    Tear  lines  for  message
          editors are  discouraged.  If an editor adds a tear line, it
          should also add an origin line to avoid multiple tear lines.

          d)  "Extra"   origin  lines   (ZoneGating)  are  limited  to
          essential information  only.   This consists of the required
          lead-in plus  the network  name "Gateway" and optionally the
          software ID  followed by  a Zone:Net/Node address.
          Example:  " * Origin: FidoNet Gateway (TComm 88:372/666)"

          e)   SEEN-BY addresses  must be  in sorted  order.  Multiple
          AKA's are  not allowed in SEEN-BY lines unless you have more
          than one  address which  processes mail.  Or for  one  month
          during change of an existing address (to avoid duplicates to
          the previous  address).  Node 0 addresses should not be used
          for echomail distribution.

          f)  All current FTSC specifications should be followed.


     VI.  ENFORCEMENT

     Enforcement of this policy document shall be under the provisions
     of  General  FidoNet  policy.    Complaints  concerning  Echomail
     violations  defined  under  this  policy  may  be  filed  by  the
     aggrieved individual, the conference moderator or by any level of
     Echomail Coordinator.   All  complaints  made  pursuant  to  this
     policy must  be made  within 60 days of the date of occurrence or
     discovery.   Complaints shall  be filed  under the  provisions of
     Fidonet Policy, with a copy to the respective *EC.

     Enforcement is  immediate, with  any currently  existing software
     allowed 60  days to  conform (from  the date  EchoPol1 goes  into
     effect).   A 30-day  extension  may  be  granted  solely  at  the
     discretion of  the ZEC  if efforts  to bring about compliance are
     clear.   Continued use  of aberrant  software after  this  period
     shall be deemed excessively annoying.


     VII.  ADOPTION OF POLICY

     1.     ADOPTION:     This  policy  shall  become  effective  upon
     ratification by  a  simple  majority  of  those  voting.    Those
     eligible to  vote shall be the IC, ZCs, RCs, NCs, ZECs, RECs, and
     NECs.   Those individuals holding more than one position can cast
     only one vote.

     FIDONEWS 21-51               Page 15                  20 Dec 2004


     2.   GRANDFATHER CLAUSE:   Within  60 days  of adoption  of  this
     policy, moderators  shall be  appointed for all existing Echomail
     Conferences which  do not now have a moderator.  Moderators shall
     be appointed  by the  ZEC from those volunteering as moderator or
     if no  volunteer is  available then  the ZEC  shall  request  and
     appoint a  moderator for  the conference.  In the case where more
     than one  individual claims to be the conference moderator and no
     agreement can  be reached,  the  ZEC  may  order  the  conference
     retired and  ban the further use of the specific conference name.
     Failure of the individuals to retire the conference name shall be
     deemed excessively annoying behavior.


     VI.  BACKBONE STRUCTURE

     This section  is for information purposes only.  It gives a plain
     English description of the current structure and operation of the
     Backbone.   The ZEC  may change  this structure  without amending
     this document.

     At the  top of  the  Echomail  distribution  network,  there  are
     systems  commonly  called  Stars.    These  systems  are  usually
     dedicated  to  passing  Echomail.    The  stars  operate  at  the
     discretion and direction of the ZEC.  At the time of this writing
     there are  3 stars, each has a backup system/plan in the event of
     a failure.   In  general, the  Stars link to one another and feed
     the RECs.

     The RECs  are then  responsible for  distribution of the echomail
     within their  Region.   Normally, the  REC will  feed the NECs in
     that region.

     The NEC  is responsible  for  distribution  of  Echomail  to  the
     individual Sysops within a net.

     Note that  the RECs  and NECs  can appoint  Hubs to  help in  the
     distribution of  Echomail.  That is, they do not have to directly
     feed the lower level.

     This is  the distribution  GOAL.  Because of less expensive phone
     rates and other reasons, this distribution method is not followed
     exactly.  Any change to the above requires agreement of the *EC's
     involved.   All *ECs  will use  all the  tools at their disposal,
     such as hubs, high speed modems, ROA, Wide Area Calling plans, PC
     Pursuit, corporate sponsorship, etc., to provide fast, efficient,
     and cost effective movement of echomail.


     Echopol Committee

     Mike Ratledge
     Norm Henke
     Rick McWilliams
     Barry Shatswell

     -----------------------------------------------------------------
     FIDONEWS 21-51               Page 16                  20 Dec 2004


                               What is???
                               Matt Mc Carthy
                               1:396/45.17


     The first paragraph below is taken from the already approved and
     functioning document "FidoNet(tm) Internetwork Gateway Policy",
     dated July 22, 1990.  Added to it represents what I believe to be
     "Common Practice" at this time, as stated by many in MODERATOR and
     FIDOECHOPOL, with a few of my own ideas included.  A few words have
     been changed since it's original posting in 1989.

     The purpose of this writing is:

     1) To define "Echomail"
     2) To define "Moderator"
     3) To define "EchoList"
     4) To assign Moderator responsibilities and limitations
     5) To provide a link for review proceedures should this
        ever become 'policy'.



        "Echomail"
        ----------
        Echomail is the term used within FidoNet to refer to electronic
        "Conference Mail" messages that, while possibly containing
        the name of a particular individual in the "To:" field, are
        copied and distributed to multiple (possibly several hundred)
        destination systems.  Echomail messages are segregated into
        "Conferences" based upon the topic being discussed.  Echomail
        message content is usually restricted to the topic(s) for which
        the particular conference was created.

        The originators of each of these Conferences, as well as their
        designees and successors are called "Moderators".  The "name" of
        each Conference is called its "Echotag".

        A listing of FidoNet Conferences, their respective Moderator(s),
        and those Moderators' electronic addresses, is contained in the
        monthly publication of the holder of FidoNet address 1:1/201.
        The title of this listing is "ELIST", short for EchoList.

        A Moderator is the owner of the Echotag of the respective
        Conference, but not its content.  A Moderator is empowered to
        establish and enforce rules of conduct and topicality to which
        users are enjoined to adhere.

        A Moderator grants permission to all participants to add the
        Moderator's Echotag to messages they post, in so far as the
        messages they post follow the rules of conduct and topicality
        as set forth in periodic postings by the Moderator.

        Each Moderator is solely responsible for insuring the conduct and
        topicality of their respective Conferences in consonance with
        their published rules.  No responsibility or authority beyond the
     FIDONEWS 21-51               Page 17                  20 Dec 2004


        Moderator's respective Conference is intended or implied.

        In accordance with this responsibility, a user's failure to adhere
        to the published rules of a Moderator is considered grounds for
        immediate revocation or restriction from use of said Echotag.

        A user who feels he is having a bad time because of a Moderator
        should let his local BBS System Operator (SysOp) know.  The SysOp
        can discuss the situation with the Moderator, resolve the dispute,
        or drop the echo in question in cases where the Moderator is
        unreasonable.

        A Moderator request for action must receive immediate action by
        the recipient.

        As always, any errors may be subject to normal FidoNet review
        proceedures under existing policy, should a complaint be lodged.


     (Ver. JJ6)

     M.

     -----------------------------------------------------------------
     FIDONEWS 21-51               Page 18                  20 Dec 2004


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

     Fidonet Related Websites
     Thom LaCosta
     1:261/1352

     One approach to tracking and viewing Fidonet related websites is to
     visit webrings that specialize in Fidonet.

     A webring is a method where sites having a common theme advertise
     other websites with simailar themes.  The advantage to the webring
     concept is that in theory, the sites have an interest in maintaining
     an accuate listing and can modify their own listings on a site by site
     basis.

     It appears that there are two fidonet webrings....the long-running
     system at http://b.webring.com/hub?ring=fidonet and another at
     http://www.fidonet.us/fidoring/

     The ring at webring.com is larger, but forces the viewer to look at
     google ads panels. The smaller ring at fidonet.us does not depend on
     adverstising revenue from ads.

     Sysops with Fidonet related websites should consider joining one or
     both rings.

     Ring News
     It's a pleasure to welcome two new BBS systems to the
     fidonet.us webring:

     Pucela BBS (Valladolid, Spain) Sysop: Komunero
     The Realm of Darkness BBS  Sysop: Ken Bowley

     The most current version of the list below can be viewed at
     http://www.fidonet.us/fidoring/sitelist.html

     WWW.FIDONET.US - WEBRING PARTICIPANTS

     BBBS Charlotte and N4RPS.net Home Page
     Web Page of N4RPS, Rob Sargeant, and Web portal for BBBS Charlotte,
     a Fidonet BBS located in Charlotte, North Carolina USA (1:379/2).
     http://www.n4rps.net -  6-November-2003

     Fidonet - Net261 - Maryland
     Fidonet in Maryland - Net261
     http://www.fidonet.us/net261/ - 2-March-2003

     Rocasa BBS
     Rocasa BBS is a system accessible as both a traditional Bulletin
     Board System, via landline or telnet, as well as via the Web for
     message and file access. It is also the home of the BBBS FDN.
     http://bbs.rocasa.org - 16-June-2003

     <<Prism BBS
     FIDONEWS 21-51               Page 19                  20 Dec 2004


     Hq of the IFDC FileGate and the Programmers Distribution Network.
     <<Prism has been online since 1989.
     http://www.filegate.net:8080  - 11-February-2003

     Fidonet.us
     The Fidonet Site for all sysops.
     http://www.fidonet.us - 10-February-2003

     The Realm of Darkness BBS
     A Linux based BBS running in Phoenix, AZ
     http://www.trod.org/trod.html - 3-December-2004

     Pucela BBS (Valladolid, Spain)
     BBS located in Spain. The web has a lot of information about BBS's
     and FidoNet in Spain, Argentina, Mexico, ... FidoNet: 2:341/201.
     Language: Spanish.
     http://www.conecta2.org/pucela_bbs/pucelabbs.htm  - 18-November-2004

     FTN Gate
     Fidonet related site; including especially DNS hosting for
     z1.fidonet.net domains.
     http://www.ftngate.net - 18-September-2004

     Fidonet Region 13
     Home page for Fidonet Region 13.
     http://www.fidonet.us/region13/ - 20-August-2004

     FidoNet Primer
     An introduction to FidoNet: what it is, how it works
     http://www.writebynight.com/fidonet.html - 11-February-2003

     RuneKeep BBS
     A great place for new sysops to learn about BBSing and getting help
     setting things up. A friendly place for people to Play Onlines Games,
     Chat, and participate in International Message Forums.
     http://runekeep.darktech.org - 10-February-2003

     The Elflords' Home
     Where the FidoMob meets to exercise it's mysterious control over
     Zone 1
     http://www.elflords.net/ - 2-March-2003

     Fidonet Parody
     FidoNet - An Unofficial Page where truth is stranger than fiction,
     and humor abounds when the Emperor Has No Clothes.
     http://www.fidonet.ro/ - 2-March-2003

     Chowdanet BBS
     Chowdanet offers mail from several nets, games and a large files base.
     Dial up and telnet access.
     http://www.chowdanet.com - 11-February-2003

     Thom
     1:261/1352

     -----------------------------------------------------------------
     FIDONEWS 21-51               Page 20                  20 Dec 2004


     =================================================================
                 ROBERT COUTURE'S FIDONET SOFTWARE LISTING
     =================================================================

                    -=:{ FIDONet Software Reference }:=-

         Type: M=Mailer  T=Tosser  B=BBS  D=Door  C=Comm/Terminal
               P=Points  E=Editor  I=Internet  U=Utility  ?=Info

     .- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -.
     |Software: Author     |Type |URL, Contact, Ver, Notes      Help Node|
     `- - - - - - - - - - -+- - -+- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -'

      Argus                |MI   |http://www.ritlabs.com/argus/  2:469/84
                           |     | argus@ritlabs.com  Tel: 373-2-246889
                           |     | v3.210 on Mar 20th 2001

      BinkleyTerm XE       |M    |http://btxe.sourceforge.net     1:1/102
                           |     | v2.60XE/Gamma-6 on Nov 11th 1998

      BinkD                |MI   |http://2f.ru/binkd/
                           |     | maloff@corbina.net
                           |     | v0.94 on Jul 24th 2000 (Outdated)

      FIDO-Deluxe IP       |MPUI |http://www.fido-deluxe.de.vu 2:2432/280
       Michael Haase       |     | m.haase@gmx.net
                           |     | v2.4 on Sep 26th 2003

      FrontDoor, FD/APX:   |MTPC |http://www.defsol.se          2:201/330
       Definite Solutions  |     | sales@defsol.se                1:1/101
                           |     | v2.26SW & v2.33ml FD, v1.15 APX

      Husky Project        |MTPUI|http://sf.net/projects/husky/
                           |     | v1.4 RC2 on Sep 22nd 2003

      Radius               |MI   |http://radius.pp.ru           2:5012/38
      (based on Argus)     |     | fido5012@zaural.net Tel: 7-3522-469463
                           |     | v4.009 on Jan 2nd 2003

      Taurus               |MI   |http://taurus.rinet.ru        2:461/701
      (based on Radius)    |     | E-mail: taurus@rinet.ru
                           |     | v5.000 alpha on Oct 11th 2004

      Tmail                |MI   |http://www.tmail.spb.ru  v2608
                           |     | Website is in Russian only

      WildCat! Interactive |MTBEI|http://www.santronics.com
       Net Server, Platinum|     | sales@santronics.com
       Xpress: Santronics  |     | Tel: (305) 248-3204
       Software, Inc.      |     | AUP 451.1 on April 26th 2004
     +- - - - - - - - - - -+- - -+- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -+

      Fidogate             |TUI  |http://www.fidogate.org
                           |     | Martin_Junius@m-j-s.net  v4.4.10

      FMail                |T    |http://fmail.nl.eu.org
     FIDONEWS 21-51               Page 21                  20 Dec 2004


                           |     | support@fmail.nl.eu.org  v1.60

      JetMail: JetSys      |TU   |http://www.jetsys.de  js@jetsys.de
       (ATARI ST only)     |     | v1.01 on Jan 1st 2000

      Squish               |T    |http://maximus.sourceforge.net/
                           |     | Lanuis site redirects to above
                           |     | Squish is part of Maximus.

     +- - - - - - - - - - -+- - -+- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -+

      BBBS                 |BI   |http://www.bbbs.net  b@bbbs.net
                           |     | v4.00MP on Oct 25th 1999      2:22/222

      ELEBBS: The Elevator |B    |http://www.elebbs.com
       Software Production |     | elebbs@elebbs.com
                           |     | v0.10.RC1 on Jun 9th 2002

      EZYCom BBS           |BT   |http://homepages.ihug.com.au/~dcbbs/
                           |     | pjs@optushome.com.au         3:633/104
                           |     | v2.0 on 3 May 2003

      Hermes II Project    |B    |http://www.hermesii.org
                           |     | info@HermesII.org  v3.5.9 Beta Final

      Maximus BBS          |B    |http://maximus.sourceforge.net/
                           |     | v3.03

      MBSE BBS:            |BI   |http://mbse.sourceforge.net  2:280/2802
       Michiel Broek       |     | mbroek@users.sourceforge.net
                           |     | v0.60.0 on June 5th 2004

      Mystic BBS           |B    |http://www.mysticbbs.com
                           |     | v1.07.3 on May 13th 2001

      Nexus BBS            |B    |http://www.nexusbbs.net
                           |     | groberts@nexusbbs.net
                           |     | v0.99.41-Beta on Oct 16th 2002
                           |     | [Note: No Longer under active
                           |     |  development.]

      Proboard BBS         |B    |http://www.proboard.be
                           |     | v2.17 on Jun 9th 2002

      RemoteAccess BBS:    |B    |http://www.rapro.com            1:1/120
       Bruce Morse         |     | bfmorse@rapro.com
                           |     | v2.62.2SW

      Spitfire BBS: Buffalo|B    |http://www.angelfire.com/ia/buffalo/
       Creek Software      |     | MDWoltz@aol.com                1:1/150
                           |     | v3.6 on Aug 20th 1999

      Synchronet BBS       |BT   |http://www.synchro.net
                           |     | sysop(at)vert(dot)synchro(dot)net
                           |     | v3.10L Beta

     FIDONEWS 21-51               Page 22                  20 Dec 2004


      Telegard BBS         |B    |http://www.telegard.net
                           |     | support@telegard.net
                           |     | v3.09g2 SP4
     +- - - - - - - - - - -+- - -+- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -+

      Atlantis Software    |D    |http://www.jimmyrose.com/atlantis/
                           |     | Last Update: August 2004

      Cheepware            |DU   |http://cheepware.midnightshour.org
       Sean Dennis         |     | hausmaus@midnightshour.org    1:18/200

      DDS (Doorware        |D    |http://www.doorgames.org     1:2404/201
       Distribution System)|     | ruth@doorgames.org
       Ruth Argust         |     |

      DoorMUD              |D    |http://doormud.com
                           |     | v0.98 Jun 1st 2002
                           |     | Website is down after
                           |     | past the splash page.

      Jibben Software      |D    |http://www.jibbensoftware.com
                           |     | scott@jibben.com
                           |     | 1995-99 Release dates

      John Dailey Software |D    |http://www.johndaileysoftware.com
                           |     | support@johndaileysoftware.com

      Shining Star         |D    |http://www.shiningstar.net/bbsdoors/
                           |     | nannette@shiningstar.net

      Sunrise Doors:       |D    |http://www.sunrisedoors.com
       Al Lawrence         |     | al@sunrisedoors.com
                           |     | Tel: (404) 256-9518

      The Brainex System   |D    |http://www.brainex.com/brainex_system/
                           |     | stanley@brainex.com  1994-99 Releases

      Trade Wars           |D    |http://www.eisonline.com/tradewars/
                           |     | jpritch@eisonline.com
                           |     | v3.09 (DOS-32) in 2002

      Vagabond Software:   |D    |http://www.vbsoft.org        1:124/7013
       Bryan Turner        |     | vagabond@vbsoft.org
                           |     | last update: Jul 17th 2002

     +- - - - - - - - - - -+- - -+- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -+

      APoint               |PI   |http://www.apoint-mail.de
                           |     |http://www.apoint-mail.de/indexe.htm
                           |     | (English Version)
                           |     | dirk.pokorny@apoint-mail.de
                           |     | v1.25                   2:2426/1210.13

      CrossPoint (XP)      |P    |http://www.crosspoint.de (German Only)
                           |     | pm@crosspoint.de  v3.12d Dec 22nd 1999

     FIDONEWS 21-51               Page 23                  20 Dec 2004


      FreeXP               |P    |http://www.freexp.de         2:2433/460
                           |     | support@freexp.de
                           |     | v3.40 RC3 Aug 31st 2003 (Snapshot)

      OpenXP/32            |PI   |http://www.openxp.com        2:248/2004
                           |     |  (Site is in German Only)
                           |     | mk@openxp.de  v3.8.15 Beta Feb 10th 2004
                           |     | Download Page comes back 404 not found.

     +- - - - - - - - - - -+- - -+- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -+

      GoldEd+              |E    |http://mik.nu/golded-plus/   2:203/6600
                           |     | v1.1.5 Snapshot on Feb 28th 2003

      SqEd32               |E    |http://www.sqed.de
                           |     | v1.15 on Dec 15th 1999

      TimEd                |E    |http://blizzard.dnsalias.org/fidonet
                           |     | mail@ozzmosis.com            /timed
                           |     | v1.11.a5 in March 2003      3:633/267

     +- - - - - - - - - - -+- - -+- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -+

      GiGo                 |UI   |http://www.gigo.com
                           |     | v0109 on Jan 9th 1997

      Internet Rex:        |UI   |http://members.shaw.ca/InternetRex/
       Charles Cruden      |     | telnet://xanadubbs.ca       1:342/806
       (Khan Software)     |     | v2.29 on Oct 21st 2001

      TransNet             |UI   |http://www.ressl.com.ar/transnet/
                           |     | transnet@ressl.com.ar
                           |     | v2.11 on Jul 18th 1998

      TransX: Multiboard   |UI   |http://www.start.ca/software/multiboard
       Communications, Inc.|     | Unsure about support now but Free Keys
                           |     | are now available.  Donations accepted.
                           |     | v3.5 (Note: KeyGen is a Windows Program)

      Ifmail               |UI   |http://ifmail.sourceforge.net
                           |     | crosser@average.org         2:5020/230
                           |     | Ifmail is a FTN <-> E-Mail/News Gateway
                           |     | Program.

      Meltdown-BBS         |UI   |http://meltdown-bbs.sourceforge.net/
                           |     | meltdown-bbs.project.petkan
                           |     |                       @spamgourmet.com
                           |     | Fido:                       2:350/5
                           |     | Meltdown-BBS is an FTN <->
                           |     | Web/PHP/MySQL BBS forum system.

      MakeNL               |U    | http://hub2000.darktech.org/makenl
                           |     | fidonet.hub2000 [at] gmail [dot] com
                           |     | Fido:                       1:229/2000
                           |     | FidoNet Nodelist Processor

     FIDONEWS 21-51               Page 24                  20 Dec 2004


     +- - - - - - - - - - -+- - -+- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -+

      National BBS List    |?    | http://www.usbbs.org

      Hispanic FIDO/BBS's  |?    | http://www.conecta2.org/pucela_bbs/
       (in Spanish only)   |     |  (Extensive software & BBS Listings)

     +- - - - - - - - - - -+- - -+- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -+

      File Archives:

       http://archives.thebbs.org             http://www.filegate.net
       http://sysopscorner.thebbs.org         http://www.juge.com
       http://www.dmine.com/bbscorner/        http://garbo.uwasa.fi
       http://www.simtel.net                  http://wuarchive.wustl.edu
       http://maximus.midnightshour.org       http://hobbes.nmsu.edu

      Note: most also provide FTP access
            (use ftp:// instead of http:// above)

     *=-=*=.=*=-=*=.=*=-=*=.=*=-=*=.=*=-=*=.=*=-=*=.=*=-=*=.=*=-=*=.=*=-=*

      Please send corrections & additions to: Robert Couture, 1:229/2000
                    E-Mail: rpa4email (at) rogers (dot) com
                         Telnet: runekeep.darktech.org
                 (Leave Feedback as Guest or create an account)

         Emeritus: Ben Ritchey, Todd Cochrane, Frank Vest, Peter Popovich

     -----------------------------------------------------------------
     FIDONEWS 21-51               Page 25                  20 Dec 2004


     =================================================================
                             SPECIAL INTEREST
     =================================================================

                         Nodelist Stats

      Input nodelist  nodelist.352
                size  832.7kb
                date  2004-12-17

      The nodelist has   6912 nodes in it
        and a total of   9555 non-comment entries

              including     6 zones
                           47 regions
                          387 hosts
                          487 hubs
         admin overhead   927 ( 13.41 %)

                    and  1114 private nodes
                          255 nodes down
                          347 nodes on hold
      off line overhead  1716 ( 24.83 %)


      Speed summary:

               >9600 =    605 (  8.75 %)
                9600 =   5941 ( 85.95 %)
                              (HST  =  120 or   2.02 %)
                              (CSP  =    0 or   0.00 %)
                              (PEP  =    1 or   0.02 %)
                              (MAX  =    0 or   0.00 %)
                              (HAY  =    1 or   0.02 %)
                              (V32  = 3105 or  52.26 %)
                              (V32B =  263 or   4.43 %)
                              (V34  = 4049 or  68.15 %)
                              (V42  = 3407 or  57.35 %)
                              (V42B =  262 or   4.41 %)
                2400 =     59 (  0.85 %)
                1200 =      8 (  0.12 %)
                 300 =    299 (  4.33 %)

                ISDN =    547 (  7.91 %)

     ----------------------------------------------------------
      File Req Flag   Applicable software     Number of systems
     ----------------------------------------------------------
      XA              Frontdoor <1.99b             2263
                      Frontdoor  2.02+
                      Dutchie 2.90c
                      Binkleyterm >2.1
                      D'Bridge <1.3
                      TIMS
                      Xenia
     --------------------------------------
     FIDONEWS 21-51               Page 26                  20 Dec 2004


      XB              Binkleyterm 2.0                 9
                      Dutchie 2.90b
     --------------------------------------
      XC              Opus 1.1                        8
     --------------------------------------
      XP              Seadog                          6
     --------------------------------------
      XR              Opus 1.03                      40
     --------------------------------------
      XW              Fido >12M                     283
                      Tabby
                      KittenMail
     --------------------------------------
      XX              D'Bridge 1.30                3081
                      Frontdoor 1.99b
                      Intermail 2.01
                      T-Mail
     --------------------------------------
      None            QMM                          1222
     --------------------------------------

      CrashMail capable =   2130 ( 30.82 %)
      MailOnly nodes    =   3872 ( 56.02 %)
      Listed-only nodes =    541 (  7.83 %)
      Other             =    369 (  5.34 %)

      [Report produced by NETSTATS - A PD pgm available from 1:106/100]
      [                                 Revised by B Felten, 2:203/208]

     -----------------------------------------------------------------
     FIDONEWS 21-51               Page 27                  20 Dec 2004


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

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     FIDONEWS 21-51               Page 28                  20 Dec 2004


     Send articles via e-mail or netmail, file attach or message to:

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     Fidonet  2:2/2
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     -----------------------------------------------------------------
     FIDONEWS 21-51               Page 29                  20 Dec 2004


                    Credits, Legal Infomation, Availability

     + -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --  FIDONEWS STAFF - -- -- -- -- -- -- -- +
     |                                                                |
     | Editor:        Björn Felten, 2:2/2                             |
     |                Crash mail attached: Editor@2:2/2               |
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     | Webmaster:     Jim Barchuk, jb@fidonews.org                    |
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     |                                                                |
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     + -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -  EDITORS EMERITI - -- -- -- -- -- -- -- +
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     |       Tom Jennings, Thom Henderson, Dale Lovell, Vince         |
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     |       Doug Meyers, Warren D. Bonner, Frank L. Vest             |
     |                                                                |
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     + -- -- -- -- -- -- -  FIDONEWS AVAILABILITY - -- -- -- -- -- -- +
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