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1987-06-08
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Volume 4, Number 22 8 June 1987
+---------------------------------------------------------------+
| _ |
| / \ |
| /|oo \ |
| - FidoNews - (_| /_) |
| _`@/_ \ _ |
| International | | \ \\ |
| FidoNet Association | (*) | \ )) |
| Newsletter ______ |__U__| / \// |
| / FIDO \ _//|| _\ / |
| (________) (_/(_|(____/ |
| (jm) |
+---------------------------------------------------------------+
Editor in Chief: Thom Henderson
Chief Procrastinator Emeritus: Tom Jennings
FidoNews is published weekly by the International FidoNet
Association as its official newsletter. You are encouraged to
submit articles for publication in FidoNews. Article submission
standards are contained in the file ARTSPEC.DOC, available from
node 1:1/1.
Copyright 1987 by the International FidoNet Association. All
rights reserved. Duplication and/or distribution permitted for
noncommercial purposes only. For use in other circumstances,
please contact IFNA.
Ten Weeks to FidoCon!
Table of Contents
1. EDITORIAL ................................................ 1
Shades of Grey ........................................... 1
2. ARTICLES ................................................. 2
Echomail Censorship: Con ................................. 2
Echomail Censorship: Pro ................................. 3
BBS Picnic -- You are invited ............................ 6
Tandy User Group Newsletter .............................. 7
3. COLUMNS .................................................. 12
The Regular Irregular Column ............................. 12
4. NOTICES .................................................. 16
The Interrupt Stack ...................................... 16
Notice: Echolist 102 now available! ...................... 16
Latest Software Versions ................................. 16
IFNA Board of Directors Ballot ........................... 18
International FidoNet Conference Registration Form ....... 21
FidoNews 4-22 Page 1 8 Jun 1987
=================================================================
EDITORIAL
=================================================================
Shades of Grey
This should be an interesting issue. Most of you are probably
aware of the current controversy surrounding the creation and use
of the EchoChop utility by yours truly.
In this issue we have a pair of articles about EchoChop. One,
written by myself, argues against it. The other, written by
David Garrett (a noted opponent of EchoChop), argues in favor of
it. At best this will be illuminating, and at worst it may serve
to illustrate that no issue ever truly resolves itself into black
and white, but only into shades of grey.
For, opposed as we are, we both do realize that there are
multiple sides to the issue. While we have come to different
conclusions, both of us are quite capable of appreciating the
other side. I personally feel that no one is able to rationally
resolve any question unless that person is able to see it from
more than one viewpoint. Remember, your opponent never thinks of
himself as wrong.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
FidoNews 4-22 Page 2 8 Jun 1987
=================================================================
ARTICLES
=================================================================
Thom Henderson, 107/6.1
Echomail Censorship: Con
Censorship of echomail is a dangerous and deadly precedent. By
and large FidoNet operates on trust, and trust is a fragile
thing. If it is abused, then our entire network can fall to
pieces about our ears.
Echomail already carries about it a strong scent of anarchy. No
one really knows what conferences exist and who carries them (in
spite of the valiant efforts of Tom Kenney to track them). By
its very nature echomail is not subject to any sort of central
control, which is one of its greatest strengths. But if this
anarchy is carried to extremes, if any given sysop along the path
is allowed unlimited discretion regarding echomail content, then
the entire structure becomes anarchical to the point of collapse.
It only works, when it does work, because those who promote it
have dedicated themselves to a higher purpose.
Just as the various coordinators of FidoNet mail in general
concern themselves only with the movement of messages and not
their content, so have the various nodes of the echomail backbone
dedicated themselves to the broadcast of messages without regard
to content. Theirs is not to judge, but to distribute. This is
the burden they knowingly accepted, and this burden they are free
to lay down at any time if they are less than willing to abide by
all of the consequences.
One of the basic tenets of FidoNet is that any sysop is free to
do pretty much as he or she wishes on his or her own board, but
that no sysop may dictate to any other sysop. Censorship of
echomail is contrary to this ethic.
We are not children here. There is no need for any "Big Brother"
to dictate tastes and choices to sysops at large. All sysops are
presumed able to make their own decisions. They should be given
the opportunity to do so.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
FidoNews 4-22 Page 3 8 Jun 1987
David Garrett, 103/504
Echomail Censorship: Pro
Regulation of echomail content is long overdue. Those opposed to
echomail regulation base their opposition on one of three primary
arguments, namely, censorship, violation of trust, or that the
time is not right to open this "can of worms". These arguments
must be evaluated against Fidonet's controlling philosophy that
all sysops have the right to control their own board so long as
it does not adversely effect other sysops. It is becoming
obvious that echomail must be cleansed of the defamatory messages
which so frequently consume our time and disk space.
When the arguments against echomail censorship are stripped of
their emotional appeal, then these arguments become much less
persuasive. An objective evaluation of the competing interests
involved leads to the an obvious conclusion in support of
echomail censorship.
At the very heart of this hobby, for most of us, is the desire to
run our own independent Bulletin Board over which the Sysop
reigns supreme. Sysops defiantly maintain the right to control
the nature of the files and messages on their individual boards.
Should a sysop not wish to receive echomail on particular
subjects or from particular individuals, he is entirely within
his rights to do so. If a node wishes to receive an edited
version of an echomail area then this is also well within the
sysop's rights so long as he can find an echo feed which will
accommodate him. Conversely, should an unadulterated version be
desired then the sysop is under no compulsion to receive echomail
from any particular source and is free to find a link that
satisfies his own desires. Echomail censorship (echochop) is
consistent with this philosophy. As Sysops we have the right to
decide what to receive and what expenses to incur. A sysop
should not be required to receive echomail that he does not want
nor should he be required to incur costs in obtaining echomail
that he has no desire to read and which will be immediately
deleted.
It has become apparent that there is an extreme need to be able
to in someway limit the number of defamatory messages which often
consume the echomail areas. These messages act like a cancerous
growth in the echomail areas quickly choking out the enjoyment
that we all seek to gain by participation in echomail. Initial
attempts at ignoring the offending messages as well as requests
to stop entering them have been futile. The situation has
reached the point where numerous sysops have stopped
participating in echomail altogether as a result of the offensive
character of certain echomail areas. Obviously, when things
deteriorate to the point that participation is discouraged then
something must be done. Echochop is an acceptable solution. It
does not go so far as to completely censor the offending nodes
but rather merely seeks to reach an acceptable middle ground
where those sysops that have been driven from the area can still
feel free to participate without risking the exposure to
FidoNews 4-22 Page 4 8 Jun 1987
offensive material. As such echochop seeks to protect the
interests of all individuals since it gives an option as to the
content of the messages received.
In evaluating the allegation that echomail violates the trust
upon which Fidonet is based, it is obvious that there exists
different levels of "trust" within Fidonet. In this writers
opinion, "trust" as it relates to echomail is much different than
"trust" as it relates to netmail. In the case of netmail, both
the sender and recipient trust the nodes in the stream of
distribution to not delete the mail. However, echomail is a much
different form of communication and should be treated
differently. Echomail is primarily an open discussion forum
where the intent to communicate with any one particular
individual is not as critical as participating in the discussion
with the group as a whole. As such, the sender of echomail
generally is not that concerned that the mail reach any
particular recipient and hence does not place the same level of
trust on the delivery process. With regards to the recipient,
there exists an element of trust with the feed that recipient is
receiving and an unadulterated version of the conference. Where
as in the case of net 107, the filtering is occurring with the
knowledge and consent of the recipient then this trust is not
being violated. As such echochop does not violate anyone's
"trust" in the echomail system.
The allegation of censorship is simply without merit. Censorship
does not occur merely by creating two conferences from one. This
is particularly true where both conferences are made available to
all recipients. This situation is analogous to television where
one has the ability to selectively view desired programs.
Additionally, since there is not any effect on the ability to
process replies the net result is that there is not an effect of
censorship on the echomail area.
With regards to not opening the "can of worms" at the present
time, it becomes obvious that this argument looses its appeal
under careful consideration. With the continual rise in the
number of nodes in Fidonet it is much better to deal with growing
pains such as the current censorship issue at the present time as
opposed to later when the number of nodes has risen to the point
of where there is no possibility of reaching a consensus.
One must also keep in mind the fact that the only real effect
that the filtering of the sysop area has is to change the
location of where the messages are removed from a given echomail
conference. Obviously, if a downstream node does not wish to
read any messages from another individual then he won't do so.
By allowing the offensive messages to be segregated upstream then
a more cost effective allocation of resources occurs in that the
downstream node does not have to receive mail that will be
deleted anyway. This does not adversely effect the sender of the
message since it would not have been read anyway.
In conclusion, Echochop (censorship) appears to be the least
restrictive method of protecting the interests of the sysops
FidoNews 4-22 Page 5 8 Jun 1987
participating in echomail. It does not violate anyone's trust
but rather allows sysops to be selective as to the message
content of their message areas.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
FidoNews 4-22 Page 6 8 Jun 1987
John Kelley, 107/331
Sysops:
If you could be so kind as to post this info on your system, it
owuld be greatly appreeciated. We have had this event for
several years and it never fails to be a great event. We would
like to welcome you and your callers to our BBS Bash.
Thank you so much
*****************************************************************
BBS Picnic -- You are invited
Planet Shadowstar BBS in co-operation with MicroFone MultiLine
BBS takes pleasure in announcing the 3rd annual bbs picnic to be
held from 11am - dusk in Roosevelt Park, Edison, NJ on Saturday
August 1st. Price is $7 per adult, $4 each for ages 5-12. Under
5 is free. This includes hamburgers, hot dogs, soda and beer --
all you can eat.
Attendees are asked to bring a covered dish to put on a table to
be sampled by all. This can be a hot or cold dish. If you can
bring some ice, that would be nice. There will be a baseball
field, playground for kids, tennis & basketball courts. Please
bring sports equipment if you have it. It will be a fun day. If
you want to go, send a check made out to
Larry Feldman
PO Box 2052
Menlo Park, NJ 08818
Include a note to let me know how many adults & children.
Deadline for the money is July 10th. There will be a minimum of
100 people in attendance. I hope you will add to that amount.
Meet your fellow bbs-ers.
Thank-You
Larry Feldman - picnic control --- TBBS v2.0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
FidoNews 4-22 Page 7 8 Jun 1987
Bill Crawford, OpusNODE 362/1
Chattanooga, Tennessee
(615) 892-7773
Tandy User Group Newsletter
The day "full compatibility" became a myth! The MS-DOS
standard is still intact, but IBM has joined the rest of us in
being not quite hardware compatible. Actually, they made
themselves a lot less compatible than many of us have been.
The Model 30, IBM's new "low-end" product still uses PC and
XT compatible expansion boards, but that's about where it stops.
Our understanding is that most monitors won't work (the PC and XT
used digital monitors while all the new products use analog
units). Previous units used 5-1/4" drives, while the Model 30
(and the Convertible) use 760Kb 3-1/2" units... and the remainder
of the new models use 1.44Mb 3- 1/2" drives!
Remember the Tandy 1000 and 2000 "non-standard" keyboards
with 12 function keys across the top (IBM had ten keys on the
left end of the keyboard) and our separate cursor keypad??? Guess
what. IBM now supplies their Enhanced Keyboard on all units
with... yep, twelve function keys across the top and a separate
cursor keypad.
So, the bottom line is that IBM currently has at least three
hardware configurations which are not compatible... their
original PC, XT, and AT... the new Model 30 and the
convertible... and the new Models 50, 60, and 80.
IBM is offering improved graphics on all models, but the
Model 30 is a subset of what's available on the 50, 60, and 80
series. Product literature I've seen indicates that if you want
the new graphics on your PC or XT (or compatible), IBM will have
an expansion board.
RAINBOWFEST CHICAGO
April 11 and 12 at the Hyatt Regency Woodfield, were wild
days for CoCo enthusiasts! One hears about devoted Apple fans,
Commodore devotees and others, but I've never seen a more
enthusiastic and dedicated group of computer buffs anywhere. Fran
McGehee (who is responsible for PR on our Color Computer) and I
flew to Chicago for the show. We shared the hotel courtesy
shuttle from the airport with a doctor from South Carolina who
had flown in for the show. He owned one of the original silver
CoCos.
I saw our doctor friend several more times during the show.
As of our last meeting, he hadn't succumbed to the temptation to
pick up a new CoCo 3, but CoCo 2s, 3s, monitors, software and
accessories were being carried out of the place in what at times
looked like a bucket brigade.
When the room became almost too crowded to move in, I looked
FidoNews 4-22 Page 8 8 Jun 1987
at the registration line outside the door, and it was still at
least three abreast around the corner, a hundred or so feet down
the hall. A new addition this year, was CoCo Cat in person,
greeting show attendees.
At the CoCo Community Breakfast on Saturday morning, the
room was packed. Dr. Marty Goodman gave a very entertaining talk
on how he happened to get into the Color Computer business, and
on the history (or rumored history) of the Color Computer.
All in all, it was a great show, and Lonnie Falk and his
crew are to be complimented on an outstanding effort.
ONE THOUSAND MAGAZINE
There's a new Tandy-specific magazine that I don't think
I've told you about. It is devoted exclusively to owners of the
Tandy 1000 family of computers. It's called "One Thousand", and
it's published by Jeff Thurston and Michael Sakacsi. They've been
around for about a year now, and report their intention to go on
newsstands soon.
The 58-page April issue made the offer to sendsubscription
information and a sample issue to any Tandy 1000 owner who
requests it. The address is Thursak Publishing, Inc., 2153 Muren
Blvd., Suite A, Belleville, IL 62221-4136. Or call'em at (618)
277-3526.
READER RESPONSE
Robert Sullivan, president of the New England Coconuts club,
recently sent some requests and suggestions that I would like to
address.
Mr. Sullivan complemented us on information like the
software compatibility data in the January '87 issue. He hopes
that type of information will be made available to stores.
Actually, I took it from a monthly memo to the stores issued by
our computer merchandising department, so es, they have it.
He feels that I may have spent too much time recently on
industry issues like the errors in PC Magazine's review of the
1000 EX and SX. He suggests that the magazine's "letters" column
is the appropriate place for that type of response. That's a
valid point. I did write. I had dinner with PC editor Bill
Machrone and executive editors Paul Sommerson and Bill Howard,
just three nights ago in New York, and he tells me my letter
should appear very shortly.
The reason I have also addressed some of those issues here
is that every time something like that happens, I receive
anywhere from 2 or 3 to more than a dozen letters from Tandy
owners, calling it to my attention and saying they hope we will
register a strong objection. My interpretation of those letters
was that Tandy owners take real pride in their computers, and
want to know that we make a strong effort to refute published
FidoNews 4-22 Page 9 8 Jun 1987
misinformation. It's all part of the "behind the scenes" non-
technical information we hoped to provide by this newsletter. I
would welcome other comments, since I want to keep this
publication valuable to you.
Mr. Sullivan asked for an overview of what happens with a
software product between the time a developer gives it to us and
the time it reaches the stores for sale. I'll provide that below.
He was especially interested in the story behind OS-9 Level
II. He asks why, at Princeton Rainbowfest last Fall, developers
were using OS-9 Lv II, before most of you could even get CoCo 3s.
Simple... early versions of the CoCo 3 were supplied to
applications developers, along with early copies of OS-9 Lv II,
to encourage them to begin development of applications programs
using OS-9 Lv II. Unfortunately, early hardware and software
isn't always "bug free", and so developers' ability to get an
early start can be hampered until "final" versions reach them.
Those early versions are what you saw at Rainbowfest.
He also asks what is and is not allowed in Radio Shack
stores and Plus Computer Centers in relation to Tandy User
Groups. The answer is we allow our stores to post notices for
Tandy-specific clubs, listing the club name, contact person,
along with times, dates and places of regular meetings. In most
stores, we can post a single letter-size leaflet, but please
don't ask us to distribute a quantity of leaflets or newsletters.
Stores are not allowed to offer their location for meetings, due
to insurance restrictions.
SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT
It's been quite a while since I've written about this issue,
and Mr. Sullivan's question reminded me that it's probably time
to do it again. We've learned a lot in our ten years in the
computer business, so the problem isn't of the magnitude it was
even 5 or 6 years ago. But when delays happen, it's a major
irritation to those of you who are waiting for a product. Here's
a simplified overview of what happens to a new software product.
I think most of you know that now, Tandy relies almost
entirely on third-party, name-brand software suppliers. We
develop (in house) only three applications products... Scripsit,
Quartet, and DeskMate.
The question specifically related to third-party software.
First of all, we have to divide those products into two
categories. Number one is "strategic" software... those items we
sell in our stores. Second is "express order" software, which is
not stocked, but is electronically special ordered for you, and
normally shipped to your store within 24 hours.
Most new software enters our catalog through the express
order system. When we decide to carry an item, it is tested by
our quality assurance people, but not to the extent a "strategic"
FidoNews 4-22 Page 10 8 Jun 1987
product is. Since the original intent of express order was to
offer market-proven programs, those products have already
achieved a high degree of market acceptance by the time they
reach us. We don't feel it's necessary to go over them in such
great detail. Express order products are supported by the author
or publisher. "EOS" products generally reach the market quickly,
unless our testing uncovers a serious defect or problem.
Strategic products... like OS-9 Lv II... are another matter.
When the vendor delivers to us, the work has just begun. It is
not unusual for the software to undergo several hundred hours of
exhaustive testing. Our software engineers have to become
thoroughly familiar with it. Vendors make the required
corrections, retest, and return the package so we can resume our
testing. Fixing one software problem has been known to cause
others. The test and correct process goes on until we're
comfortable with the product's performance. hat's the way
software is developed.
Editors go over the manuals to try to make them as easily
understandable as possible, often making extensive changes. Once
the manual is edited, it goes out for typesetting. That can take
weeks on an extensive manual. The typeset pages must be
proofread, and corrections made. Then printing can take several
weeks. Disks must be mastered, and the masters retested, before
mass production can be started.
When manuals are printed and master disks are approved, a
few sample packages are assembled for final approval, and almost
immediately production begins. When the plant ships to our
warehouses our incoming Quality Assurance personnel must inspect
and approve the packages. Then they go into warehouse inventory,
available for shipment to stores. Depending on how initial
distribution is planned, the time from warehouse stock to store
shelves is 1 to 3 weeks, including shipping.
It sounds complex, and it is. We'd like nothing better than
to build and ship, without delays, but we can't do it and supply
a quality product.
If all our plans went like clockwork, you wouldn't see the
delays. If it took two years to bring the product to market,
you'd simply see the ads when it was ready, and walk into a store
and take a copy home. We try to plan it that way. Magazine and
newspaper ads are not normally placed until product is in the
warehouse. Sometimes, ongoing testing uncovers a problem after
that time, and we suspend shipments until it's fixed.
Catalogs are another matter. They have very long lead times.
Our August catalog is committed in April. If we aren't very
confident of delivery, we don't include the product. But if only
one new product out of 2 dozen is delayed, you and we forget the
twenty-three that went according to plan, and that one becomes a
major problem to us all. We just aren't willing to deliver a
product with a known problem, in order to make a deadline.
FidoNews 4-22 Page 11 8 Jun 1987
Specifically, in the case of OS-9 Lv II, remember that it
took 3 years to develop OS-9. With Tandy's backing, the new
windowing system included in Lv II was developed in about one
year. My software gurus tell me that the windowing portion of OS-
9 Lv II is actually more code than OS-9 itself, and the Lv II
manual is 1,200 pages!
If you haven't been intimately involved in software
development, it's hard to fathom the procedure. The bottom line
is that Tandy tries very hard to produce quality software. Our
normal policy is not to announce products until you can walk out
of a store with them. If in a specific instance that doesn't
happen, you can be assured of two things. One, there was a good
reason; and two, a lot of folks are under considerable pressure
to correct the situation.
Thanks, Mr. Sullivan, for providing several subjects that
should be of considerably widespread interest.
TIP TO HARD CARD OWNERS
Our technical support people have found that there is a
significant possibility of damage to your system if you transport
it with a 20Mb hard disk card installed. We strongly suggest that
if you ship or transport it, you emove the card first. We
recommend you save the hard card carton, in case you have to ship
it anywhere at a later date.
See you next month.
Material contained herein may be reproduced in whole or in part
in user group newsletters. Please quote source as Tandy
Corporation/Radio Shack.
Send questions/suggestions to:
Ed Juge, director of market planning
Radio Shack
1700 One Tandy Center
Fort Worth, TX 76102
You can also join the Tandy EchoMail Conference by contacting
Neal Curtin 343/1 or myself 362/1 for more information.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
FidoNews 4-22 Page 12 8 Jun 1987
=================================================================
COLUMNS
=================================================================
-- The Regular Irregular Column --
Dale Lovell
157/504
Well, I seem to have gotten past the thirteenth column in
one piece. I finally had some time this past week to take a look
over some of the stuff that had been building up in my pile of
"things that I should look at real soon now." While this may
sound great, I didn't have the time to do any in depth testing of
any of the products. I plan to keep exercising most of the
programs and will keep you updated on anything new I find
out. First up is Dennis Baer's Structured Programming Language.
-- The Structure Programming Language (Pledge of $50-$100) --
SPL is not currently meant to be a stand alone programming
language. It works with a BASIC interpreter or compiler. While it
resembles Pascal, it has many of the functions you may have
become accustomed to in BASIC. Overall I'm not that impressed
with it and don't think I'll be using it much. I do think it
could have a great use as a preprocessor for a BASIC compiler
(or even an interpreter). If more people started off using SPL
instead of straight BASIC, it would help avoid some of the
problems I've seen with a few self-taught programmers. I don't
mean to downplay BASIC, I've used it myself. The problem is too
many people place too much importance on it. I've run into quite
a few "programmers" who have had severe problems in trying to
learn any new languages or write what I would consider acceptable
code (and I'm not that picky) because of the bad habits they had
picked up from BASIC. I think SPL could help stop some of these
problems. Anyway, enough of my preaching.
Since SPL translates its' code into BASIC, just about
everyone should be able to run it (most people have BASIC for
their MS-DOS machines compliments of Microsoft). The language
itself is structured enough to meet with my approval, although it
could use better support on nesting (it currently has a maximum
of 10 nested statements) and recursion. Procedures are declared
pretty much as they are in Pascal, so I felt right at home. While
there wasn't that many different variable types allowed, I found
them adequate for simple use (real, integer, string, and arrays
of all types). I would have liked to seen data structures as well
(it would have been a nice addition to the regular BASIC variable
types), hopefully the next release will have them. The language
isn't that bad, my only real complaint is that its' generated
code runs so slow under GW-BASIC. This could probably be improved
by using a BASIC compiler, but I haven't gotten around to
purchasing one yet. I'd recommend it to someone just learning how
to program. The extra steps involved in running a program should
also help to acquaint a person with the real world (text editor,
compiler, source level debugger, etc.). Since SPL has many of the
FidoNews 4-22 Page 13 8 Jun 1987
functions in BASIC, you get the flexibility of BASIC (even full
screen functions) without picking up many of BASIC's "bad habits"
(GOTOs, needing line number, etc.).
-- MacPaint pictures, READMAC, and more --
When the Apple Macintosh was first introduced, many of us
cringed at the included drawing program (MacPaint). Not only was
it very easy to impress your friends with the then beautiful
pictures, it was easy to use. In short order scanners for the
Macintosh were feeding their output into MacPaint. This left many
of us PC users feeling mean and nasty (I remember when PC owners
snarled at the mention of the Macintosh). There weren't any
inexpensive mice or drawing programs for the PC and even if they
appeared overnight on the marketplace, the Mac people still had a
jump on us. The PC world did respond, and you can now get quality
mice for a PC for about $100. Many of the mice even come packaged
with a paint program and/or mice menu software. The problem was
there still wasn't any way to bring the MacPaint pictures over to
our PCs (and help us PC users catch up quick).
These problems were overcome over a year ago with a program
called READMAC. It allowed an IBM PC with a CGA adapter to
display and print a MacPaint format picture. In short order there
were READMAC programs for Hercules monochrome adapters (the EGA
adapters would have worked with the original READMAC). I've seen
programs to convert a MacPaint picture to a PC Paint Plus format
picture, but not in the Public Domain. The program I saw was
copyrighted by MicroTex (who makes many of the scanners for PCs
and Macs). If anyone has a public domain equivalent, I'd
appreciate it if you could pass the news of it onto me (and where
I can file request it). The part I like is that a conversion
program would allow me to bring these scanned images into a
DeskTop Publishing System like Ventura Publisher.
While this may not sound like much, I've seen several
hundred scanned (or drawn) MacPaint pictures. Everything from an
Escher style print to Clint Eastwood as Dirty Harry. In many
instances I don't need to find (or buy) a scanner. I can merely
dig up the MacPaint picture that has already been scanned. This
could be a big boom for us Bulletin Boards as many companies
would start taking us seriously. After all, when you've got the
files that they're looking for, they will take you seriously!
The original idea of READMAC has already been copied many
times. I've come across a very quick READMAC type program for an
EGA card. It has many features that could not be implemented on a
CGA card (or herc card for that matter) and only lacks the
ability to print the picture. The program is called EGAMAC and is
from Large Scale Computing (the suggested contribution is $5).
First off this is the fastest MacPaint reader I've ever seen, and
speed means a lot to me as I do not have a 10 mhz AT. The program
uses the high resolution modes of an EGA adapter and displays the
picture without ANY distortion (as far as I can tell). In
addition it allows you to look at the inverse of the picture and
allows you to set the background color. If this wasn't enough it
FidoNews 4-22 Page 14 8 Jun 1987
also allows you to change to pictures characteristics. This
doesn't mean that you can change the picture, it just means the
colors used. You can shade it with any of 3 different levels on
Red, Green, and Blue. This was very convenient for me, as I
didn't enjoy looking at everything in black and white. Of course,
it does invite some patented weirdness when trying it out, but I
found it a nice change of pace from being serious. I'd heartily
recommend anyone with an EGA system to take a look over this
software and send in at least a ten dollar contribution. Software
of this quality is getting hard to find and we all need to
support those few people still writing it!
-- Winding Down --
I just came across an update to Hack (I had 3.5 and found
3.6) and have been busy looking for changes. I haven't really
noticed any differences, but they might have been at the lower
levels. I have yet to get past the tenth level, but I'm still
working at it. Since I was "busy" looking over this "update"
(I've been told 3.6 has been out for awhile) I didn't have a
chance to look over any of the newer games sitting around (as
opposed to an update of an older game). I still like Hack and
think it is one of the better Public Domain games available for
PCs. Since it has no graphics it should run on any system with an
ANSI.SYS driver (DEC Rainbows have it built into the machine). In
case you missed my comments on awhile back, it's a Dungeon and
Dragons type program. You attempt to recover the Amulet of Yendor
out of a Dungeon, you start off with a trusty companion (a small
dog, who does grow) and the minimal amount of provisions and
equipment. Along the way you'll find deadly monsters, "playful"
sprites, and a few shop keepers.
The best book I've come across is "Assembly Language Primer
for the IBM PC & XT" by Robert Lafore of The Waite Group (list
price $24.95). It is a beginning book on assembly language for
our beloved PCs. I had bought the Microsoft Macro Assembler some
weeks ago for a program that had come across Usenet. Part of it
was in assembler, and I really wanted to have it running. Since I
had bought the assembler, I finally decided to learn how to
program in assembly language. This book has taught me a lot about
8088 assembly language and seems to cover the necessary topics.
You can enter all of the sample programs through the DEBUG
program included with MS-DOS, so don't worry if you don't own an
assembler. Robert Lafore has a wonderful writing style that works
well with what would otherwise be a dry subject. Throughout the
book you find subtle humor to help carry you through the tough
subjects introduced. I won't go into assembly language here, as
I've found it is a tough subject (for me at least). This book is
one of most well written computer texts I've ever come across.
Even if you aren't interested in assembly language, I would
recommend buying this book in order to have a good standard of
what computer books SHOULD be like.
This paragraph is for an unknown individual who sent me a
package with no return address. The enclosed note was signed
"Ender Wiggin." Well Ender, how about letting me know who you are
FidoNews 4-22 Page 15 8 Jun 1987
(and what's with the "four fighter starship?"). I'm hoping this
will drag my shy friend out of the woodwork. If you know who he
or she is, please drop me a line as I am getting VERY curious!
That ties it up for this week. I'll get around to some of
the other programs that have been piling up next week. As it is
this may get into Thom a little late (please excuse any errors as
I was rushed). I encourage you to write to me (electronic or
otherwise) and let me know you views on anything I've written
about (or something you think I should). Below you'll find my
FidoNet address, Usenet address, and US Mail address. I try to
answer all the mail that I receive. People sending me mail
through FidoNet should route my mail through 157/0 or 157/1 (I'm
a private node in the matrix).
Dale Lovell
3266 Vezber Drive
Seven Hills, OH 44131
uucp: ..!ncoast!lovell
FidoNet: 157/504
-----------------------------------------------------------------
FidoNews 4-22 Page 16 8 Jun 1987
=================================================================
NOTICES
=================================================================
The Interrupt Stack
22 Jun 1987
Submissions deadline for echolist #103. All updates should be
sent to Tomas Kenny at 107/316.
1 Aug 1987
Third Annual BBS Picnic in Edison, NJ. Please register before
July 10th. Admission is $7 for adults, $4 for 12 and under,
free for 5 and under. Contact Paul Kelley at 107/331 for
details.
20 Aug 1987
Start of the Fourth International FidoNet Conference, to be
held at the Radisson Mark Plaza Hotel in Alexandria, VA.
Contact Brian Hughes at 109/634 for more information. This is
FidoNet's big annual get-together, and is your chance to meet
all the people you've been talking with all this time. We're
hoping to see you there!
24 Aug 1989
Voyager 2 passes Neptune.
If you have something which you would like to see on this
calendar, please send a message to FidoNet node 1:1/1.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Thomas Kenny, 107/316
It is finally true! Echolist 102 is now available from me under
the name of "echolist.arc". I run SEAdog but no file requests
from 8-10GMT (NMH-1hr to NMH+1hr). Please be certain to send me
corrections and additions for the next echolist. The deadline for
submissions to the next list is 6/22/87. Thanks and enjoy!
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Latest Software Versions
BBS Systems Node List Other
& Mailers Version Utilities Version Utilities Version
Dutchie 2.51* EDITNL 3.3 ARC 5.21*
Fido 11w LISTGEN 05.25.86 ARCmail 0.60
Opus 0.00 Prune 1.40 EchoMail 1.31
SEAdog 4.00 RouteGen 2.81* FastEcho 2.00*
TBBS 2.0S TestList 8.3* Renum 3.30
XlatList 2.81*
FidoNews 4-22 Page 17 8 Jun 1987
* Recently changed
Utility authors: Please help keep this list as current as
possible by reporting new versions to 1:1/1. It is not our
intent to list all utilities here, only those which verge on
necessity.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
FidoNews 4-22 Page 18 8 Jun 1987
Bob Morris 141/333
Chairman, Elections and Nominations Committee
The next two pages are your Official ballot for the Election of
the IFNA Board of Directors. The following are the few rules
which must prevail in this election:
1. You must send a legible copy of this ballot to the address
listed on the ballot. It must be signed and bear your
net/node number.
2. You may vote for any one person in your region for the
position of Regional Director. This vote is to be cast in the
LEFT column of the ballot.
3. You may vote for any eleven people in any regions for the
position of Director at Large. These votes are to be cast in
the RIGHT column of the ballot.
4. Voting will continue until the end of registration at the
Conference in August. The results will be read during the
opening of the business meeting on the first day of the
conference.
5. Write-in Votes will be accepted and are requested during this
election.
FidoNews 4-22 Page 19 8 Jun 1987
IFNA Board Of Directors
Ballot
Regional At Large
Region 10:
Steve Jordan _________ ________
Region 11:
Ryugen Fisher _________ ________
Theodore Polczynski _________ ________
Region 12:
Region 13:
Don Daniels _________ ________
John Penberthy _________ ________
Thom Henderson _________ ________
Gee Wong _________ ________
Brian Hughes _________ ________
Region 14:
Ben Baker _________ ________
Ken Kaplan _________ ________
Brad Hicks _________ ________
Region 15:
David Dodell _________ ________
Larry Wall _________ ________
Region 16:
Bob Hartman _________ ________
Hal Duprie _________ ________
Region 17:
Rob Barker _________ ________
Randy Bush _________ ________
Bob Swift _________ ________
Region 18:
Wes Cowley _________ ________
FidoNews 4-22 Page 20 8 Jun 1987
Region 19:
Mark Grennan _________ ________
Wynn Wagner _________ ________
Region 2:
Henk Wevers _________ ________
Write-in candidates:
___________________ _________ ________
___________________ _________ ________
Name ______________________________ Net/Node ___________
Signature______________________________ Date ___________
Please complete this and mail it to:
Robert Morris
IFNA Elections Committee
210 Church Street
West Haven, Ct. 06516
or bring it with you when you come to the conference in August.
These ballots will be counted by myself since with 200 members
the charges for a CPA would be very high. Hard copies will be
made available to anyone wishing to insure that their vote was
included.
Thank You
Bob Morris
Elections and Nominations Committee
-----------------------------------------------------------------
FidoNews 4-22 Page 21 8 Jun 1987
OFFICIAL REGISTRATION FORM
FOURTH INTERNATIONAL FIDONET CONFERENCE
RADISSON MARK PLAZA HOTEL
ALEXANDRIA, VA.
AUGUST 20 - 23, 1987
Name _________________________________ Date _____________
Address ______________________________
City & State _________________________
Phone (Voice) ________________________
Net/Node Number ______________________
Phone (Data) _________________________
Number in Your Party _________________
Staying at the Radisson? _____________
Number of Rooms? _____________________
Arrival Date? ________________________
Departure Date? ______________________
Registration Fees: How Many Total
Full Conference $60.00 each ________ $________
Late registration $10.00 each ________ $________
(after Aug. 1)
Friday Night Banquet $30.00 each ________ $________
Saturday Luncheon $16.50 each ________ $________
Total Amount Included (Registration and Meals) $________
IFNA MEMBERS ONLY:
How many in your party will
be attending the Sunday morning
Board of Directors meeting? ________
Send your registration form and a check or money order to:
Fourth International FidoNet Conference
212 E. Capitol St., Washington, D.C. 20003
Attn: Brian H. Hughes -- voice: (202) 543-4200
This registration form does not include hotel accomodations. If
you wish to stay at the Radisson Mark Plaza Hotel, please contact
them directly and mention you are with the FidoNet Conference.
Conference room rates are $80/night for single or double
occupancy, and $20/night for an extra cot.
Radisson Mark Plaza Hotel
5000 Seminary Rd., Alexandria, Va. 22311
1-800-228-9822
-----------------------------------------------------------------
