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1991-11-06
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9KB
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230 lines
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
SLUF - Searchlight Logoff User-Feedback
V4.0 Beta
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
By: Greg Belanger
The Arcade BBS (403) 273-3503
Calgary, Alberta CANADA
*- USR HST Dual Standard Equipped -*
=-=-=-=-=-=-=
What is SLUF?
=-=-=-=-=-=-=
SLUF is a program that will allow a BBS user to send FeedBack to the
SysOp, just before logging off. It's a LAST-CHANCE-GET-IT-OFF-YOUR-CHEST
message editor. While the program is relatively simplistic, it will
send the Message DIRECTLY to the SYSOP's mailbox. No need to use SLMAIL,
SLUF will do it all.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Getting Started:
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
SLUF is EXTREMELY easy to install. Simply add it to your LOGOFF AUTODOOR
and specify the parameters and away you go! The first parameter is the
USERS NAME, second parameter is the GRAPHICS mode, third parameter is the
NAME you want the Logoff message to be sent to (I.E. SYSOP for sysop
account), the fourth parameter is a Yes/No option which tells
SLUF whether you want the SLUF brag line to be included in the message,
the fifth parameter tells SLUF to limit the MAXIMUM NUMBER of Message
Lines to the value you specify. In the following examples it is 30 but
can be set to whatever value you like.
SLUF uses SL's COMM routines, so set COMM SUPPORT to Standard. SLUF also
uses a TEMPORARY Text file, so set WRITE PROTECT to NO.
** Use the SL Metacharacters to pass the Current Users name and Graphics
mode to SLUF -- %U and %G **
========
EXAMPLE:
========
SLUF %U %G SYSOP N 30
--> Would send the current Users Name and Graphics mode to SLUF
and specify SYSOP as the recipient of the message, and
SLUF Would NOT add a SLUF Brag line to the message. The 30
would tell SLUF to set the maximum number of message LINES
to 30.
SLUF %U %G GREG_BELANGER Y 30
--> Would send the current Users Name and Graphics mode to SLUF
and specify GREG BELANGER as the recipient of the message, and
SLUF WOULD add a SLUF brag line to the message. The 30 would
tell SLUF to set the maximum number of message LINES to 30.
************
IMPORTANT!!!
************
- If the Account which you direct the message to is more than ONE word, add
an UNDERSCORE between EACH name, and ENSURE the name is COMPLETELY in CAPS.
- Searchlight BBS only allows a MAXIMUM of 400 Lines for each message.
SLUF will allow up to 400 as well, but if a value is set LARGER than 400,
SLUF will default to 99 lines.
EXAMPLE:
You wish to send the message to DAR THE VICTORIOUS:
SLUF %U %G DAR_THE_VICTORIOUS N 30
This allows SLUF to recognize the parameter as ONE and not THREE different
parameters. SLUF will REMOVE the UNDERSCORE, and direct the message to the
correct account: DAR THE VICTORIOUS.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Maximum Lines:
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
SLUF will allow as many lines for the message as you specify, up to the
MAXIMUM of 400 as defined by Searchlight BBS. SLUF DEFAULTS to 99
if you do not set the parameter, or specify a value that exceeds 400.
At the Line limit, the User will be asked whether they wish to
SAVE or ABORT the message...Entering Y or N will SAVE or ABORT the message.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Entering A Message:
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
After sluf has loaded, the user is presented with an SL-style
Yes/No prompt on whether they wish to send Feedback to the sysop.
After the Yes/No prompt, the user is presented with a screen which displays
the header and various bits of information. Below the header is the message
editor, which shows the CURRENT line number. After 10 lines of text have
been acepted, the screen will clear and the header and editor screen will be
re-drawn. This presents the user with a much nicer display. After the user
has typed the message, all they have to do is ENTER a ! to ABORT the message
or a * to SAVE the message. The only requirement to do this is that the !
or * MUST be entered on a BLANK line, at the left-most space. Once an
option is chosen, SLUF will inform the user that the message is being saved
or aborted and will promptly exit.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Error Messages:
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
In the event that the Searchlight Config files cannot be found or are
damaged, SLUF will inform the user by flashing the appropriate message.
The program will then exit with ABORTED MESSAGE. The two most common
messages that may be displayed in the event of an error are:
CONFIG FILE ERROR -- CONTACT SYSOP
SUBBOARD ERROR -- CONTACT SYSOP
These will only be displayed if the files are DAMAGED or are NOT FOUND.
-=-=-=-=-=-
Disclaimer:
-=-=-=-=-=-
I have had a growing urge to produce my own SL utility, so here it is.
While this program may not be completely bug-free, I have done significant
testing to ensure that all MAJOR bugs have been squashed. I do NOT
guarantee that this software will run properly, nor will I be responsible
for any damage that may occur to your computer hardware or software while
using SLUF. I feel that SLUF is relatively safe to run. All the
safeguards possible have been installed to provide maximum security for your
system and files while SLUF is in operation.
SLUF was tested ONLY with MSDOS 5.0, if you encounter problems with SLUF,
please discontinue using the product and inform me. I will do my best
to correct the problems. SLUF *SHOULD* run fine under IBM DOS
and MSDOS 3.0 or later.
-=-=-=-=-=-
About SLUF:
-=-=-=-=-=-
I have been programming in Pascal for several years. It started with my
first introduction to Turbo Pascal 4.0 in High School and I have continued
to enjoy (sometimes!) programming various personal utilities and programs in
my spare time. I have tried virtually every SL 3rd party utility in
existance, and I'm sure most will concur that this program does not even
come close. While SLUF is not fancy, it gets the job done. I had not seen
a Logoff feedback utility for SL 2.15, and always thought it was something
that SL lacked... so that is why SLUF was produced. SLUF took a few hours
to piece together...While the idea is fairly simplistic, the coding was not.
SLUF incorperates many little tricks which were suggested by friends, as
well as some code by Frank LaRosa for the message import and Subboard
identification.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
A Word About 3rd Party-ware:
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Over the last couple of years, I have noticed more and more authors
DEMANDING payment for programs they create. While I understand the work put
into these BBS 'helpers' I am distressed by the fact that BBS operators
should have to CONTINUOUSLY and NEVER-ENDINGLY pay for these utilities.
That's why I choose to write FREE-WARE. I support the idea of a bbs, where
utilities and programs are shared. Bbs operators are an amateur group
of hobbyists and I don't believe a BBS operator should have to continuously
pay for a hobby he/she already pays enough for. The BBS operator is a fine
species..One who allows people he/she doesn't even know to gain access to
their system, out of the goodness of his/her heart. I ask all you authors
who are so valuable to the Searchlight community to join me in providing
all our fellow SL sysops with quality FREE-WARE. Donate some of your time
and expertise to the cause...It'll make the BBS community a much better
place!
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Closing Comments:
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
SLUF is FREE. COMPLETELY FREE. I ask no fee for using this software, but I
do however ask that you do NOT modify the file, or crack (dis-assemble) the
code in any manner. If you find this program of value, and you want to
contribute something, by all means send whatever you feel is fair. My real
payment is that you find this program of value, and I thank you for taking
the time to read about SLUF. If you have any problems, bug reports, general
questions or concerns, please address them to the following address:
Greg Belanger
3241 Doverville Crescent S.E.
Calgary, Alberta
CANADA
T2B1V1
...Or contact me at any of these Network Addresses:
1:134/48 -- FidoNet
201:5500/48 -- MetroNet
99:9305/48 -- EggNet
250:420/750 -- SL_Net
...Or Call my bbs at (403) 273-3503 (24 Hours & HST)
** The LATEST Version of SLUF is ALWAYS File Requestable as SLUF **
Thanks for taking an interest in SLUF!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Searchlight, SL & SLBBS are registered trademarks of Searchlight Software, Inc.
MSDOS is a registered trademark of Microsoft, Inc.
IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines, Inc.
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