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1993-08-04
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501 lines
} else {
nl();
pl("You must increase the number of dirs in INIT.EXE first.");
}
break;
/* End Block Add */
= case 'M':
= nl();
= prt(2,get_string(161));
= input(s,3);
= i=atoi(s);
= if ((s[0]!=0) && (i>=0) && (i<num_dirs))
= modify_dir(i);
= break;
= case 'I':
= if (num_dirs<max_dirs) {
= nl();
= prt(2,get_string(162));
= input(s,3);
= i=atoi(s);
| if ((s[0]!=0) && (i>=0) && (i<=num_dirs)) { /* { Add TB15-422.MOD
*/
= insert_dir(i);
+ modify_dir(i); /* Add TB15-422.MOD */
+ } /* } Add TB15-422.MOD */
= }
= break;
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────-
Step 7: Add swap_subs() and swap_dirs() to FCNS.H:
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────-
/* File: diredit.c */
void modify_dir(int n);
void swap_dirs(int dir1, int dir2); /* TB15-422.MOD */
void insert_dir(int n);
.
.
.
/* File: subedit.c */
void modify_sub(int n);
void swap_subs(int sub1, int sub2); /* TB15-422.MOD */
void insert_sub(int n);
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────-
Step 8: You're done! Please email me if you use this mod!
───────────────┬─────────────────────────────────────────────┬───────────────
│ Type 0 Forum │
│ Edited by Omega Man (1@5282) │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────┘
The Type 0 Forum is WWIVnews' "Letters To The Editor" section. Comments,
criticisms, questions, and suggestions can be sent to WWIVnews c/o 1@5282.
WWIVnews reserves the right to edit any submissions for either clarity,
punctuation, or spelling, but will endeavor to maintain the content integrity
as close to that originally submitted as possible.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Dear Editor:
I find it very interesting that you published a letter from Rebel 1 in the
latest WWIVnews! This guy has *really* gotten on my nerves. I think you
should have pointed out that this guy is *the* Plagiarist Of The Month! He
took my JAFO12 mod (WWIV Time Bank) and changed a line and made it his own.
All he did was remove all the strings and tell people to use his string mod to
put the strings in an external .STR file. Of course, his string mod is just a
TOTAL ripoff of Tolkien and Snorkel's MODSTRIN.MOD.
I did a DIFF of my "void timebank" and his "void jrftime", and not a SINGLE
line was different except for the fact that his didn't have any strings (just
calls to jrf_string).
I posted something nasty on the WWIVnet Mod Sub (Filo moved my post) telling
him if I wanted to distribute my mods without strings I'd do so!
JAFO (1@8861)
Editor's Reply:
While it's not the policy of WWIVNews to refuse submissions based on any
disagreements between the author and other parties, it is also not the policy
of WWIVNews to point out any reported transgressions, or act in an accusatory
manner in matters such as this. To point out non-sequiturs such as this would
be about as beneficial to WWIVNews as the dismantling of WWIVNet, and would be
about the same as adding an Editor's NOTE before every column telling the
readers what sort of screw-ups the author has committed since last issue.
This, however, is not to say that JAFO's complaints aren't possibly valid.
Those who subscribe to the MODNET subs were witness to the brief debate that
ensued over the accusations of plagiarism. As stated in the last issue of
WWIVNews:
"On the other side of the fence, of course, is the issue of proper accredation
of source material. Nobody likes to see someone else get credit for hard work
they didn't perform, and the same goes triple for programmers. As a result, at
least twice a month there can be heard the cries of "PLAGIARISM!!" on the
Modnet Discussion sub - usually over someone's total duplication of a
sublist(void) or dirlist(void) replacement - and brief flames erupt until Filo
steps in to put them out."
Sure enough, this observation was proven at least twice since this self-quote
first saw print.
Again, plagiarism of modifications - or any other work, for that matter -
isn't part of any proper code of ethical conduct. However, as there are no
WWIVNet guidelines covering such actions, accusations pertaining to such
should be conducted in a civil manner in whatever forum the participants
choose for their discussions on the matter.
Dear Editor:
For the nearly eight years I have been running the WWIV software there hasn't
been a change to the manner in which Wayne Bell (the software author) chose to
list messages on the BBS area, commonly called a "message base," "message
sub," a "public message area," or any variety of other names. This format for
reading public messages displays the title, author, date and time of the
writing, BBS origin (included recently), and sometimes a line indicating it is
"with regards" to another when it is in reply to previous message (also called
a "post"). Another important feature of reading messages includes a feature
whereby a user may scan only the titles of all the "posts".
The scan feature is very useful to sysops and users reading numerous message
areas that contain large numbers of messages, or to many sysops who carry (or
host) an overabundance of message areas and wish to spend as little time as
possible browsing through messages, while still being able to get the most out
of them, as do their users. Enter the infamous Random Title.
This is an example of an actual random title (which was posted in the #1
Sysops nationally networked message base):
Title: RE: Re: The Bermuda Triangle is a strange place [Random Title]
The above title had nothing to do with the content of its attached message,
and therefore acts as a red herring serving only to conceal the true intent of
the message, whether this result was intentional or not. Moreover, random
titles are usually selected at random from a list of dissimilar titles, and
this process inherently has an infinitesimal chance of correlating to a
message, inevitably having absolutely nothing in connection with the contents
of a message. Randomness may lead to chaos, and it almost certainly
precipitates confusion. The turmoil may increase logarithmically as other
sysops or users respond to messages using random titles, further saturating
the message base with a plethora of post-titles that make no sense and have no
relation to the contents of the messages contained within.
Doctors tell us that humans learn very quickly through conditioned response.
This is the concept demonstrated by the following example: A person may have
an adverse reaction to eating a certain type of food. After finding which food
is responsible, the person will be conditioned to remember the effects and not
eat that food. An analogous situation: Many sysops and users are looking for
answers to questions they have asked in the different forums. After scanning
the message titles for an answer to his earlier post, a sysop or user
encounters a few pertinent messages, but with cryptic titles, and many more
irrelevant message with confusing titles. The unconventional titles often
contain the words "Random Title" in them, or they are only a bit of
punctuation, such as the infamous ellipsis (...), exclamation points (!!!), or
a single word, "Yeah," "No!" "Whatever," or a few words that still don't imply
meaning: "I don't agree," "WWIVCon," "What I said was..." "Etc., etc." "Help
me," "My answer:" and the list continues. After reading many of these
messages, finding them useless, the sysop or user develops a conditioned
response to skip over them.
The worst part about this situation: What happens when message has a random
title, but contains the exact information the sysop or user is looking for,
and is skipped because its title implies no relation to its content? One
potential result is that the person asking the question repeats it in a second
or third message, and then is either ignored or criticized for repeating the
message & not seeing the original answer. The ensuing messages then clutter up
any topics that are current in the forum. There are other less and more
catastrophic effects that for space considerations of this article I must
leave out. The main point of this example is that important information may be
overlooked.
While some of the above title examples may appear acceptable, none of them
properly imply the what might be the primary content of a message. "Help me,"
for example, could specify what kind of help is required, or what the problem
is, all in the title area. "I don't agree," could also indicate with what and
whom there is not an agreement. Wayne Bell, the author of WWIV, left the
potential length of message titles long to enable sysops and users to be
specific with respect to what help or information they're looking for, not so
that they could be lazy and ignore them, leaving their messages unsupported.
Try to make your titles suggest what the message is going to say. Otherwise,
if you have something important to scan, a lot of people are going to scan
right past it. If someone is scanning through many messages per day, they want
to skip the messages that don't apply to them, and the messages with random or
meaningless titles are the easiest way to make them do that.
A good rule of thumb is to make the titles of your messages describe what your
entire message is about, presenting as much information as possible in the
limited space given. Many people are more likely to read, "How to make
$35/user per yr by charging for XXX .GL d/l's," rather than "Making money..."
or "Check this out!" or "A wrinkle in time is a disastrous thing [Random
Title]."
BBS's are an incredible force for spreading and obtaining information. Used
correctly and proficiently one can reap enormous benefits from them; used with
insouciance or indifference they degenerate into a confused, banal and fatuous
collection of expensive wastes of modems, telephone lines, and computers.
Number One (1@6951)
Editor's Reply:
Number One's comments speak essentially speak for themselves. The use of
Random or non-related titles on networked subs - especially high-volume ones -
can render unto one's posts a bit of camouflage that will cause "title
scanners" to skip over them, totally oblivious to the content of the post.
Granted, those in support of the use of this style of titling argue vehemently
that scanning titles is a sign of laziness, and that if one is not going to
read every post on a sub then that person has no business having access to the
sub in the first place.
Problem with this argument is twofold:
First, on a high-volume sub - one that has over 100 posts a day - reading
every single post can take more time than most people with lives have to spend
reading messages. This is especially applicable on politically oriented subs
as the WWIV World-Wide Link and the Political Incorrectness Net, as well as
other subs such as the #1's Only Sub, the IBM Information Net and 1@1's Star
Trek Sub(*). As a result, people with limited time frames must resort to title
scanning in order to keep up as best as possible with the topics of discussion
for the sub in question.
(*) This is applicable primarily during the start of a new season :-)
In other words, its not a matter of laziness, it's a matter of lack of free
time.
Secondly, there's a bit of double-standardization in action here. By refusing
to take the time to give each post a distinct, descriptive title, those who
rely on Random or non-related titles are themselves the ones being lazy.
Now, once upon a time, back in the days before Eight-Ball went off to college,
there was a particularly active poster who insisted on giving every message
posted on the high-volume subs that person frequented a nondescript, macro-
defined title, regardless of the content of the post.
That simple title was "Hi!", and it drove every "title scanner" on those subs
crazy - especially when there were 30-40 posts in a row with that title!
While quite a number of these posts contained serious, intelligent
commentaries, most of them were ignored by the majority of readers because
most of them were "title scanners". The rare times this person's comments were
noticed occurred when someone who wasn't just a "title scanner" quoted
something from one of this person's posts.
When confronted about the nondescript title, the person in question gave two
excuses that attempted to transfer the blame upon the "title scanners". The
first argument was paraphrased earlier. The second one, however, went
something like this:
"I use 'Hi!' as a friendly title for every post. Those who wish to be friendly
should be attracted by this title, and read my post without any concern
beforehand of the content!"
This argument, needless to say, was so full of...well, full of *something*
that it provided perfect cannon fodder not only for the majority of the sub's
more prolific character assassins, but for those in the novice category as
well. In the end, while the poster in question wasn't essentially repentant
after his/her/its public flambe', of the posts originating from that account
a significant portion were _not_ simply titled "Hi!"
Situations like this are also prime arguments for those who wish to see some
sort of WWIVNet ban on Random Titles. However, like taglines, Random Titles
can serve a useful purpose so long as they're used properly. If one is going
to implement a mod to allow for Random Titles, one should also implement a
version of the mod that allows this feature to be turned off for networked
subs whose high traffic flow would cause such posts to be a waste of time and
network resources.
A title is essentially an advertisement for your post. Posters need to
acknowledge the fact that using descriptive titles will enhance their chances
of their posts being read on a high-volume sub. When one is either seeking or
giving information, such efforts are only as good as the methods used to
attract the attention of the target audience. If you need information, and you
don't use a title reflective of this fact, then you have nobody but yourself
to blame for the lack of response you'll receive.
───────────────┬─────────────────────────────────────────────┬───────────────
│ WWIV-Compatible Networks List │
│ (July Final Edition) │
│ 37 Networks Included │
│ by Red Dwarf (1@6264) │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────┘
The following information is compiled as a service to BBS operators and has
not been verified for accuracy. Attempts are made to keep the material current
and usable. If you are aware of changes that should be made, such as additions
or deletions, please send them to me in E-Mail.
Information for this listing should only be submitted by the contact person
for each network. You should also inform me of any changes to be made. Please
specify which field the changes affect.
This edition contains new entries or updates for: SigNet, USLink, IceLink,
DarkNET, SCAnet, InfiNet, ACiDNet, NOVAnet, LeeNet, TerraNet, CARDnet,
SOLARnet, ROCKnet, APEX, Alternetive, Znet, ROPEnet, CHAOSnet, RADSnet,
ADULTNet.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Abyssal Net [General] (80) (5-1-93)
IceNET @8399
Matrix - 908-905-6691
Handles, No Application, No
Roleplaying and Cyberpunk are hot topics.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Acidnet [General] (17) (6-8-93)
WWIVnet @5876, IceNET @5850
Florida Keys - 518-587-0317
Handles, Application, Yes
Growing all the time! Friendly NC and network staff.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Advent [General] (34) (5-8-93)
WWIVnet @8318
The WILD Side! - 803-788-7469
Handles, No Application, Yes
--Originally started in Aug 90, the net has grown to cover 3 states.
--Has automatic update software, and a dedicated 16.8k hst server
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
ADULT Net (WWIV Based) [Specific] (1) (6-16-93)
No network connections.
The Funny Pages - 612-888-2080
Handles, No Application, Yes
Adult national discussion of Swinging/Dating/Alternative Lifestyles
Sexual positions/items/toys and stories ALL of ADULT nature.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Alternetive [General] (19) (6-11-93)
WWIVLink @14062
The City Morgue - 410-666-1035
Handles, No Application, Yes
Just a group of laid back people looking to have fun and enjoy
ourselves. A must have for the modern sysop.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
APEX
WWIVnet @13600, IceNET @3600, WWIVLink @13600
Purgatory BBS - 306-665-0274
Handles, Application, Yes
-Created in March 1992. It was based on creative writing and RPG
-networking. General Subs Available.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
CaffNet
WWIVnet @3101
Star-Lit BBS - 301-229-2957
Handles, No Application, No
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
CARDNet [General] (6) (6-5-93)
IceNET @5077, WWIVLink @15062
? - 510-458-4370,,222222
Handles, No Application, Yes
Cardnet - Chaotic, Random, Deviants Network. The name says it all.
Welcoming members from all areas. Join today!
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
CHAOSnet [General] (30) (6-12-93)
WWIVnet @9404, IceNET @9402, WWIVLink @19402
Data*West BBS - 904-259-8951
Handles, No Application, Yes
One of the quickest growing national networks with network servers,
automated updates, and the most helpful sysops in any network.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Chess_Net [Specific] (5) (4-4-93)
WWIVnet @5915
The Duke of Earl - 509-291-3760
Handles, No Application, No
Dedicated to the philosophy of chess.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
C/NET
WWIVnet @6956, IceNET @6956
Cold Fusion - 619-434-1482
Handles, Application, Yes
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
DarkNET
IceNET @5805, WWIVnet @5811
Storm Blade - 508-368-7971
Handles, Application, Yes
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
DeathNet [] () ()
WWIVnet @19982
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
DEEPnet
WWIVnet @7405, IceNET @7405, WWIVLink @17405
Deep Space 8 - 704-553-0780
Handles, No Application, Yes
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
DragNET
WWIVnet @2936, IceNET @2913
Toon Town - 209-323-9412
Handles, No Application, No
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
DragonNET
WWIVnet @7670
Cool World - 716-681-7341
Handles, No Application, No
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
DragonsNet [Specific] () ()
WWIVnet @6263
Unlimited Enterprises - 612-871-7625
Handles, No Application, Yes
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
EliteNET [General] (29) (2-17-93)
IceNET @2462
Alley Closed BBS - 214-238-8121
Handles, Application, Yes
"The No-Nonsense Network" Totally democratic network using all
members' opinions and votes. Close and friendly network.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
ExpressNET
WWIVnet @6754
Data Express - 617-247-3383
Handles, No Application, Yes
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
EagleNet [General] (12) (2-18-93)
IceNET @7676
Berek's Homeland - 716-826-4698
Handles, No Application, No
EagleNet was set up so that users and sysops could order things that
they use everyday and have it sent to their doorstep.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
FIITAnet
WWIVnet @9957
Baxter BBS - 919-878-0054
Handles, No Application, No
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
FILEnet [] () (1-28-93)
WWIVnet @8412 - Inquire at @1052
Pocket Universe - 803-552-8654
Handles, No Application, Yes
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
FUNnet (10) (6-1-93)
WWIVnet @3302, IceNET @3302
? - 303-751-7236
Handles, No Application, Yes
Great subs we are small but the quality of boards is good.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
GayNet [Specific] (28) (2-1-93)
WWIVnet @15283, WWIVLink @25283
Handles, Application, Yes
Alternate Lifestyles- don't have to be gay, lesbian, or bi to join. No gay
bashing allowed.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
IceLink [General] (6) (5-1-93)
WWWIVnet @5213, IceNET @5213, WWIVLink @5213
Handles, No Application, Yes
General discussions, RPGs, Freedom of Speech, etc... Your everyday
Cool Net
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
IceNET [General] (737) (4-29-93)
IceNET @1, WWIVnet @7663, WWIVLink @17652
The Great White North - 716-837-0044
Handles, Application, Yes
Full featured network, fast updates, hundreds of message bases to choose
from. A friendly place to be. Highly rated, one of the best.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
InfiNet [Specific]
WWIVnet @5335
The Dead Beat Club - 503-233-9168
Handles, Application, Yes
An exclusively West Coast network (CA, OR, & WA). We specialize in
regional topics and making the the local BBS scene better.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
InsanityNet
WWIVnet @8355, IceNET @8385
Handles, No Application, Yes
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
LeeNet [General] (?) (6-9-93)
WWIVnet @15269, IceNET @15269, WWIVLink @15269
Secret City BBS - 512-592-8054
Handles, No Application, Yes
Newest net on the market. Hoping to grow with the help of people who will
give it a chance. Discussion is casual.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
M.A.G.Net [General] (10) (4-29-93)
WWIVnet @7107
Psycho BBS - 701-780-9168
Handles, No Application, Yes
M.A.G.Net was created to give newer BBSes a way to share information
with other BBSes and help them in getting their BBS going.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
NorthStarNET [General] (25) (6-5-93)
WWIVnet @6259, IceNET @6259, WWIVLink @16259
AeroTech BBS - 612-935-3505
Handles, Application, Yes
25 nodes in many states. 50+ subs, most active and not gated. Wide range
of sysops and users, friendly environment.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
NOVAnet [Specific] (1) (4-2-93)