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IFDC FileGate Project<sm> File Distribution Coordinator
Frequently Asked Questions Document:
Copyright 10/23/94-1999 by Janis Kracht in behalf of the IFDC
FileGate Project<sm>
Distribution:
This file, and it's related archive may be distributed via any means
to anyone interested in the IFDC FileGate Project<sm>
Janis Kracht
International Coordinator,
IFDC FileGate Project
October 23, 1994
Who is this document for?
This file is intended for anyone who currently distributes files
to other BBS systems, or for anyone who is thinking of starting
a File Distribution Network.
The IFDC FileGate Project<sm> is interested in speaking to you
if you are now the coordinator of a File Distribution Network
(FDN) accessible via FidoNet technology.
If you are thinking of starting a file distribution network, I'd
be glad to help you out as well.
How Does The IFDC FileGate<sm> Work?
I have set up a linux system where you can upload your files
via ftp with a private user account. If you cannot do this, please
contact me and let me know and we'll work out another method.
In cases where your FDN is available from a site already
connected to the FileGate, we may be able to pick up the files
from that FileGate site as long as the files distributed meet
distribution requirements as outlined in the IFDC Policy Draft
.006 document section 1.2 (see FGPOL006.TXT).
This method of collecting files enables FDN Coordinators to
concentrate their resources on the type of activity that makes a
quality FDN, i.e., collecting and collating files specific to an
FDN's audience. End users who make up the audience of your FDN
on FidoNet BBS's appreciate the FileGate because of the constant
stream of quality, up to date, and often unique files.
What are the Technical Requirements?
You must be running TICK or a TICK compatible program to automate file
release.
If you can use internet ftp to deliver the files to
my system where 3Com will pick them up, you will need a dialup account
to access the internet, and software to ftp into 3Com's ftp server. If
you need this type of software, let me know, and I'm sure I can help you
out
Are There Policy Requirements?
You must read through and agree to abide by the policies
developed for the IFDC FileGate<sm>. As of this writing, the
current policy document is IFDC FileGate Policy Draft .006, and
it is included in the FDNINFO archive.
Since the IFDC FileGate Project <sm> was initiated, and is
organized by FDN Coordinators like yourself, we believe you, as
an FDN Coordinator, will find FileGate policies easy to work
with.
If your FDN file Echo areas overlap an existing FDN you will be
expected to work with any FDNs in question to resolve the
overlap. In the FileGate Policy Draft, several options are
listed as possible resolutions. We are, however, always willing
to discuss other means that you may think of to avoid
duplication of files and services by FileGate member FDN's. One
of the goals of the FileGate is to reduce the bandwidth that the
duplication of files creates. In File Distribution, duplication
of Files has in the past burdened those who move files to HUBs
and other sites in terms of money and time. Your willingness to
address this concern is very important.
What Other Services does the IFDC FileGate Provide?
Other means of distribution are always being discussed to
further conserve FDN resources. For reasons which may be unique
to your situation and your FDN, you may opt not to include your
FDN in these other methods of distribution. Your desires will
always be honored.
Right now, IFDC FileGate files are sent to Planet Connect
Satellite Services, The FidoNet FileBone, paonline.com (George Peace's
pay echomail and file service available via the Internet), and Exec-PC
BBS, and Chuck Robinson's ftbbs.com.
All IFDC FileGate files are also sent to our anonymous ftp/www site:
http://jkracht.aye.net/
ftp://206.185.8.38 (jkracht.aye.net)
Internet links for file/echomail pickup are available from
paonline and ftbbs.com as well. Contact Chuck Robinson
(chuck@ftbbs.com) or George Peace (info@paonline.com) for info.
Outside of the Above Services, Where are IFDC FileGate files
Delivered?
IFDC FileGate files are delivered to SuperSites in the Mainland China,
The Philipines, UK, the Netherlands, Australia, the Philipines, South
Africa, and Bolivia South America, as well as North American HUBs in
Quebec Canada, Texas, New York, Georgia, Kentucky, and Illinois.
Each of these HUBs and Supersites has a structure set up to have
other BBS systems pick up from them, and generally have 10
systems each who pick up from them.
If you have overseas Coordinators set up now, you can ask them
to hook into one of the IFDC FileGate SuperSites to pick up
their file traffic.
* A Special Offer for Zone 1 File Distribution Networks Serviced by
3Com USA in Skokie, Illinois, USA:
While it is not necessary to own a 3Com U.S.Robotics Modem to
participate in the FileGate project, 3Com is willing to help you as a
FileGate FDN to purchase one. If you would like to purchase a 3Com
U.S.Robotics V.Everything 28.8 Modem, 3Com USA will sell it to you as
a FileGate Member FDN for $199.00 plus shipping/handling, and as a
FileGate Member FDN, you don't have to meet the requirements of the
SysOp Deal to qualify for this price.
Please Note: This offer is only made to FDN Coordinators in the
Zone 1 since many countries have strict laws concerning the
purchase of communications equipment. If your country doesn't
have laws precluding this, 3Com USA is willing to help you
out ;-)
*Additionally, if you have an ISDN line installed, and are accepted as
direct-connect IFDC FileGate FDN, 3Com will give you a free
U.S.Robotics Courier I-Modem (ISDN).
*Please Note: This offer is only made to FDN Coordinators and HUBS in Zone 1.
Are There Any Archive Standards on the IFDC FileGate?
No, you can use any archiver that allows you to include an
archive comment in the archive. Each file you release must
contain the USR.HDR archive comment in the archive header.
Note: it is important to use this method, since many authors
now do not allow the addition of files to their archives. They
are within their rights under many copyright laws in the
world, since Shareware has been defined as a distribution
method, and does not remove an author's rights to how his
file is distributed.
Where are the IFDC FileGate FDN Files Announced when Distributed?
Once your FDN is listed in FileGate.Zxx (the RAID type format listing of
FDNs on the IFDC FileGate), you can announce your files in the Fidonet
FILE_REQ message echo after contacting the moderator (Gary Gilmore,
1:2410/400.)
What's the Next Step in Getting My FDN on The IFDC FileGate:
Put the following information in an archive and drop it off at
1:2320/38, send it uuencoded via email to jkracht@aye.net
or send it via Compuserve File Attach, for consideration:
- Your FDN Name, and RAID type descriptor (i.e., "Programmers
Distribution Network, PDN:")
- Your FDN Policy document. If you don't have one, you must
write one. You can file request samples of policy documents
from my system if you need to, with a magic name of SAMPPOL
- Brief Text describing your FDN
- A list of File Echo Tag Names in your FDN with descriptions in Raid
format.
- Verbose descriptions of each File Echo and the types of
files you expect to release.
- Message area Tag Names and descriptions for any File Network Message
echos that you would like picked up and distributed. Due to
considerations regarding FidoNet BackBone echos and dupe loops, no
FidoNet BackBone echos will be carried by the IFDC FileGate.
- If you are interested in purchasing a 3Com U.S. Robotics modem
as a FileGate FDN, let me know, and I'll be glad to send you
more details so you can place your order. If you have an ISDN line
installed and would like a free Courier I-Modem, send me the phone
number of your ISDN line.
That's it! Once I receive this information, I'll be in contact
with you as soon as possible.
Janis Kracht
International Coordinator, IFDC FileGate Project
FidoNet: 1:2320/38 (ISDN/VEverything)
Telnet: 206.185.8.38 (jkracht.aye.net)
E-mail: jkracht@aye.net
Compuserve: 70267,2777
Voice: 502-245-4353 (10:00AM-7:00PM EST)