From: Gary Welles 

Mike Tripp explained:

> I am the host of my network and the only member with a phone number in my
> nodelisting (alongside my IP information).  The rest of my network accesses Fido
> via the Internet using analog modem, cable modem, or DSL. Some are
"always on"
> and can accept a connection from me whenever I initiate it.  Others use
> temporary connections and must initiate a connection with me (and/or other Fido
> nodes) to pick up what is held for them.  In =no= case, are modem-to-modem
> connections using only Fidonet protocols made between myself and the members of
> my own network.

Citing Randy Bush http://www.fidonet.org/inet92_Randy_Bush.txt>
and saying from a users perspective, I was suggesting that it's
those "others" who characterize the FidoNet.

MCI Mail's monthly bill served to reinforce the "us/them"
distinction.  They had connections to a variety of networks, we
did not.

-- Gary



--- Internet Rex 2.29