-=> MIKE PAVLIK wrote to ALL <=-

MP> Hi All,

MP> I've noticed some traffic about BlueWave and other readers.  I have
MP> used only a programmed "capture" sequence and nothing else to review
MP> everything that I have viewed on the monitor at any given session, both
MP> BBS or on the Internet.

Well lets stay with BBS (FIDO) echo mail. The Internet is a different
kettle of fish. Also i will assume you are Telneting or using DUN to
access the BBS.

MP> I use Telix 6.22, and the recorded "Telix Capture" on this dialing
MP> program seems to do the job, or has been for almost 10 years.
MP> Everything that has passed across the screen is either in my
"capture"
MP> file which is then moved to my log directory for viewing after the
MP> session is over and any downloads are moved to my dls directory.

The "log file" or "capture filer" is usually used to
debug automated logins.
Also to used grab any local bulletins. It is at best a messy way of reading
echo mail.

MP> Is this method too simplistic and am I missing some advantage in not
MP> using readers and packets? (BlueWave and QWK packets as an example)

Yes you are missing a huge advantage. All Fido BBS have some sort of
mail packing software known as a "door" When you enter this door you
are given some way of turning Fido Echos off or on. Echos are areas of
mutual interest based on subjects for discussion. Each subject is given
a name that should indicate the topic. When you have selected the topics
(echos) you might have an interest in you close the door and request
the mailer to send a packet to you (QWK). On your end you need an Off Line
Mail Reader (OLMR). Move the packet into your OLMR down directory and the
reader you have will unpack it and present it message by message in a 
readable interface. Now you read the message in your own time and without 
being online. 

Any messages that you wish to reply to you hit the appropriate key and use 
whatever text editor you like (best DOS) to insert your comments. When
you have done this and saved the OLMR will pack them into a reply packet.
Multiple replies are zipped all into the one rep packet. Now comes the pay
off. :) Next time you log on to the BBS you use the door to upload your
replies and then request it sent the next packet. Any new messages or
replies to you that have newly arrived will be sent in another QWK packet.
And so on.
 
MP> There were other readers and packet approaches also mentioned that did
MP> not seem to have any problems with the Y2K bug, and I may just be too
MP> complacent with the lazy method I have been using......  Or am I? :)

QWK doors are usually standard these days the Blue Wave door is still 
popular but due to it's authors abandonment is now becoming buggy.

Do you speak to your sysop all? He or she will usually help you out.
I can down load hundreds of messages and send any number of replies 
within a few minutes. This makes life easer for me and my sysop.
It frees the board up for any waiting callers. 

There are many OLMRs but i don't think you should go with Blue Wave.

Bellow "MultiMail" is the one i use but others here may think they
have one that would be more suitable for a beginner. Let me know
if you would like to try "MultiMail" and i will get you a download
address.

L8r. :)
 
--- MultiMail/Linux v0.43