Hello Michael,

 MV>> One can not make a universal nodelist compiler that will work for
 MV>> /everyone/. There is just too much stuff around. Not every mailer uses
 MV>> the V7 standard you know. As a programmer and an expert I tell you
 MV>> that what you want is not possible.

 MG> What's so difficult?

Too much unknown abandonware around.

 MG> Can not a program make a text-based output,

Yes, but such a programme is not a nodelist compiler. That text output
would still have to be processed by the original nodelist compiler that
goes with the mailer s that the mailer can use the data. The shortcomings
of that original nodelist compiler remain in effect.

 MG> I know enough about programming to know that it would not
 MG> be all that difficult for a program to parse the nodelist
 MG> looking for any IP based flags along with a pre-determined
 MG> string in the phone number field (like a 000- string), and
 MG> translate all listings that include them into a Pvt, -
 MG> Unpublished- format in a *TEXT* based output,

As far as it concerns end nodes in a normal net, that would indeed be a
piece of cake. I could make such a programme in a short time.

However what to do with those ION hosts and hubs and the RINs?

Plus that it wouldn't run on an Atarai, a Mac or an Acorn Atom.

 MG> which would solve the problem for /any/ POTS based mailer,
 MG> regardless of how they compile the nodelist.

It would be a useless exercise as it is a mere cosmetic operation. One may
as well put the Pvt keyword in the nodelist to begin with. Which is
precisely how we do it in Z2.

 MG> But no, you'd rather sit back with your hidden agenda to
 MG> keep IP based nodes second-class, and make the claim that
 MG> it's impossible.

There is no hidden agenda on my part. You are paranoid.

 MG> Nothing is impossible,

That is a popular misapprehension. Some things are impossible.

 MG> especially such a simple thing. If an entire server operating
 MG> system like Linux can be built on an open source effort, why
 MG> would such a small thing as a flexible nodelist compiler be so
 MG> difficult to achieve?

Because one can not force all 9000 sysops and 100.000 points to upgrade
their soft- and hardware.

Besause there is no standard hardware. Not everyone uses an IBM PC compatible.

We have no idea what floats around in Fidonet. There may be
people with Ataris and other exotic hardware. No way to know.

 MV>> If you believe I am wrong then prove it by writing the dammed
 MV>> thing yourself. If you can not do that shut up and stop claiming
 MV>> it is possible.

 MG> What I /do/ believe is that you are a small-minded man who
 MG> lacks vision,

You are entitled to your beliefs but shooting the messenger is not going to
accomplish your goals.

 MG> and who does not care enough about this hobby to even want
 MG> to /attempt/ to work towards a solution.

I do care about this network. So much that I do not want to see it
destroyed by narrow minded hotheads that want change for the sake of change
but do not understand the basic principles.

No, I am not willing to help solve your "Pvt" problem as it is a
non existing problem.

I am willing to help solve /real/ problems though.

 MG> You've already made up your narrow mind that POTS nodes are
 MG> first class nodes in this network,

Not at all. I have come to the conclusion however that any solution that is
not 100% downward compatible and forces everyone to update their software
and possibly their hardware will kill this network.

 MG> and that all else must be subjugated to your narrow point of view.

 MG> In short, if you've got nothing good to say, don't say
 MG> anything at all. You're not a part of the solution, so you
 MG> are a part of the problem.

Follow your own advice.


Michiel

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