Just a few years ago, OPUS was FidoNet, and FidoNet was OPUS. Then 
for reasons which are not germaine, sysops started to move away from OPUS in 
droves.  The sysops who continued to run OPUS, and appear in this echo from 
time to time, generally date back to the beginning. They are, in fact, the 
sysops who were most responsible for the operation of FidoNet as we know it 
today.
        A few weeks back, a sysop asked a question as to the possible 
existence of multiple versions OPUS.  Another sysop responded that there were 
indications of the possibility of the existence of multiple copies of OPUS.  
Both postings included information that could be considered as manifestations 
of the existence of multiple versions.  Neither posting indicated that 
correction of the manifestations was a problem.  In fact, if you will go back 
and read the original postings carefully, all you will find is a warning that 
there might be a problem.  You can accept it for what you feel it is worth.
        Unfortunately, certain individuals in this echo elected to ignore the 
*warning* posted, and instead tried to convert it to a problem, or problems, 
which just did not exist.  The result of this was that this particular echo, 
which should contain some of the coolest heads in all of FidoNet, witnessed a 
complete abrogation of all of the Rules of Behavior on which FidoNet is 
based.  The flames that appeared here would have made those in the FLAME echo 
look mild by comparison.
        Not only were the behavior rules of FidoNet ignored, the Rules 
applicable to this echo were likewise ignored.  The Echo Rules were recently 
posted, and I would like to call your attention to just one of them.
"...The following list of specific Echo rules are lifted directly from an 
original post by Bev Freed and then churned by Jimmy Winson [thanks, Bev and 
Jimmy!].
2.  Be excellent to one another and keep your sense of humor --
    Personal attacks (thinly disguised or not) are prohibited.  The
    useful exchange of information requires you to accept that people
    have opinions or experiences which contrast yours.  The object of
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    this conference is to learn from others, not argue with them..."
    ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
        I deliberately emphasized a portion of the qouted rule.  I really 
don't think that any of you really disagree with the concept. Why, then, do 
you indulge in it?
        In any event, I am out of this echo.  I'll still be in FidoNet, and I 
will be hobnobbing with those individuals who have bailed out of OPUS over 
the years, and I will be providing advice or assistance where qualified by 
experience to do so.
                   Bill
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