Dale,
 
> All of which begs the fact that we are using a character based system
> here in Fidonet.  There is no way to distribute a PDF file in the
> echo (but could use FTP, filebone etc. if that is what you really
> want).
 
We do not have to make much of an issue out of this. What I would like to
have is a version where it is visualy easily distinguishable what proposed
text will be replacing "what", or "what" is going to be
deleted. A full ASCII-version is fine too, I just don't want to have the
current policy, then have a number of loose updates and having to figure
out for myself how it might look in the end.
 
As for distribution of files, there have been cases when files have been
part of the Fidonews-archive-bundle.
 
> What format would you want for voting?  Ascii file with changes in
> place, complete document?  The document that was produced is close to
> a DIFF file as could be, and thus does not include all of the
> unchanged sections.
 
Personally I would like to see a full text version that will be used as a
basis for the RC's to address the IC with their request to initiate a
referendum. Call it P5.01.00 or whatever, if modifications are yet applied
it becomes P5.01.01, then P5.01.02 etc...  If eventually a version makes it
through the vote and gets approval then that becomes P5.01.
 
If P5.01 is going to be changed then the draft will be called P5.02.00 etc
where the 3rd group of digits indicates "it's a draft-version",
without the 3rd group it's an approved version.
 
At this time I don't want any policy-crunchers to spoil the fun. The
current document says that a vote is always about a complete policy, not
about individual articles. It is mentioned verbatim like that in P4,
couldn't get any clearer I'd say.
 
Take care,
 
 \%/{at}rd

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