The following announcement was made in ZONE3_SYSOP.  I guess that
was always a free lunch that couldn't last.  The only free lunch
that will definitely last is fidonet *echomail*.  BFN.  Paul.


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 * Original To  : rowan crowe, 3:711/934.9
 * Original From: michael butler, 3:712/515
 * Original Date: May 20 00:58
============================================

 * Crossposted in AUST_POINT

Sorry about the cross-posting .. the topic is relevant to all of zone 3.

I had previously sent a note to all FidoNet co-ordinators in NZ saying that
I would not be forwarding internet mail on their behalf after June 30th.

That situation has changed as a result of a misunderstanding with AARNet
and the AVCC (which is yet to be resolved) over exactly how much I should
pay for all my internet traffic.

I cannot afford to let that run out to June 30th, it MUST be May 31st.

 > The service provider of David Nugent's gateway, *their* modem died,
 > and they wanted David to replace it PLUS pay new volume charges. I don't
 > blame him for not taking up their "generous" offer.

And to replace it, I have paid volume-based charges since I took over from
David .. yes, that's right .. approx. $2/meg *I* pay for your mail. Then
someone else pays to get it to you fido-style.

Consequently, it is my intention to withdraw all unpaid gateway services
for all fidonet systems as of May 31st.

This gives all of you only a little time to make other arrangements by either ..

a) setting up your own gateway,

b) buying an account somewhere,

c) paying for traffic delivered here which you then collect yourselves,

If none of the above are arranged with me, after May 31st no material will
be forwarded either onto or off the internet by my systems. Mail from the
internet will simply bounce. Mail from fidonet may or may not be returned
as I haven't written the program yet to do it and I have doubts if I'll
have   the time before then.

If you wish to have my nameserver, as the primary for z3.fidonet.org,
direct mail from the internet at large to a FULLY and PERMANENTLY connected
internet site of your choice, you must act NOW to gain the agreement of
that site's administrator and, AFTER getting that agreement, to advise me,

    michael
    imb{at}asstdc.com.au
@EOT:

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