Hi Frank,

 FV> As a thought, What flags do we actually need in the Nodelist??
 PK> To maintain operation for existing Fidonet nodes who remain 
 PK> using PSTN for their connectivity, then nearly every flag 
 PK> has a practical purpose.

 FV> Then maybe a look at the Nodelist for usage. Maybe to check for
 FV> redundant flags and such.

The big problem with an amateur environment is making it easy for Joe
Average to use. I just feel that we should not be in too much of a hurry to
remove something that has been in use a long time, just because someone
thinks its no longer needed, hence why I say that once something has beem
defined, don't "undefine" it...

 PK> I think this new format already exists today, its called DNS.

 PK> Fidonet has just not figured out how to use it in a way that works
 PK> well with the rest of Fidonet. The main reason for this that I see is
 PK> the conflict between the Commercial use of the Internet and the
 PK> "private" world of Fidonet. Its not a question 
 FV> easily resolved (IMHO).

 FV> Fidonet just doesn't have the programmers that are willing to write a
 FV> program that will handle a DNS, or other style, list and generate a
 FV> Nodelist for the POTS systems that need it. Also, there would need to
 FV> be programs to handle the DNS list. IE: mailers, and such.

Ahhhh, there's the beauty of it, we don't need programmers at all, the DNS
already exists, Fidonet just has to figure out a USAGE methodology that
provides for its needs. Why re-invent the wheel, when we already have
wheels that just need a better Axel?

Yes, Fido is moving in the direction of IP transport, however all we really
need is to fit Fidonets needs into that same ballpark.

Cheers..................pk.


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