-=> mark lewis wrote to Dan Clough <=-

 DC> I agree with this completely.  I was a Fidonet sysop back in the
 DC> early 90's, and left in 96 when I had to move and the internet was
 DC> taking over anyway.  Recently came back, and although I certainly
 DC> remembered the basics of how Fido works, I had some minor trouble
 DC> contacting my prospective new NC because of simple things like the
 DC> proper addressing syntax of a Netmail.  Is it
 DC> "first.last@", or is it "first last@", or.... ?

 ml> to be fair, this is specifically related to the software being
 ml> used... most traditional FTN software has separate name and
 ml> address fields...
 ml>   To: some user          Addr: 1:0/0

 ml> sometimes that "Addr:" field is not even labeled... it is just
 ml> another field to be filled in manually or automatically after the
 ml> software has done a nodelist lookup on the name in the "To:"
 ml> field... it should also be noted that that traditional FTN
 ml> software only does FTN addressing and doesn't have to parse and
 ml> analyze the target address to determine if it is FTN, email, QWK
 ml> or some other supported-by-that-software private system-to-system
 ml> mail format...

OK, I get that there is some variation in the mechanics of things.  
I think what I was meaning there above was that there could be a 
document/instruction that spells that kind of thing out, even give 
examples of how to Netmail your prospective NC with some of the 
more commonly used software.  A "How to Join Fidonet" document 
with clear/concise directions, without extra fluff.  It could be 
available on any/all FidoNet BBS's, and  could even be a 
regular feature in the FidoNews magazine!



... So easy, a child could do it. Child sold separately.
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