AWL>> Actually, why do they put modem flags in a PVT flagged
AWL>> entry?

rc>> It's still possible to dial an -Unpublished- number if
rc>> you have it compiled into your nodelist, so modem flags 
rc>> are still needed. With FrontDoor you do this in 
rc>> FDNODE.CTL:

rc>> PHONE 3:456/789 +61-3-9333-0000

AWL> Surely you could compile in the flags as well, saving the 
AWL> nodelist the space...

 rc> Means more complexity for the mailer software, an 
 rc> additional file or two, etc.

You aren't dialing an "-unpublished-" number, you are adding
information to the nodelist entry already, why not add the flags at the
same time. Surely the few users who need to compile in the private segment
shouldn't force the rest of FidoNet to carry the flags that no0one else can
use... If FD can have the phone number added, why not the flags?

 rc> Actually I see no need for Pvt nodes in the nodelist at 
 rc> all, other than to signify that they _exist_, for software 
 rc> which is fussy about sending to nodes it doesn't know 
 rc> about.

Also for Sysops who are fussy about systems they don't know about... 

 rc> Otherwise, you can just create a separate nodelist with 
 rc> the relevant zone and net entry, plus the "Pvt" entry (with 
 rc> real phone number).

It is the "-unpublished-" entry and the avoidance of the need for
ZMH that interests Bill and I. I don't think you can have that without the
PVT flag... Also remember that the reason I haven't distributed a private
segment with 3:640/2379 in it is because I want "membership" in
FidoNet

AWL>> 
AWL>> Is it the PVT flag, or the string "-Unpublished-" in the
AWL>> phone number position that prevents dialing a system?

rc>> Pvt only appears to be for human consumption, although
rc>> when you enter a netmail message to a Pvt node, FrontDoor
rc>> flashes "Pvt" next to the address.

Cute but pointless... Does it happen when the nodelist entry is PVT but
includes a phonenumber (or vice versa)...

AWL> So it's the "-Unpublished-" that blocks dialing.

rc> I presume so, as it _is_ possible to dial a Pvt node.

Hmmm... I'll have to comile a couple into my nodelist and experiment...

rc>> BTW, I'd like to see you explain how a mailer is going
rc>> to dial the number "-Unpublished-" ;-)

AWL> Some modems would ignore the '-' and try mapping it...

AWL> UNPUBLISHED
AWL> 86782547433

 rc> I don't understand how or why "U" could ever become "8".

The 8 is "TUV" on American phones... Telstra are talking about a
public awareness campaign for the letter codes here (purely for the benefit
of businesses who can then advertise as 1800 YOU PAY (1800 968 729) :-)

...Alex.
(Pagan & Proud)

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