Subj : perl files for fidonet
To   : Russ Johnson
From : Maurice Kinal
Date : Tue Jun 05 2001 11:49 pm

Hey Russ!

Jun 02 15:17 01, Russ Johnson wrote to Maurice Kinal:

 > You do realize that "fidonet" is listed as one of the networks that 
 > lead to the internet? That makes fidonet one of the parents of the 
 > internet. 

I imagine it had influence.  I know that the Fido node that the U of Sask. had 
was running before being replaced by browsers.  I forget the BBS name but I 
used it more then I did the internet back then.  Once Lynx reared it's ugly 
head the node was passed on to the Horticultural Society.

 > If we don't grow, and embrace new technology, fidonet WILL die. Most of 
 > the traffic on fidonet now travels through the internet, not through 
 > the phone lines. In fact, I can guarantee that this message to you will 
 > go through at least one internet link. 

Yep.  But that doesn't mean that any of us has to succumb to the inanity of the 
accursed www does it?  This node is internet only at the moment but there is no 
plan to surrender to the void.  The internet is simply a physical connection 
that I plan to exploit.  Screw browsers, and hence http, I say.

 > The networks are not mutually exclusive, and they don't have 
 > "absolutely nothing to do" with each other. There have been gateways 
 > between fido and internet for many years. 

Yep.

 > Thank you for your opinion. Now, turn off your computer and find 
 > something worthwhile to do. If we wish to waste our time, it's our time 
 > to waste. 

I'll pass on your kind offer for now but thanks for the advice.

 > On the other hand, most people on fidonet also exist on internet. 
 > Sourceforge is a good place to store your work, and have a good amount 
 > of visibility. That type of visibility just isn't possible within the 
 > bounds of fidonet, as they exist today. 

I have doubts.

 > The project we're talking about would enable other systems to access 
 > fido. I've never heard of an HP-UX or AIX machine being used for 
 > fidonet. The software we're talking about would work just as well there 
 > as on a Linux or Windows PC.

And Sourceforge is going to help you there?

 > Nothing says it can't be in both places. In fact, it wouldn't be that 
 > hard to set up a gateway between the message area on Sourceforge, and 
 > an echomail area. It would just be a simple email gateway. 

I know but I have doubts it will add anything to your cause.

 > We're not admitting defeat. We're looking at broader horizons. I 
 > believe that thinking it has to be within the bounds of fidonet to be 
 > successful is limiting yourself, and ensuring defeat in the long run. 

Prove it.  I double dare you.

Regards,
Maurice

--- Msged/LNX TE 06 (pre)
 * Origin: How Many Things BBS (1:275/112)

.