Subj : perl files for fidonet
To   : Maurice Kinal
From : Russ Johnson
Date : Sat Jun 02 2001 08:17 am

>Why do that at all?  What would be the point of starting a project designed fo
>one network on a network that has absolutely nothing to do with the other?

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. 

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. 

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. 

> If
> something like what you're talking about cannot be done within Fido then I'd
> conclude that it isn't a worthwhile project to begin with and save myself the
> effort or put the same effort somewhere worthwhile.  I believe you are
> admitting defeat before you even start.

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. 

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. 

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.

> Why?  Aren't there enough nodes to spread this around?  What about an echo
>where this sort of activity is encouraged?  Even with your above analogy you'r
> still admitting defeat methinks.

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. 

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. 

Russ

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