Subj : Movies
To   : Wilfred van Velzen
From : August Abolins
Date : Sun Sep 05 2021 21:32:00

Hello Wilfred!

** you wrote to me:

 AA>> the elist-bot method [1] "creates" the echo,

 WvV> It only creates an entry in the echolist.

Noted.  I should have used the word "publishes" or "announces"  
instead of "creates".


 AA>> and [3] gets a spot in a .NA file that is distributed to
 AA>> boards everywhere.

 WvV> It's only in the .na file that is distributed in the
 WvV> monthly elist*.zip file. I very much doubt anyone
 WvV> processes it automatically and have areas auto created
 WvV> and destroyed.

When I ran my bbs, the .NA file served as a fine catalog of  
what was available out there.

But with a little more awareness, sysops can be given the  
heads-up that elist*.zip is a fine goto package to see what  
echos are yearning to be linked up.


 WvV> An elist entry doesn't mean the area exists.

 WvV> An entry in the NAB's list, means it at least exists on
 WvV> the NAB.

Ya. Ok. Once again, you nabbed me on a technical issue. But I  
am trying to describe a practical convenient system that works  
24/7 using the computers that people love to see doing the  
things that they were designed for: automation.

An announcement via the elist-bot system doesn't "create" the  
echo, but it is an easy way to get the word around, and the  
contents are presented in a consistent readible way with all  
info contained within.  Instead of a long series of public or  
pm messages back and forth, everything any sysop needs to know  
about a potential echo seeking distribution is contained in the  
elist system of files.


 AA>> ..But the initial elist-bot process is something anyone
 AA>> could do to get something started at their convenience.

 WvV> You could see it as a problem to. If anyone can create a
 WvV> listing for any area, existing or not.

Everything has potential to be abused. But talking successfully  
to the elist-bot provides some assurance that the creator/ 
moderator is serious.  I doubt that a creator and potential  
moderator would want to go through all the trouble of following  
the elist language just to be painted as a nuisance.

What system/method do you propose desired and wishlist echos be  
announced?


 AA>> Why was the elist-bot system even built in the first
 AA>> place if it wasn't intended to provide a more organized
 AA>> way to create and announce the existence of echos?

 WvV> Control.

The ultimate control lies with the sysop of a board who can  
choose to add an echo for distribution or not.

I would used the words "structure" and "organization" instead.  
Add to that the fun factor of communicating with a bot, the  
elist system is a pretty good implementation of computer power.

--
  ../|ug

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