Subj : Re: Elist
To   : August Abolins
From : Wilfred van Velzen
Date : Tue Sep 07 2021 09:27:10


Hi August,

On 2021-09-05 21:32:00, you wrote to me:

 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.

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

Probably the one distributed by the NAB...

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

The elist*.zip is mostly a mausoleum of dead areas. With totally inaccurate Volume information... :-/

 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.

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

If you want accurate/reliable information of what is available for you, you should consult the %LIST of your links.

 AA> An announcement via the elist-bot system doesn't "create" the
 AA> echo, but it is an easy way to get the word around,

There aren't many nodes that consistantly scan the list for changes between updates.

If you want a new area to get known and linked to, you will have to announce it manually in selected echomail areas, that is the only way.

 AA> and the contents are presented in a consistent readible way with all
 AA> info contained within.  Instead of a long series of public or pm
 AA> messages back and forth, everything any sysop needs to know about a
 AA> potential echo seeking distribution is contained in the elist system
 AA> of files.

Not really, you still need to PM your links, to get them to connect to it.

 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.

 AA> Everything has potential to be abused.

It has been in the past.

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

Some did in the past... But we already knew they were a nuisance. :-/


Bye, Wilfred.

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