Original Message Date: 08 Aug 92 10:14:24 From: Frank Gaude on 1:203/8888 To: Tom Jennings on 1:1/1 Subj: Technology... ^AMSGID: 1:203/8888@fidonet.org 6e8a1873 Hi, Tom! Don't know if you remember me from the CP/M days. I ran Echelon, Inc., along with Richard Conn and ZCPR3 and Z-System replacements for CP/M. Had about 78 Z-Nodes ready to connect to FidoNet in 1985 or '86 then sold the company just before it happened. Anyway, I came across a msg on BCSNET echo that left me wondering. Here it is for your information: ---------------------------- Boston Computer Net # 144 Date: 07-25-92, 17:11 Left by: MIKE LABBE Sent to: ROBERT GORRILL Status: Public Topic: BCSNET Rcvd: No IF BCSNet was to expand itself to some of the newer networking technologies and major professional nets as well, it would be very successful and used. Networks such as Ilink, RIME, etc., have much to offer and seem to attract a more professional crowd than some of the fido echoes. If this base was to be shared with some of those networks, it would only distribute it to more folks in more areas. The other networking technologies have some other advantages such as restricted (semi private) mail, reference numbers, FAST turnaround (usually 12 - 24 hours), and reliability. Perhaps its time for BCS to re-think this and consider modernization. Of course Im not suggesting we do away with the fido links, just make use of some of the newer technology as well - so more users can be included. I've been networking about 7 of my 9 years as sysop, and only in 1992 did I finally opt to install the fido technology. We would have been part of BCSNET long ago if it had been available through some of the other channels (QWK, PCRelay/PostLink, etc.). I recall mentioning this years ago at some of the fido sysop meetings in Boston, but it fell to deaf ears at the time. My opinion for what its worth: Mike Labbe, BCS Providence SysOp. --- DB B1073/004201 * Origin: Eagles Nest BCS Providence, RI Satellite 401-732-5290 (1:323/500) Mike Labbe is sysop of Eagles Nest... Robert Gorrill is either president of Boston Computer Society or moderator of BCSNET echo area. ---------------------------- Thought you might like to know what some are saying... expecially in the old Boston Computer Society, a society that was of the highest regard by all at the start of microcomputers. Regards, Frank at Lake Tahoe (retired, but alive!) Original Message Date: 11 Aug 92 15:59:18 From: Frank Gaude on 1:203/8888 To: Tom Jennings on 1:125/111 Subj: Technology... ^AMSGID: 1:203/8888@fidonet.org 700fb14b > Thanks for the historical reference... I was unclear > on it though, are > they now using FidoNet and about to move onward, or > are they using > something proprietary/older and moving into FidoNet? They, BCSNET, are on FidoNet now, but some think it is "old technology" and want to attach to "modern" RIME or ILink. I've been on RIME as an echo/message user and think it is a well-run business of about 280 echos. The only thing I think such a net has that Fido does not is a clear msg interface to the user. They allow the offline reader tagline to remain and a three-dash tearline (no mail processor ad here) followed by an origin line. That's it! Fido should not allow all the "junk" they do. The RE: added that some editors or mail handlers add should be done away with. All this appears as less than professional--amateur can be better than professional--in the eyes of today's computer users. RIME looks good. ((I'm a graphic designer by trade, until I retired, after I sold Echelon to Steve Makulka (Apple) and Ken Oshmann (ROLM Corp), I turned to "visual communications".)) Maybe you think FidoNet is growing fast enough. My feeling that if we can make it look better, we should. Membership can be controlled in other ways. I don't want people saying we are "old technology." > (I lived in Boston, and never joined BCS; I went with > NECS New England > Comp. Soc., which was more specifically techie and > smaller. They ran a > HDOS-based BBS on a H19 if I remember right...!) I love Boston and the general area... home of our country! That's why I carry BCSNET and chat with the locals. I also love the Sierras! Keep up the good work... Regards, Frank, high in the mountains overlooking Lake Tahoe