F I D O N E W S -- Vol.12 No.32 (07-Aug-1995) +----------------------------+-----------------------------------------+ | A newsletter of the | ISSN 1198-4589 Published by: | | FidoNet BBS community | "FidoNews" BBS | | _ | +1-519-570-4176 | | / \ | | | /|oo \ | | | (_| /_) | | | _`@/_ \ _ | | | | | \ \\ | Editors: | | | (*) | \ )) | Donald Tees 1:221/192 | | |__U__| / \// | Sylvia 1:221/194 | | _//|| _\ / | | | (_/(_|(____/ | | | (jm) | Newspapers should have no friends. | | | -- JOSEPH PULITZER | +----------------------------+-----------------------------------------+ | Submission address: editors 1:1/23 | +----------------------------------------------------------------------+ | MORE addresses: | | | | submissions=> editor@exlibris.tdkcs.waterloo.on.ca | | Don -- don@exlibris.tdkcs.waterloo.on.ca | | Sylvia max@exlibris.tdkcs.waterloo.on.ca | +----------------------------------------------------------------------+ | For information, copyrights, article submissions, | | obtaining copies of fidonews or the internet gateway faq | | please refer to the end of this file. | +----------------------------------------------------------------------+ ======================================================================== Table of Contents ======================================================================== 1. Editorial..................................................... 2 2. Articles...................................................... 3 A_THEIST Echo on Zone 1 Backbone!........................... 3 North American Backbone FAQ................................. 4 DEF CON III Last Minute changes......................... 10 New Echo for Those Interested in FLorida_USA!............... 10 HOLYSMOKE Echo is available on the Zone 1 Backbone!......... 11 What If Dr. Seuss Did Technical Training Manuals?........... 12 A QUESTION ABOUT RECs....................................... 13 MENSANS_ONLY Echo Notice.................................... 13 PUBLIC_KEYS & PKEY_DROP Echos on Backbone!.................. 14 The Booke of Balde.......................................... 16 Silly submission, eh........................................ 18 SKEPTIC Echo on the Zone 1 Backbone!........................ 19 THEIST_WATCH Echo on Zone 1 Backbone!....................... 19 3. Fidonews Information.......................................... 20 FidoNews 12-32 Page: 2 07 Aug 1995 ======================================================================== Editorial ======================================================================== MY mother's name is Opal and i like having my hand held. Who am i? a: 2-4,4-7,2-6,4-4,4-5,5-C,3-2,3-A,4-8,4-6,5-2 ...relatively unrelately, at least in my previous direction: The February issue of "Waste Age" contains an article by Cheryl L. McAdams, called "Resurrecting the Computer Graveyard". i like how article rhymes with popsicle. i learned something about networking today. I went off on a secret mission, to meet someone at a donought shop who was to take me to a place. I followed the directions towards getting there, or so i thought, but when i arrived there was no-one waiting for me so i waited for him instead. I had forgotten his name, so when some people asked me if i was looking for their friend who frequented the place, and i confessed that i had forgotten his name, they spoke the name of their friend and i inclined my head and bobbed it, up and down, guessing that it sounded quite the same. They said they had been there for a while but he hadn't shown up yet, and i wondered aloud if i were possibly in the wrong donought shop on the right street. They suggested that i try the other one, assuring me that if he showed up where they were to remain, that they would inform him of my whereabouts, assuming i was to go to the other place. So i did. He wasn't there either. The other place was boring so i drove homewards, and in my anxiety i noticed a black and green handpainted sign near a highway cut-off with an arrow on it and above the arrow was written, in black and green ink, "Albanian Picnic". Having many less intruigueing but more pressing tasks to accomplish in the near future, of course i decided to follow the sign and try to find the albanian picnic. I saw more Albanian picnic signs, some of which included a smallish and delicate lobster logo which also sort of looks like a bottle opener or a chamelion or a winged spider. Most of these signs were placed JUST SO, at the near beginnings of highway cut-offs. I tended to see them just as it was too late to turn, so i went round and round, over clover leaves, to get back on so i could get back off. Finally, eventually,. The Albanian picnic was apparently already over to be replaced by the Crowley family reunion but by then i didn't care, because acreoss the street from the opening of the park where the picnic FidoNews 12-32 Page: 3 07 Aug 1995 wasn't, WAS A 1957 DESOTO! i love that car. i took pictures, so that the character mentioned above can ride about in a 1957 Desoto. The moral of this story is that bits only flow one way, so the trick to hacking isn't driving quickly, it is TURNING quickly. (eventually the desoto will be available by file request, but don't hold your breath I AM NOT FAST contrary to popular opinion and personal fantasy) ======================================================================== Articles ======================================================================== A_THEIST Echo on Zone 1 Backbone! Christopher Baker Rights On! 1:374/14 A_THEIST Echo Available A_theism means free of religion in the way a_political means free of politics or a_sexual means free of sex characteristics or drives. With that in mind and ever cognizant of the continued pressure of religion to intrude itself into our government and its operations, the A_THEIST Echo is provided to inform and alarm and hopefully wake up the sleeping and too long silent majority to the peril on our doorstep. It is a Zone 1 Backbone Echo Hosted and Moderated by Rights On! at 1:374/14 and Christopher Baker [card carrying member of American Atheists, Inc.] and by Jackson Harding at 3:800/857 in Hawthorndene_SA_Australia. Links may be obtained from your local Backbone source connection. Zone 3 is being Hubbed through 3:800/857. The Echo is open to anyone who can discuss, without proselytizing, the extreme desirability of maintaining the absolute separation of State and church in this country as provided for in our Constitution. A sample of the first few messages and the statement of purpose of the Echo is available as A_THEIST.ZIP from this system anytime except 0100-0130 ET and Zone 1 ZMH [USR HST V32 online] if you wish to get an idea of whether to commit disk space to the Echo. It has been on the Backbone for years. Ask your Backbone connection to get it for you! The complete info is available in the current ELISTnnn.XXX file available from your NEC or REC or here. [Request ELIST.] I hope you will join us or ask your Sysop to request a link FidoNews 12-32 Page: 4 07 Aug 1995 via their regular Backbone connections! TTFN. Chris ---------------------------------------------------------------------- North American Backbone FAQ ================================================ == North American Backbone Frequently == == Asked Questions and HELP file == 01 Aug 95 ================================================ BOFAQ508.TXT Terms used throughout this file: Backbone.Na - A text file listing all echoes, and their descriptions, that are presently carried on the North American Backbone. This text file is formatted in a manner which makes it easily readable by EchoMail distribution software to use as a "forward list". The file is published weekly and distributed through the EchoMail Hubs. Formerly known as Fidonet.Na. Backbone.No - A file, distributed along with Backbone.Na, which acts as a buffer for conferences that are in the process of being removed from Backbone distribution for failing to maintain a listing in the Echolist. Conferences are customarily queued in this file for a period of 90 days. Formerly known as Fidonet.No. Backstat.Na - A North American Backbone newsletter published weekly which, among other things, itemizes echoes which are in the process of being added to the North American Backbone as well as listing the Zone and Region Hubs. Backstat.Na is distributed in much the same manner as Backbone.Na. It is advisable that those people who rely on the North American Backbone get in the habit of reading this file. Formerly known as Fidostat.Na. Echo (Conference) - An echomail conference is a message base or forum, distributed under a specified echomail conference name, dealing with a defined area of interest. Gateways - Echomail Gateways are nodes whose systems are used to exchange mail with other groups. The term Gateway, as used here, includes all forms of gating including, but not limited to, zone-gating, inter-network gating, intra-network gating, and domain-gating. Hub - Echomail Hubs are people who distribute echomail. Zone Hubs distribute echomail at the zone level: Region Hubs distribute echomail at the region level: Net Hubs distribute echomail at the net level. FidoNews 12-32 Page: 5 07 Aug 1995 Moderator - Person(s) responsible for the echo and its liaison with the Backbone. North American Backbone - Group of volunteers who help distribute EchoMail and routed netmail, the structure of which is somewhat flexible. Customarily recognized as a set of tiers with the intention of distributing EchoMail in an accurate and expeditious manner. The North American Backbone tiers are identified by the use of Hubs who subdivide and distribute to lower tiers. From this point forward throughout this file, the North American Backbone will be referred to as, the "Backbone". O.B.O. - Overseer of Backbone Operations - Person responsible for maintenance of this help file and its associated distribution documents. The position has customarily been occupied by the Zone 1 EchoMail Coordinator (identified by the 1:1/200 address in the FidoNet nodelist). Ultimately responsible for all decisions regarding EchoMail distribution on the North American Backbone. O.B.O. Council - A group of people representing the EchoMail interests of the Zone, assembled for the purpose of providing input and perspective to the O.B.O. The Council consists of the 10 Region EchoMail Coordinators. Region EchoMail Coordinator - In respect to the Backbone, this person sits on the O.B.O. council representing his/her respective FidoNet Region. Each Region EchoMail Coordinator can be identified by an administrative address in the FidoNet nodelist in the form 1/2xx (where "xx" = the Region number.) Zone Echolist - As it relates to the Backbone, a database containing a list of echoes distributed by, or aspiring to be distributed by, the Backbone. The format of this monthly distributed database is at the discretion of the ZEC, however customarily contains echo names, moderator names and addresses, and descriptions of the echoes. Zone EchoList Coordinator - Person responsible for the maintenance and production of the Zone EchoList. Q1 =================================================================== What is the purpose of this help file? This help file has been assembled as a means to provide answers to frequently asked questions regarding how the Backbone operates and to provide an insight into its internal administration. Q2 =================================================================== FidoNews 12-32 Page: 6 07 Aug 1995 Who appoints the Hubs? Hubs at the Zone level, commonly referred to as "Stars", are appointed by the O.B.O. Hubs at the Region level are appointed by their respective Region EchoMail Coordinators. The appointment of Hubs at the Net level is left up to local policy to decide. Q3 ================================================================== Are all of the echoes listed in Backbone.Na available from all of the Hubs? The Zone Hubs (Stars) make available all echoes which are listed in Backbone.Na. Region Hubs and Net Hubs are not obligated to carry all listed echoes. NO Hub is required to carry any echo that, in their opinion, could subject them to consequences which might have a negative effect on their well being. Q4 ================================================================== What are the responsibilities of a Moderator of an echo which the North American Backbone carries? 1) Seeing that messages in their conference(s) correspond to the conference's theme. 2) Updating their conference(s) listing in the Echolist at least every six months. 3) To prevent the distribution of their conference(s) from interfering with the operation of the Backbone. Q5 ================================================================== What "tools" does the Backbone provide to a Moderator in order to help him/her carry out their responsibilities? If a Moderator believes that a node is violating a conference rule, he/she may request the feed to that node be severed. This authorization is made in direct written form (netmail), to the Hub feeding the offending node, with a copy to the offending node. Q6 =================================================================== What means does the Backbone use to recognize the Moderator of a conference? A Moderator is recognized as follows: 1) Upon formation of a conference, the person who forms the conference is the Moderator. 2) Upon resignation or replacement of an existing Moderator, the conference's rules define how the new Moderator is selected. FidoNews 12-32 Page: 7 07 Aug 1995 3) Should a conference be without a moderator for over 30 days, the O.B.O. may cause a Moderator to be selected. Q7 ================================================================== I am the moderator of a conference, but I may be away from my computer for long periods of time. What does the Backbone suggest that I do to ensure that my conference is properly maintained? Moderators are encouraged to appoint Co-Moderators to assist them in their duties and to stand in for them in their absence. Q8 ================================================================== What is the Backbone's position on illegal activities conducted within EchoMail conferences? The Backbone does not distribute any conference which routinely contains messages which are encrypted, contain illegal information, or promote illegal activities. As used in this paragraph, "illegal activities" includes activities which are a violation of civil law as well as activities which could result in criminal prosecution. The Backbone does not distribute any conference which routinely contains counterfeit messages. A counterfeit message is any message entered using another person's name, handle, or node address with the intent of deceiving others about the true author of the message. Q9 ================================================================== What is the Backbone's position on the censorship of EchoMail messages as they pass through the distribution system? The Backbone does not permit the deletion or alteration of messages as they are distributed. The exceptions to this provision are the deletion of messages, by any node, which may lead to legal action against that node or which do not meet echomail message standards. Q10 ================================================================= Regarding echomail standards, what standards does the Backbone employ? FTSC specifications FTS-0001 and FTS-0004 are followed. All Backbone nodes use the pathline option. Q11 ================================================================= How does one go about getting an echo added to North American Backbone distribution? FidoNews 12-32 Page: 8 07 Aug 1995 The O.B.O. generally adds a conference to the Backbone when all of these requirements are met: 1) The conference is listed in the Echolist. 2) The moderator sends a request to the O.B.O. He/She should include a copy of the Echolist confirmation message if the conference does not appear in the currently published Echolist. 3) Two O.B.O council members recommend that the Backbone carry the conference to their regions. Q12 ================================================================= When does the Backbone remove an echo from its distribution system? The O.B.O. generally drops a conference when any of these situations occur: 1) The conference is not listed in the Echolist. 2) Unconditionally when the moderator requests that the echo be removed. 3) There are no longer two O.B.O. Council members requesting that the Backbone carry the conference to their regions. 4) The Moderator fails to properly carry out his responsibilities. 5) The conference is without a Moderator for over 30 days. 6) The traffic level in the conference falls below 10 messages over a two month period. 7) When the O.B.O. considers that the distribution of an echo is no longer in the best interest of the Backbone. Q13 ================================================================= How do Backbone nodes handle NetMail that lands on their systems in the course of distributing EchoMail? The Backbone encourages the use of 'Echo routed NetMail' as a means of keeping echo volume and off-topic posts to a minimum. Backbone nodes accept routed netmail from any node who connects with them for conferences. Any netmail message with a deliverable destination within FidoNet, regardless of its origin, is accepted. Routed netmail may be routed along echomail paths or to a ZC, RC, or NC who has agreed to handle such mail. Routed netmail is for personal messages. It is not for FidoNews 12-32 Page: 9 07 Aug 1995 commercial messages, conferences, mailing lists, news groups, file-attaches, "encoded" files, pyramid letters, or chain letters. Q14 ================================================================= What does the Backbone expect of nodes who operate as "Gateways" into and out of other domains? Gateways must remove foreign distribution identifiers (including seen-bys) which might adversely affect the distribution of the conference on the Backbone. Gateways also pass netmail into the other network, unless it is technically impossible to do so. Q15 ================================================================= What obligation does the Backbone have to those that desire to get their EchoMail feed from it? To strive to distribute EchoMail in the most accurate and expeditious manner possible within its means. Although the North American Backbone attempts to provide the best service possible, there is no guarantee of service provided. It is operated by volunteers and is not obligated to handle any conference that could take the fun out of the hobby. Use of Backbone services should be viewed as a privilege, not a right. Messages which require sensitive or timely handling should not be sent through the Backbone. Q16 ================================================================= What is the update procedure for this document? The O.B.O. may update this help file anytime that he/she feels that it would be in the best interest of the Backbone and those people it voluntarily serves in order to more accurately reflect its current operation. - end - FidoNews 12-32 Page: 10 07 Aug 1995 -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- DEF CON III Last Minute changes. This is the last update before the convention at the Tropicana this August 4-6th. If you can't find it in this or the main last announcement (Version 1.80) then it isn't mentioned and you need to email me (dtangent@ defcon.org) SPEAKERS: These are the speakers currently listed. If they are not listed here but were in the 1.80 announcement it means they have dropped or I can't get ahold of them and assume they are not showing up. Bruce Schenier Winn Schwartau Chris Hall Theora Curtis Karnow Robert D. Steele James Settle Karen Coyle Peter J. Skelly Oscar Meyer EFF Stephen Cobb Dead Addict Attitude Adjuster Susan Thunder Pete Shipley Koresh John Q. Newman Deth Vegetable Mark Lottor Frosty Novocain WEB PAGE: Is working now at http://www.defcon.org/ and announcements and stuff will be posted there. But you don't care because you'll be at the con and it won't make a difference. BAR: I got a wet bar again for the convention area (Nobody better fucking break it this year or I will sick _all_ the Goons (c) on you and you'll be screwed) and it starts around 10 pm on Friday night to get us liquored up in time for hacker jeopardy. If it survives we'll have it again Saturday. NETWORK: Don't forget to bring your stuff for the 10baseT ethernet network. Get the winsock tcp/ip stack installed in advance if you can. MOVIES: Bring a vcr if you want to dub anything people are offering, bring the movies you want to show. -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: 2.6.1 iQCVAwUBMBgZc8tEqldGqClNAQFx0AP+LIW+vkEzPl+BHPO0Etjye4RCV9vINqpo Ggq6anr/hDjuiWOnEa3OvvlhtnP4svekHCy8u6O+MrhMW+HQFUV0kryuKH61FWge H6QDj4/D1wJ8Oc4aoiSFq0+hxUtyleJ6p6+nYhLdtPRfAb1NlaQ7eaJhawPWNEex NsOvWPHSnSs= =pVeF -----END PGP SIGNATURE----- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- New Echo for Those Interested in FLorida_USA! Christopher Baker FidoNews 12-32 Page: 11 07 Aug 1995 Rights On!, 1:374/14, Titusville_FL_USA Bert Sainz Tech-80, 1:135/55, Miami_FL_USA Larry Squire Ancient City Wireless, 1:3620/2, St._Augustine_FL_USA FLA_COOKS Echo We are running a FLorida-wide Echo [FLA_COOKS] that deals with cooking and eating throughout the state. Use of native ingredients and regional specialties will be included as well as restaurant reviews and anything else that pertains to food in FLorida. FLA_COOKS is Hubbed and Moderated by Christopher Baker at 1:374/14 in Titusville_FL, by Bert Sainz at 1:135/55 in Miami_FL, and by Larry Squire at 1:3620/2 in St. Augustine FL. Contact any for a link into this conference. It is also being carried on the Region 18 Backbone at 1:3619/25. That's the general idea. [grin] The Echo tag is FLA_COOKS. In addition, FLorida systems should have their FLorida city in their origin line so everyone knows what part of FLorida you are talking about and if you mention a specific place or area, you should define it as if people outside your immediate area are reading it [as they will be]. This ain't a 'local' Echo anymore! [grin] TTFN. Chris & Bert & Larry ---------------------------------------------------------------------- HOLYSMOKE Echo is available on the Zone 1 Backbone! Styx Allum Out in the Styx, 1:152/20 HOLYSMOKE Echo is ready and waiting! HOLYSMOKE is a Backbone Echo that originally sprang forth from Out in the Styx of Oregon. It is carried on the Zone 1 Backbone and sent into Zones 2, 3, and 6. HOLYSMOKE is Moderated by Styx Allum on 1:152/20. If any of you or your Sysops are interested in obtaining this Echo, you or they should contact their regular, Backbone Echo source! HOLYSMOKE has appeared in FIDONET.NA [now BACKBONE.NA] since 26 Jul 92. HOLYSMOKE is an Echo for debating the merits/demerits of FidoNews 12-32 Page: 12 07 Aug 1995 religions of all kinds in a friendly but contentious way. It is open to anyone who cares to argue or cajole without proselytizing or personal attacks. Wear your NOMEX undies! The Echo is now fully activated and waiting for those with an interest in fire or brimstone or a bucket of cold water. The complete rules are posted regularly in the Echo and are available in the current ELRUL archive published at 1:1/201. Come and join us in the great debate! Styx Allum, Host & Moderator 1:152/20 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- What If Dr. Seuss Did Technical Training Manuals? Marilyn Field mfield@mach2.wlu.ca Wilfrid Laurier University Development and Alumni Affairs Max & Don, Here's a little ditty I came across today that I thought might provide a smile. What If Dr. Seuss Did Technical Training Manuals? IF a packet hits a pocket on a socket on a port, And the bus is interrupted as a very last resort, And the address of the memory makes your floppy disk abort, Then the socket packet pocket has an error to report! IF your cursor finds a menu item followed by a dash, And the double-clicking icon puts your window in the trash, And your data is corrupted 'cause the index doesn't hash, Then your situation's hopeless, and your system's gonna crash! You can't say this? What a shame sir! We'll find you Another game sir. IF the label on the cable on the table at your house, Says the network is connected to the button on your mouse, But your packets want to tunnel on another protocol, That's repeatedly rejected by the printer down the hall, And your screen is all distorted by the side effects of gauss So your icons in the window are as wavey as a souse, Then you may as well reboot and go out with a bang, 'Cause as sure as I'm a poet, the sucker's gonna hang! When the copy of your floppy's getting sloppy on the disk, And the microcode instructions cause unnecessary RISC, FidoNews 12-32 Page: 13 07 Aug 1995 Then you have to flash your memory and you'll want to RAM your ROM. Quickly turn off the computer and be sure to tell your MOM! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- A QUESTION ABOUT RECs By: Melle Koning, 2:281/705.29 Internet: melle@rtbbs.iaf.nl I've got a question about Region Echomail Coordinators. Is a REC allowed to disallow a conference-name because he wants to prevent double-tags? For example if a few people [nodes] want to route the echo SPORTS between their nodes, but a conference with this name already exists, can the REC somehow tell these nodes not to use this conference name? And what if these nodes still don't want to change the name of the area, can a REC use any pressure? Echopol doesn't answer this. And what if a major link drops [because of some argument] and an area breaks into two separate distribution conferences with the same tag? Can a REC order one of the two to change the tag? Echopol doesn't answer this either. I hope someone can answer this or tell in fidonews if they ever found themselves in this kind of situation, either as REC or as node or as moderator or anything else :-) If you have an opinion about this please let me know. [Yes I do have my own opinion about this but first want to hear you guys.. :-)] Thanks for reading, Melle Koning (2:281/705.29) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- MENSANS_ONLY Echo Notice Christopher Baker 1:374/14, Titusville_FL_USA MENSANS_ONLY Echo MENSANS_ONLY is open to any verified member, past or present, of any Mensa organization anywhere. MENSANS_ONLY is not connected with American Mensa, Ltd. [The High IQ Society], or any other Mensa organization anywhere. MENSANS_ONLY has no opinions. Any opinions expressed are those of the writer and any replier. MENSANS_ONLY exists solely to provide a convenient forum for electronic conversation between accepted members of any Mensa organization. Any other inference you may glean from perusing this Echo is all in your head, which is where it should stay. FidoNews 12-32 Page: 14 07 Aug 1995 It is Hosted and Moderated from Rights On! in Titusville_FL_USA at 1:374/14. It is intentionally withheld from the FidoNet Backbone distribution system and is offered for point-to-point links only. Any Backbone system discovering this Echo traversing their system should immediately remove it and notify anyone sending or receiving it through them to desist unless said Backbone system is an active and verified participant of MENSANS_ONLY. Anyone may read the traffic in this Echo but only verified members may post in this Echo. Non-members interested in more information about Mensa are directed to the general Mensa Echo of the same name [MENSA] available from the FidoNet Backbone and Moderated by Dave Aronson of 1:109/120. Sysops who link into MENSANS_ONLY agree to abide by the access restrictions above. The content of that Echo is not restricted to any single topic or idea. The number of systems linked to this Echo and the volume of traffic in this Echo varies. Traffic is generally light which is typical of non-Backbone, special interest Echos. Anyone interested in linking into MENSANS_ONLY, should send Netmail to: Christopher Baker at 1:374/14 {Rights On!, Titusville_FL_USA}. The following is a list of primary links for M_O: [Zone 1:] 109/120 114/74 135/71 250/416 374/14 374/98 380/7 387/31. Zone 2 is also connect thru the Netherlands courtesy of Frits Spieker at 2:286/115. [thanks, Frits!] The Sysops of the above systems may link others into MENSANS_ONLY based on the acceptance of the restrictions, imposed above, by the link requesting Sysop. Anyone requiring a direct feed or further information should send Netmail to me at 1:374/14. Rights On! is a 24 hour system currently at 9600+ bps. It is at 9600+ HST/V32 on a USR Courier HST dual standard courtesy of their Sysop Purchase Plan. TTFN. Chris ---------------------------------------------------------------------- PUBLIC_KEYS & PKEY_DROP Echos on Backbone! Christopher Baker Rights On!, 1:374/14 FidoNews 12-32 Page: 15 07 Aug 1995 GK Pace PaceSoft Utilities, 1:374/26 PUBLIC_KEYS and PKEY_DROP Echos on Zone 1 Backbone The PUBLIC_KEYS Echo and PKEY_DROP Echo are available on the Zone 1 Backbone. The purpose of the Echos is to provide a place to post and find public-keys for data privacy within FidoNet and elsewhere and to discuss electronic signatures and data and software encryption and the various schemes thereof. [The rules below are a composite of the rules from each Echo. See PUBKEYS.RUL and PKDROP.RUL in the current ELRUL file for complete Guidelines for each Echo.] These are technical Echos with very few rules. Those very few rules are: 1. Stay on-topic. Topics of keys and privacy are welcome. Others are not. 2. No politics [except as it relates to privacy issues] and no religion. 3. No personal attacks, slurs or innuendo. Stick to issues not personalities. 4. No Private flagged messages in Echomail! PGP traffic using public-keys is permitted for the exercise so long as it is on-topic and anyone can read it. 5. This Echo may be traveling around the world so try to be concise. Avoid excessive quoting for one-liner responses. 6. Be aware that Echomail is NOT secure. Don't take anything at face value. 7. The posts in this Echo are the sole responsiblity of the poster. If you need verification, use Netmail. 8. The Moderators will deal with off-topic traffic. Don't respond for them. Links to this Echo will only be curtailed when absolutely necessary so please don't make it necessary. [grin] The Moderators are Christopher Baker [KeyID: 2048/D881B549] and GK Pace [KeyID: 2048/B604EBE9] at 1:374/14 and 1:374/26, respectively. It is recommended that public-keys be made available via Netmail or by file-request with the magic filename: PGPKEY and that the public-key provided for that request by given a distinctive filename using part or all of each provider's name and address. For example, on my system, a file-request of PGPKEY will give BAK37414.ASC to the requesting system. This will avoid duplicate overwriting and make it easier to track the keys. Using a standard magic filename will make it easier to find keys on different systems. These Echos are on the Zone 1 Backbone. The PKEY_DROP Echo FidoNews 12-32 Page: 16 07 Aug 1995 is for placing public-keys in circulation in a central area available to all. This Echo has been EListed since ELIST211. Please feel free to announce and distribute this Echo to all interested participants in your area. Make standard requests to your normal Backbone source for these Echos and find out what we're doing. Join us in discovering new possibilities. "Pretty Good Privacy" MSDOS executables and source files for porting to other platforms are available as PGP and PGPSRC from this system and many others. Both archives were hatched into the SDS in the SOFTDIST area and should be available at an SDS site near you. Thanks. TTFN. Christopher Baker & GK Pace Moderators ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Booke of Balde Chapter the First In the beginning, Tony created the heaven and the earth. He created NZ_ECHO, and He created NZ_SYSOP. He created George and He created Daniel, that is also known as Raguel, the Vengeance of the Lord. And in the Garden of NZ_ECHO, he created a tree, the tree of posts and the tree of moderation. And He gave the domain of NZ_ECHO to Daniel. And He gave the domain of hair to George. And Daniel did create in NZ_ECHO the first users, and they were named Tim and Wendy, and Alan and Jeremy, and Ewen and Jenny. And Tim and Wendy and Alan and Jeremy did become tired of the Vengeance of the Lord and did leave the Garden, saying "Yea, the Vengeance of the Lord should Get a Life". So that only Ewen and Jenny were left. And Ewen did desire to eat of the fruit of the tree of moderation. And Jenny did desire to eat of the fruit of the tree of posts - in amounts overwhelming. And it came about that Daniel and George espied their desires, and said unto each other, "Let them not eat of the fruit of the tree of moderation, lest they become like us, able to smite users who deviate from the Proper Way of Doing Things". But George was jealous of Daniel, and secretly plotted against him. He strove mightly, but George was an angel of few powers, as The Lord has wisely granted him but a little domain. So George created a vile instrument of his envy, a Serpent, with many heads. And the heads were numbered three, and they were named Purity, Piety, and Chastity. And he sent the Serpent down into the Garden. FidoNews 12-32 Page: 17 07 Aug 1995 And the Serpent spake unto Jenny. First, the head known as Chastity spoke, and Jenny was tempted by Chastity, but refused. Second, the head known as Purity spoke great wisdom, which was incomprehensible to the inhabitants of the Garden, as they had little attention spans, after long exposure to that language which was common in the Garden at that time. Third, the head known as Piety spoke, and the snake grew desperate, as it was running out of heads, and therefore devised a cunning stratagem. Yea, it spake not of devotion to The Lord, Tony, but of Fulfillment through the sin of Gluttony, and urged her to eat of the fruit of the tree of posts. And it suceeded, and Jenny did eat of the fruit of the tree of posts, in amounts overwhelming. And verily, she did share it with Ewen. And Daniel was most displeased and was filled with wrath. And he did blame Ewen for the Fall of Jenny, and his eye did fall upon the Serpent, and he did blame it for the Exodus of Tim and Wendy and Alan and Jeremy. And he did say unto Ewen "Get thee gone from the Garden, and take that bloody snake with you." And Ewen's heart was heavy, for he had been Banished. And he turned to leave, and Jenny turned to leave with him, but Daniel intervened, saying "That one can stay - she's a bit of all right." And, as the Serpent was brought low, and dragged from the Garden on its belly, and the center head, that was named Purity said "What the hell is going on here?" And Daniel did speak in tongues. And the Serpent spoke again, saying "What sort of reply is that, for I can make neither heads, nor tail of it". And Daniel did speak again, but only unto the head that was named Purity, saying "I have laid thee low upon thy belly, such that the only way that thou mayst rise from the dust in which thou dost crawl is to apply your flicking serpentine tongues to my buttocks with exceptional vigour. And that's my last word on the matter." And the head named Chastity said "That's alright, for I have two gardens of my own". And added the head named Purity, "So have I", and Piety declared "As do we all!" Some time passed. And the Serpent did wander for a time. And, on passing the Garden of Daniel, the Serpent did notice that there were holes in the wall of the Garden, and it did poke its head named Chastity through one of these holes, and lo! A strange sight greeted it. For, during the time of wandering, Jenny had grown lonely, with noone else to talk to. And Daniel had created for her a new race of users, with exceptionally long and supple tongues, and they were named David and Samuel, and Jamie and David. And the sound of many tongues slapping vigorously upon buttocks was heard throughout the land. End of Book I FidoNews 12-32 Page: 18 07 Aug 1995 Silly submission, eh From: John Beveridge (1:252/140) What have we here, Martha? BOFAQ508.TXT? huh? What kind of silliness is this? Q3 ======================================================== Are all of the echoes listed in Backbone.Na available from all of the Hubs? The Zone Hubs (Stars) make available all echoes which are listed in Backbone.Na. Region Hubs and Net Hubs are not obligated to carry all listed echoes. NO Hub is required to carry any echo that, in their opinion, could subject them to consequences which might have a negative effect on their well being. "Their well being" could very well mean anything at all. Sort of like "the pursuit of happiness" or some such. Q8 ======================================================== What is the Backbone's position on illegal activities conducted within EchoMail conferences? The Backbone does not distribute any conference which routinely contains messages which are encrypted, contain illegal information, or promote illegal activities. As used in this paragraph, "illegal activities" includes activities which are a violation of civil law as well as activities which could result in criminal prosecution. Geezus, whatever happened to "well being"? The Backbone does not distribute any conference which routinely contains counterfeit messages. A counterfeit message is any message entered using another person's name, handle, or node address with the intent of deceiving others about the true author of the message. Q9 ======================================================== What is the Backbone's position on the censorship of EchoMail messages as they pass through the distribution system? The Backbone does not permit the deletion or alteration of messages as they are distributed. The exceptions to this provision are the deletion of messages, by any node, which may lead to legal action against that node or which do not meet echomail message standards. Does this mean that we can also delete any message that comes close to messing with our "well being"? Probably does and there doesn't seem to be too much that the Old Boys Organization and/or the Old Boys Organization Council can do about it. After all, our "well being" or FidoNews 12-32 Page: 19 07 Aug 1995 some such is at stake here. Isn't it? Thanks..... .....jb ---------------------------------------------------------------------- SKEPTIC Echo on the Zone 1 Backbone! Christopher Baker Rights On!, 1:374/14 SKEPTIC Echo is alive and well! SKEPTIC is a Backbone Echo that originally sprang forth from the San Francisco area. It now originates from Zone 3 in Hawthorndene, Australia under the Moderatorship of Jackson Harding at 3:800/857. Co-Moderator is David Bloomberg in Springfield, IL at 1:2430/2112. If any of you or your Sysops are interested in obtaining this Echo, you or they should contact their regular, Backbone Echo source! SKEPTIC has appeared in FIDONET.NA [now BACKBONE.NA} since 2 May 92. SKEPTIC is devoted to examination and report of paranormal and fringe-science claims. It has NO official or unofficial connection to CSICOP {Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal} but has a similar philosophy. Claims are not rejected on a priori grounds but rather are investigated by objective and critical inquiry. The Echo is now fully activated and waiting for those with an interest in the mission stated above. Complete information about the Echo may be found in the current issue of the EList and the ELRules files. Come and join us in the pursuit of knowledge! [grin] TTFN. Chris Zone 1 Hub for SKEPTIC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- THEIST_WATCH Echo on Zone 1 Backbone! Christopher Baker Rights On! 1:374/14 THEIST_WATCH Echo Available Theists of all stripes do many wacky and colorful things in the name[s] of their various deities and other imaginary superfriends. Some of FidoNews 12-32 Page: 20 07 Aug 1995 these activities are just amusing and some are dangerous to the liberty of anyone who doesn't subscribe to their particular brand of socially acceptable lunacy. Take the case of Salman Rushdie, for example. Here's a perfectly average writer who points out a few foibles and suddenly has an actual death order out against him because he supposedly 'blasphemed' a mainstream monotheism's god. This might be funny if it weren't for the sobering fact that there are plenty of deranged individuals who would be happy to kill Mr. Rushdie for this victimless 'crime'. Can't happen here, I hear you cry? Wanna bet? It wouldn't be the first time. American Atheists Online Services is now Hosting an Echo to call attention to the zany and disturbing activities of all kinds of theists without regard to mainstream or fringe affiliations. This Echo is called THEIST_WATCH and that's just what it does. THEIST_WATCH is a news reporting Echo. News items from around the world are posted here for reference, information, and further distribution. It is READ-ONLY except to non-theist persons wishing to post actual news items. It is NOT a religion debate Echo. [That's what HOLYSMOKE is for.] It is not a bashing Echo. It is a forum for the dissemination of information about the activities of theists in the public arena; particularly where those activities encroach upon the separation of state and church. It is now a Zone 1 Backbone Echo Hosted & Moderated from AAOS [American Atheist Online Services] at 1:382/1006 in Austin_TX, by Robin Murray-O'Hair. Anyone may Areafix it from their Backbone feed as of 15 Jan 95. The THEIST_WATCH rules are available in the current issue of the ELIST and have since ELIST501. File-request the current ELIST from your local Backbone source for instructions on the Echo's operation. Also available from AAOS is the AAOS Echo. This is a Backbone distributed Echo for members or prospective members of American Atheists, Inc. AAOS Echo may be obtained from the source at 1:382/1006 or from the alternate feed at 1:374/14. Send Netmail with session and Areafix passwords to the feed of your choice for a link. AAOS Echo contains atheist news and information as well as providing a direct link to American Atheists. If you are interested in keeping up with the shennanigans of the theist community, Areafix THEIST_WATCH from your Backbone source today! TTFN. Chris ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ======================================================================== Fidonews Information ======================================================================== FidoNews 12-32 Page: 21 07 Aug 1995 ------- FIDONEWS MASTHEAD AND CONTACT INFORMATION ---------------- Editors: Donald Tees, Sylvia Maxwell Editors Emeritii: Thom Henderson, Dale Lovell, Vince Perriello, Tim Pozar Tom Jennings "FidoNews" BBS FidoNet 1:1/23 BBS +1-519-570-4176, 300/1200/2400/14400/V.32bis/HST(DS) more addresses: Don -- 1:221/192, don@exlibris.tdkcs.waterloo.on.ca Sylvia- 1:221/194, max@exlibris.tdkcs.waterloo.on.ca (Postal Service mailing address) FidoNews 128 Church St. Kitchener, Ontario Canada N2H 2S4 voice: (519) 570-3137 sylvia: (519) 579-8029 Fidonews is published weekly by and for the members of the FIDONET INTERNATIONAL AMATEUR ELECTRONIC MAIL system. It is a compilation of individual articles contributed by their authors or their authorized agents. The contribution of articles to this compilation does not diminish the rights of the authors. Opinions expressed in these articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of FidoNews. Authors retain copyright on individual works; otherwise FidoNews is Copyright 1995 Donald Tees. All rights reserved. Duplication and/or distribution permitted for noncommercial purposes only. For use in other circumstances, please contact the original authors, or the eds. OBTAINING COPIES: The most recent issue of FidoNews in electronic form may be obtained from the FidoNews BBS via manual download or Wazoo FileRequest, or from various sites in the FidoNet and Internet. PRINTED COPIES may be obtained by sending SASE to the above paper-mail address. INTERNET USERS: FidoNews is available via FTP from ftp.fidonet.org, in directory ~ftp/pub/fidonet/fidonews. Anyone interested in getting a copy of the INTERNET GATEWAY FAQ may freq GISFAQ.ZIP from 1:133/411.0, or send an internet message to fidofaq@gisatl.fidonet.org. No message or text or subject is necessary. The address is a keyword that will trigger the automated response. People wishing to send inquiries directly to David Deitch should now mail to fidonet@gisatl.fidonet.org rather than the previously listed address. FidoNews 12-32 Page: 22 07 Aug 1995 SUBMISSIONS: You are encouraged to submit articles for publication in FidoNews. Article submission requirements are contained in the file ARTSPEC.DOC, available from the FidoNews BBS, or Wazoo filerequestable from 1:1/23 as file "ARTSPEC.DOC". Please read it. "Fido", "FidoNet" and the dog-with-diskette are U.S. registered trademarks of Tom Jennings, and are used with permission. ' ' disgreement is actually necessary, or we'd all have to get in fights or semethin to amuse ourselves,, and create the requisite chaos." -Tom Jennings -- END ---------------------------------ooh----------------------------------