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

