• SBBS 4.00B

    From The Millionaire@VERT to Digital Man on Wednesday, September 30, 2020 09:03:44
    Contemplating a version 4

    Version 4 would introduce things I'd like to do, but hestitate due to backward compatibility (v2 & v3):

    o Eliminate binary configuration files (.cnf) in favor of .ini.

    o Eliminate .cfg files in favor of .ini.

    o Eliminate the sub-board ptridx nightmare.

    o Eliminate the node configuration files.

    o Allow integration of newslink.cfg, listserver.ini, etc (areas.bbs?) with
    subs.ini (or whatever).

    o Rename sbbs.ini to startup.ini supporting custom versions using hostname
    syntax only.

    o Eliminate many binary data (.dab) files in favor of text (csv, tab, or ini).

    o Replace user.dat with user.tab:
    Problems with current format: field lengths, no end-of-record marker,
    no end-of-field marker for full-length fields
    Use a fixed-field/record length, tab-delimited, line base format which would
    import directly into databases/spreadsheets (e.g. Excel), allow for pretty
    easy extensibility. Maybe variable field lengths (not as pretty) with padding
    at end of line to generate fixed record length.

    o Eliminate SMB .sch (CRC history) files (redundant with new .hash file
    support).

    o Create data/subs/<code>.ini file to store all application-specific per-sub
    data (like import/export pointers for SBBSecho, newslink, etc.).

    o Use SMB for file databases.

    o Replace hard-coded file area functions (e.g. file listings, etc.) with JS
    modules.

    o Replace message (subs/mail) reading functions with JS module.

    o (possibly) remove Baja support (only if there's a really good reason).

    o Create a stand alone event thread (not part of telnet/rlogin server), with
    separate, per host (not node) configuration.

    $ The Millionaire $

    ..."Will we ever fear the ecstasy of free thought?" - Thinkman...

    ---
    � Synchronet � Vertrauen � Home of Synchronet � [vert/cvs/bbs].synchro.net
  • From The Millionaire@VERT to Digital Man on Wednesday, September 30, 2020 09:09:53
    Is this going to happen one day or is it just a dream?

    $ The Millionaire $

    ..."Will we ever fear the ecstasy of free thought?" - Thinkman...

    ---
    � Synchronet � Vertrauen � Home of Synchronet � [vert/cvs/bbs].synchro.net
  • From Digital Man@VERT to The Millionaire on Wednesday, September 30, 2020 10:41:01
    Re: SBBS 4.00B
    By: The Millionaire to Digital Man on Wed Sep 30 2020 10:09 am

    Is this going to happen one day or is it just a dream?

    Some of those things have *already* happened. Some are in the works. Some may never happen - who knows. Just because I publish a list of ideas doesn't mean they all get implemented at the same time, in the same version, or even at all.

    digital man

    Rush quote #11:
    Struck between the eyes by the big time world, walking uneasy streets
    Norco, CA WX: 100.9�F, 14.0% humidity, 0 mph SSW wind, 0.00 inches rain/24hrs

    ---
    � Synchronet � Vertrauen � Home of Synchronet � [vert/cvs/bbs].synchro.net
  • From Gamgee@VERT/PALANT to The Millionaire on Wednesday, September 30, 2020 19:11:00
    The Millionaire wrote to Digital Man <=-

    Is this going to happen one day or is it just a dream?

    You "dream" about a particular version/release of SBBS?

    What does a version number actually mean? Why would it matter?



    ... Apathy Error: Strike any key...or none, for that matter.
    --- MultiMail/Linux v0.52
    � Synchronet � Palantir BBS * palantirbbs.ddns.net * Pensacola, FL
  • From Daryl Stout@VERT/TBOLT to The Millionaire on Thursday, October 01, 2020 16:49:00
    Contemplating a version 4

    Write your own BBS package from scratch, instead of taking stuff
    from everyone else.

    Daryl

    ... My Anger Management Class is pissing me off!!
    --- MultiMail/Win v0.52
    � Synchronet � The Thunderbolt BBS - tbolt.synchro.net
  • From mark firestone@VERT/QBBS to DARYL STOUT on Friday, October 02, 2020 08:58:00
    --- DARYL STOUT wrote --
    Contemplating a version

    Write your own BBS package from scratch, instead of taking stuf
    from everyone else

    Heh. I've done that (more than once) ... so it can be done...



    ---
    * TARDIS BBS - Home of QUARKware * telnet bbs.cortex-media.info
  • From The Millionaire@VERT to mark firestone on Friday, October 02, 2020 06:44:39
    Heh. I've done that (more than once) ... so it can be done...

    ---
    * TARDIS BBS - Home of QUARKware * telnet bbs.cortex-media.info


    Many people have done it. Look at all the bbses created over the decades.

    $ The Millionaire $

    ..."Will we ever fear the ecstasy of free thought?" - Thinkman...

    ---
    � Synchronet � Vertrauen � Home of Synchronet � [vert/cvs/bbs].synchro.net
  • From mark firestone@VERT/QBBS to THE MILLIONAIRE on Friday, October 02, 2020 10:20:00
    --- THE MILLIONAIRE wrote -- > >


    Many people have done it. Look at all the bbses created over the decades

    Indeed.


    ---
    * TARDIS BBS - Home of QUARKware * telnet bbs.cortex-media.info
  • From The Millionaire@VERT to mark firestone on Friday, October 02, 2020 14:17:09
    Indeed.

    ---
    * TARDIS BBS - Home of QUARKware * telnet bbs.cortex-media.info


    Most are antiquated now. Some still exist to this day. Others are getting resurrected again as well.

    $ The Millionaire $

    ..."Will we ever fear the ecstasy of free thought?" - Thinkman...

    ---
    � Synchronet � Vertrauen � Home of Synchronet � [vert/cvs/bbs].synchro.net
  • From Daryl Stout@VERT/TBOLT to mark firestone on Saturday, October 03, 2020 15:24:00
    Mark,


    Write your own BBS package from scratch, instead of taking stuf
    from everyone else

    Heh. I've done that (more than once) ... so it can be done...

    Reminds me of a bulletin I have on the BBS, entitled "You Want To
    Be A Sysop??". It has the following (also in the file BEASYSOP.ZIP):

    1) Definition of a Twit -- Grant Bierman (this does not necessarily
    reflect the opinions of this Sysop, but it comes close <G>).

    2) You Want To Be A Sysop?? -- Tom Ezell

    3) The Thankless Job -- Kris Lewis

    4) Caring For Pet Sysops -- Fred Hunt

    5) The True Twit Test -- Author Unknown

    6) The Sysop Of A BBS -- Daryl Stout (a poem done by yours truly)

    In file #2, it notes:

    Next, you have to find a BBS software package. This can take months...
    or you can write your own, if you are so inclined. This can take years.

    It also has these "twit questions" (how many have had these?? <G>):

    1) Why aren't you around to answer the Sysop Page at 3am??

    2) Why does your message editor use A) for Abort instead of Q) for quit?

    3) How come there aren't any nice ANSI or RIP screens?

    4) How come these crummy ANSI screens slow down the board?

    5) Why can't I stay online for 3 or more hours at a time?

    6) Why can't my C64 see your graphics?? It must be your crummy board!!

    7) Why can't I access the adult files area if I'm not at least 18?? I
    eed it as part of a sex education class research project!! (nice try). <G>

    8) I never post messages because no one else ever does!

    9) What do you mean you killed my upload of DBase IV? (Guess??!! <G>).

    10) I did upload something a year ago...so how come I can't download more
    than 100 files now?

    11) How come my friend has access level 50 and I only have level 40?

    12) How come nobody ever sends me mail? (I wonder why?? <G>).

    13) I used a bit editor on ProComm and now it won't work...tell me how to
    fix it.

    14) That GIF file I downloaded didn't run...this stinks...you really must
    be a lousy Sysop if you don't check to see that it would work for me.

    15) Boy.. do you have a bad attitude! I think the "Silicon Sarcophagus" is
    100 times better than this board! This is a free country...I can say
    ANYTHING I want in public messages! What are you, Hitler or something?

    16) Why do I have to give you my information?? It's none of your business!

    17) I don't want to search through the Help Files to find out how to use
    this crummy system...why did you choose such crappy software??

    In file #4, when it comes to the section on BREEDING (Hello??!! <G>):

    If you plan to breed your pet Sysop, you should do so as early as
    possible after you get him. As the pet Sysop matures, he becomes more
    and more reluctant to engage in any activities not connected with his
    nest room collection!!

    And, a sad note out of File #3:

    EPILOGUE: Twelve hours after the above was written, I find out that
    one of my best friends (with higher than normal access to the system)
    has allowed a third party to use their logon. That's forbidden for anyone
    on my BBS to do, but it hurts even more; because a valued, and trusted
    friend who should have known better, went ahead and did it. That's the
    last straw. The Most Significant Byte BBS is no longer in existence.

    Jim Anderson, Ex-Sysop
    The Most Significant Byte BBS
    Billings, Montana
    January 13, 1985

    **

    Daryl

    ... Effective cure for being a twit -- become a Sysop!!
    --- MultiMail/Win v0.52
    � Synchronet � The Thunderbolt BBS - tbolt.synchro.net