• XML

    From Bill Birrell@2:25/200 to Jan Vermeulen on Tue Dec 17 00:24:00 2002
    Hey Jan,

    It seems to me that Fido is nearing the end of its
    useful life, and that the job of writing new nodelist compilers and editors that would use XML instead of ASCII is probably not worth undertaking.

    On the other hand it would be a relatively simple matter to write a utility
    that would convert the current nodelist to HTML or XML in much the same way as present nodelist compilers produce human readable lists now. This might satisfy
    Micael Bulow's needs. (Shouldn't there be an umlaut on the U?).

    Have I missed or misunderstood anything important?

    Best Wishes,
    Bill.

    ---
    * Origin: Escan BBS (2:25/200)
  • From Micael Bulow@2:204/710.98 to All on Tue Dec 17 10:40:04 2002
    From: "Micael Bulow" <micke@bulow.nu>


    Micael Bulow's needs. (Shouldn't there be an umlaut on the U?).

    Have I missed or misunderstood anything important?

    Just to make things clear; It's not MY needs that needs to be satisfied. I'm trying to point out the things that I belive is the best for the Fidonet community in the future.

    Maybe the people in Fidonet have to let go of some of their old structures
    to attract new members and developers. (Of cource there will allways be
    utils to make things backward compatible)

    But I might be wrong.

    ...and yes, there should be an umlaut over the U. But that's a different discussion (in which I, of cource, have a bunch of arguments to) :-)

    Regards,
    Micke


    --- NewsGate v1.0 gamma 2
    * Origin: OX12.NET Fidonet <-> NNTP Gateway (2:204/710.98)
  • From Jan Vermeulen@2:280/100 to Bill Birrell on Fri Dec 20 02:54:34 2002
    Quoting Bill Birrell on Tue 17 Dec 2002 0:24 to Jan Vermeulen:

    It seems to me that Fido is nearing the end of its
    useful life, and that the job of writing new nodelist compilers and editors that would use XML instead of ASCII is probably not worth undertaking.

    It is even dangerous. Kind of euthanasy for the older members.

    On the other hand it would be a relatively simple matter to
    write a utility that would convert the current nodelist to HTML or
    XML in much the same way as present nodelist compilers produce
    human readable lists now. This might satisfy Micael Bulow's needs. (Shouldn't there be an umlaut on the U?).

    Have I missed or misunderstood anything important?

    You set a frame that we should use. Only they tell us that there is a problem when working towards XML and not start from it.

    To me it looks like going from London to Penzance via Edinburg.


    -=<[ JV ]>=-


    * Origin: The Poor Man's Workstation -- Wormerveer NL (2:280/100)
  • From Jan Vermeulen@2:280/100 to Micael Bulow on Sat Dec 21 23:20:36 2002
    Quoting Micael Bulow on Tue 17 Dec 2002 10:40 to All:

    Just to make things clear; It's not MY needs that needs to be satisfied. I'm trying to point out the things that I belive is the best for the Fidonet community in the future.

    Maybe the people in Fidonet have to let go of some of their old
    structures to attract new members and developers. (Of cource there will allways be utils to make things backward compatible)

    But I might be wrong.

    You are. You forget those that are already there and are prefectly satisfied what is on offer right now. Imposing on them new things they do not need may chase them from the net.

    Which, as an RC, I do not want to happen.


    -=<[ JV ]>=-


    * Origin: The Poor Man's Workstation -- Wormerveer NL (2:280/100)
  • From Bill Birrell@2:25/200 to Jan Vermeulen on Sat Dec 21 23:47:00 2002
    Tag, Mijnheer!

    You set a frame that we should use. Only they tell
    us that there is a problem when working towards XML
    and not start from it.

    To me it looks like going from London to Penzance
    via Edinburg.

    OK, Jan. I made what seemed to me a sensible suggestion that could lead to a workable compromise. If what I said is not useful, then "let him who knows best speak".

    I would find it useful if someone would explain to me why XML
    is needed now after more than a decade running successfully without it. Also the explanation should be in layman's terms so that everybody, including me, can understand it.

    (The idiom is to "go to Land's End via John O' Groats", if it is of any use
    to you.)

    I do not understand why there would be a problem with a utility that produces an XML list from the nodelist. The nodelist cannot be significantly altered or superseded while we are still using the term FidoNet anyway. To do so would just cut off everyone who depends on the nodelist as it is.

    The list produced by the utility would be in XML already. Then they are not
    working towards XML but starting from it. It sounds to me as if people are making difficulties that do not really exist, but perhaps my thinking is too lateral in this matter.

    All the best, Jan.
    Bill.

    ---
    * Origin: Escan BBS (2:25/200)
  • From Jan Vermeulen@2:280/100 to Bill Birrell on Sun Dec 22 13:08:32 2002
    Quoting Bill Birrell on Sat 21 Dec 2002 23:47 to Jan Vermeulen:

    Tag, Mijnheer!

    You set a frame that we should use. Only they tell
    us that there is a problem when working towards XML
    and not start from it.

    To me it looks like going from London to Penzance
    via Edinburg.

    OK, Jan. I made what seemed to me a sensible suggestion that
    could lead to a workable compromise. If what I said is not useful,
    then "let him who knows best speak".

    Sorry, Bill, I did not mean you, I meaned them; I'm in agreement with you.


    -=<[ JV ]>=-


    * Origin: The Poor Man's Workstation -- Wormerveer NL (2:280/100)
  • From Scott Little@3:712/848 to Bill Birrell on Mon Dec 23 09:41:08 2002
    [ 21 Dec 02 23:47, Bill Birrell wrote to Jan Vermeulen ]

    I would find it useful if someone would explain to me why XML
    is needed now after more than a decade running successfully without
    it.

    SLF doesn't scale.

    Most mail a decade ago was via PSTN, and the handful that weren't were able to handle 'manual' arrangements easily. IP is fast becoming the majority, and
    SLF just can't handle the data.

    I do not understand why there would be a problem with a utility
    that produces an XML list from the nodelist.

    Because it would be useless - it would contain the same data as SLF. The whole
    point of a new format is to allow addition of MORE data, AND in a more structured format so as to allow future expansion without kluges or abiguity.

    The nodelist cannot be significantly altered or superseded while we
    are still using the term FidoNet anyway. To do so would just cut off everyone who depends on the nodelist as it is.

    Extracting the subset of information that is supported by SLF from a superior format is trivally easy. Nobody has ever suggested cutting off those that depend on SLF.

    The list produced by the utility would be in XML already. Then
    they are not working towards XML but starting from it.

    More or less. It's the only way it can work.

    It sounds to me as if people are making difficulties that do not
    really exist, but perhaps my thinking is too lateral in this matter.

    There are a disturbing number of people worrying about the sky falling down as well.


    -- Scott Little [fidonet#3:712/848 / sysgod@sysgod.org]

    --- FMail/Win32 1.60+
    * Origin: Cyberia: All your msgbase are belong to us! (3:712/848)
  • From Jan Vermeulen@2:280/100 to Scott Little on Mon Dec 23 13:33:06 2002
    Quoting Scott Little on Mon 23 Dec 2002 9:41 to Bill Birrell:

    I would find it useful if someone would explain to me why XML
    is needed now after more than a decade running successfully without
    it.

    SLF doesn't scale.

    But ESLF (Extended SLF) will.

    Most mail a decade ago was via PSTN, and the handful that weren't
    were able to handle 'manual' arrangements easily. IP is fast
    becoming the majority, and SLF just can't handle the data.

    SLF can, but is limited to one line of less than 147 characters. ESLF will see to that.

    I do not understand why there would be a problem with a utility
    that produces an XML list from the nodelist.

    Because it would be useless - it would contain the same data as SLF.

    It may upgrade to using the data from ESLF. If the developers will get serious and give priority to serving the net.

    The whole point of a new format is to allow addition of MORE
    data, AND in a more structured format so as to allow future
    expansion without kluges or abiguity.

    ESLF can do all that, on a need to have basis.

    The nodelist cannot be significantly altered or superseded while we
    are still using the term FidoNet anyway. To do so would just cut off
    everyone who depends on the nodelist as it is.

    Extracting the subset of information that is supported by SLF from
    a superior format is trivally easy. Nobody has ever suggested
    cutting off those that depend on SLF.

    ESLF will contain all data one ever would need; XML may extract whatever it
    needs.

    The list produced by the utility would be in XML already. Then
    they are not working towards XML but starting from it.

    More or less. It's the only way it can work.

    The problem seems to be that the XML developers do not see how they could extract that data. As if string parsing would be a PITA (even BASIC could do that in the early eighties...).

    It sounds to me as if people are making difficulties that do not
    really exist, but perhaps my thinking is too lateral in this matter.

    There are a disturbing number of people worrying about the sky
    falling down as well.

    Which is by far less probable than losing a few legacy nodes in the process. Most NCs and RCs will already have the experience on what apparent futilities their rescue is needed.


    -=<[ JV ]>=-


    * Origin: The Poor Man's Workstation -- Wormerveer NL (2:280/100)
  • From Scott Little@3:712/848 to Jan Vermeulen on Tue Dec 24 06:46:59 2002
    [ 23 Dec 02 13:33, Jan Vermeulen wrote to Scott Little ]

    It may upgrade to using the data from ESLF.
    [snip]
    ESLF will contain all data one ever would need; XML may extract whatever it needs.

    If you're thinking that we should use [E]SLF -> XML until everyone can use XML,
    forget it. It won't work. There's little incentive to use XML at all in that scenario.

    If the developers will get serious and give priority to serving the
    net.

    Huh?

    The list produced by the utility would be in XML already.
    Then they are not working towards XML but starting from it.
    More or less. It's the only way it can work.
    The problem seems to be that the XML developers do not see how
    they could extract that data. As if string parsing would be a PITA
    (even BASIC could do that in the early eighties...).

    Huh?

    Which is by far less probable than losing a few legacy nodes in
    the process.

    You've been told repeatedly this won't happen. Pay attention.


    -- Scott Little [fidonet#3:712/848 / sysgod@sysgod.org]

    --- FMail/Win32 1.60+
    * Origin: Cyberia: All your msgbase are belong to us! (3:712/848)
  • From Jan Vermeulen@2:280/100 to Scott Little on Tue Dec 24 18:45:28 2002
    Quoting Scott Little on Tue 24 Dec 2002 6:46 to Jan Vermeulen:

    ESLF will contain all data one ever would need; XML may extract
    whatever it needs.

    If you're thinking that we should use [E]SLF -> XML until everyone
    can use XML, forget it. It won't work. There's little incentive
    to use XML at all in that scenario.

    XML is good for local, not for global wide use.

    If the developers will get serious and give priority to serving the
    net.

    Huh?

    Don't you see what a "they must adopt" attitude really means?

    The list produced by the utility would be in XML already.
    Then they are not working towards XML but starting from it.
    More or less. It's the only way it can work.
    The problem seems to be that the XML developers do not see how
    they could extract that data. As if string parsing would be a PITA
    (even BASIC could do that in the early eighties...).

    Huh?

    It was said it wuld be a PITA to extract data from (E)SLF for building an XML base.

    Which is by far less probable than losing a few legacy nodes in
    the process.

    You've been told repeatedly this won't happen. Pay attention.

    There is a small but very significant difference between "look we've got some nice new software for you" and "you do no need to upgrade at all".

    A difference of 100 nodes, perhaps?

    Merry Christmas

    -=<[ JV ]>=-


    * Origin: The Poor Man's Workstation -- Wormerveer NL (2:280/100)
  • From Scott Little@3:712/848 to Jan Vermeulen on Wed Dec 25 04:49:43 2002
    [ 24 Dec 02 18:45, Jan Vermeulen wrote to Scott Little ]

    If you're thinking that we should use [E]SLF -> XML until
    everyone can use XML, forget it. It won't work. There's little
    incentive to use XML at all in that scenario.
    XML is good for local, not for global wide use.

    What? Why?

    If the developers will get serious and give priority to serving
    the net.
    Huh?
    Don't you see what a "they must adopt" attitude really means?

    Who said anyone must do anything?

    The problem seems to be that the XML developers do not see
    how they could extract that data. As if string parsing would be
    a PITA (even BASIC could do that in the early eighties...).
    Huh?
    It was said it wuld be a PITA to extract data from (E)SLF for
    building an XML base.

    That is because SLF is vague, with many conflicting 'standards' and broken implementations. Fixing them is obviously a good idea, but David Drummond, etc. have been harping on about broken entries for months and nothing significant has happened. And then there are issues that cannot be fixed without breaking software.

    It's far easier to start with a clean format, and convert the data to the broken format, than start with a broken format and try clean it up automagically.

    There is a small but very significant difference between "look
    we've got some nice new software for you" and "you do no need to
    upgrade at all".
    A difference of 100 nodes, perhaps?

    Huh?


    -- Scott Little [fidonet#3:712/848 / sysgod@sysgod.org]

    --- FMail/Win32 1.60+
    * Origin: Cyberia: All your msgbase are belong to us! (3:712/848)
  • From Dale Ross@1:379/1.1 to Jan Vermeulen on Tue Dec 24 14:41:40 2002
    If you're thinking that we should use [E]SLF -> XML until everyone
    can use XML, forget it. It won't work. There's little incentive
    to use XML at all in that scenario.

    XML is good for local, not for global wide use.

    Please explain what mean and give as much detail as possible.

    Huh?

    It was said it wuld be a PITA to extract data from (E)SLF for
    building an XML base.

    Who has said that? What I've said is:

    A: There is no (E)SLF
    B: It would be a waste of time to continue to kludge the nodelist. It is
    best to start fresh and new and convert data back for those that must
    continue to use SLF

    You've been told repeatedly this won't happen. Pay attention.

    There is a small but very significant difference between "look
    we've got some nice new software for you" and "you do no need to
    upgrade at all".

    This is what is known as FUD. No one has to upgrade software. See point B above.

    With best regards, Dale Ross. E-mail: Dale.Ross@p1.f1.n379.z1.fidonet.org

    --- Fidolook Lite FTN stub
    * Origin: FidoHub Point 1 (1:379/1.1)
  • From Jan Vermeulen@2:280/100 to Scott Little on Tue Dec 24 21:27:42 2002
    Quoting Scott Little on Wed 25 Dec 2002 4:49 to Jan Vermeulen:

    ... because SLF is vague, with many conflicting 'standards' and
    broken implementations.

    You seem to have a complete view of (1) what is vague in SLF, (2) what standards are conflicting between them and how they conflict and (3) which implementations of what are broken.

    I must confess that bt now I'm off the track. Would it be possible for you to make us a resume?

    Fixing them is obviously a good idea,...

    Obviously...

    ... but David Drummond, etc. have been harping on about broken entries
    for months and nothing significant has happened.

    So things have indeed happend but they are considered insignicant.

    Would you, or David, a list of them?

    And then there are issues that cannot be fixed without breaking software.

    Tel me which, how and where, please.

    It's far easier to start with a clean format, and convert the data
    to the broken format, than start with a broken format and try clean
    it up automagically.

    Its easier, but we do not like leaving a lot of debris, so let's look at the difficult way, won't we?

    It's already Christmas where you live. May it a merry one.

    -=<[ JV ]>=-


    * Origin: The Poor Man's Workstation -- Wormerveer NL (2:280/100)
  • From Jan Vermeulen@2:280/100 to Dale Ross on Tue Dec 24 23:05:58 2002
    Quoting Dale Ross on Tue 24 Dec 2002 14:41 to Jan Vermeulen:

    If you're thinking that we should use [E]SLF -> XML until everyone
    can use XML, forget it. It won't work. There's little incentive
    to use XML at all in that scenario.

    XML is good for local, not for global wide use.

    Please explain what mean and give as much detail as possible.

    Repeat mode on:

    any other list than the NodeList can only be global if all *C's
    have the capability and the ability to build their segments in
    the 'new' format.

    Without those conditions, such a list will fail to be acceptable.

    It was said it wuld be a PITA to extract data from (E)SLF for
    building an XML base.

    One of the Swedes who are working on the XML project. If you want names, run a grep "difficuly" over the latest 2000 messages in FTSC_PUBLIC.

    Who has said that? What I've said is:

    A: There is no (E)SLF

    There will be one before then end of January 2003.

    B: It would be a waste of time to continue to kludge the nodelist.

    It would not. Getting any new stile list accepted and installed world wide will take two years at the least.

    It is best to start fresh and new and convert data back for those that must continue to use SLF

    Sure it is better, but it is not feasable.

    You've been told repeatedly this won't happen. Pay attention.

    There is a small but very significant difference between "look
    we've got some nice new software for you" and "you do no need to
    upgrade at all".

    This is what is known as FUD. No one has to upgrade software. See
    point B above.

    I'll believe that when I've seen it happen.


    -=<[ JV ]>=-


    * Origin: The Poor Man's Workstation -- Wormerveer NL (2:280/100)
  • From Scott Little@3:712/848 to Jan Vermeulen on Fri Dec 27 10:52:09 2002
    [ 24 Dec 02 21:27, Jan Vermeulen wrote to Scott Little ]

    You seem to have a complete view of (1) what is vague in SLF, (2)
    what standards are conflicting between them and how they conflict and
    (3) which implementations of what are broken.
    I must confess that bt now I'm off the track. Would it be
    possible for you to make us a resume?

    The system name field may or may not contain a hostname - there is no way to detect it reliably. The domain name may or may not be specified at all. The domain name may be specified in an unusable format. The phone number field may
    or may not contain a phone number. The phone field's contents may land a newbie sysop in court. Flag fields are limited to 32 characters.

    So things have indeed happend but they are considered insignicant.
    Would you, or David, a list of them?

    David probably does

    And then there are issues that cannot be fixed without breaking
    software.
    Tel me which, how and where, please.

    Line length limits. Flag field limits. Software already expects to find the IP in the phone number field, or the domain in the system name field - moving it somewhere more appropriate would break them. Adding extra information would
    require hiding current information from mailers, eg. adding per-protocol online
    times would require hiding all those protocols from current mailers that don't know how to interpret the online times.

    Its easier, but we do not like leaving a lot of debris, so let's
    look at the difficult way, won't we?

    As I already said, SLF should be cleaned up, but we must realise it's limitations and not try to shoehorn stuff in there that it cannot reliably handle.


    -- Scott Little [fidonet#3:712/848 / sysgod@sysgod.org]

    --- FMail/Win32 1.60+
    * Origin: Cyberia: All your msgbase are belong to us! (3:712/848)
  • From Scott Little@3:712/848 to Jan Vermeulen on Fri Dec 27 11:07:10 2002
    [ 24 Dec 02 23:05, Jan Vermeulen wrote to Dale Ross ]

    any other list than the NodeList can only be global if all *C's
    have the capability and the ability to build their segments in
    the 'new' format.
    Without those conditions, such a list will fail to be acceptable.

    Hence a top-down approach. Those at the top will need to be the first to use the new software. Segments submitted as SLF remain subject to SLF's limitations, but those submitted as XML won't. As the XML software spreads among the *Cs, more of the XML nodelist will be XML native. SLF nodes will not
    notice any difference, except perhaps that simple errors in listings will be auto-corrected by the translation process from SLF -> XML -> SLF.


    -- Scott Little [fidonet#3:712/848 / sysgod@sysgod.org]

    --- FMail/Win32 1.60+
    * Origin: Cyberia: All your msgbase are belong to us! (3:712/848)
  • From Jan Vermeulen@2:280/100 to Scott Little on Fri Dec 27 19:05:42 2002
    Quoting Scott Little on Fri 27 Dec 2002 11:07 to Jan Vermeulen:

    [ 24 Dec 02 23:05, Jan Vermeulen wrote to Dale Ross ]

    any other list than the NodeList can only be global if all *C's
    have the capability and the ability to build their segments in
    the 'new' format.
    Without those conditions, such a list will fail to be acceptable.

    Hence a top-down approach. Those at the top will need to be the
    first to use the new software. Segments submitted as SLF remain
    subject to SLF's limitations, but those submitted as XML won't. As
    the XML software spreads among the *Cs, more of the XML nodelist
    will be XML native. SLF nodes will not notice any difference,
    except perhaps that simple errors in listings will be
    auto-corrected by the translation process from SLF -> XML -> SLF.

    Ask the top if it wants to do this. It's only six people.

    Of course you will nead consencus at that level...


    -=<[ JV ]>=-


    * Origin: The Poor Man's Workstation -- Wormerveer NL (2:280/100)
  • From Scott Little@3:712/848 to Jan Vermeulen on Sat Dec 28 08:51:01 2002
    [ 27 Dec 02 19:05, Jan Vermeulen wrote to Scott Little ]

    Of course you will nead consencus at that level...

    Not necessarily. XML capable Nets, Regions or Zone can issue their own XML Net/Region/Zonelists, without the cooperation of other Nets/Regions/Zones.

    However, if XML gets popular, luddite *Cs will simply find themselves out of a job as XML capable systems will 'route around the damage' by organising their own distribution channels.


    -- Scott Little [fidonet#3:712/848 / sysgod@sysgod.org]

    --- FMail/Win32 1.60+
    * Origin: Cyberia: All your msgbase are belong to us! (3:712/848)
  • From Jan Vermeulen@2:280/100 to Scott Little on Sat Dec 28 18:47:36 2002
    Quoting Scott Little on Sat 28 Dec 2002 8:51 to Jan Vermeulen:

    Of course you will nead consencus at that level...

    Not necessarily. XML capable Nets, Regions or Zone can issue their
    own XML Net/Region/Zonelists, without the cooperation of other Nets/Regions/Zones.

    You will still need to send in your standard nodelist segment to the RC or ZC in order to get listed.

    However, if XML gets popular, luddite *Cs will simply find
    themselves out of a job as XML capable systems will 'route around
    the damage' by organising their own distribution channels.

    Why don't you start your xmlnet right away, if that is what you want?


    -=<[ JV ]>=-


    * Origin: The Poor Man's Workstation -- Wormerveer NL (2:280/100)
  • From Scott Little@3:712/848 to Jan Vermeulen on Sun Dec 29 09:45:06 2002
    [ 28 Dec 02 18:47, Jan Vermeulen wrote to Scott Little ]

    Not necessarily. XML capable Nets, Regions or Zone can issue
    their own XML Net/Region/Zonelists, without the cooperation of
    other Nets/Regions/Zones.
    You will still need to send in your standard nodelist segment to
    the RC or ZC in order to get listed.

    Yes, so?

    Again, and again, and again: backward compatibility is a given, it will not work any other way. We know this. Get over it.

    themselves out of a job as XML capable systems will 'route around
    the damage' by organising their own distribution channels.
    Why don't you start your xmlnet right away, if that is what you
    want?

    Alternate distribution of XML nodelist segments doesn't require a new network.


    -- Scott Little [fidonet#3:712/848 / sysgod@sysgod.org]

    --- FMail/Win32 1.60+
    * Origin: Cyberia: All your msgbase are belong to us! (3:712/848)
  • From Bill Birrell@2:25/200 to Jan Vermeulen on Sun Dec 29 00:07:00 2002
    Hey Jan,

    Sorry, Bill, I did not mean you, I meaned them;
    I'm in agreement with you.

    There is no misunderstnding, Jan. He who apparently knows best has actually
    deigned to pen a few patronising lines in exculpation of his monomania. It may be helpful to reply to him. I will consider it.

    All the best,
    Bill.

    ---
    * Origin: Escan BBS (2:25/200)
  • From Jan Vermeulen@2:280/100 to Scott Little on Sun Dec 29 17:01:52 2002
    Quoting Scott Little on Sun 29 Dec 2002 9:45 to Jan Vermeulen:

    Not necessarily. XML capable Nets, Regions or Zone can issue
    their own XML Net/Region/Zonelists, without the cooperation of
    other Nets/Regions/Zones.
    You will still need to send in your standard nodelist segment to
    the RC or ZC in order to get listed.

    Yes, so?

    And then you get back a standard nodelist - which you will need to convert into XML in order you have a complete nodelist as required by policy.

    Again, and again, and again: backward compatibility is a given, it
    will not work any other way. We know this. Get over it.

    Again and once more: you will need nodelist-to-xml software, you know, that
    software they said is a PITA to code.

    themselves out of a job as XML capable systems will 'route around
    the damage' by organising their own distribution channels.
    Why don't you start your xmlnet right away, if that is what you
    want?

    Alternate distribution of XML nodelist segments doesn't require a
    new network.

    On second thought: you're right. You just need a standard nodelist to begin
    with...


    -=<[ JV ]>=-


    * Origin: The Poor Man's Workstation -- Wormerveer NL (2:280/100)
  • From Scott Little@3:712/848 to Jan Vermeulen on Mon Dec 30 04:48:44 2002
    [ 29 Dec 02 17:01, Jan Vermeulen wrote to Scott Little ]

    And then you get back a standard nodelist - which you will need to convert into XML

    True, but probably not in the way you think, as long as the software is correctly written. I can take that SLF nodelist, and incorporate it into the XML nodelist, filling in the missing pieces. Only those nodes that don't have a native XML listing will need to be converted.

    This is where the alternate-distribution comes in. If some *Cs don't distribute XML segments, XML systems will find alternate means by which to compile a more complete XML native nodelist, with less converted parts.

    in order you have a complete nodelist as required by policy.

    Eh, what? Which part of Policy 4.07 requires every node to have a full copy of
    the nodelist (as issued by the IC)?

    Again and once more: you will need nodelist-to-xml software, you
    know, that software they said is a PITA to code.

    Users of XML or any alternate nodelists will have to accept that there may be inaccuracies in the converted portions, such as a system's name with a dot in it ending up in the domain name field as well. Such nodes can be flagged as suspicious during the conversion, and treated with caution by XML software.


    -- Scott Little [fidonet#3:712/848 / sysgod@sysgod.org]

    --- FMail/Win32 1.60+
    * Origin: Cyberia: All your msgbase are belong to us! (3:712/848)
  • From Jasen Betts@3:640/1042 to Scott Little on Tue Dec 31 09:04:03 2002
    Hi Scott.

    30-Dec-02 04:48:44, Scott Little wrote to Jan Vermeulen


    [ 29 Dec 02 17:01, Jan Vermeulen wrote to Scott Little ]

    And then you get back a standard nodelist - which you will need
    to convert into XML

    True, but probably not in the way you think, as long as the
    software is correctly written. I can take that SLF nodelist, and incorporate it into the XML nodelist, filling in the missing
    pieces. Only those nodes that don't have a native XML listing
    will need to be converted

    This is where the alternate-distribution comes in. If some *Cs
    don't distribute XML segments, XML systems will find alternate
    means by which to compile a more complete XML native nodelist,
    with less converted parts

    in order you have a complete nodelist as required by policy.

    Eh, what? Which part of Policy 4.07 requires every node to have a
    full copy of the nodelist (as issued by the IC)

    AFAIK policy only requires a complete nodelist to exist (s a membership
    list) and for *Cs to have a copy as they're reesponsible for distibuting it... (actually NCs and RCs they only need to distribute the diff files)

    Indiovidual nodes can make their own choice, but require an up-to-date copy
    if they are to engage in mail (other than default routing)

    Again and once more: you will need nodelist-to-xml software, you
    know, that software they said is a PITA to code.

    Users of XML or any alternate nodelists will have to accept that
    there may be inaccuracies in the converted portions, such as a
    system's name with a dot in it ending up in the domain name field
    as well. Such nodes can be flagged as suspicious during the
    conversion, and treated with caution by XML software

    that won't be a new problem, we've got features like that already :(

    Bye <=-

    ---
    * Origin: If at first you don't succeed, the hell with it. (3:640/1042)
  • From Jan Vermeulen@2:280/100 to Scott Little on Wed Jan 1 17:50:10 2003
    [ 29 Dec 02 17:01, Jan Vermeulen wrote to Scott Little ]

    And then you get back a standard nodelist - which you will need to
    convert into XML

    True,...

    ;-))

    ... but probably not in the way you think, as long as the
    software is correctly written. I can take that SLF nodelist, and incorporate it into the XML nodelist, filling in the missing
    pieces. Only those nodes that don't have a native XML listing will
    need to be converted.

    This is where the alternate-distribution comes in. If some *Cs
    don't distribute XML segments, XML systems will find alternate
    means by which to compile a more complete XML native nodelist, with
    less converted parts.

    So far so good. You admit that a standard nodelist is needed in order to fill in the holes. In stead of hunting for holes, just take the whole nodelist and convert it to xml. Less PITA.

    in order you have a complete nodelist as required by policy.

    Eh, what? Which part of Policy 4.07 requires every node to have a
    full copy of the nodelist (as issued by the IC)?

    Please do not misquote me. It's too obvious.

    What I wrote was:

    And then you get back a standard nodelist - which you will need to
    convert into XML in order you have a complete nodelist as required
    by policy.

    You might want to read P4 a bit beyond 2.1.11 and 2.2 in order to understand what I really had in mind.

    Again and once more: you will need nodelist-to-xml software, you
    know, that software they said is a PITA to code.

    Users of XML or any alternate nodelists will have to accept that
    there may be inaccuracies in the converted portions, such as a
    system's name with a dot in it ending up in the domain name field
    as well. Such nodes can be flagged as suspicious during the
    conversion, and treated with caution by XML software.

    Well, this is the first time that you admit there will be flaws; we do make
    progress, do we not?

    -=<[ JV ]>=-


    * Origin: The Poor Man's Workstation -- Wormerveer NL (2:280/100)
  • From Scott Little@3:712/848 to Jan Vermeulen on Fri Jan 3 08:38:33 2003
    [ 01 Jan 03 17:50, Jan Vermeulen wrote to Scott Little ]


    So far so good. You admit that a standard nodelist is needed in
    order to fill in the holes. In stead of hunting for holes, just take
    the whole nodelist and convert it to xml. Less PITA.

    It doesn't make any difference which order they're merged.

    You might want to read P4 a bit beyond 2.1.11 and 2.2 in order to understand what I really had in mind.

    Until XML is the official nodelist format, NCs will not be required to carry it. By the time it IS the official format, it will arrive as XML already.

    Well, this is the first time that you admit there will be flaws;
    we do make progress, do we not?

    I wouldn't consider it a flaw. Since your only other option is SLF, from which
    the broken data originates, you can only gain by XML.


    -- Scott Little [fidonet#3:712/848 / sysgod@sysgod.org]

    --- FMail/Win32 1.60+
    * Origin: Cyberia: All your msgbase are belong to us! (3:712/848)
  • From Micael Bulow@2:204/710 to Jan Vermeulen on Sat Jan 4 05:59:44 2003
    You are. You forget those that are already there and are
    prefectly satisfied what is on offer right now. Imposing on them
    new things they do not need may chase them from the net.

    You got me wrong. Of cource we have to see to it that everything we change also
    can be provided in a backward compatible format for the sysops.

    But I think attracting new developers and members is an important issue today. ONE of the solutions could be some changes at toplevels to be able to add techniques widely used today.

    After all, the net is geting smaller every day. The main task is to turn that trend around.

    Which, as an RC, I do not want to happen.

    Agree 100%.

    //Micke
    ---
    * Origin: OX12.NET (2:204/710)
  • From Micael Bulow@2:204/710 to Bill Birrell on Sat Jan 4 06:15:29 2003
    I would find it useful if someone would explain to me why XML
    is needed now after more than a decade running successfully without
    it.

    Most important it's a widely used standard. All developers on all platforms can
    handle the incoming data.

    I do not understand why there would be a problem with a utility
    that produces an XML list from the nodelist.

    For example:

    Right now there is a huge discussion in another echo about new nodelist formats, new flags and how to handle phonenumbers/IP-adresses and various "new"
    elements that is needed in the nodelist.

    If the base nodelist where in XML, we could add flags and information very easely. It is much less sensitive for changes and addons.

    From that new XML nodelist we could then parse a comma-separeted "old style" nodelist with the information required for those who still need that format, and for the software that needs it.

    BUT

    We can not do it the other way arround. We would be restricted to the limitations of that format. We would need an extra database holding all new flags, addresses etc for each node that does not fit into the old format.

    Eaven if we manage to twist all little new gismos in to the old format, the day
    when we cant add more information will come very soon. Thats the reason to why I think we should use XML as the base format.

    You would still get the oldstyle nodelist from your uplink if so required though.

    //Micke
    ---
    * Origin: OX12.NET (2:204/710)
  • From Micael Bulow@2:204/710 to Jan Vermeulen on Sat Jan 4 06:29:06 2003
    XML is good for local, not for global wide use.

    Wrong,

    XML was made for global exchange of data.

    //Micke
    ---
    * Origin: OX12.NET (2:204/710)
  • From andrew clarke@3:633/267.1 to Jan Vermeulen on Sat Jan 4 22:39:06 2003
    Tue 2002-12-24 18:45, Jan Vermeulen (2:280/100) wrote to Scott Little:

    XML is good for local, not for global wide use.

    I don't know where you got that idea.

    "XML was designed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) to streamline data exchange across the Internet. XML is a "self-describing system," meaning that the data carried within XML files is defined by using a set of agreed upon terms. It is closely related to HTML, the markup language used for web-page creation. In fact, XML works similarly to HMTL. A website written in HTML can be shared universally; it doesn't matter if the page was designed on a Mac, Windows, or Linux computer. When data is written in XML, it can be transferred between applications, regardless of the factors that would typically mandate transforming the data into a useable format."

    - http://www.recruitersworld.com/articles/xml/xml.asp

    --- Msged/NT 6.1.1
    * Origin: Blizzard of Ozz, Mt Eliza, Victoria, Australia (3:633/267.1)
  • From Jan Vermeulen@2:280/100 to Micael Bulow on Sat Jan 4 15:55:42 2003
    XML is good for local, not for global wide use.

    Wrong,

    XML was made for global exchange of data.

    I'll reply to that in another post.

    -=<[ JV ]>=-


    * Origin: The Poor Man's Workstation -- Wormerveer NL (2:280/100)
  • From Jan Vermeulen@2:280/100 to Micael Bulow on Sat Jan 4 16:16:00 2003
    Quoting Micael Bulow on Sat 4 Jan 2003 5:59 to Jan Vermeulen:

    You are. You forget those that are already there and are
    prefectly satisfied what is on offer right now. Imposing on them
    new things they do not need may chase them from the net.

    You got me wrong.

    You're allowed to defend yourself ;-)

    Of cource we have to see to it that everything we change also can
    be provided in a backward compatible format for the sysops.

    Ok, the intention is there. But how sure can you be that not even one byte will get lost or damaged in the operation?

    12000 lines * 80 chars * 7 bits = 6,720,000 bits...

    But I think attracting new developers and members is an important
    issue today.

    I'll give you that, with the provision they should listen to what they call
    the "politicians" (let me tell you that a lot of the socalled politicians are or have been programmers or software supervisers in there own time but have looked over the fence).

    ONE of the solutions could be some changes at
    toplevels to be able to add techniques widely used today.

    Explain 'toplevels'. Who? What? Why?

    After all, the net is geting smaller every day. The main task is to
    turn that trend around.

    Do you really think that a nodelist is the place to start?


    -=<[ JV ]>=-


    * Origin: The Poor Man's Workstation -- Wormerveer NL (2:280/100)
  • From Jan Vermeulen@2:280/100 to andrew clarke on Sat Jan 4 16:18:12 2003
    Quoting andrew clarke on Sat 4 Jan 2003 22:39 to Jan Vermeulen:

    Tue 2002-12-24 18:45, Jan Vermeulen (2:280/100) wrote to Scott
    Little:

    XML is good for local, not for global wide use.

    I don't know where you got that idea.

    I thought that in the context this would be a matter of course, but it appears I was mistaken. I should have said: "As_far_as_FidoNet_is_concerned, XML is good for local, not for global wide use."

    "XML was designed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) to
    streamline data exchange across the Internet.

    W3C is not all of the internet. XML may be fine as it is but there is no single cure for all pains.

    XML is ... &c

    Thank you for the explanation.


    -=<[ JV ]>=-


    * Origin: The Poor Man's Workstation -- Wormerveer NL (2:280/100)
  • From andrew clarke@3:633/267.1 to Jan Vermeulen on Sun Jan 5 03:21:48 2003
    Sat 2003-01-04 16:18, Jan Vermeulen (2:280/100) wrote to andrew clarke:

    XML is good for local, not for global wide use.

    I don't know where you got that idea.

    I thought that in the context this would be a matter of course, but
    it appears I was mistaken.

    I understood the context, but...

    I should have said:
    "As_far_as_FidoNet_is_concerned, XML is good for local, not for global
    wide use."

    You haven't said why.

    "XML was designed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) to
    streamline data exchange across the Internet.

    W3C is not all of the internet. XML may be fine as it is but there
    is no single cure for all pains.

    I don't think anyone is suggesting it is "the final solution". But it is probably the best option for a "next step".

    -- mail@ozzmosis.com

    --- Msged/NT 6.1.1
    * Origin: Blizzard of Ozz, Mt Eliza, Victoria, Australia (3:633/267.1)
  • From Micael Bulow@2:204/710 to Jan Vermeulen on Sat Jan 4 18:27:40 2003
    Of cource we have to see to it that everything we change also can
    be provided in a backward compatible format for the sysops.

    Ok, the intention is there. But how sure can you be that not
    even one byte will get lost or damaged in the operation?

    XML is verry strict. Either you have a valid XML file, or you dont.

    The risc of an invalid file is much bigger in the old format (which we have seen to often).

    ONE of the solutions could be some changes at
    toplevels to be able to add techniques widely used today.

    Explain 'toplevels'. Who? What? Why?

    I dont know. We dont have a solution yet.

    After all, the net is geting smaller every day. The main task is to
    turn that trend around.

    Do you really think that a nodelist is the place to start?

    No. Actually I dont quite get why everyone is starting there. But I am convinced that IF we are going to change the format of the nodelist, we realy should concider using XML to the deepest before staying with the stoneage format. Thats why I'm yelling about it now instead of being quiet, wyning about
    it when it's to late.

    At least I got my point out.

    And I didn't see a good reason to stay with the old format yet.

    //Micke
    ---
    * Origin: OX12.NET (2:204/710)
  • From Jan Vermeulen@2:280/100 to andrew clarke on Sat Jan 4 21:42:32 2003
    Quoting andrew clarke on Sun 5 Jan 2003 3:21 to Jan Vermeulen:

    XML is good for local, not for global wide use.

    I don't know where you got that idea.

    I thought that in the context this would be a matter of course, but
    it appears I was mistaken.

    I understood the context, but...

    I should have said:
    "As_far_as_FidoNet_is_concerned, XML is good for local, not for global
    wide use."

    You haven't said why.

    Why do you send all wrongs my way?

    We're talking FidoNet, remember, and we did agree that we have a number of unupgradeble nodes you nor me want to loose, didn't we?

    "XML was designed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) to
    streamline data exchange across the Internet.

    W3C is not all of the internet. XML may be fine as it is but there
    is no single cure for all pains.

    I don't think anyone is suggesting it is "the final solution". But
    it is probably the best option for a "next step".

    We'll nead an intermediate step in order to mend broken 'things' (I have no
    better expression yet, as I still have no clue as to what exactly is broken) so
    the nodelist can provide part of the input for anything newer and better.


    -=<[ JV ]>=-


    * Origin: The Poor Man's Workstation -- Wormerveer NL (2:280/100)
  • From Jame Clay@1:120/544 to Micael Bulow on Sat Jan 4 16:48:00 2003
    Hello Micael!

    04 Jan 03 18:27, Micael Bulow wrote to Jan Vermeulen:


    But I
    am convinced that IF we are going to change the format of the
    nodelist, we realy should concider using XML to the deepest before staying with the stoneage format.

    I agree, and will be even more interested in an XML formated diff than with an XML nodelist...



    Regards,
    Jame

    --- Msged/LNX 6.0.2
    * Origin: bazaar.rocasa.org (1:120/544)
  • From Jesper S÷rensen@2:204/255 to Bill Birrell on Sat Jan 4 22:56:23 2003
    I do not understand why there would be a problem with a utility
    that produces an XML list from the nodelist.

    An XML nodelist could be thought of as a "superset" of the current nodelist. It
    would be pretty easy to strip structure, extended characters, extra flags and other "new stuff" from the XML nodelist and output a vanilla St. Louis format nodelist, but when doing it the other way around the result would lack all the "extended" features that the new format otherwise could provide.

    Jesper,
    yeppe@enjoy.cc
    ---
    * Origin: Singularity/2 - Swedish Internet Backbone (2:204/255)
  • From Jan Vermeulen@2:280/100 to Micael Bulow on Sat Jan 4 22:16:02 2003
    Quoting Micael Bulow on Sat 4 Jan 2003 18:27 to Jan Vermeulen:

    Of cource we have to see to it that everything we change also can
    be provided in a backward compatible format for the sysops.

    Ok, the intention is there. But how sure can you be that not
    even one byte will get lost or damaged in the operation?

    XML is verry strict. Either you have a valid XML file, or you dont.

    How do you check validity?

    After all, a lot of data varies from node to node...

    The risc of an invalid file is much bigger in the old format (which
    we have seen to often).

    Invalid data in one line do not necesserily mean that the entire file is invalid.

    Flag checks will be done at ZC and RC level.

    A corrupted file will yield a different CRC from the one specified in the upper lines of the segment.

    ONE of the solutions could be some changes at
    toplevels to be able to add techniques widely used today.

    Explain 'toplevels'. Who? What? Why?

    I dont know. We dont have a solution yet.

    You apparently do not know how, but I did not ask the question you try to answer.

    I want to know who or what are the top levels you meant and why you considered to start from them (which or whatever they are).

    After all, the net is geting smaller every day. The main task is to
    turn that trend around.

    Do you really think that a nodelist is the place to start?

    No. Actually I dont quite get why everyone is starting there.

    Because the loudest voices are about problems with their nodes entry; I am still waiting for a list telling me the who, what and why of those problems.


    -=<[ JV ]>=-


    * Origin: The Poor Man's Workstation -- Wormerveer NL (2:280/100)
  • From Jesper S÷rensen@2:204/255 to Jan Vermeulen on Sat Jan 4 23:55:26 2003
    The whole point of a new format is to allow addition of MORE
    data, AND in a more structured format so as to allow future
    expansion without kluges or abiguity.

    ESLF can do all that, on a need to have basis.

    If I've understood the proposals correctly the ESLF will add some keyword/value
    lines before or after each nodelist line. That means we'll be doing both line-based CSV parsing and keyword/value parsing. (Hooray! ;-) A pure keyword/value format would be cleaner and simpler.

    The SLF/ESLF format is difficult to use in other forms than the traditional text file. With some work, the nodelist can be imported into e.g. a database table, but handling the diffs is very difficult. The fact that you don't need such things right now doesn't mean that noone else need it either.

    ESLF will contain all data one ever would need; XML may extract whatever it needs.

    Yes, it's certainly possible to include much more data in the nodelist using different tweaks, but it will not be as pure and simple as a real keyword/value
    format. Since every piece of software that wants to use the new data needs to be rewritten we could as well take a bigger step and fix other issues as well.

    BTW, I hope ESLF will use UTF-8 or something similar...?

    The problem seems to be that the XML developers do not see how
    they could extract that data. As if string parsing would be a PITA
    (even BASIC could do that in the early eighties...).

    I've written lots of text parsers in many different languages but that doesn't mean that I always enjoyed it. In some languages text parsing is a lot easier than in others but the real issue has more to do with what I wrote above.

    Jesper,
    yeppe@enjoy.cc
    ---
    * Origin: Singularity/2 - Swedish Internet Backbone (2:204/255)
  • From Micael Bulow@2:204/710 to Jan Vermeulen on Sun Jan 5 04:02:40 2003
    XML is verry strict. Either you have a valid XML file, or you dont.

    How do you check validity?

    Your XML parser does. You can choose to just check the validity or you can confirm the structure against a pre-defined schema.

    Invalid data in one line do not necesserily mean that the
    entire file is invalid.

    In XML, it does.

    I want to know who or what are the top levels you meant and why
    you considered to start from them (which or whatever they are).

    When it comes to the nodelist, it would be quite enough to let ZC keep the base
    XML file maintained. Perhaps a new util for this would have to be developed. But thats all.

    To start anywhere else (ie at node level) would only create a lot of confusion and problems.

    //Micke
    ---
    * Origin: OX12.NET (2:204/710)
  • From Frank Vest@1:124/6308.1 to Jan Vermeulen on Sat Jan 4 21:16:05 2003
    On (04 Jan 03) Jan Vermeulen wrote to Micael Bulow...

    Hello Jan,

    Do you really think that a nodelist is the place to start?

    No. Actually I dont quite get why everyone is starting there.

    Because the loudest voices are about problems with their nodes
    entry; I am still waiting for a list telling me the who, what and why
    of those problems.

    Just my humble opinion.

    There's nothing wrong with the SLF Nodelist. The problem is the
    implementing of IP. That was not done right to begin with. :(

    With PSTN, each mailer is expected to be able to transfer mail at
    least at FTS-1 (x-modem?).

    With IP, there is no minimum required transfer method. This means that
    each protocol (binkp, telnet and such) has to have a flag in the
    Nodelist.

    To "fix" this, a means needs to be made for IP mailers to determine
    the protocol to use during the/a connection. IOW, my IP mailer
    contacts your IP mailer and figures out what protocol to use. A
    minimum protocol would also be needed which all IP mailers use.

    Is this going to happen?? Probably not. :-(

    Can you imagine what Fidonet would have been if PSTN mailer-A only
    used zedzap and PSTN mailer-B only used x-modem? Just look at the IP
    mailers and you can see. Had there been no standards set for minimum connectivity, PSTN would be like IP is today. Each Node entry in the
    Nodelist would have to fly a flag for each protocol supported. EG: a
    flag for x-modem, zedzap, emsi and all the others.

    Again, just my humble opinion.

    Frank

    http://pages.sbcglobal.net/flv
    http://biseonline.com/r19

    --- PPoint 3.01
    * Origin: Holy Cow! I'm A Point!! (1:124/6308.1)
  • From andrew clarke@3:633/267.1 to Frank Vest on Sun Jan 5 17:00:44 2003
    Sat 2003-01-04 21:16, Frank Vest (1:124/6308.1) wrote to Jan Vermeulen:

    There's nothing wrong with the SLF Nodelist. The problem is the
    implementing of IP. That was not done right to begin with. :(

    It can be fixed. :-)

    With PSTN, each mailer is expected to be able to transfer mail at
    least at FTS-1 (x-modem?).

    Xmodem with TeLink extensions.

    With IP, there is no minimum required transfer method. This means that
    each protocol (binkp, telnet and such) has to have a flag in the
    Nodelist.

    Are there any other common IP protocols other than BinkP & Telnet (ie. FTS-1 over Vmodem or equivalent)?

    To "fix" this, a means needs to be made for IP mailers to determine
    the protocol to use during the/a connection. IOW, my IP mailer
    contacts your IP mailer and figures out what protocol to use. A
    minimum protocol would also be needed which all IP mailers use.

    You may as well make BinkP the minimum protocol.

    -- mail@ozzmosis.com

    --- Msged/NT 6.1.1
    * Origin: Blizzard of Ozz, Mt Eliza, Victoria, Australia (3:633/267.1)
  • From Frank Vest@1:124/6308.1 to andrew clarke on Sun Jan 5 03:04:28 2003
    On (05 Jan 03) andrew clarke wrote to Frank Vest...

    Hello andrew,

    There's nothing wrong with the SLF Nodelist. The problem is the
    implementing of IP. That was not done right to begin with. :(

    It can be fixed. :-)

    Agreed.

    With PSTN, each mailer is expected to be able to transfer mail at
    least at FTS-1 (x-modem?).

    Xmodem with TeLink extensions.

    I guess. I've always heard FTS-1 and xmodem. Point is, this is the
    minimum required for PSTN. Each PSTN mailer must support at least
    this.

    With IP, there is no minimum required transfer method. This means that
    each protocol (binkp, telnet and such) has to have a flag in the
    Nodelist.

    Are there any other common IP protocols other than BinkP & Telnet (ie. FTS-1 over Vmodem or equivalent)?

    I have no idea. I wouldn't call binkp or telnet common in the respect
    of "to every IP mailer", but they seem to be the most common used for
    IP transfer of Fidonet mail.

    To "fix" this, a means needs to be made for IP mailers to determine
    the protocol to use during the/a connection. IOW, my IP mailer
    contacts your IP mailer and figures out what protocol to use. A
    minimum protocol would also be needed which all IP mailers use.

    You may as well make BinkP the minimum protocol.

    It really doesn't matter to me what protocol is the minimum. The point
    is that Fidonet needs a minimum required IP protocol for connecting
    that each IP mailer can use. Other protocols can be implemented in the
    mailers as well, but each would at least be able to do the minimum.

    The next step would be to figure out how to negotiate the transfer
    protocol upon connection. There is a conversation going on in
    FTSC_PUBLIC about using a "finger daemon" to determine what protocols
    are available at each connection and then starting the proper software
    to use the protocol.

    With a minimum IP protocol and a way to negotiate what protocol to
    use, IP mailers would have the same "power" as PSTN mailers and
    Fidonet could do away with the "I" flags. Simply list a flag to
    indicate IP capabilities and the domain or IP address to use.

    Regards,

    Frank

    http://pages.sbcglobal.net/flv
    http://biseonline.com/r19

    --- PPoint 3.01
    * Origin: Holy Cow! I'm A Point!! (1:124/6308.1)
  • From Jan Vermeulen@2:280/100 to Jesper S÷rensen on Sun Jan 5 17:21:30 2003
    Quoting Jesper S÷rensen on Sat 4 Jan 2003 22:56 to Bill Birrell:

    ... but when doing it the other way around the result would lack all
    the "extended" features that the new format otherwise could provide.

    Really? Would it be so difficult to take a nodelist, transform it into XML and then add the extended features?

    Where would the extended features come from when starting to build an XML list to begin with?


    -=<[ JV ]>=-


    * Origin: The Poor Man's Workstation -- Wormerveer NL (2:280/100)
  • From Jan Vermeulen@2:280/100 to Jesper S÷rensen on Sun Jan 5 17:53:08 2003
    Quoting Jesper S÷rensen on Sat 4 Jan 2003 23:55 to Jan Vermeulen:

    If I've understood the proposals correctly the ESLF will add some keyword/value lines before or after each nodelist line. That means
    we'll be doing both line-based CSV parsing and keyword/value
    parsing. (Hooray! ;-) A pure keyword/value format would be cleaner
    and simpler.

    Agreed but it will break downwards compatibility.

    The SLF/ESLF format is difficult to use in other forms than the traditional text file.

    That is its advantage ;-)

    With some work, the nodelist can be imported into e.g. a database table, but handling the diffs is very difficult.

    Deleting and adding records was already possible with DBASE1 at the Jet Propulsion Laberatory, so I do not see what would be the problem, unless you spread your fields all over the place.

    The fact that you don't need such things right now
    doesn't mean that noone else need it either.

    Until now I have not got the problem list I have asked for (not you).

    ESLF will contain all data one ever would need; XML may extract
    whatever it needs.

    Yes, it's certainly possible to include much more data in the
    nodelist using different tweaks, but it will not be as pure and
    simple as a real keyword/value format. Since every piece of
    software that wants to use the new data needs to be rewritten we
    could as well take a bigger step and fix other issues as well.

    In time we should, but let's break one glass a time. Repair is easier that way and we might avoid the slogan that says "All known bugs have been replaced by entirely new ones."

    BTW, I hope ESLF will use UTF-8 or something similar...?

    Sure. Bytes 0x20 thru 0x7F plus EOF. We'll tackle your name later ;-)

    The problem seems to be that the XML developers do not see how
    they could extract that data. As if string parsing would be a PITA
    (even BASIC could do that in the early eighties...).

    I've written lots of text parsers in many different languages but
    that doesn't mean that I always enjoyed it.

    If you want to write code for the net, you first should look at what the net needs and will able to use; your joy should come from a job well done, not of the coding itself. That is very much secondary.

    In some languages text parsing is a lot easier than in others...

    Don't tell me...

    -=<[ JV ]>=-


    * Origin: The Poor Man's Workstation -- Wormerveer NL (2:280/100)
  • From Jan Vermeulen@2:280/100 to Micael Bulow on Sun Jan 5 19:10:24 2003
    Quoting Micael Bulow on Sun 5 Jan 2003 4:02 to Jan Vermeulen:

    XML is verry strict. Either you have a valid XML file, or you dont.

    How do you check validity?

    Your XML parser does. You can choose to just check the validity or
    you can confirm the structure against a pre-defined schema.

    Understood.

    Invalid data in one line do not necesserily mean that the
    entire file is invalid.

    In XML, it does.

    That's bad. Loose all new entries when you loose one. We can't have that.

    I want to know who or what are the top levels you meant and why
    you considered to start from them (which or whatever they are).

    When it comes to the nodelist, it would be quite enough to let ZC
    keep the base XML file maintained. Perhaps a new util for this
    would have to be developed. But thats all.

    To start anywhere else (ie at node level) would only create a lot
    of confusion and problems.

    If I read you well, the ZC needs to make the entire XML nodelist. That meens that he gets [E]SLF segments, puts them together to make a GONL and then,
    only then, he can make the XML list.

    Now I was told that making the XML list from a GONL was a PITA and you tell
    me now that one error makes the entire list invalid.

    Would XML by any chance abort at the first error found, so you could be in for a nice surprise when restarting after having corrected the error?


    -=<[ JV ]>=-


    * Origin: The Poor Man's Workstation -- Wormerveer NL (2:280/100)
  • From Jesper S÷rensen@2:204/255 to Jan Vermeulen on Sun Jan 5 21:24:24 2003
    With some work, the nodelist can be imported into e.g. a database
    table, but handling the diffs is very difficult.

    Deleting and adding records was already possible with DBASE1 at
    the Jet Propulsion Laberatory, so I do not see what would be the
    problem, unless you spread your fields all over the place.

    The problem is how do you know what data to add, update or delete? The diffs don't say "add 2:204/255..."; they say "copy (ignore) 17 lines", "delete 3 lines", "add the following 4 lines" and so on, so you still need to have the original nodelist to be able to resolve the diff into something useful. :-(

    Sure. Bytes 0x20 thru 0x7F plus EOF. We'll tackle your name later
    ;-)

    Is that a promise? ;-)

    Besides, I'm far from the only one with this problem. I'm just the loudest one... :-) The Swedish RC (G÷ran Eriksson), the Norwegian RC (Torbj°rn Mohn) and the Danish RC (Kσre Olsen) all have the same problem, but they have accepted their "fate" and live quietly in this sad 7-bit land. ;-)

    Maybe there are not that many people in Fidonet using the Greek, Arab or Hebrew
    alphabets but there sure are a lot of people using Cyrillic characters, and then we have the CJK-scripts in Z6, so seven bits doesn't quite suffice...

    If you want to write code for the net, you first should look at
    what the net needs and will able to use; your joy should come from a
    job well done, not of the coding itself. That is very much secondary.

    Sure, but for me a "job well done" doesn't only mean that it works. It should be simple, logical, elegant and neat too, and bending, twisting and inventing new kludges doesn't fit very well into that. :-(

    Jesper,
    yeppe@enjoy.cc
    ---
    * Origin: Singularity/2 - Swedish Internet Backbone (2:204/255)
  • From Jesper S÷rensen@2:204/255 to Jan Vermeulen on Sun Jan 5 21:42:32 2003
    ... but when doing it the other way around the result would lack all
    the "extended" features that the new format otherwise could provide.

    Really? Would it be so difficult to take a nodelist, transform it
    into XML and then add the extended features?

    Where would the extended features come from in this case? What algorithm should
    you apply to "Sorensen" to get "S÷rensen", without also changing "Olsson" to "╓lss÷n"? A massive mapping table (for everything from names & locations to ip-connectivity & flags) would work but then it makes more sence to use that data from the beginning, in some kind of super data base. It doesn't have to be
    XML, but that's the format that makes best sence to me.

    Where would the extended features come from when starting to build
    an XML list to begin with?

    From the one submitting the data, provided it's submitted using some kind of "extended features aware" system/format.

    Jesper,
    yeppe@enjoy.cc
    ---
    * Origin: Singularity/2 - Swedish Internet Backbone (2:204/255)
  • From Jan Vermeulen@2:280/100 to Frank Vest on Sun Jan 5 21:00:56 2003
    Quoting Frank Vest on Sat 4 Jan 2003 21:16 to Jan Vermeulen:

    Just my humble opinion.

    There's nothing wrong with the SLF Nodelist. The problem is the implementing of IP. That was not done right to begin with. :(

    What you say is that it is not the nodelist that is broken, but the implimentation of internet protocols and that some repair is needed. The nodelist then could be used as it is now.

    Is that your opinion?

    -=<[ JV ]>=-


    * Origin: The Poor Man's Workstation -- Wormerveer NL (2:280/100)
  • From Scott Little@3:712/848 to Jan Vermeulen on Mon Jan 6 07:35:03 2003
    [ 05 Jan 03 19:10, Jan Vermeulen wrote to Micael Bulow ]

    That's bad. Loose all new entries when you loose one. We can't
    have that.

    So use your segment processor to check it before wandering off. If you don't, and it's broken, the upstream segment processor will just use the last good one.


    -- Scott Little [fidonet#3:712/848 / sysgod@sysgod.org]

    --- FMail/Win32 1.60+
    * Origin: Cyberia: All your msgbase are belong to us! (3:712/848)
  • From andrew clarke@3:633/267.1 to Frank Vest on Mon Jan 6 09:09:16 2003
    Sun 2003-01-05 03:04, Frank Vest (1:124/6308.1) wrote to andrew clarke:

    With PSTN, each mailer is expected to be able to transfer mail at
    least at FTS-1 (x-modem?).

    Xmodem with TeLink extensions.

    I guess. I've always heard FTS-1 and xmodem. Point is, this is the
    minimum required for PSTN. Each PSTN mailer must support at least
    this.

    Yes.

    With IP, there is no minimum required transfer method. This means that
    each protocol (binkp, telnet and such) has to have a flag in the
    Nodelist.

    Are there any other common IP protocols other than BinkP & Telnet
    (ie. FTS-1 over Vmodem or equivalent)?

    I have no idea. I wouldn't call binkp or telnet common in the respect
    of "to every IP mailer", but they seem to be the most common used for
    IP transfer of Fidonet mail.

    I just meant protocols used for FidoNet mail transfer.

    I understand there is ifcico but I haven't looked at it yet, but from what I understand it's basically just FTS-1 over IP. Which has me wondering what makes it any different to running a mailer using VMODEM or equivalent. I guess
    I'd better take a look at it.

    To "fix" this, a means needs to be made for IP mailers to determine
    the protocol to use during the/a connection. IOW, my IP mailer
    contacts your IP mailer and figures out what protocol to use. A
    minimum protocol would also be needed which all IP mailers use.

    You may as well make BinkP the minimum protocol.

    It really doesn't matter to me what protocol is the minimum.

    Well, I mention BinkP because it's by far the most common. Plus you can actually send mail with it. ;-)

    The point
    is that Fidonet needs a minimum required IP protocol for connecting
    that each IP mailer can use. Other protocols can be implemented in the mailers as well, but each would at least be able to do the minimum.

    Yes.

    The next step would be to figure out how to negotiate the transfer
    protocol upon connection.

    This can be done manually until such time that the software can negotiate automatically.

    -- mail@ozzmosis.com

    --- Msged/NT 6.1.1
    * Origin: Blizzard of Ozz, Mt Eliza, Victoria, Australia (3:633/267.1)
  • From Frank Vest@1:124/6308.1 to Jan Vermeulen on Sun Jan 5 15:54:49 2003
    On (05 Jan 03) Jan Vermeulen wrote to Frank Vest...

    Hello Jan,

    Just my humble opinion.

    There's nothing wrong with the SLF Nodelist. The problem is the implementing of IP. That was not done right to begin with. :(

    What you say is that it is not the nodelist that is broken, but
    the implimentation of internet protocols and that some repair is
    needed. The nodelist then could be used as it is now.

    Yes.

    Is that your opinion?

    Yes.

    <sigh> Let me try to screw this up logically. :) </sigh>

    Please understand that I am not a programmer or tech. I'm using /my/
    logic here. :)

    The SLF contains the node number, system name, sysop name, phone
    number, mailer flag, modem flags. Transfer protocols are not listed as
    such.

    PSTN phone number = IP/domain address. The IP/domain is the "phone
    number" that IP mailers "dial" to connect. I'm not saying that the
    IP.domain should be put in the phone number field of th SLF... it's
    just for comparing.

    PSTN has several transfer protocols available. Each is negotiated when
    the mailers connect to each other.

    IP mailers have several protocols. None are negotiated when the
    mailers connect to each other. This is a problem. It requires that the
    transfer protocol be know (in the SLF) prior to the mailers connecting
    or there is no way to transfer mail.

    PSTN mailers have a flag in the SLF. IP mailers don't have this.

    Now, let's go as simple as possible :)

    Create a mailer flag for IP mailers. Each flag could imply what
    protocols that mailer can handle. An IP mailer could simply look at
    the mailer flag and know that the desired transfer protocol is
    available or not.

    Something that simple would do a world of good. There would be no need
    for the IBN, IFT and other "I" flags. A simple "XT" flag with the
    IP/domain address in some default field of the SLF would/could tell
    the IP mailer that telnet was available at the IP/domain of this Node.

    This simple thing would make the SLF workable for both IP and PSTN, I
    think.

    There are other methods as well. The discussion of a "FTNSRVD" (kind
    of like a finger daemon) that would return to the IP mailer the
    transfer protocol, address (if needed) for that protocol and port (if
    needed).

    In any case, like I said to others, some way for IP mailers to
    negotiate or know what transfer protocols are available should have
    been built into IP mailers from the start.

    Regards,

    Frank

    http://pages.sbcglobal.net/flv
    http://biseonline.com/r19

    --- PPoint 3.01
    * Origin: Holy Cow! I'm A Point!! (1:124/6308.1)
  • From Frank Vest@1:124/6308.1 to andrew clarke on Sun Jan 5 17:18:46 2003
    On (06 Jan 03) andrew clarke wrote to Frank Vest...

    Hello andrew,

    Are there any other common IP protocols other than BinkP &
    Telnet ac>> (ie. FTS-1 over Vmodem or equivalent)?
    I have no idea. I wouldn't call binkp or telnet common in the respect
    of "to every IP mailer", but they seem to be the most common used for
    IP transfer of Fidonet mail.

    I just meant protocols used for FidoNet mail transfer.

    In that case, I don't know what others may be around.

    You may as well make BinkP the minimum protocol.
    It really doesn't matter to me what protocol is the minimum.

    Well, I mention BinkP because it's by far the most common. Plus you
    can actually send mail with it. ;-)

    True. :)

    The point
    is that Fidonet needs a minimum required IP protocol for connecting
    that each IP mailer can use. Other protocols can be implemented in the mailers as well, but each would at least be able to do the minimum.
    Yes.
    The next step would be to figure out how to negotiate the transfer
    protocol upon connection.

    This can be done manually until such time that the software can
    negotiate automatically.

    Difficult, but yes.

    I think you are on the same page as I am. I just hope that someone
    will do something with the ideas.

    Frank

    http://pages.sbcglobal.net/flv
    http://biseonline.com/r19

    --- PPoint 3.01
    * Origin: Holy Cow! I'm A Point!! (1:124/6308.1)
  • From Jan Vermeulen@2:280/100 to Jesper S÷rensen on Mon Jan 6 01:22:32 2003
    Quoting Jesper S÷rensen on Sun 5 Jan 2003 21:24 to Jan Vermeulen:

    The problem is how do you know what data to add, update or delete?

    Diff-files tell you which records to add, which to replace, which to delete
    and which to leave alone.

    The diffs don't say "add 2:204/255..."; they say "copy (ignore) 17
    lines", "delete 3 lines", "add the following 4 lines" and so on, so
    you still need to have the original nodelist to be able to resolve
    the diff into something useful. :-(

    You are expected to work on complete records that have been arranged in a given order -- what are you planning to do to the data that you can't locate your records anymore?

    Do you want to scatter your data all over the place without creating an index file or what?

    Sure. Bytes 0x20 thru 0x7F plus EOF. We'll tackle your name later
    ;-)

    Is that a promise? ;-)

    Sort of. It may take some time to get there ;-)

    [skipping the alphabet problem]

    If you want to write code for the net, you first should look at
    what the net needs and will able to use; your joy should come from a
    job well done, not of the coding itself. That is very much secondary.

    Sure, but for me a "job well done" doesn't only mean that it works.
    It should be simple, logical, elegant and neat too...

    As a dancer in the theatre?

    ... and bending, twisting and inventing new kludges doesn't fit
    very well into that.

    Never saw dancers do a twist, then?


    -=<[ JV ]>=-


    * Origin: The Poor Man's Workstation -- Wormerveer NL (2:280/100)
  • From Jan Vermeulen@2:280/100 to Jesper S÷rensen on Mon Jan 6 01:40:36 2003
    Quoting Jesper S÷rensen on Sun 5 Jan 2003 21:42 to Jan Vermeulen:

    ... but when doing it the other way around the result would lack all
    the "extended" features that the new format otherwise could provide.

    Really? Would it be so difficult to take a nodelist, transform it
    into XML and then add the extended features?

    Where would the extended features come from in this case?

    [...]

    Where would the extended features come from when starting to build
    an XML list to begin with?

    From the one submitting the data, provided it's submitted using
    some kind of "extended features aware" system/format.

    So, parallel to the already existinc weekly datastream upwards to the ZCs we will be treated on a second datastream of XLM scraps and snippets with reduced coherence, ok?

    This is like having 100 cooks all stirring and spicing the same cauldron of
    soup.

    Fidonet is absolutely not ready for that.


    -=<[ JV ]>=-


    * Origin: The Poor Man's Workstation -- Wormerveer NL (2:280/100)
  • From Jan Vermeulen@2:280/100 to Scott Little on Mon Jan 6 02:02:42 2003
    Quoting Scott Little on Mon 6 Jan 2003 7:35 to Jan Vermeulen:

    That's bad. Loose all new entries when you loose one. We can't
    have that.

    So use your segment processor to check it before wandering off. If
    you don't, and it's broken, the upstream segment processor will
    just use the last good one.

    Let's hope so. There are time limits to, you know.

    -=<[ JV ]>=-


    * Origin: The Poor Man's Workstation -- Wormerveer NL (2:280/100)
  • From Bill Birrell@2:25/200 to Micael Bulow on Mon Jan 6 01:03:02 2003
    Most important it's a widely used standard. All
    developers on all platforms can handle the incoming
    data.

    There has been much correspondence, Micael. I now uderstand why you think this is desirable. Before saying any more, I have to be sure that doubling the size of the nodelist without doubling the membership is permissible, and I have
    doubts about that. It will become clear in a few days, so I must counsel patience till then.

    There are also problems in introducing 'new' elements into the nodelist, because each element has to be examined by the government of each country to which the nodelist is distributed to ensure that it still complies with each individual data protection statute. At some point the sum of all the elements may become an invasion of individual privacy, too.

    We are bound by the concept of "annoying behaviour" not to do anything which could cause the sysop of any node in the net to be arrested or imprisoned
    for something outside his control.

    Best Wishes,
    Bill.

    ---
    * Origin: Escan BBS (2:25/200)
  • From Scott Little@3:712/848 to Jan Vermeulen on Mon Jan 6 17:47:57 2003
    [ 06 Jan 03 02:02, Jan Vermeulen wrote to Scott Little ]

    Let's hope so. There are time limits to, you know.

    Time limits?


    -- Scott Little [fidonet#3:712/848 / sysgod@sysgod.org]

    --- FMail/Win32 1.60+
    * Origin: Cyberia: All your msgbase are belong to us! (3:712/848)
  • From Scott Little@3:712/848 to Bill Birrell on Mon Jan 6 17:50:35 2003
    [ 06 Jan 03 01:03, Bill Birrell wrote to Micael Bulow ]

    There has been much correspondence, Micael. I now uderstand why
    you think this is desirable. Before saying any more, I have to be sure that doubling the size of the nodelist without doubling the membership
    is permissible, and I have doubts about that. It will become clear in
    a few days, so I must counsel patience till then.

    Maybe you and Jan can redirect those kinds of arguements to the *Cs... they are
    only relevant to them, and only if/when they are to decide whether XML is to become the 'official' nodelist format.

    This is not the place to argue Policy and suchlike. As with the rise of IP connectivity, the old-schoolers can bitch and moan all they like but those that
    want to progress will do so regardless, and as long as it doesn't negatively interfere with other nodes, nobody can do a damn thing about it.

    There are also problems in introducing 'new' elements into the nodelist, because each element has to be examined by the government of each country to which the nodelist is distributed to ensure that it
    still complies with each individual data protection statute. At some

    How does that differ from the current list?

    point the sum of all the elements may become an invasion of
    individual privacy, too.

    All nodes accept that whatever they put in the nodelist is public information, privacy issues are irrelevant AFAICT... ??

    We are bound by the concept of "annoying behaviour" not to do
    anything which could cause the sysop of any node in the net to be
    arrested or imprisoned for something outside his control.

    Like phone numbers prefixed with 000? It would appear nobody cares anyway.


    -- Scott Little [fidonet#3:712/848 / sysgod@sysgod.org]

    --- FMail/Win32 1.60+
    * Origin: Cyberia: All your msgbase are belong to us! (3:712/848)
  • From Micael Bulow@2:204/710 to Jan Vermeulen on Mon Jan 6 07:29:37 2003
    Invalid data in one line do not necesserily mean that the
    entire file is invalid.

    In XML, it does.

    That's bad. Loose all new entries when you loose one. We can't
    have that.

    You don't loose anything, but the parser wont acceppt it.

    If I read you well, the ZC needs to make the entire XML
    nodelist. That meens that he gets [E]SLF segments, puts them
    together to make a GONL and then, only then, he can make the XML
    list.

    Thats one way to do it. Personaly I would prefere a central SQL server to hold the data and to generate the XML file every now and then. But there is several other possible solutions. But we dont need to specify that.

    Would XML by any chance abort at the first error found, so you
    could be in for a nice surprise when restarting after having
    corrected the error?

    An XML parser wouldn't acceppt the XML document at all if the file is not valid. It would exit with an error message, telling you what line is invalid.

    //Micke
    ---
    * Origin: OX12.NET (2:204/710)
  • From Micael Bulow@2:204/710 to Bill Birrell on Mon Jan 6 11:38:24 2003
    you think this is desirable. Before saying any more, I have to be
    sure that doubling the size of the nodelist without doubling the

    [..]

    We are bound by the concept of "annoying behaviour" not to do
    anything which could cause the sysop of any node in the net to be
    arrested or imprisoned for something outside his control.

    If any of the above is a problem, you allways have the option to not subscribe to the nodelist in XML format. Everyone that by any reason wish to keep the old
    format should have the option to do so.

    //Micke
    ---
    * Origin: OX12.NET (2:204/710)
  • From Jan Vermeulen@2:280/100 to Micael Bulow on Mon Jan 6 21:44:16 2003
    Quoting Micael Bulow on Mon 6 Jan 2003 7:29 to Jan Vermeulen:

    In XML, it does.

    That's bad. Loose all new entries when you loose one. We can't
    have that.

    You don't loose anything, but the parser wont acceppt it.

    So it will not go to the next level; that is tantamount of loosing it this and possibly later weeks. That's why we have the error flag in the current nodelist: flag it but do not break it...

    [...]

    Would XML by any chance abort at the first error found, so you
    could be in for a nice surprise when restarting after having
    corrected the error?

    An XML parser wouldn't acceppt the XML document at all if the file
    is not valid. It would exit with an error message, telling you what
    line is invalid.

    That was not my question. Let me rephrase it: if the document would containt two errors, would the parser exit when finding the first error or would it continue to the end of the document and prooduce a log of all errors found?


    -=<[ JV ]>=-


    * Origin: The Poor Man's Workstation -- Wormerveer NL (2:280/100)
  • From Jan Vermeulen@2:280/100 to Scott Little on Mon Jan 6 21:46:44 2003
    Quoting Scott Little on Mon 6 Jan 2003 17:47 to Jan Vermeulen:

    Let's hope so. There are time limits to, you know.

    Time limits?

    Would you read last week's paper?

    -=<[ JV ]>=-


    * Origin: The Poor Man's Workstation -- Wormerveer NL (2:280/100)
  • From Micael Bulow@2:204/710 to Jan Vermeulen on Tue Jan 7 07:17:13 2003
    You don't loose anything, but the parser wont acceppt it.

    So it will not go to the next level; that is tantamount of
    loosing it this and possibly later weeks.

    As I told you, you wont loose the data.

    Anyway, if this becomes a problem (I dont see it) it's easy to get around with some errorhandling.

    That was not my question. Let me rephrase it: if the document
    would containt two errors, would the parser exit when finding the
    first error or would it continue to the end of the document and
    prooduce a log of all errors found?

    I've used the DOM and it exits on the first error, telling me that the stream is not well-formed along with the first errorous row.

    I haven't had the opportunity to try the SAX parser yet, so I dont know about that one.

    However, as said above, it wont be a problem. It can be worked around easely.

    //Micke
    ---
    * Origin: OX12.NET (2:204/710)
  • From Jasen Betts@3:640/1042 to andrew clarke on Mon Jan 6 16:09:24 2003
    Hi andrew.

    05-Jan-03 17:00:44, andrew clarke wrote to Frank Vest


    Sat 2003-01-04 21:16, Frank Vest (1:124/6308.1) wrote to Jan
    Vermeulen:

    >> There's nothing wrong with the SLF Nodelist. The problem is the
    >> implementing of IP. That was not done right to begin with. :(

    It can be fixed. :-)

    >> With PSTN, each mailer is expected to be able to transfer mail at
    >> least at FTS-1 (x-modem?).

    Xmodem with TeLink extensions.

    >> With IP, there is no minimum required transfer method. This means
    >> that each protocol (binkp, telnet and such) has to have a flag in
    >> the Nodelist.

    Are there any other common IP protocols other than BinkP & Telnet
    (ie. FTS-1 over Vmodem or equivalent)
    protocol count comment
    IFCICO 284 dunno
    FTP 182 nothing like FTS1.

    You may as well make BinkP the minimum protocol.

    yeah it seem most popular, what sort of software licence is involved?

    Bye <=-

    ---
    * Origin: How to make Kleenex dance? Blow a little boogie in it. (3:640/1042)
  • From Scott Little@3:712/848 to Jan Vermeulen on Tue Jan 7 19:19:09 2003
    [ 06 Jan 03 21:46, Jan Vermeulen wrote to Scott Little ]

    Time limits?
    Would you read last week's paper?

    We already do. Segments are released upto and including 6 days before issue, to allow time for it to filter up the chain, across zones, and then finally compiled and issued by each ZC on Friday.

    If you want hard realtime data, you need a persistent database and a way of replicating changes. This is also do-able. Possibly an option we can explore with XML (since we're rewriting the rules anyway). An XML processor could inject/obtain mini-diffs (single-node updates) to/from standard netmail, or even echomail, as they are made. Changes to a node will propogate in minutes among IP nodes, and a day or three for the rest.


    -- Scott Little [fidonet#3:712/848 / sysgod@sysgod.org]

    --- FMail/Win32 1.60+
    * Origin: Cyberia: All your msgbase are belong to us! (3:712/848)
  • From Jesper S÷rensen@2:204/255 to Jan Vermeulen on Tue Jan 7 12:56:05 2003
    That's bad. Loose all new entries when you loose one. We can't
    have that.

    You don't loose anything, but the parser wont acceppt it.

    So it will not go to the next level; that is tantamount of loosing
    it this and possibly later weeks. That's why we have the error flag in
    the current nodelist: flag it but do not break it...

    If it's broken it's broken and should be fixed, not just commented out. Until good data arrives, the last known good data should be used.

    In the future we might not even need to send entire segments as updates, but only the single node that needs to needs to be changed, so noone else will be affected.

    Jesper,
    yeppe@enjoy.cc
    ---
    * Origin: Singularity/2 - Swedish Internet Backbone (2:204/255)
  • From Jan Vermeulen@2:280/100 to Micael Bulow on Tue Jan 7 12:47:50 2003
    Quoting Micael Bulow on Tue 7 Jan 2003 7:17 to Jan Vermeulen:

    You don't loose anything, but the parser wont acceppt it.

    So it will not go to the next level; that is tantamount of
    loosing it this and possibly later weeks.

    As I told you, you wont loose the data.

    Nor will it get to the top for integration in that week's and who knows how
    mainy next weeks' nodelists. And that is a loss, not for me, but for the net, because it spells loss of connectivity for that or those unlisted or wrongly listed node AND all other correct changes that were in that same list. Until I find out when coming home from a holyday or the hospital.

    Capice now?

    Anyway, if this becomes a problem (I dont see it) it's easy to get
    around with some errorhandling.

    You must.

    That was not my question. Let me rephrase it: if the document
    would containt two errors, would the parser exit when finding the
    first error or would it continue to the end of the document and
    prooduce a log of all errors found?

    I've used the DOM and it exits on the first error, telling me that
    the stream is not well-formed along with the first errorous row.

    I haven't had the opportunity to try the SAX parser yet, so I dont
    know about that one.

    However, as said above, it wont be a problem. It can be worked
    around easely.

    Then do so and have it tested.


    -=<[ JV ]>=-


    * Origin: The Poor Man's Workstation -- Wormerveer NL (2:280/100)
  • From Micael Bulow@2:204/710 to Jan Vermeulen on Tue Jan 7 19:07:00 2003
    Nor will it get to the top for integration in that week's and
    who knows how mainy next weeks' nodelists. And that is a loss, not
    for me, but for the net, because it spells loss of connectivity for
    that or those unlisted or wrongly listed node AND all other correct changes that were in that same list. Until I find out when coming
    home from a holyday or the hospital.

    Capice now?

    No. You have the exact same problem today. But in my example it would only affect the node who sent the faulty data, not the whole nodelist.

    Then do so and have it tested.

    As soon as there is a spec, I will be among the first to implement it at my system. Fact is, I'm allready using XML internaly with very good results.

    //Micke
    ---
    * Origin: OX12.NET (2:204/710)
  • From Jan Vermeulen@2:280/100 to Jesper S÷rensen on Tue Jan 7 21:49:16 2003
    Quoting Jesper S÷rensen on Tue 7 Jan 2003 12:56 to Jan Vermeulen:

    If it's broken it's broken and should be fixed, not just commented
    out. Until good data arrives, the last known good data should be
    used.

    That is no option. You will find no ZC or RC in her/his good mind to accept
    that good data can not be processed due to one buggy record.

    In the future we might not even need to send entire segments as
    updates, but only the single node that needs to needs to be
    changed, so noone else will be affected.

    No one else should be affected right now.


    -=<[ JV ]>=-


    * Origin: The Poor Man's Workstation -- Wormerveer NL (2:280/100)
  • From Jan Vermeulen@2:280/100 to Micael Bulow on Tue Jan 7 21:51:56 2003
    Quoting Micael Bulow on Tue 7 Jan 2003 19:07 to Jan Vermeulen:

    Nor will it get to the top for integration in that week's and
    who knows how mainy next weeks' nodelists. And that is a loss, not
    for me, but for the net, because it spells loss of connectivity for
    that or those unlisted or wrongly listed node AND all other correct
    changes that were in that same list. Until I find out when coming
    home from a holyday or the hospital.

    Capice now?

    No. You have the exact same problem today.

    We don't; the segment is not held back and will reach its destination in time. That is primordial.

    Talk to you later, much later.

    -=<[ JV ]>=-


    * Origin: The Poor Man's Workstation -- Wormerveer NL (2:280/100)
  • From Jasen Betts@3:640/1042 to Jan Vermeulen on Tue Jan 7 16:40:24 2003
    [nodediff vs databse]

    You are expected to work on complete records that have been
    arranged in a given order -- what are you planning to do to the
    data that you can't locate your records anymore

    Maybe put it in a SQL database... in SQL you don't get to see the record number. (and the record-number is meaningless anyway).

    Bye <=-

    ---
    * Origin: If at first you don't succeed, the hell with it. (3:640/1042)
  • From Bill Birrell@2:25/200 to Micael Bulow on Wed Jan 8 03:01:02 2003
    If any of the above is a problem, you allways have the
    option to not subscribe to the nodelist in XML format.
    Everyone that by any reason wish to keep the old
    format should have the option to do so.

    Change 'should' to 'must' and all agree.

    bb.

    ---
    * Origin: Escan BBS (2:25/200)
  • From Bill Birrell@2:25/200 to Scott Little on Wed Jan 8 03:23:01 2003
    Maybe you and Jan can redirect those kinds of
    arguements to the *Cs...

    Why? In any case it is not an argument so much as an embargo, Scott - the 'Eye of the Needle' through which you are trying to drive a camel.

    they are only relevant to them,

    Untrue. Policy 4 affects every sysop in FidoNet. If you don't like it, get it scrapped. Don't just bitch about it or pretend it doesn't exist.

    and only if/when they are to decide whether XML is to
    become the 'official' nodelist format.

    This is not the place to argue Policy and suchlike.

    This is the NET_DEV echo. If Net development is pointing in a forbidden direction, surely this *IS* the place to say so.

    As with the rise of IP connectivity, the old-schoolers
    can bitch and moan all they like but those that want
    to progress will do so regardless, and as long as it
    doesn't negatively interfere with other nodes, nobody
    can do a damn thing about it.

    That's the whole point. Anything that impacts the cost of distribution of the nodelist does interfere negatively with all other nodes. Doubling the size and therefore the cost of distribution of the nodelist is a prime instance of 'annoying behaviour'. That is why there must be an alternative.

    How does that differ from the current list?

    Even you must be able to see that. Are you a ninny?

    bb.

    ---
    * Origin: Escan BBS (2:25/200)
  • From Scott Little@3:712/848 to Bill Birrell on Thu Jan 9 19:44:38 2003
    [ 08 Jan 03 03:23, Bill Birrell wrote to Scott Little ]

    Untrue. Policy 4 affects every sysop in FidoNet.

    [snip]

    Don't just bitch about it or pretend it doesn't exist.

    I'm not bitching, you are. And it doesn't apply here so it might as well not exist as far as this project is concerned.

    This is the NET_DEV echo. If Net development is pointing in a forbidden direction, surely this *IS* the place to say so.

    You do realise that development generally means leaving people behind. You and
    Jan appear to suffer the same disease.

    That's the whole point. Anything that impacts the cost of
    distribution of the nodelist does interfere negatively with all other nodes. Doubling the size and therefore the cost of distribution of the nodelist is a prime instance of 'annoying behaviour'. That is why
    there must be an alternative.

    We aren't doubling the nodelist. We're making a new nodelist, if you want to use it, do so, if not, get scrapped.

    How does that differ from the current list?
    Even you must be able to see that. Are you a ninny?

    Ooh, name calling. Can't you come up with a better arguement? Come on, answer
    the question: what new elements in XML need the government's personal approval that new elements in SLF don't?


    -- Scott Little [fidonet#3:712/848 / sysgod@sysgod.org]

    --- FMail/Win32 1.60+
    * Origin: Cyberia: All your msgbase are belong to us! (3:712/848)
  • From andrew clarke@3:633/267.1 to Jasen Betts on Sun Jan 12 00:43:28 2003
    Mon 2003-01-06 16:09, Jasen Betts (3:640/1042) wrote to andrew clarke:

    You may as well make BinkP the minimum protocol.

    yeah it seem most popular, what sort of software licence is involved?

    Here it is:

    **********************************************************************
    FTSC FIDONET TECHNICAL STANDARDS COMMITTEE **********************************************************************

    Publication: FSP-1011
    Revision: 3
    Title: Binkp - a protocol for transferring FidoNet mail over
    reliable connections
    Authors: Dima Maloff
    Nick Soveiko
    Maxim Masiutin
    Revision Date: 31 July 2000
    Expiry Date: 31 July 2002

    [...]

    8. License
    ----------

    You can implement binkp protocol in your software as long as you
    agree to the following conditions:

    1. The protocol shall be referenced to as binkp and not in any
    other way. You shall include the author(s) of the protocol in
    your copyright statement for the software.
    2. Binkp shall always be backwards compatible with it's previous
    versions. Binkp allows development of the new capabilities
    without compromising interoperability with previous versions.
    Therefore, it is important that future developments of the
    protocol are not pursued in different directions by different
    people. If you have any suggestions regarding future
    developments of the protocol, make a reasonable effort to
    contact the author(s), so that the development efforts can
    coordinated in a way advantageous for everybody.
    3. If your implementation is not compatible with past, present or
    future binkp specifications, you shall reference to it as a
    "binkp variation" or "binkp derived".

    Remember that you may use, implement or utilize binkp, it's
    description or any other associated texts or documentations at your
    own risk, without any warranty, without even the implied warranty
    of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE

    Binkp author: Dima Maloff.

    --- Msged/NT 6.1.1
    * Origin: Blizzard of Ozz, Mt Eliza, Victoria, Australia (3:633/267.1)
  • From Jasen Betts@3:640/1042 to Scott Little on Fri Jan 10 06:23:24 2003
    Hi Scott.

    09-Jan-03 19:44:38, Scott Little wrote to Bill Birrell

    This is the NET_DEV echo. If Net development is pointing in a
    forbidden direction, surely this *IS* the place to say so.

    You do realise that development generally means leaving people
    behind.

    Are you planning to leave fidonet?

    AFAICT there's no rule against development, but making things worse for
    people isn't a good idea.

    We aren't doubling the nodelist. We're making a new nodelist, if
    you want to use it, do so, if not, get scrapped
    ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
    huh?

    How does that differ from the current list?
    Even you must be able to see that. Are you a ninny?

    you haven't made it that extremely clear... so far by reading your
    examples it doesn't appear to do anything SLF can't

    Bye <=-

    ---
    * Origin: Open the pod bay doors, HAL. (3:640/1042)
  • From Dale Ross@1:379/1.1 to Jasen Betts on Sat Jan 11 14:00:37 2003
    How does that differ from the current list?
    Even you must be able to see that. Are you a ninny?

    you haven't made it that extremely clear... so far by reading your examples it doesn't appear to do anything SLF can't

    Then you have not thought about it. SLF has many limiting factors. FLAG
    field size is one of them. Soon I will be adding ITX support and would like
    it to go to fidonet@f0.n379.z1.fidonet.org so the flag would look like this:

    ITX:fidonet@f0.n379.z1.fidonet.org

    Two problems:

    First the flag field limit has been exceeded.
    Second, that would push my line length above 157 characters.

    That is one simple VIABLE example that cannot be used in SLF. This would be
    no problem in XML. I could easily go on and on about possible things that
    will not work in SLF. How many examples do you need to prove that SLF is
    very limiting for the future. Hell it doesn't meet our needs of TODAY!

    With best regards, Dale Ross. E-mail: Dale.Ross@p1.f1.n379.z1.fidonet.org

    --- Fidolook Lite FTN stub
    * Origin: FidoHub Point 1 (1:379/1.1)
  • From Scott Little@3:712/848 to Jasen Betts on Sun Jan 12 11:03:28 2003
    [ 10 Jan 03 06:23, Jasen Betts wrote to Scott Little ]

    AFAICT there's no rule against development, but making things worse
    for people isn't a good idea.

    There's a difference between leaving people and their vintage software behind, and making things worse for them.

    We aren't doubling the nodelist. We're making a new nodelist, if
    you want to use it, do so, if not, get scrapped
    ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
    huh?

    He told me earier to "get scrapped" if I didn't like it.. just returning the favour.

    How does that differ from the current list?
    Even you must be able to see that. Are you a ninny?
    you haven't made it that extremely clear... so far by reading your examples it doesn't appear to do anything SLF can't

    Eh, who are you talking to?


    -- Scott Little [fidonet#3:712/848 / sysgod@sysgod.org]

    --- FMail/Win32 1.60+
    * Origin: Cyberia: All your msgbase are belong to us! (3:712/848)
  • From Michiel van der Vlist@2:280/5555 to andrew clarke on Wed Jan 8 16:34:21 2003
    Hi andrew,

    Windows, or Linux computer. When data is written in XML, it
    can be transferred between applications, regardless of the
    factors that would typically mandate transforming the data
    into a useable format."

    And how does that make it different from comma delimited ascii?

    Cheers, Michiel

    --- InterMail,Fmail
    * Origin: E=mc^2 (2:280/5555)
  • From andrew clarke@3:633/267.1 to Michiel van der Vlist on Mon Jan 13 05:10:04 2003
    Wed 2003-01-08 16:34, Michiel van der Vlist (2:280/5555) wrote to andrew clarke:

    Windows, or Linux computer. When data is written in XML, it
    can be transferred between applications, regardless of the
    factors that would typically mandate transforming the data
    into a useable format."

    And how does that make it different from comma delimited ascii?

    That alone doesn't make it any different from CSV. There are other advantages to XML over CVS. Some things come to mind:

    1. You can describe the purpose of each field, eg:

    ,267,Blizzard_of_Ozz,Mt_Eliza_Vic

    does not describe what each field is for. But this does:

    <node> 267 </node>
    <name> Blizzard of Ozz> </name>
    <location> Mt Eliza Vic </location>

    It is more verbose, but that's the price you have to pay.

    2. It provides a form of data hierachy, eg.

    <ftsc>
    <fts>
    <file>
    <name>FTS-0001.016</name>
    <date>1995-09-30</date>
    <desc>A Basic FidoNet(r) Technical Standard</desc>
    <auth>Randy Bush</auth>
    </file>
    <file>
    <name>FTS-0004.001</name>
    <date>1987-12-12</date>
    <desc>The Conference Mail System (EchoMail Specification)</desc>
    <auth>Bob Hartman</auth>
    </file>
    ...
    </fts>

    <fsc>
    <file>
    <name>FSC-0003.001</name>
    <date>198?-??-??</date>
    <desc>FidoNet Route Files Explained</desc>
    <auth>Ben Baker</auth>
    </file>
    <file>
    <name>FSC-0004.001</name>
    <date>1987-02-09</date>
    <desc>INTL kludge</desc>
    <auth>Randy Bush</auth>
    </file>
    ...
    </fsc>
    </ftsc>

    3. It's usually easier to edit in a text editor.

    4. It's easier to post to an echo. ;-)

    -- mail@ozzmosis.com

    --- Msged/NT 6.1.1
    * Origin: Blizzard of Ozz, Mt Eliza, Victoria, Australia (3:633/267.1)
  • From Scott Little@3:712/848 to andrew clarke on Mon Jan 13 08:30:01 2003
    [ 13 Jan 03 05:10, andrew clarke wrote to Michiel van der Vlist ]

    4. It's easier to post to an echo. ;-)

    Hey I'm runnin' at 132 columns here.. no line wrappage for me! :)


    -- Scott Little [fidonet#3:712/848 / sysgod@sysgod.org]

    --- FMail/Win32 1.60+
    * Origin: Cyberia: All your msgbase are belong to us! (3:712/848)
  • From Scott Little@3:712/848 to Bill Birrell on Mon Jan 13 11:49:36 2003
    [ 12 Jan 03 12:35, Bill Birrell wrote to Scott Little ]

    Lying is beneath even you, Scott. I said no such thing.

    Sorry, I misread.. you said to get the policy scrapped if I didn't like it...


    -- Scott Little [fidonet#3:712/848 / sysgod@sysgod.org]

    --- FMail/Win32 1.60+
    * Origin: Cyberia: All your msgbase are belong to us! (3:712/848)
  • From Scott Little@3:712/848 to Bill Birrell on Mon Jan 13 11:50:23 2003
    [ 12 Jan 03 16:54, Bill Birrell wrote to Scott Little ]

    Can't you tell the difference between a question and a statement? Clue: the question ends in a question mark.

    Do the words "rhetorical question" mean anything to you?


    -- Scott Little [fidonet#3:712/848 / sysgod@sysgod.org]

    --- FMail/Win32 1.60+
    * Origin: Cyberia: All your msgbase are belong to us! (3:712/848)
  • From Jan Vermeulen@2:280/100 to Michiel van der Vlist on Mon Jan 13 02:07:56 2003
    Quoting Michiel van der Vlist on Wed 8 Jan 2003 16:34 to andrew clarke:

    Windows, or Linux computer. When data is written in XML, it
    can be transferred between applications, regardless of the
    factors that would typically mandate transforming the data
    into a useable format."

    mvdv> And how does that make it different from comma delimited ascii?

    No_Break_Space padding.

    -=<[ JV ]>=-


    * Origin: The Poor Man's Workstation -- Wormerveer NL (2:280/100)
  • From Kay Shapero@1:102/524 to Scott Little on Sun Jan 12 11:33:47 2003
    on Jan Jan 03 11:03, Scott Little wrote to Jasen Betts:

    AFAICT there's no rule against development, but making things worse
    for people isn't a good idea.

    There's a difference between leaving people and their vintage
    software behind, and making things worse for them.

    I'm not so sure this is as big an issue as we think, frankly - of late I've had
    several old workhorses start eroding on me (Binkley, msged and Xlaxdiff) and would be delighted to replace the lot if I could find the software to do so (preferably without having to spend a month figuring it out, to be sure.) I'll
    admit I'd like to see DOS upgrades, given that I'm running the Aerie in a MS-DOS window on my pentium, where it takes up very little room indeed. But I'd settle for Windoze (I'm NOT changing over to LINUX if only for serious lack
    of time).

    I do think that whilst upgrading the nodelist, should we leave room for future modifications so as to simpify any further changes.

    And as long as the original version is also available, those who are using something that can't handle the new one shouldn't have too much trouble.

    --- Msged 6.0.1
    * Origin: StormGate Aerie (1:102/524)
  • From Bill Birrell@2:25/200 to Scott Little on Sun Jan 12 12:35:00 2003
    He told me earier to "get scrapped" if I didn't like
    it.. just returning the favour.

    Lying is beneath even you, Scott. I said no such thing.

    Best Wishes,
    Bill.

    ---
    * Origin: Escan BBS (2:25/200)
  • From Bill Birrell@2:25/200 to Scott Little on Sun Jan 12 16:54:00 2003
    Ooh, name calling.

    Can't you tell the difference between a question and a statement? Clue: the
    question ends in a question mark.

    However, you have now answered it.

    Good bye,
    Bill.

    ---
    * Origin: Escan BBS (2:25/200)
  • From mark lewis@1:3634/12 to Dale Ross on Mon Jan 13 15:48:18 2003
    How does that differ from the current list?
    Even you must be able to see that. Are you a ninny?

    you haven't made it that extremely clear... so far by reading your
    examples it doesn't appear to do anything SLF can't

    Then you have not thought about it. SLF has many limiting
    factors. FLAG field size is one of them.

    there was only one limitation on the size of the flag field and that was limited to Uflags... the last FTSC screwed the pooch on that real badly ;-(

    the SLF can meet many of the needs... the specs of the SLF are where the problems are... them and the SLF compatible programs...

    )\/(ark


    * Origin: (1:3634/12)
  • From Jasen Betts@3:640/1042 to Scott Little on Sun Jan 12 20:59:30 2003
    Hi Scott.

    12-Jan-03 11:03:28, Scott Little wrote to Jasen Betts


    How does that differ from the current list?
    Even you must be able to see that. Are you a ninny?
    you haven't made it that extremely clear... so far by reading
    your examples it doesn't appear to do anything SLF can't

    Eh, who are you talking to?

    the XML nodelist examples...

    Bye <=-

    ---
    * Origin: How to make Kleenex dance? Blow a little boogie in it. (3:640/1042)
  • From Jasen Betts@3:640/1042 to andrew clarke on Sun Jan 12 21:14:50 2003
    Hi andrew.

    12-Jan-03 00:43:28, andrew clarke wrote to Jasen Betts

    You may as well make BinkP the minimum protocol.

    >> yeah it seem most popular, what sort of software licence is
    >> involved?

    Here it is:
    [snip]

    Thanks,

    Is there a open/free source inplementation of the protocol?

    Bye <=-

    ---
    * Origin: Open the pod bay doors, HAL. (3:640/1042)
  • From Dale Ross@1:379/1.1 to Jasen Betts on Tue Jan 14 07:41:57 2003
    You may as well make BinkP the minimum protocol.

    yeah it seem most popular, what sort of software licence is
    involved?

    Here it is:
    [snip]

    Thanks,

    Is there a open/free source inplementation of the protocol?

    ftp://happy.kiev.ua/pub/fidosoft/mailer/binkd/

    With best regards, Dale Ross. E-mail: Dale.Ross@p1.f1.n379.z1.fidonet.org

    --- Fidolook Lite FTN stub
    * Origin: FidoHub Point 1 (1:379/1.1)
  • From andrew clarke@3:633/267.1 to Jasen Betts on Wed Jan 15 01:17:26 2003
    Sun 2003-01-12 21:14, Jasen Betts (3:640/1042) wrote to andrew clarke:

    You may as well make BinkP the minimum protocol.

    Is there a open/free source inplementation of the protocol?

    BinkD & Argus. Mbcico (part of MBSE) also, I'm told.

    -- mail@ozzmosis.com

    --- Msged/NT 6.1.1
    * Origin: Blizzard of Ozz, Mt Eliza, Victoria, Australia (3:633/267.1)
  • From Bill Birrell@2:25/200 to Scott Little on Wed Jan 15 22:39:01 2003
    Sorry, I misread.. you said to get the policy scrapped
    if I didn't like it...

    Thank you for your apology, Scott. Now I have used up enough time on this proposal. I look forward to seeing some implementations in due course.

    Best Wishes,
    Bill.

    ---
    * Origin: Escan BBS (2:25/200)