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F I D O N E T
Policy and Procedures Guide
Version 2
26 June 1986
_______ ____
Section Page
1 Overview ...................................................... 1
1.1 The Levels of FidoNet ..................................... 1
2 Sysop Procedures .............................................. 3
2.1 How to get a node number .................................. 3
2.2 If you are going down ..................................... 4
2.3 How to join a network ..................................... 5
2.4 How to form a network ..................................... 5
3 Network Coordinator Procedures ................................ 7
3.1 Routing inbound mail ...................................... 7
3.2 Assigning node numbers .................................... 8
3.3 Maintaining the node list ................................. 8
3.4 Passing along node lists and FidoNews ..................... 8
3.5 Forwarding newsletter submissions ......................... 9
4 Regional Coordinator Procedures ............................... 10
4.1 Assigning node numbers .................................... 10
4.2 Maintaining the node list ................................. 10
4.3 Encouraging the formation and growth of networks .......... 11
4.4 Passing along node lists and Fidonews ..................... 11
4.5 Forwarding newsletter submissions ......................... 11
5 International Coordinator Procedures .......................... 12
6 Resolution of Disputes ........................................ 13
6.1 Problems with another node ................................ 13
6.2 Problems with a network coordinator ....................... 13
6.3 Problems with a regional coordinator ...................... 13
6.4 Problems with the international coordinator ............... 14
6.5 Appeals to the international coordinator .................. 14
6.6 Case Hostories ............................................ 14
6.6.1 The Case of the Crooked Node ........................ 14
6.6.2 The Case of the Hacker Mailer ....................... 15
6.6.3 The Case of the Network Mutiny ...................... 15
6.6.4 The Case of the Bothered Barker ..................... 15
6.6.5 The Case of the Busy Beaver ......................... 16
6.6.6 The Mark of the Devil ............................... 16
6.6.7 The Case of the Sysop Twit .......................... 16
6.6.8 The Case of the EchoMail Junkey key key ............. 16
7 International Business Meetings ............................... 17
Chapter 1
Chapter 1
OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
FidoNet is an amateur electronic mail system. As such, all of its
participants and operators are non-paid volunteers. From its early
beginnings as a few friends swapping messages back and forth, it has
now grown to (June 1986) over 1000 different systems on four
continents.
FidoNet is large enough that it would quickly fall apart of its own
weight unless some sort of structure and control were imposed on it.
Multinet operation provides the structure. Decentralized management
provides the control. This document is an attempt to describe the
procedures which have been developed to manage the network.
1.1 The Levels of FidoNet
1.1 The Levels of FidoNet
With the introduction of multinet Fido in early 1985, FidoNet has
developed a hierarchical structure, with the following levels:
o The international coordinator
o The international coordinator; The international coordinator
compiles all of the node lists from all of the regions and
networks and creates the master node list, which is then
distributed over the net.
o The country coordinator
o The country coordinator; In some cases the International
coordinator will appoint a country coordinator to oversee network
operations in a given country. The exact duties and
responsibilities of any given country coordinator are assigned by
the international coordinator, and will not be discussed here.
o The regional coordinator
o The regional coordinator; The regional coordinator maintains the
list of independent nodes in his region, and encourages
independents to join existing nets or to form new nets. A
regional coordinator does not perform routing services for the
nodes in his region.
o The network coordinator
o The network coordinator; The network coordinator is responsible
for maintaining the list of nodes for his net, and for receiving
and forwarding any mail coming to the net from outside.
o The network routing hub
o The network routing hub; Network routing hubs exist only in three-
tiered regional nets. They generally share some or all of the
duties of the host, in order to ease the management of a large
regional net. The exact duties and procedures are a matter for
the network coordinator and his hubs to settle, and will not be
discussed here. The network coordinator is still responsible for
the maintenance of the net.
FidoNet Policy and Procedures Page 1
o The system operator (sysop)
o The system operator (sysop); The sysop formulates his own policy
for running his board and dealing with his users, so that will not
be discussed in this document. However, the sysop must also mesh
with the rest of the FidoNet system if he is to send and receive
____
mail, and that will be discussed here.
o The user
o The user; Policy and procedures for the individual user on any
given board is determined by the system operator of that board,
and will not be considered in this document.
FidoNet Policy and Procedures Page 2
Chapter 2
Chapter 2
SYSOP PROCEDURES
SYSOP PROCEDURES
A sysop of an individual node can pretty much do as he pleases, as
long as he observes the mail events, is not excessively annoying to
other nodes on the net, and does not promote the distribution of
pirated copyrighted software.
National Mail Hour is the heart of FidoNet, as this is when network
mail is passed between systems. Any system which wishes to be a part
____
of FidoNet must be able to receive mail at this time. A system which
is a member of a regional network may also be required to observe
additional mail events, as defined by his network coordinator.
Failure to observe the proper mail events is sufficient grounds for
any node to be dropped from the net without notice (since notice is
generally given by FidoNet mail).
A system which has been dropped from the network is said to be
______________
excommunicated (i.e. unable to communicate). A node which has been
excommunicated may or may not be listed for a time in the "dog house",
which is included in the comments at the end of the node list. If you
find that you have been excommunicated without warning, then that
means that your coordinator is unable to contact you. You should
rectify the problem and report back.
National Mail Hour is observed from 0900 to 1000 GMT every day,
weekends included. In each of the United States time zones, this
would be as follows:
Eastern Standard Time 4 AM to 5 AM
Central Standard Time 3 AM to 4 AM
Mountain Standard Time 2 AM to 3 AM
Pacific Standard Time 1 AM to 2 AM
Hawaii Standard Time 11 PM to Midnight
___
FidoNet does not observe daylight savings time. In areas which
observe daylight savings time the FidoNet mail schedules must be
adjusted in the same direction as the clock change. Alternatively,
you can simply leave your system on standard time.
2.1 How to get a node number
2.1 How to get a node number
You must first obtain a current node list, so that you can send mail.
You do not need a node number to send mail, but you must have one in
order for others to send mail to you.
The first step in obtaining a current node list is to locate a Fido
bulletin board. No help there; you're on your own. Most bulletin
board lists include at least a few Fido systems, and usually identify
them as such, so this shouldn't be too hard.
FidoNet Policy and Procedures Page 3
If the sysop of any Fido system does not have a node list available
for downloading, then he can probably tell you where to get one.
Once you have a node list, you must determine which network or region
covers your area. Networks always have a three digit number.
Networks are more restricted in area than regions, but are generally
preferred since they provide more services to their members.
If you cannot find a network which covers your area, then pick the
region which does. Regions always have a two digit number. The
United States is divided into ten regions, so that you are certainly
in a region even if you are not near a network.
Once you have located the network or region in your area, send a
request for a node number to node zero of that network or region. The
____ ____
request must be sent by FidoNet mail, and must include at least the
following:
1) Your name.
2) Your current mailing address.
3) Your telephone number (voice).
4) The name of your system.
5) The city and state where your system is located.
6) The phone number to be used when calling your system.
7) Your hours of operation.
8) The maximum baud rate you can support.
Your coordinator may want additional information. If so, he will
contact you.
Please allow at least two weeks for a node number request to be
processed. If you send your request to a regional coordinator, then
he may forward your request to the network coordinator who covers your
area (if any), which may take longer.
2.2 If you are going down
2.2 If you are going down
If your node will be down for an extended period (more than a day or
___________________
two), then you should inform your coordinator as soon as possible. If
you do not do this, then other systems will still try to reach you
__ ___ _____
while you are down, much to the annoyance of everyone. Do not under
___ _____________
any circumstances put an answering machine or similar device on your
phone line while you are down. If you do, then calling systems will
get the machine repeatedly, racking up large phone bills, which is
____ Resolution of Disputes
very annoying. See the section on Resolution of Disputes for details
on what happens to annoying people.
If your system goes down without warning, then you may be placed in
the dog house, or even removed from the node list completely.
FidoNet Policy and Procedures Page 4
2.3 How to join a network
2.3 How to join a network
If you are an independent node and would like to join a network in
your area, you must contact the network coordinator. He can be
reached by sending FidoNet mail to node zero of the network. He will
inform you of any special mail schedules and/or routing required by
the network. Your regional coordinator will contact you to confirm
that you wish to join the network. Once you have been placed in the
network, you will be informed by the network coordinator.
There are many advantages to being in a regional network. First and
foremost is that it helps reduce congestion of FidoNet during National
Mail Hour. Also, many nets are "outbound" as well as "inbound", which
can substantially reduce your phone bills. In addition, network
members receive regular updates of the node list and Fidonews, while
an independent node may not.
2.4 How to form a network
2.4 How to form a network
If there are several nodes in your area, but no regional network, then
you may wish to form your own. Again, this has several advantages as
outlined above.
Your first step is to contact the other sysops in your area. You must
decide which nodes will comprise the network, and which of those nodes
is going to be the network coordinator. Your next step is to inform
your regional coordinator. You must send him a FidoNet message with
the following information:
1) The region number(s), or network number(s) if a network is
splitting up, that are affected by the formation of your network.
The regional coordinator will inform the national coordinator and
the coordinators of any affected networks that a new network is in
formation.
2) The name that you wish to call your network. Please try to select
a name that relates to your grouping. For example, SoCalNet for
nodes in the Southern California Area and MassNet for
Massachusettes Area. Remember if you call yourself DOGNET it
doesn't help others know what area of the country (or even what
country) your group is in.
3) A copy of the proposed network's nodelist. The nodelist file
should be named Frrr-nnn.NET where rrr is the proposed host's
current region or network number and nnn is his current node
number. For example, if the proposed host is currently listed as
node 5 in region 13, then you would name the file F013-005.NET.
This file should be sent attached to the message of application for
a Network Number.
FidoNet Policy and Procedures Page 5
SAMPLE FORMAT OF A Frrr-nnn.NET FILE
Host,xxx,St_Louis_Area, St_Louis_MO,Ken_Kaplan, 1-314-432-4129,2400
Pvt ,076,Ben's_Bakery, Godfrey_IL, Ben_Baker, -Unpublished-, 1200
Down,482,Dirty_Ole_Man, Wood_Riv_IL,Ervin_Cole, 1-618-254-2763,1200
Down,004,Bulldog, St_Louis_MO,Tony_Clark, 1-314-441-9297,2400
,010,MDC_RCC, St_Louis_MO,Terry_Mueller, 1-314-232-6881,2400
,016,Mikes_Board, St_Louis_MO,Mike_Mellinger,1-314-726-3448,2400
Down,017,DCA_BBS, St_Louis_MO,Jon_Wichman, 1-314-962-2751,1200
Hold,022,PCLUG, St_Louis_MO,Ken_Kaplan, 1-314-576-2743,2400
,051,DECUS_Central, St_Louis_MO,Ken_Kaplan, 1-314-432-4129,2400
,339,Midnight_Cnct, St_Louis_MO,Ray_Weil, 1-314-961-1585,1200
Pvt ,492,Neu's_Node, Omaha_NB, Paul_Neu, -Unpublished-, 2400
Pvt ,500,Alex'_Fido, St_Louis_MO,Alex_Hartley, -Unpublished-, 1200
,501,ZIGGY's_Castle,Fenton_MO, Mike_Cravens, 1-314-225-9684,1200
,502,ALADINs_Castle,St_Louis_MO,Bob_Russ, 1-314-741-3050,1200
When the international coordinator receives the above items from the
regional coordinator, the information received will be verified and a
network number assigned. The regional coordinator will send a FidoNet
mail message to all affected telling them the assigned network number.
______
Do not send a network number request to the international coordinator.
____
All network number requests must be processed by the regional
coordinator first.
FidoNet Policy and Procedures Page 6
Chapter 3
Chapter 3
NETWORK COORDINATOR PROCEDURES
NETWORK COORDINATOR PROCEDURES
A network coordinator has the following responsibilities:
1) To receive incoming mail for nodes in his network, and to deliver
it to its recipients.
2) To assign node numbers to nodes in his network.
3) To maintain the node list for his network, and to send a copy of it
to the international coordinator whenever it changes.
4) To pass along to his nodes new national node lists and new issues
of FidoNews as they are received.
5) To forward newsletter submissions to the FidoNews publisher.
3.1 Routing inbound mail
3.1 Routing inbound mail
It is your responsibility as network coordinator to receive all
inbound mail for nodes in your network and to forward it to its
recipients. You are left to your own discretion as to how best to
accomplish this.
There are certain exceptions to this, however. If a node in your
network is sending and receiving inordinately large volumes of mail
you can request that he cease and desist. If he refuses to do so,
then you can request your regional coordinator to assign the node a
number as an independent and drop him from your node list.
There are two main reasons why a node might generate exceptionally
large volumes of mail. Once in awhile a node will try to make a
"bombing run" (sending one message to a great many nodes). If these
are being routed through your outbound host, then you can request that
he cease and desist, on pain of excommunication. If a node in another
network is making bombing runs on your nodes and routing them through
your inbound host, then you can complain to the network and/or
regional coordinator of the offending node. Bombing runs are
considered to be annoying, and may be dealt with accordingly.
The other common source of routing overload is EchoMail. EchoMail is
a nice invention, and offers great benefits, but it cannot be allowed
to degrade the ability of the network hosts to handle normal message
traffic. If a node in your network is routing large volumes of
EchoMail, you can ask him to either limit the amount of EchoMail, or
even to stop routing his EchoMail completely. The design of EchoMail
is such that it is a simple matter to do either of these.
FidoNet Policy and Procedures Page 7
3.2 Assigning node numbers
3.2 Assigning node numbers
It is your responsibility to assign node numbers to new nodes in your
network. You may also change the numbers of existing nodes in your
network, though you should check with your member nodes before doing
so. You may assign any numbers you wish, so long as each node has a
unique number within your network.
You should not assign a node number to any system unless and until you
have received a formal request from that system by FidoNet mail. This
will ensure that the system is at least minimally operational. The
strict maintenance of this policy has been one of the great strengths
of FidoNet.
3.3 Maintaining the node list
3.3 Maintaining the node list
You should attempt to implement name changes, phone number changes,
etc. in your node list as soon as possible, and to forward the revised
node list to the international coordinator whenever a change occurs.
You should also on occasion send a "broadcast message" to every node
in your network to ensure that they are still operational. If a node
turns out to be "off the air" with no prior warning given to you, then
you can either mark the node as down, place it in the dog house, or
remove it from the node list completely, at your own discretion.
If a node in your network is acting in a sufficiently annoying manner,
then you can take whatever action you deem fit, according to the
circumstances of the case.
3.4 Passing along node lists and FidoNews
3.4 Passing along node lists and FidoNews
As a network coordinator you should from time to time receive a new
issue of FidoNews or an updated node list. The node list is posted
weekly on Friday, and FidoNews is published weekly on Monday.
You should pass both of these along to your member nodes as soon as is
practical after you receive them. It is also desirable that you make
them both available for downloading by the general user, but this is
not required.
FidoNews and the node lists are the glue that holds us together.
Without them, we cease to be a community, and become just another
bunch of bulletin boards.
FidoNet Policy and Procedures Page 8
3.5 Forwarding newsletter submissions
3.5 Forwarding newsletter submissions
The node list gives us our structure, but FidoNews gives us our
character. FidoNews is the primary medium by which sysops hear from
each other. It is FidoNews which gives us the sense of being a
community of people with common interests.
Accordingly, you should encourage sysops and users in your network to
contribute to FidoNews. If you receive any submissions, you should
forward them to the FidoNews publisher. Think of yourself as being a
regional bureau chief on the FidoNews editorial staff.
FidoNet Policy and Procedures Page 9
Chapter 4
Chapter 4
REGIONAL COORDINATOR PROCEDURES
REGIONAL COORDINATOR PROCEDURES
A regional coordinator has the following responsibilities:
1) To assign node numbers to independent nodes in his region.
2) To maintain the node list for his region, and to send a copy of it
to the international coordinator whenever it changes.
3) To encourage independent nodes in his region to join existing
networks, or to form new networks.
4) To pass along to inbound hosts in his region new international node
lists and new issues of FidoNews as they are received.
5) To forward newsletter submissions to the FidoNews publisher.
4.1 Assigning node numbers
4.1 Assigning node numbers
It is your responsibility to assign node numbers to new nodes in your
region. You may also change the numbers of existing nodes in your
region, though you should check with the respective nodes before doing
so. You may assign any numbers you wish, so long as each node has a
unique number within your region.
You should not assign a node number to any system unless and until you
have received a formal request from that system by FidoNet mail. This
will ensure that the system is at least minimally operational. The
strict maintenance of this policy has been one of the great strengths
of FidoNet.
If you receive a node number request from a new node that is in an
area covered by an existing regional network, then you should forward
the request to the network host instead of assigning a number
yourself.
4.2 Maintaining the node list
4.2 Maintaining the node list
You should attempt to implement name changes, phone number changes,
and so forth in your node list as soon as possible, and to forward the
revised node list to the international coordinator whenever a change
occurs.
You should also on occasion send a "broadcast message" to every node
in your region to ensure that they are still operational. If a node
turns out to be "off the air" with no prior warning given to you, then
you can either mark the node as down, place it in the dog house, or
remove it from the node list completely, at your own discretion.
FidoNet Policy and Procedures Page 10
If a node in your region is acting in a sufficiently annoying manner,
then you can take whatever action you deem fit, according to the
circumstances of the case.
4.3 Encouraging the formation and growth of networks
4.3 Encouraging the formation and growth of networks
One of your main duties as a regional coordinator is to promote the
growth of networks in your region.
You should try to avoid having independent nodes in your region which
are within the coverage area of a regional network. There are,
___
however, certain cases where a node should not be a member of a
network, such as a commercial system with a large volume of traffic
which would clog the network. The resolution of such special cases is
left to your own discretion.
If several independent nodes in your region are in a "clump", then you
should encourage them to form a regional network. Refer to the sysop
forming a regional network
procedure on forming a regional network for details of what
information you should get.
Note that this does not mean to encourage the formation of trivial
networks. Obviously, one node does not make a network. The exact
number of nodes required for an effective network must be judged
according to the circumstances of the situation, and is left to your
own discretion.
4.4 Passing along node lists and Fidonews
4.4 Passing along node lists and Fidonews
As a regional coordinator, you should from time to time receive a new
issue of FidoNews or an updated node list. The node list is posted
weekly on Friday, and FidoNews is published weekly on Monday.
You should pass both of these along to any network hosts in your
___
region as soon as is practical after you receive them. You are not
required to mail them to any independent nodes in your region, though
you may if you wish. It is also desirable that you make them both
available for downloading by the general user, but this is not
required.
4.5 Forwarding newsletter submissions
4.5 Forwarding newsletter submissions
You should encourage sysops and users in your region to contribute to
FidoNews. If you receive any submissions, you should forward them to
the FidoNews publisher. Think of yourself as being a regional bureau
chief on the FidoNews editorial staff.
FidoNet Policy and Procedures Page 11
Chapter 5
Chapter 5
INTERNATIONAL COORDINATOR PROCEDURES
INTERNATIONAL COORDINATOR PROCEDURES
The international coordinator for FidoNet has the primary task of
maintaining the master node list, as well as the node list for
region 1. From this are derived several additional responsibilities
and powers. However, these powers are rarely (if ever) used. The
___
international coordinator is very much King Log, not King Stork.
The international coordinator, if he acts at all, will normally
restrict himself to negotiating with the parties involved in an
attempt to achieve a peaceful resolution.
If a system has been dropped from the node list, and can present a
sufficiently convincing case to the international coordinator, then he
can be granted status as an "independent at large" in region 1.
In an extreme case, the international coordinator can order the
disbanding of a regional net, or can assign a new coordinator for a
region, but this is highly unlikely. The international coordinator
____
will only take such action in an extreme situation which threatens the
existence and integrity of FidoNet.
________________
The international coordinator will take no action at all unless all
other means of settlement have already been tried. His first step in
resolving any dispute will be to contact the regional coordinators and
network coordinators involved. If they have not been consulted by the
injured party or otherwise made aware of the situation, then the
complaint will be dismissed out of hand.
________________
He will also take no action unless in his opinion the matter is
serious enough to warrant his attention.
If all means of recourse have been tried to no avail, and if the
international coordinator feels that the situation is grave enough to
____
warrant his intervention, then and only then he will intercede and
take whatever action he feels is appropriate, at his own discretion.
FidoNet Policy and Procedures Page 12
Chapter 6
Chapter 6
RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES
RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES
The world not being perfect, sometimes troubles crop up. Any
organization larger than a cub scout pack needs some sort of grievance
procedure, and FidoNet is no exception.
The FidoNet judicial philosophy can be summed up in two rules:
Thou shalt not excessively annoy others.
1) Thou shalt not excessively annoy others.
Thou shalt not be too easily annoyed.
2) Thou shalt not be too easily annoyed.
In other words, there are no hard and fast rules of conduct, but
____
reasonably polite behavior is expected. Also, in any dispute both
sides are examined, and action could be taken against either or both
parties. ("Judge not, lest ye be judged!")
6.1 Problems with another node
6.1 Problems with another node
If you are having problems with another node, you should complain to
your network coordinator and/or his network coordinator. If one or
both of you is not in a network, then complain to the appropriate
regional coordinator.
6.2 Problems with a network coordinator
6.2 Problems with a network coordinator
If you are having problems with your network coordinator and feel that
you are not being treated properly, there are a few things you can do.
The first step is to contact your regional coordinator. If he feels
that your case has merit, and cannot resolve it in any other way, then
he may grant you independent status. You will then no longer be a
part of the regional network, and will probably no longer receive
FidoNews and node list updates, so don't ask unless you are sure you
want out.
If you fail to obtain relief from your regional coordinator, then you
can appeal to the international coordinator.
6.3 Problems with a regional coordinator
6.3 Problems with a regional coordinator
If you are having problems with your regional coordinator, then you
should first try to join or form a regional network in your area. If
this fails, you can appeal to the international coordinator.
FidoNet Policy and Procedures Page 13
6.4 Problems with the international coordinator
6.4 Problems with the international coordinator
If you are having problems with the international coordinator, then
you are out of luck. You can either live with it, drop out and forget
it, or join with some friends and start another mail system of your
own.
6.5 Appeals to the international coordinator
6.5 Appeals to the international coordinator
If you are unable to obtain relief from your regional coordinator,
then you can appeal to the international coordinator. If your case is
sufficiently extreme and meritorious, then you may be granted status
as an "independent at large" (that is, an independent in region 1, not
a part of any network or region).
This is an extreme case, and has never actually come to pass thus far.
The international coordinator has broad and sweeping powers which he
almost never uses. You should be very, very sure of the strength of
your case before going this far.
Also, the first step taken by the international coordinator in
investigating any dispute is to contact any regional coordinators and
network coordinators concerned. If you have not followed the proper
channels, then your case will be dismissed out of hand. In other
words, don't go to the international coordinator until you have tried
__________
everything else.
6.6 Case Histories
6.6 Case Histories
A few actual case histories of past disputes may be instructive to
show general procedures and methods. Names have been left out to
protect the guilty.
6.6.1 The Case of the Crooked Node
6.6.1 The Case of the Crooked Node
A sysop of a local node was using network mail to engage in unethical
business practices. His network coordinator became very annoyed at
this, and dropped the local from his node list.
The local appealed to his regional coordinator for assignment as an
independent node. The regional coordinator, on checking with the
network coordinator, decided that the network coordinator was within
his rights to be annoyed. Independent status was denied.
The international coordinator did not intervene.
FidoNet Policy and Procedures Page 14
6.6.2 The Case of the Hacker Mailer
6.6.2 The Case of the Hacker Mailer
A sysop of a local node made use of file attaches for extra users to
mail himself the USER.BBS file from several local boards. The sysops
of these boards felt annoyed at this, and appealed to their network
coordinator, who agreed and dropped the offending node from the node
list.
The regional coordinator was not consulted.
The international coordinator did not intervene.
6.6.3 The Case of the Network Mutiny
6.6.3 The Case of the Network Mutiny
Several local nodes became annoyed with their network coordinator for
failing to provide services. They complained to him, but nothing was
done.
They appealed to their regional coordinator, who decided that they
were justified in their annoyance and accepted their application for a
new network number.
The international coordinator assigned the network number, based on
the regional coordinator's recommendation.
6.6.4 The Case of the Bothered Barker
6.6.4 The Case of the Bothered Barker
A local node became annoyed with his network coordinator for failing
to provide services. Repeated complaints to his network coordinator
did not satisfy him, so he appealed to the international coordinator.
The international coordinator, on seeing that the regional coordinator
had not been consulted, dismissed the complaint out of hand.
The local node submitted his complaint to his regional coordinator,
who investigated the case and discovered that there was some justice
to the complaint. He advised and assisted the network coordinator in
configuring his system to provide an improved level of service to the
local nodes.
The regional coordinator also decided that the local node was being
too easily annoyed, in that he was expecting services not normally
required of a network coordinator. The local node was informed as to
the true duties of a network coordinator, and was advised to lower his
expectations.
FidoNet Policy and Procedures Page 15
6.6.5 The Case of the Busy Beaver
6.6.5 The Case of the Busy Beaver
A local node which was operated by a retail establishment was engaged
in making "bombing runs" to mail advertisements over FidoNet. His
network coordinator felt annoyed and handling the outgoing traffic for
a commercial operation, and asked the local node to leave the network.
The local node applied to the regional coordinator, and was granted
status as an independent node in his region.
6.6.6 The Mark of the Devil
6.6.6 The Mark of the Devil
A local sysop whose board was used in conjunction with voodoo rites,
hacking, phreaking, and obscene material applied to a network
coordinator for a node number. The network coordinator deemed that
this board was exceptionally annoying, and denied the request.
The regional coordinator was not consulted.
The national coordinator dismissed the case out of hand.
6.6.7 The Case of the Sysop Twit
6.6.7 The Case of the Sysop Twit
A patron of various local nodes had been roundly recognized by all
sysops as a twit. The user obtained his own system, became a sysop,
and applied for a node number. The network coordinator denied the
request. No appeals were made.
6.6.8 The Case of the EchoMail Junkey key key
6.6.8 The Case of the EchoMail Junkey key key
A local node became enamored with EchoMail and joined several
conferences, routing his outbound mail through his regional network.
He then started an EchoMail conference of his own and began relaying
EchoMail between several systems, again routing it all through his
regional network.
His network coordinator observed that network performance was becoming
seriously impaired. The offending node was told to hold it down. A
compromise was reached whereby much of the EchoMail traffic was no
longer routed through the regional network, and routed EchoMail was
limited to twenty messages per night. No appeals were made.
FidoNet Policy and Procedures Page 16
Chapter 7
Chapter 7
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MEETINGS
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MEETINGS
The International FidoNet Association (IFNA) is a non-profit
corporation. As such, it must from time to time hold a business
meeting for the election of officers and for general network business.
These meetings will be held at approximately yearly intervals, as
scheduled by the international coordinator.
Every FidoNet system is considered to be a member of IFNA. Members
are grouped according to their network or region, with each network
and region receiving one vote.
Every network and region coordinator should attempt to attend each
business meeting. If it is not possible for a coordinator to attend,
then he should designate a member of his network or region to go and
vote on behalf of the network or region. Any network or region that
does not have a designated representative present at the meeting will
lose its vote.
Each coordinator should send a message by FidoNet mail to the
international coordinator stating who (if anyone) will be voting on
behalf of the region or network at the meeting.
Any IFNA member who has anything he would like discussed at the
business meeting should send a message by FidoNet mail to the
international coordinator, who will schedule topics for discussion and
motions to be voted on.
FidoNet Policy and Procedures Page 17