Hi All,

The extended maintenance on the Echolist is nearing completion, thanks for
your 
patience. :)

Due to numerous and frequent Database corruptions, and the lack of support for 
the existing system (Echobase 3.48, now deprecated, author abandoned), the 
decision was made to fix it once and for all. I decided to reverse-engineer
the 
Database and re-write the software from the ground up (no source). This 
endeavor has completed an Alpha stage and is entering a Beta stage for
extended 
testing. Once complete, it will be brought online with 99% transparency to the 
previous system.

All existing Mod Add/Upd/Del submissions will work as before. The only major 
change is the lack of a Rules sub-system which can/may be added later
depending 
on feedback received {g}. Existing RULE keywords will just be ignored as will 
anything else that doesn't apply to existing keyword formats.

Important keyword errors (such as missing required keywords) will be reported 
in ELIST. ALL submissions will be reported in the ELIST conference, successful 
AND errors alike. Email/Netmail replies will NOT be sent out at first, subject 
to change, of course. :)

The only enhancement so far, aside from new reporting formats, is the ability 
to Delete or Clear applicable fields, simply by entering a line with JUST the 
appropriate keyword, by itself.

The main advantage here, obviously, is the availability of source code and the 
ability to make timely changes as needed, as FIDOnet evolves. Any and all 
feedback/problems should be reported in the ECHOLIST conference. As noted, 
ELIST is strictly for the MaintBot replies.

p.s. for those interested, EList v4 is being coded in PowerBASIC CC v5 :) and 
no, for now, the source code is not being distributed. {chuckle}


.- Keep the faith, --------------------------------------------------.
|                                                                    |
|    Ben  aka cMech  Web: http|ftp|binkp|telnet://cmech.dynip.com    |
|                  Email: fido4cmech(at)lusfiber.net                 |
|    (:)       Home page: http://cmech.dynip.com/homepage/           |
`----------- WildCat! Board 24/7  +1-337-984-4794  any BAUD 8,N,1 ---'

... Insanity is hereditary - you get it from your kids.
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 * Origin: FIDONet - The Positronium Repository (1:393/68)