delton@pro-carolina (Don Elton) (08/10/87)
The problem with the file size business is that all of this stuff is automated. I know of no way to check for the size of a file prior to downloading it since in the case of ProLine at least these are handled as regular netmail communications. The size isn't known until after a file is transferred. If a separate distribution list is created for programs or other large files though I don't see how anyone would be inconvenienced. I, and probably most other users, have access to plenty of services, bbs's etc that are much more efficient than usenet as a way to distribute software. How many times would a program have to be sent over usenet for it to be useful? Membership here changes every day just like on CIS but for new members to get a program on usenet you have to send these inflated files to everyone cluttering up disks to the tune of gigabytes collectively just so new users can get copies of things that everyone else has and is tired of paying to transfer. ProLine's are linked at their sysop's expense via plain telephone lines so having large files of things we already have sent time and time again (just think how many times various forms of the Executioner have been transferred over usenet just this last week) will do nothing other than force all prolines off the network for all practical purposes. By sending the stuff only to those users who want it we'll save everyone lots of grief and then you can send gigabytes of stuff to your heart's content without fear of offending people. UUCP: [ ihnp4 sdcsvax nosc ] !crash!pnet01!pro-sol!pro-carolina!delton ARPA: crash!pnet01!pro-sol!pro-carolina!delton@nosc.mil INET: delton@pro-sol.cts.com