ncmagel@ndsuvax.UUCP (ken magel) (08/29/88)
The recent and ongoing posting of several Dataframe specific programs to comp.binaries.mac suggests a perhaps better way of distributing large files which are of interest to only a small percentage of the USENET readership. Instead of actually sending the sources and binaries around the network, why not just post the binaries and sources at all the archives ( such as Macserve@pucc for BITNET) and send announcements around concerning the files which have just been posted? Then all that would be needed is a network of sites with BITNET or Internet access who would volunteer to mail copies when requested to sites without such access within a limited geographic area. For example, we would be happy to distribute to any sites in North or SOuth Dakota, MOntana or Minnesota. The site which wanted the file and did not have network access to a server could request it via a mail message to the responding site for its area. That site could then send back a mail message when the source or binary was available and how to get it. The requesting site would then be responsible for in the next three days or so calling the responding site and downloading the file or files. After say three days, the responding site could erase the file from its disks, if it wished.
macak@lakesys.UUCP (Jim Macak) (09/03/88)
In article <1174@ndsuvax.UUCP> ncmagel@ndsuvax.UUCP (ken magel) writes: > > The recent and ongoing posting of several Dataframe specific programs to >comp.binaries.mac suggests a perhaps better way of distributing large files >which are of interest to only a small percentage of the USENET readership. (Many following lines deleted.) The posting of several large segments of SuperMac Dataframe hard disk utilities via comp.binaries.mac bothers me even more. It is really a valid use of the net to post files that are really helping support a commercial concern? And, as noted above, what percentage of USENET users actaully have use for these utilities? Patches for the SUM software were distributed via the net's e-mail system. Only those users who expressed an interest in these files supposedly received them. Compare this to the posting of the SuperMac stuff on comp.binaries.mac, which is received 'universally.' Why not either post such updates from commercial parties in the various archives (as suggested in the above article) or have a mailing list compiled, so that only interested parties will receive the updates? Let's keep comp.binaries.mac shareware and freeware oriented, and stay away from the commercial stuff. (Merely my opinion, obviously.) Jim -- >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Jim --> macak@lakesys.UUCP (Jim Macak) {Standard disclaimer, nothin' fancy!} >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<