bigd@dorsai (David Shapiro) (06/13/91)
In the latest (June) issue of Boardwatch magazine, it says that the USR sysop deal has been changed, which a clause stating that USR "must be able to view all files and user log in order to validate board staus...." Do they really mean *user* log, or did someone mess up and mistake a user log, which contains, among other things, every users information and password, including the sysop's, for a caller's log, which contains just a record of who's called and done what. Has anybody given such an access level to USR yet? I need a Dual Standard, but I don't know if I want my system's security to be able to be compromised. 8888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888 8 David Shapiro 8 The Gooey (GUI) BBS 8 8 bigd@dorsai.com 8 212-876-5885 9600 CSP 8 8 212-876-5885 9600 CSP (data) 8 Home of GUI-Net (tm) 8 8 R/O Routable at ->GOOEY on: 8 Home of the GUI BBS list 8 8 RIME (RelayNet), Intelec, MIDILink, GUI-Net 8 First NYC BBS with CSP 8 8 InterZone!, V-Net, TR'OL Works, NYNet, TRI-Net8 Since 12/90 8 8888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888
jim@piggy.ucsb.edu (Jim Lick) (06/14/91)
bigd@dorsai (David Shapiro) writes: >In the latest (June) issue of Boardwatch magazine, it says that the USR >sysop deal has been changed, which a clause stating that USR "must be able >to view all files and user log in order to validate board staus...." >Do they really mean *user* log, or did someone mess up and mistake a user >log, which contains, among other things, every users information and >password, including the sysop's, for a caller's log, which contains just a >record of who's called and done what. I took it to mean what you thought. To me, user log means a list of users. Maybe even a last called column. What you think of a user log, I would call a password file. I imagine that this policy is because of people wanting cheap modems and setting up a BBS on their PC to get it. Jim Lick Work: University of California | Home: 6657 El Colegio #24 Santa Barbara | Isla Vista, CA 93117-4280 Dept. of Mechanical Engr. | (805) 968-0189 voice/msg 2311 Engr II Building | (805) 968-1239 data (805) 893-4113 | (805) 968-2734 fax jim@ferkel.ucsb.edu | Soon: jim@cave.sba.ca.us
pac@babcock.cerc.wvu.wvnet.edu (Michael Packer) (06/14/91)
From article <2g1F43w163w@dorsai>, by bigd@dorsai (David Shapiro): > In the latest (June) issue of Boardwatch magazine, it says that the USR > sysop deal has been changed, which a clause stating that USR "must be able > to view all files and user log in order to validate board staus...." that's not a change....it said that when i got my 6 months ago... they only logged on my board, left a message and logged off though... i didn't give them access to my system.log file because i have no really easy way of doing that but they had access to a list of users and when they last called... pac -- -- These are my own opinions, why else would I say this -- Michael A. Packer ==> pac@cerc.wvu.wvnet.edu DARPA Initiative in Concurrent Engineering (304 293-7226) The Back Door BBS: (304) 296 3649 (3-14400 HST/DS) FidoNet 1:277/15
fordke@infonode.ingr.com (Keith Ford x8614) (06/14/91)
In article <2g1F43w163w@dorsai> bigd@dorsai (David Shapiro) writes: >In the latest (June) issue of Boardwatch magazine, it says that the USR >sysop deal has been changed, which a clause stating that USR "must be able >to view all files and user log in order to validate board staus...." >Do they really mean *user* log, or did someone mess up and mistake a user >log, which contains, among other things, every users information and >password, including the sysop's, for a caller's log, which contains just a >record of who's called and done what. As I understood it, they want to view the log of your bbs which will show how active it is and to prove that it is legit. I basically made the USR account have a privilege high enough to access a file directory where my monthly logs are archived. They did log onto my board, but did not do any snooping. My DS should arrive this week. BTW, if you're a sysop and would like a program that will automatically archive your bbs log weekly, pick up ARKALOG from me. See my .sig for info. I think I have a magic work of ARKALOG. It is small, simple, PD and has C source included. -- __ / \ Micro Magic 1:373/12 (205)830-2362 keith@umagic.fidonet.org \__/ home of OCAT/OBUL/OASWAP/Arkalog and the Rush archives [__] "He knows changes aren't permanent, but change is" -Rush
dwatney@pine.circa.ufl.edu (Marshall Sutherland) (06/14/91)
In article <2g1F43w163w@dorsai>, bigd@dorsai (David Shapiro) writes... >In the latest (June) issue of Boardwatch magazine, it says that the USR >sysop deal has been changed, which a clause stating that USR "must be able >to view all files and user log in order to validate board staus...." I wondered the same thing when I read their agreement. I said "yeah right. along with all the other fun commands on that menu like delete board..." If I went and posted thousands of messages all by myself just to get a good price on a modem, I think I deserve it for all that effort! :) BTW, what is this Boardwatch magazine? Is it a magazine devoted to BBSs? Tell me more! ----- Marshall Sutherland, Digital Magic dwatney@pine.circa.ufl.edu, dwatney@ufpine.bitnet, uflorida!arms!0 Sysop, Farthinghale Arms BBS, +1 904 378 4861
luce@aurs01.UUCP (J. Luce) (06/14/91)
In article <2g1F43w163w@dorsai> bigd@dorsai (David Shapiro) writes: >In the latest (June) issue of Boardwatch magazine, it says that the USR -sysop deal has been changed, which a clause stating that USR "must be able -to view all files and user log in order to validate board staus...." -Do they really mean *user* log, or did someone mess up and mistake a user -log, which contains, among other things, every users information and -password, including the sysop's, for a caller's log, which contains just a -record of who's called and done what. They mean a list of the user log to see whow many users. Most BBSs give the user a capability to see who the users are. If yours shows EVERYTHING about the user, it is about time to change your s/w ;) They do also browse the callerlog to see activity, but it is unimportant other than to make sure you haven't been up for only a week. ------------------------------------------------------------------- John Luce | Life is the leading cause of death Alcatel Network Systems | ----------------------------------------- Raleigh, NC | Standard Disclaimer Applies 919-850-6787 | Mail? Here? Try aurs01!aurw46!luce@mcnc.org | or ...!mcnc!aurgate!luce -------------------------------- or John.Luce@f130.n151.z1.fidonet.org
pac@babcock.cerc.wvu.wvnet.edu (Michael Packer) (06/14/91)
From article <29174@uflorida.cis.ufl.EDU>, by dwatney@pine.circa.ufl.edu (Marshall Sutherland): > > BTW, what is this Boardwatch magazine? Is it a magazine devoted to > BBSs? Tell me more! > i agree if anyone has any information about this mag please pass it on!!! pac -- -- These are my own opinions, why else would I say this -- Michael A. Packer ==> pac@cerc.wvu.wvnet.edu DARPA Initiative in Concurrent Engineering (304 293-7226) The Back Door BBS: (304) 296 3649 (3-14400 HST/DS) FidoNet 1:277/15
emv@msen.com (Ed Vielmetti) (06/14/91)
> BTW, what is this Boardwatch magazine? Is it a magazine devoted to > BBSs? Tell me more! i agree if anyone has any information about this mag please pass it on!!! Boardwatch Magazine, ISSN 1054-2760. Published 12 times/year, cover price $3.95. US Mail: Boardwatch Magazine, 5970 South Vivian St., Littleton CO 80127. Boardwatch Online Information Service (303)933-2286 (v.32/HST) (303)973-4222 (2400 bps). Internet jrickard@csn.org. Cover says "Boardwatch Magazine -- Electronic BBS and Online Information Services". Got my copy at Community News in Ann Arbor, MI. --Ed
zane@ddsw1.MCS.COM (Sameer Parekh) (06/15/91)
I think User log would mean a list of people who called and their names, addresses, etc. Everything but the password. -- The Ravings of the Insane Maniac Sameer Parekh -- zane@ddsw1.MCS.COM
greg@hoss.unl.edu (Life...) (06/16/91)
zane@ddsw1.MCS.COM (Sameer Parekh) writes: >I think User log would mean a list of people who called and their >names, addresses, etc. Everything but the password. Then I think I still have problems. Running a handle-based system, I don't give out the real names of my users, their phone numbers, and I don't even ask for addresses, other than an optional Internet/BITNET address. I don't give out personal user information, and wouldn't call a system which did. >The Ravings of the Insane Maniac Sameer Parekh -- zane@ddsw1.MCS.COM -- /// ____ \\\ "The major problem--one of the major problems, for there are | |/ / \ \| | several--one of the many major problems with governing \\_|\____/|_// people is of whom you get to do it, or more to the greg \_\\\/ hoss.unl.edu point, who gets people to let them do it to them."
bigd@dorsai (David Shapiro) (06/16/91)
fordke@infonode.ingr.com (Keith Ford x8614) writes: > In article <2g1F43w163w@dorsai> bigd@dorsai (David Shapiro) writes: > >In the latest (June) issue of Boardwatch magazine, it says that the USR > >sysop deal has been changed, which a clause stating that USR "must be able > >to view all files and user log in order to validate board staus...." > >Do they really mean *user* log, or did someone mess up and mistake a user > >log, which contains, among other things, every users information and > >password, including the sysop's, for a caller's log, which contains just a > >record of who's called and done what. > As I understood it, they want to view the log of your bbs which will > show how active it is and to prove that it is legit. I basically > made the USR account have a privilege high enough to access a file > directory where my monthly logs are archived. They did log onto > my board, but did not do any snooping. My DS should arrive this > week. BTW, if you're a sysop and would like a program that will > automatically archive your bbs log weekly, pick up ARKALOG from me. > See my .sig for info. I think I have a magic work of ARKALOG. > It is small, simple, PD and has C source included. Right. My problem is that I just switched to PCBoard, so that my callers log will start now, although my BBS went up in December of last year, and I should be eligible for the modem deal now. (I plan to order it in August.) What do you think I should do to prove the age of my board? Put my old 500KB callers log up for DLing? Could you please mail me more info. on those BBS utilities of yours? 8888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888 8 David Shapiro 8 The Gooey (GUI) BBS 8 8 bigd@dorsai.com 8 212-876-5885 9600 CSP 8 8 212-876-5885 9600 CSP (data) 8 Home of GUI-Net (tm) 8 8 R/O Routable at ->GOOEY on: 8 Home of the GUI BBS list 8 8 RIME (RelayNet), Intelec, MIDILink, GUI-Net 8 First NYC BBS with CSP 8 8 InterZone!, V-Net, TR'OL Works, NYNet, TRI-Net8 Since 12/90 8 8888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888
llama@eleazar.dartmouth.edu (Joe Francis) (06/16/91)
Alright, I'll bite. What is USR? It sounds like a membership organization fot BBS operators. What are it's benifits/drawbacks? Thanks. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Read My Lips: No Nude Texans!" - George Bush clearing up a misunderstanding
bank@lea.csc.ncsu.edu (Belgarath the Sorcerer) (06/16/91)
In article <1991Jun15.233821.24216@dartvax.dartmouth.edu> llama@eleazar.dartmouth.edu (Joe Francis) writes: >Alright, I'll bite. > >What is USR? It sounds like a membership organization fot BBS operators. >What are it's benifits/drawbacks? > >Thanks. >---------------------------------------------------------------------------- >"Read My Lips: No Nude Texans!" - George Bush clearing up a misunderstanding Uhhh...nope. USR is short for "U. S. Robotics"....a company that makes (among other things) modems. They have a reputation for making Hayes-compatible modems that are nearly as good as (or even better) than the "true Hayes" modems, usually at a lower price. The topic under discussion ("USR SysOp Modem Deal") refers to the policy of USR (and a number of other modem-makers, including Hayes) to give BBS SysOps a price break on modems purchased for the SysOp's BBS - usually if the SysOp agrees to prominently announce the fact that s/he is using the modem brand that s/he got the price break on. Pursant to this policy, the manufacturers often call the BBS in question to make sure that it does exist, has been around for a while, will continue to be around, etc. etc.....helps justify the loss of profit margin. Belgarath the Sorcerer (Co-SysOp, NiteFlite BBS - Raleigh, NC) aka bank@lea.csc.ncsu.edu
larry@nstar.rn.com (Larry Snyder) (06/16/91)
bigd@dorsai (David Shapiro) writes: >Right. My problem is that I just switched to PCBoard, so that my callers log to PC Board - most folks switch from PCBored. What made you want to move in that direction? -- Larry Snyder, NSTAR Public Access Unix 219-289-0287/317-251-7391 HST/PEP/V.32/v.32bis/v.42bis regional UUCP mapping coordinator {larry@nstar.rn.com, ..!uunet!nstar.rn.com!larry}
rogue@cellar.UUCP (Rache McGregor) (06/16/91)
llama@eleazar.dartmouth.edu (Joe Francis) writes: > Alright, I'll bite. > > What is USR? It sounds like a membership organization fot BBS operators. > What are it's benifits/drawbacks? > > Thanks. > ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- > "Read My Lips: No Nude Texans!" - George Bush clearing up a misunderstanding USR stands for U.S. Robotics, one of the better (ok, best) modem manufacturers in the country. They offer a discount program for BBS sysops. Rachel K. McGregor : Let the fire be your friend : Call the a/k/a Rogue Winter : And the sea rock you gently : Cellar at rogue@cellar.uucp : Let the moon light your way : 215/336-9503 {tredysvr,uunet}!cellar!rogue : 'Til the wind sets you free : BBS & Usenet
Mike.Learn@f430.n226.z1.FIDONET.ORG (Mike Learn) (06/16/91)
> In the latest (June) issue of Boardwatch magazine, it says that the USR > sysop deal has been changed, which a clause stating that USR "must be able > to view all files and user log in order to validate board staus...." > Do they really mean *user* log, or did someone mess up and [......] I think that they mean a caller log. There is no way that I would ever give anyone access to my BBS to that extent. Going on their SysOp deal, *I* only gave them what I would consider normal access. And they're lucky that I already wrote a last-caller list generator for Maximus, because I wouldn't have added one in just so they could be nosy. I think that they feel better assuming that the board has been around for more than 6 months if there is heavy traffic. What gets me is why they don't automatically validate you from a FidoNet nodelist? I mean, if I am Fido, don't you think that I'm not one of these fly-by-night "take advantage of USR's Sysop Deal" operations? I would think not. Digicom's sysop team automatically validates you from the nodelist and ships the same day. (I'm on week 6 with no modem..) .\\ike -- Mike Learn via cmhGate - Net 226 fido<=>uucp gateway Col, OH UUCP: ...!osu-cis!n8emr!cmhgate!430!Mike.Learn INET: Mike.Learn@f430.n226.z1.FIDONET.ORG
bigd@dorsai (David Shapiro) (06/17/91)
larry@nstar.rn.com (Larry Snyder) writes: > bigd@dorsai (David Shapiro) writes: > >Right. My problem is that I just switched to PCBoard, so that my callers log > to PC Board - most folks switch from PCBored. What made you want to move > in that direction? Mainly its networking capability and configurability. I started wuth RBBS as PCBoard being the ideal, and RBBS trying to emulate it, but there's simply a lot more to do with RBBS, since PCBoard has so many more utilities and possibilities for expansion. And a bunch of other things. 8888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888 8 David Shapiro 8 The Gooey (GUI) BBS 8 8 bigd@dorsai.com 8 212-876-5885 9600 CSP 8 8 212-876-5885 9600 CSP (data) 8 Home of GUI-Net (tm) 8 8 R/O Routable at ->GOOEY on: 8 Home of the GUI BBS list 8 8 RIME (RelayNet), Intelec, MIDILink, GUI-Net 8 First NYC BBS with CSP 8 8 InterZone!, V-Net, TR'OL Works, NYNet, TRI-Net8 Since 12/90 8 8888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888
ianj@ijpc.UUCP (Ian Justman) (06/17/91)
llama@eleazar.dartmouth.edu (Joe Francis) writes: > Alright, I'll bite. Ouch!!!! :-) > What is USR? It sounds like a membership organization fot BBS operators. > What are it's benifits/drawbacks? USR is short for USRobotics, makers of the Courier HST and he Courier HST Dual Standard high speed modems. > Thanks. Anytime.
rdippold@cancun.qualcomm.com (Ron Dippold) (06/18/91)
In article <1991Jun15.191309.26172@unlinfo.unl.edu> greg@hoss.unl.edu (Life...) writes: >zane@ddsw1.MCS.COM (Sameer Parekh) writes: > >>I think User log would mean a list of people who called and their >>names, addresses, etc. Everything but the password. > >Then I think I still have problems. Running a handle-based system, I >don't give out the real names of my users, their phone numbers, and I >don't even ask for addresses, other than an optional Internet/BITNET >address. I don't give out personal user information, and wouldn't call a >system which did. No, no, no, they just want a caller log... Name, date, and time of call, just so they can see how active your system is. They're checking to make sure that this isn't a system you put up two days ago to get a cheap modem. They know that addresses and phone numbers are confidential, and that most sysops promised that they would keep those private. Hell, my BBS doesn't even _keep_ addresses. -- Standard disclaimer applies, you legalistic hacks. | Ron Dippold
stokes@cs.utexas.edu (Perry Stokes) (06/18/91)
In article <1991Jun15.052742.29055@ddsw1.MCS.COM> zane@ddsw1.MCS.COM (Sameer Parekh) writes: > > I think User log would mean a list of people who called and their >names, addresses, etc. Everything but the password. I for one, would strongly object to the idea of a sysop giving *ANYONE* my address or my phone number, or anything else. I would still object if they were giving this information to a "trustworthy" company in order to get a cheap High-speed modem... Perry -- Perry Stokes | stokes@cs.utexas.edu | Support the Free Software Foundation stokes@gnu.ai.mit.edu |
Derek.Oldfather@tdkt.kksys.MN.ORG (Derek Oldfather) (06/21/91)
ML> What gets me is why they don't automatically validate you from a
ML> FidoNet nodelist? I mean, if I am Fido, don't you think that I'm not
ML> one of these fly-by-night "take advantage of USR's Sysop Deal"
ML> operations? I would think not. Digicom's sysop team automatically
ML> validates you from the nodelist and ships the same day. (I'm on week 6
ML> with no modem..)
Why should they trust the Fidonet Nodelist? I have seen systems in it that
don't last more than a couple of weeks. Plus being in the nodelist doesn't mean
that a system has been up for six months.
---
* Origin: The Spare Computer 6128242160 (RAX 1:282/62.1)turrell@violet.berkeley.edu (David Turrell;;;;GQ79) (06/23/91)
On June 15, 1991, llama@eleazar.dartmouth.edu (Joe Francis) wrote: >What is USR? It sounds like a membership organization fot BBS operators. >What are it's benifits/drawbacks? USR is U.S. Robotics, and they sell modems. They sell them at a deep discount to BBS operators. Those "sysops" note on their welcome screen that their modem is a "USR" and thus become, in effect, paid advertisers for US Robotics. USR has gained "modem supremacy" among sysops, and they say so in their ads: "U.S. Robotics "Courier" modems are the preferred choice of Electronic Bulletin Board (BBS) operators worldwide." This thread began because USR now wants to make sure that they are getting a proper bang for their advertising buck by checking BBS's for caller activity. After all, if a BBS isn't getting many callers, then the "USR" on the welcome screen won't be impressing many people into buying USR modems. To measure caller activity, USR requires a relatively high level of access to the BBS, raising privacy concerns at first that are now being discounted. -David