Msg: 4066 *Conference*

03-01-93 10:53:50

From: RICHARD HANSON

To : HARVEY CHRISLEY

Subj: REPLY TO MSG #4063 (BBS)

Thanks for the compliment, Harvey.  I can't take credit for the BBS host
improvements, though.  I just spend money.  The improvements are the work of
the folks at eSoft, Inc., Aurora, CO.  I've used TBBS since their start back in
the late 70's.  This is version 2.2M-16.  Also, I just added 4, 2400 baud
modems to the 4 lines coming into this host system.

I, too, enjoy full screen editing.  It offers you the chance to clean up your
messages, and to go back and easily insert a thought in the right place.
However, full screen editing requires that the incoming terminal support ANSI
codes.  Unfortunately, Model T's do not support ANSI codes.  Also, TBBS 2.2's
full screen editor algorhythm assumes that you are using a 80 character 24 line
display; not 40 chr, 8 lines or 16 lines.  This means that Model T using
callers can not use the full screen editor.  Bummer!  On the bright side, most
of our callers also use DOS or Mac's to log on at higher baud rates.  So, for
most, full screen editing is available.

Why doesn't CIS use full screen?  They could.  Afterall, CIS's host software is
not run on a single-user micro but a multi-user mini(s) with a mainframe file
server.  Their hardware OS supports VT100.  I am sure of it.  If they really
wanted to offer full screen editing, it would require offering full screen
editing software, and VT100 emmulation to their customers.  However, in keeping
with my overall, ongoing theme, there is a much larger dynamic behind what CIS
does then what I do.  Although we can persume and assume about their actions
and abilities, we can not conclude "why" they do or do not offer something.
And, just because they [CIS] does not offer something we might like, or feel
they should, we should not assume that their non-actions are any indication of
complacency, or evil-doings; or anything negative.  If you like full screen
editing, and think that CIS should offer it, then contact CIS's management and
explore the question.

Thanks again... -Rick-