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)