Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!wuarchive!uunet!ogicse!clark!pro-hindugods.cts.com!geniusman
From: geniusman@pro-hindugods.cts.com (Chris Moylan)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.apple2
Subject: Re: MD-BASIC (was:Re: Apple ][ BBS Software)
Message-ID: <1991Jun5.003119.27672@clark.edu>
Date: 4 Jun 91 20:09:16 GMT
Article-I.D.: clark.1991Jun5.003119.27672
Sender: usenet@clark.edu
Organization: The lazy sysop did not think we needed one.
Lines: 88

>The GBBS compiler (ACOS -- oh, might as well define that acronym:
>All-purpose Communications Operating System) doesn't require the addition
>of things like ModemWorks and AmperWorks, since everything is already
>built into the language.

Neither does MD-BASIC.  ModemWorks and AmperWorks install automatically in
BASIC when ProLine boots.  That way all you have to do is put 'em in your
programs.  THEN they are flexible (which is what I meant by AppleSoft being
flexible)

>Whoever told you UNIX was the best interface ever is a damned liar.

I like it best.

>Then your comparison was on a poor system.  I have seen poor GBBS systems,
>usually due to sysop neglect.  I find the message bases the best line-mode
>interface I have yet encountered.  I'd place it above rn.  I'd say nn was
>better, if I wasn't restricting myself to discussion of line-mode
>presentation.  As to speed, you probably were comparing a //e GBBS system
>to a IIgs ProLine system, or at least an accellerated version of ProLine.
>AppleSloth got that name for a reason.

The L & L support BBS suffering from sysop neglect?  That surprises me. 
I believe the L & L GBBS is running on a //gs, and the message system STILL
SUCKS!

> Also make sure you weren't comparing a 2400 bps connection to a local mode
>access.  (Yes, there are people who will do this.)

I don't use ProLine's message bases from a console. I have only used it
locally once or twice.

>You just named a thing that I despise other systems for:  printing
>full-screen menus at every opportunity, including while trying to read
>messages.  True, they have a mode to prevent them from appearing unless
>asked for, but then they terse everything down.  I feel that when a user
>wants a menu they will ASK for it, not have it foisted on them every time.
>One user captures important menus in his copy buffer, and references it
>only when needed, and not wasting valuable online time having it sent.

Well, you surely know ProLine menus can be turned off, when you set your
preferences.  Another thing, HOW CAN PEOPLE SAY PLUSH IS UNFRIENDLY??  If you
turn your menus off all you see is

 Main Menu

 Main:_

How is this user unfriendly, it looks the same as any board!
Also, I had never called a GBBS board before when I cablled that one, so how
was I supposed to know the commands by heart. It is a BIG pain to keep going
into scrollback to see the menu again.

>Sounds like you let your own IBM system expectations get in the way.
>Disgusted you had to hit return occasionally to do an option?  Hotkeys
>are another hatred of mine, only tolerated while in reading mode.  One
>burst of line noise and you might as well activated the randomizer on your
>TARDIS.  The fact that you rate the message bases slightly higher probably
>reflects this.  Hotkeys prevent inclusion of parameters, an ability I use
>often.

I can see your point here, but, again, on ProLine you can turn off Hotkeys.

>AppleSoft BASIC's inflexibility is aptly demonstrated by the need to use
>& routines.

I meant AppleSoft WITH AmperWorks and ModemWorks was flexible, I misspoke.

>And BASIC is an acronym.  Please treat it as such.  It belongs in all
>CAPS.

I agree, BASIC is an acronym.  It should be like this: B.A.S.I.C. if you want
to get picky about acronyms! :-)

> Oh, how many of these ProLine systems here charge a fee for the
>use of the system?  There exist time=money code in the system.

Not a one I know of, but it is possible to charge by the minute for on line time

>--
>///   ____   \\\ "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."
Chris Moylan                    | ProLine: geniusman@pro-hindugods 
CoSysop: Hindu Love Gods BBS    | Internet: geniusman@pro-hindugods.cts.com 
313/644-0481                    | UUCP: crash!pro-hindugods!geniusman
300-9600 bps, v.32/v.42/v.42bis | ARPA: crash!pro-hindugods!geniusman@nosc.mil