Aunc.1260
net.news
utzoo!decvax!duke!tucc!unc!smb
Mon Oct  5 23:21:51 1981
undigested lists, "forgeries", etc.
On the ARPAnet, the advantage of a direct-distribution list over an
automated digest like SPACE is that recipients get their messages very
quickly, and hence can reply immediately.  We on the Usenet don't have
that advantage -- we are essntially limited by the frequency at which
decvax (or whomever) calls ucbvax.  Consequently, we are bombarded with
a pile of news, but only at intervals.

A second advantage of the direct-distribution to ARPAnuts is that 'reply'
commands can reach the original sender.  Again, that doesn't work for
us Usenuts; our 'reply' commands just reach the list -- perhaps preferable,
but certainly different.  At any rate, I suggest that Berkeley collect
the messages in a file, transmitting it at a certain size or a certain
clock-tick -- say, every 3-4 hours.  Such clock ticks could even be
scheduled shortly before the regular polls.  There would be fewer problems
with headers -- essentially, they could be left alone.  People could
use whatever digest-reading software they have if they want.  And 'reply'
would still reach the list.

Comments?