This is meant as an observation, and not fuel to start a flame war.
My access to the use of smartlist is through the company hosting one of my
domains. They have a version of smartlist available for use by the domains
they host, however don't allow telnet access, and rely on other (usually
outdated or extinct) site's FAQs for information and support. My domain
file access is through ftp, and to my knowledge, there is no way to access
"." files through it. If you can't access .etc there is no way to read the
manual, therefore, people may need to rely on reading one of the web
accessible manuals on the server of someone else. One of the most
frustrating things I have noticed in this, is the fact that these manuals
are geared for the version their server carries, and could very well be the
earliest versions released, if it suits their purpose.
Maybe it is just my system configuration, but every time I attempt to
download the manual from the address:
ftp://ftp.pure.ch/pub/smartlist/SmartList-Manual, as noted in the FAQ, I
get a "File Not Found" error. I have all the different FAQs noted, however,
haven't been able to find a manual for SmartList dated later than 1993. Was
that when development stopped? Is there a URL where the manual noted above
can be read online or possibly downloaded as webpages for those who are
unable to ftp download it?
I started on the 'net when it was strictly for scientific or research
purposes, and only available to major universities, governmental entities,
or worldwide scientific organizations, years before Kermit was developed as
a "cutting-edge" technological breakthrough. Times have changed, and I
would hazard a guess that there are some on this list who have never heard
of Kermit, let alone used it. There is a whole new generation of SmartList
users out there who don't own the server they are using, or have full
access to all the files ProcMail/SmartList uses. It is these users that
will make or break whether SmartList is used by providers who could offer
feedback, or if the maintenance and development of it becomes a part-time
hobby for a few select individuals. Maybe what's needed is a "GUI" so to
speak for new users, that would allow those with limited access/knowledge
to learn, and go deeper as things make more sense. Anybody still using CPM
as an operating system? Anybody considered a "Newbie" list where the same
topics could be discussed ad-nauseam without disturbing the "Pros"? Just a
thought.
Roy
