#Platform Futures
10 messages in this thread
Rich,
>> But I don't know how to put it any more exactly than "MEMFRM.TXT file in Lib
#14. <<
One problem may be in the use of Library Numbers (eg, Lib #14). Unless you
happen to browse the Library overview information (remember, not everyone reads
the manuals!), it is not clear what library #14 is. When the user enters the
library, only the library section titles are given, not the numbers. So,
unless you know that Lib#14 is the OPA section, you don't know where to look.
We either need to start giving libary file references in terms of the
library name (eg., OPA) or have an easily accessible and visible table of
name-to-number conversions. — JohnN.
John:
Ok, when I look at the interface for entering the libraries thru the terminal
mode, I get a numbered list of names. I didn't realize there was a way to
avoid it. So let's work out a better protocol.
Best – Rich
Rich…OzCIS for some reason shortens LIB names during configuration. This can
be changed at any prompt but typing SET BRIEF (YES or NO). Be seeing you.
-Larry
Larry:
Thanks for the tip! We'll try to accommodate as much as we can in the future.
Best – Rich
Rich,
>> when I look at the interface for entering the libraries thru the terminal
mode, I get a numbered list of names <<
Verrrrry Interesting! I usually access CIS via their PC version of
CIM (the CompuServe Information Manager) software. It only shows the names of
the Libraries. We obviously need to understand the various access methods and
formats to the forum before we can define any
general organizational and naming/numbering schemes to use. I will try a plain
vanilla access through my terminal emulator to see what users of that interface
see. Do you use the MAC version of CIM, or a terminal emulator? (That might
also explain why most of your messages use lines longer than 72 characters;
were you aware that these lines spill off (eg., cannot be seen without
horizontal scrolling) the 72-character displays used by CIM and many other BBS
access programs?
As soon as I have "poked around a bit" using a terminal emulator, I will send
some suggestions for organization and library naming. But at least this may
explain why some users are confused about which library is #14.
More later… JohnN.
John,
Unless you're using CIM (Compuserve Income Maximiser<g>), most people see the
library numbers rather than library names.
Adrian
Adrian,
Yes, I am using CIM (didn't realize it was a bandwidth (ie., $$) hog.
Unless that puts me in an absolute minority, however, we need to accommodate
such users by either not using Library numbers, or having an easy way to cross
reference library names with numbers.
I wonder what other differences exist between the various access methods in
the amount and format of organizational information they provide? BTW, what do
you use?
Regards — John Nairn
Here here!!!
John is giving good advice Rich. Please pay attention.
Roger,
Thanks for the support. Do I take it that you use CIM as your CompuServe
access tool, or is there another access method that also does not show library
numbers?
Also, when you suggested that we should provide new users with clearer
instructions on finding/retrieving library files, were there other issues in
addition to the library name/number problem that you had in mind? Rich and I
are working on reorganizing the forum for better access, and any suggestions
are appreciated.
Regards – John Nairn (assistant SysOp).
John
I use TAPICS to first go on line and retrieve messages in the forums we
frequent. Then off line we compose responses, usually to an EMAIL address, ie.
their CIS user number.
We periodically go into libraries and try to:
first assertain what is of interest second flag the messages that we are
interested in third re log on and retrieve flagged messages
It is not user friendly. In fact, it is dard right user unfriendly. This
comment relates to CIS more than to TAPCIS.
The F1 help function or its equivalent is not available so that you can
naviagte forward and backwards. In short, even though CIS boasts over 500,000
users, it is a negative and therefore restrained user system.
This problem relates to more than just the library problem here in the great
forum of CD-ROM. I tried last week three times to post a paid advertisement on
CIS. I scrolled off the screen on each line and therefore lost my message. I
could not raise help to "pay money to CIS" for the ad. Their SYSOP would not
respond to 4 messages sent over 5 days time. CIS is a nightmare for anyone but
a computer programmer. Wake up CIS. You are loosing big money!
Thanks for listening.