FILE_REQ - FileEcho Announcement Echo
Moderator - Gary Gilmore, 1:2410/400
Last updated: 01/01/2000

  The FILE_REQ echo is for posting announcements of new released files
 in the various file distribution networks (FDN's) available on the Filebone
 and FileGate. (As listed in the current FILEBONE.NA & FILEGATE.ZXX files.)

  The echo serves two purposes, it lets nodes connected to these file
 echoes know what files they should expect to see arriving in them,
 and also informs sysops & BBS users as to what new files are available
 for their use.

  Announcements are permitted for any FDN via the listed (in FILEBONE.NA
 or FILEGATE.ZXX) FDN coordinator/coordinator system.  If the listed FDN
 head does not, or does not wish to post newly released files, another
 sysop may be allowed to post announcements for that FDN only.  No one may
 feel free to post announcement messages without prior permission of the
 echo moderator, unless they are a listed FDN coordinator, as described
 above.  (Though a  netmail with "Hi, I'm going to post" from FDN heads is
 appreciated.)  "File Find" type messages are not welcomed.

  Program "advertisements" are not permitted, and should probably be done
  in the SHAREWRE echo.  (Please, ask the SHAREWRE moderators first.)

  This echo is open to all for read access, but posting is limited to the
 conditions described above.  Sysops are asked to make this a "read only"
 echo on their BBSes.  Those wishing to discuss shareware or the files
 announced here are advised to use the SHAREWRE echo. English is the
 language of this echo.

Announcement Rules:

 1 - Messages may be posted under the name of the FDN, or under the real
     name of the posting system's sysop.
 2 - This echo is for Fidonet systems only, and may not be exported to any
     other network (or the internet) w/o prior permission of the moderator.
 3 - Announcements must be only for "legal" software.  Announcements of
     "adult" files are not allowed.
 4 - Message content:  Announcements shall not contain "high-bit" ASCII,
     "artwork", BBS color codes, or spacewasting boxes and lines.  If your
     announcements use FILE_ID.DIZ, it's up to you to make sure that there
     is no unwanted hi-ascii/art/lines/language in your announcements.  If
     you cannot assure this, we suggest you don't use them.  Please do not
     use taglines in your announcements.  They add nothing to the
     announcement except useless bandwidth.  Announcements must clearly
     contain the name of the FDN, and what file echoes within the FDN that
     the files were released in.
 5 - Any system which announces files must also have those files available
     for Fidonet file request.  If the announcing system does not, then it's
     requested that the announcement gives a location (w/Fidonet address)
     where the files are available.
 6 - Please limit the amount of "contact" or "where to get this file"
     information in your announcements.  One main site, or a net/email
     address (in order to get more details) should be enough to help the
     users find the file.

Changes will be made to these rules as needed.  Input is welcome, but via
netmail only, please!  Again, the echo should be "read only".

Thanks for using the FILE_REQ echo!

--gary,
  FILE_REQ moderator