RAR-FDN POLICY - Rev 1.0                         Devised 17th July 1995

Dave Carter
RAR Archiver File Distribution Network
FidoNet : 2:25/60 (V34/VFC)
Internet: davec@icon.sentinel.co.uk
Voice   : 44-(0)585 134567
Fax     : 44-(0)181-289 7761

The RAR-FDN comprises of the following File Echos:

  Area Name        Area Description
  =========        ================
  RAR-MAIN         Main RAR program releases - various platforms
  RAR-BETA         RAR pre-release "public" betas - various platforms
  RAR-UTIL         Utilities and 3rd-party add-ons for the RAR archiver
  RAR-BACK         Back-Channel for submissions by authors

1.  Any and all nodes will be able to directly hatch submissions into the
RAR-FDN in the RAR-BACK file area. Files will be received at 2:25/60 via this
area and will be reviewed for distribution.

As of 17th July 1995 all nodes are required to add the RAR-BACK file echo to
their TICK (or compatible) config file whether they themselves intend to
release files or not. Under no circumstances shall any node release a file in
any other RAR-FDN File Echo Area other than RAR-BACK.

Authors or agents may file attach files for review to 2:25/60 (V34/VFC)
at any time.

Submissions may also be mailed (snail mail) to me at this address:

     Dave Carter
     RAR-FDN Submissions
     PO Box 50
     Glossop
     Derbyshire
     England
     SK13 9QS

Submissions may also be e-mailed in UUencoded format via the Internet to:

     RAR.FDN@icon.sentinel.co.uk

2.  In the above text, "files" are refered to as Libraries, Object code,
Source code, Text or Executables.  I would also ask that the author (or
authorized agent) please make sure that the file being entered into the
RAR-BACK file area be documented, and functional.  "CrippleWare" or
"VaporWare" should not be submitted.

     ONLY PUBLIC DOMAIN, FREEWARE OR SHAREWARE SHOULD BE SUBMITTED.

Demonstration software submitted will be allowed ONLY if the software is
able to be used in some fashion that will enable the end user to "Try before
you buy".

Wherever possible, submissions should be sent in RAR or RAR SFX format, and
should include a FILE_ID.DIZ if possible.

3.  ANY file that comes to your system via the RAR-FDN should have the CRC
checked by TICK as it is processed.  No archive advertisments should be
placed into the archive while the file is still being sent to another node.
The RAR-FDN is not meant to advertise a BBS, but to move files.  This also
corrupts the CRC info, and it will cause TICK to bomb out on the CRC check.
Nodes should not re-archive the file until that node is sure ALL the
downstream nodes have it. Please pay attention to authors wishes when
re-packing files.

4.  The RAR-FDN is FREE, and open to everyone.  However, sometimes it costs
money to move these files, so there is no problem with asking downstream
nodes to help pay for the phone call, etc., when picking up the FDN.  The
cost sharing policy should be fair, well laid out, and with the consensus
of all involved. The RAR-FDN should be allowed to travel as far and to as
many nodes as possible.

The following section may be used to import the RAR-FDN details into most
popular TIC-file processors:

%
%                        FDN: RAR-FDN
%               HeadQuarters: Dave Carter, 2:25/60
%                  Info File: RAR-FDN.POL
%
Area RAR-MAIN  0     !      RAR: Main RAR program releases
Area RAR-BETA  0     !      RAR: RAR pre-release "public" betas
Area RAR-UTIL  0     !      RAR: Utilities & 3rd-party add-ons
Area RAR-BACK  0     !*&    RAR: Back-Channel for submissions by authors
%