The ToyShop Distribution System Policy and Procedures Guide Updated 1st January 1992 (C) Copyright 1990-92, Adrian Ng The ToyShop Distribution System is responsible for the timely and effective distribution of newly-released PCBoard Doorware & Utility packages . The distribution of these packages is performed in three ways : 1. By the use of software similar to the mechanisms by which echomail is transferred among FidoNet-Technology electronic mail systems. 2. By on-line login and download from the TDS Files directory located in the TDS Coordinator 's or Regional TDS Coordinator's bulletin board. 3. By mail order. Note that this policy only applies to the TDS Coordinator & Regional TDS Coordinators ONLY. Also known as the TDS , (from its initials), the ToyShop Distribution System is entirely a volunteer effort. No fees or charges of any kind are accepted for the distribution of software except by mail order, nor are any members of the TDS recipients of PCBoard Doorware & Utility registration rebates , or similar revenue-generating mechanisms. The hierarchy of the TDS is based on a top-down design. At the top, the TDS coordinator holds ultimate responsibility for the overall functioning of the entire distribution system. Under the TDS coordinator are the Regional TDS coordinators, who are responsible for all submissions within their respective regions, as well as devising and implementing distribution paths to the net-level TDS nodes . The regional TDS coordinators are fully responsible for decisions as to the applicability or acceptability of all PCBoard Doorware & Utility submissions within their region. Generally speaking , unless special exceptions are made with individual authors, the regional TDS coordinators are responsible for all submissions into the TDS. Under the regional TDS coordinators are the net-level TDS nodes. These nodes receive all PCBoard Doorware & Utility Distribution from the regional coordinators , and in turn , distribute these packages amongst their respective networks. Submissions into the ToyShop Distribution System are primarily accepted in three fashions. The preferred method, is by submission to the Regional TDS Coordinator, for any Doorware or utility produced within that specific region. Alternatively, certain PCBoard Doorware & Utility products, by nature of their popularity or demand from the network as a whole, might be submitted directly into the TDS, after prior arrangement with the regional TDS coordinator. PCBoard Doorware & Utility packages submitted into the TDS must meet certain criteria for distribution. In all cases, the regional TDS coordinator has the authority to accept PCBoard Doorware & Utility, or to reject it, based on his judgement as to suitability. Submissions may be rejected based on any of the following reasons: 1. The PCBoard Doorware or Utility submitted is not public domain or shareware, and has restrictions on the distribution of the product. Commercial software is one example of software which can not be accepted into the ToyShop Distribution System (for obvious reasons). 2. The PCBoard Doorware (s ) or Utility(s) submitted is/are not of sufficient benefit to the network as a whole to justify the efforts of redistribution. Doorware or Utility archives which are contained in more than 450K bytes are expected to be evaluated for suitability by the regional TDS coordinators before submission. The ToyShop Distribution System will gladly accept and re -distribute PCBoard Doorware & Utility releases which conform to our specific criteria. In all specific cases of software submissions, the regional TDS coordinators are responsible for the decision of acceptance. If a software developer desires to 'appeal' a decision not to accept a particular PCBoard Doorware or utility package for distribution, the overall TDS Coordinator is available to consider the decision. The hierarchy of the ToyShop Distribution System is based on a Star distribution system. The Coordinator of the TDS is at the 'center' of the star, feeding the file-echo areas to the Regional TDS coordinators. The Regional TDS coordinators in turn, feed the file-echos to net-level and other TDS nodes within their respective regions. Positions within the ToyShop Distribution System are 'appointive' - that is, replacements are generally appointed by the respective coordinator(s). Anyone desiring to become part of the TDS is urged to contact the TDS Co-ordinator or his/her Regional TDS coordinator and express their desire to help out. Chances are if no net -level representative exists for a specific network, an immediate appointment can be assigned . The Regional TDS coordinators are responsible for establishing and maintaining a good distribution network within their respective regions. Often times, in large networks, multiple net -level TDS nodes are needed for good geographical coverage. As the bulk of the TDS responsibilities fall on the Regional TDS coordinators, ever effort is made to appoint replacements from within the ToyShop Distribution System. Appointments are based on many factors , including the desire to be a team-player, and having the capability to serve as a high-capacity distribution system. Rarely, should a situation warrant it, Regional TDS coordinators or net-level TDS representatives may be replaced for the good of the system. In closing , it should be mentioned that the ToyShop Distribution System has been in place and functioning well for a considerable period of time , and has operated with peace and harmony throughout its lifetime. Politics and dissention have not been evidenced here, and hopefully never will. Adrian Ng ToyShop Distribution System Coordinator