The following segment of documentation was written up as the original basis for EuroNet. This network is no longer run by Stefano Antonio de Caro. The administrator of the network is now David Henry (AKA Izzy, 'Lizzard Land BBS, 20,810/1 (810)/541-8361). If you have any questions or comments, please contact any EuroNet node. David Henry 20,810/1 --------------------------------------------------------------------- E u r o N e t B a s i c S t r u c t u r e & P o l i c i e s The EuroNet structure is fairly straightforward and easy to comprehend. If each and every network member understands the basics, we should rarely run into conflicts. The following is a summary on how EuroNet operates with respect to its various dimensions. The information contained herein is assumed to be common knowledge throughout the entire network. There should never be any surprises. Please take a few minutes to read this carefully. Premise: ~~~~~~~~ EuroNet was established to not only serve as a traditional echomail system, but to preserve the rich European cultures that are shared by so many individuals in this country. By including a foreign language base, the intent is to encourage active discussions about cultural activities and foreign issues related to those European countries. Communicating in that country's language is also strongly encouraged, but certainly not necessary. Lately, there has been increased interest in Asian, Middle Eastern, and other diverse languages and cultures. EuroNet will keep the name, but discussion in and about these and any other language is strongly encouraged and readily accepted. Once established in the States, EuroNet will extend overseas and begin "franchising" actual European systems. State Centers: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ For each state represented, there exists one (1) state center. The first EuroNet system to open in any state assumes this position so long as all policies and procedures are adhered to. EuroNet Central will not hesitate to revoke this position and assign it to a more qualified system in that state. The state center is responsible for collecting and distributing mail within that state. Mail bundles can either be forwarded directly to EuroNet Central, or via one or more different state centers if doing so proves less costly. State centers are also responsible for distributing updated nodelists, starter packages, last minute notices, etc., to the Area Hosts in that state. "Distributing" is defined as ensuring that the state's area hosts pick up the necessary materials. Lastly, state centers must accomodate all of the current EuroNet conferences. Area Hosts: ~~~~~~~~~~~ For each state represented, there exists one or more area hosts. There is one (1) area host for each unique area code within a state, which also means that a state center is an area host. The first EuroNet system to open in any area code assumes this position so long as all policies and procedures are adhered to. EuroNet Central will not hesitate to revoke this position and assign it to a more qualified system in that area. Area hosts are responsible for collecting and distributing mail within their area code. Mail bundles are to be forwarded directly to the state center. Area hosts are also responsible for ensuring that each of the individual systems within the area receive updated nodelists, starter packages, last minute notices, etc. Lastly, area hosts must accomodate all of the current EuroNet conferences. Hubs: ~~~~~ For areas that are heavily segmented, hubs are established as a means of overcoming zone and toll charges. A hub is simply an individual node within a specific area (as defined by the phone company's area code scheme) that serves as a local mail site for systems that reside in that area, but are not "local" to the area host. Systems can only transfer their mail to a hub if the area host is beyond the local telephone zone. Individual Nodes: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ State centers, area hosts, and the individual nodes are all alike in that each is also an individual system. The SysOps are all unique people who run their own bulletin boards. As a EuroNet member, all SysOps are ultimately responsible for adhering to current network policies. The choice to support EuroNet is a personal one, the manner in which a SysOp handles EuroNet affairs is not, however. For example, processing mail in a manner not consistent with that previously mentioned will not be tolerated. Any deviations from normal procedures must be approved by state centers initially, and EuroNet Central ultimately. EuroNet Central will always strive to keep it's policies simple and necessary. We don't want area hosts, state centers, and the individual nodes to feel smothered or belittled. For all practical purposes, we are all members of the same family, and each system has its own role to play. In matters concerning conflicts, complaints, and concerns, ANY EuroNet member can submit a private letter to EuroNet Central directly. Doing so will ensure that your letter remains private. Such letters and the issues that they raise will be addressed promptly. Hierarchy: ~~~~~~~~~~ To sum up, here is a graphical representaion of EuroNet's structure within the United States: EuroNet Central 旼컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컫컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� State Center State Center State Center 旼컴컴쩡컴컴� 旼컴컴쩡컴컴� 旼컴컴쩡컴컴� Host Host Host Host Host Host Host Host Host � � � � � � � � � node2 node2 node2 node2 node2 node2 node2 node2 node2 node3 node3 node3 node3 node3 node3 node3 node3 node3 node4 node4 node4 node4 node4 node4 node4 node4 node4 etc. etc. etc. etc. etc. etc. etc. etc. etc. David Henry EuroNet Central 20:810/1