Just a minor nit I'd like to pick in the proposed Charter of
SIGPOS/iX...

> SIGPOS/iX also collects and packages the products on the "FREEWARE"
> tape, which is currently being distributed by Interex and acts as a
> pilot for a possible future MPE FOS FREEWARE account.

While I _strongly_ applaud the creation of the "FREEWARE" tape
started at IPROF, things are getting a little blurry for me. Here's
some questions/observations that may shed some light on my
"confusion"...

- Was every program on the IPROF tape Posix-related?  (I don't think
_every_ one was, or should it have been.)

- The IPROF tape included demos from various vendors - not all
Posix-related.

- How is the IPROF tape fundamentally different from a conference
swap tape, or a CSL tape?  (I know the way it was pulled together
was different, but other than that.)  Is this a third type of tape,
or will/should it be rolled into the CSL process?

I think my major "concern" (that's really too strong a word for what
I'm feeling, but I can't think of a better one right now) is that
SIGPOS/iX will be controling/creating a "tape" that (in addition to
Posix-related programs) will have programs that are outside their
"domain" - ie, non-Posix.  Shouldn't that be left to the CSL, etc?
My other concern is that if the "tape" contains _only_ Posix-related
programs, should it be called "FREEWARE"?  That seems like too broad
a name for it.

I do _not_ want to stop any movement to make these kinds of programs
available to the 3000 world - in fact I rather want to encourage it!
I'm just wondering if SIGPOS/iX is the right place for this type of
thing to be done and/or if the name is right.

<idea alert on>

Maybe it makes sense for _every_ SIG to encourage and collect
programs from their "domain" and make sure they make it onto the
CSL/Interex Web site/some new thing not yet developed.  Sort of act
as a funnel...

<idea alert off>

Well enough of my ramblings.  I think I'll get the flame suit ready
now!  :-)

-dll
David L. Largent                     "My thoughts are my own,
Information Services Manager          unless I choose to share them!"
The Gilbert Companies, Inc.          Phone: 765/284-4461
P.O. Box 1032                        Facs:  765/288-2079
Muncie, Indiana  47308-1032          Email: [log in to unmask]