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Upload Policy for OS/2 |
The purpose of this document is to clarify what should and should not be uploaded
to the Hobbes OS/2 Archive (henceforth identified as "Hobbes") and provide
guidelines for the user. If the user has any questions regarding the archiver's
decision regarding a file, he/she should first refer to this file before asking
any questions. Any question asked which is answered by this file will likely result
in a response indicating such.
This document is not all-encompassing, nor is it the "last straw,"
so to speak. It merely provides guidelines; exceptions to these guidelines are made
for extenuating circumstances. Every effort will be made to list such circumstances
in this file, though there will definitely be ommissions.
Because we are trying to keep the archive standardized, we prefer that all submissions
be made in the same format. This format is a single file in ZIP format, preferrably
with 8 or fewer characters in the filename (not including extension), with the filename
in all lowercase letters. All filenames will be converted to lowercase before
they are archived.
The following exceptions are in effect:
The file must be accompanied by a description file. The name for this
file is to be the same as the upload but with a TXT extension. The TXT file must
be based on the /pub/incoming
file template, preferrably the latest version (i.e. you should redownload it
every time you want to upload a file). The template has the following information:
(a (R) indicates that this field is mandatory)
Please note that the only field with multiple lines is the long description.
PLEASE try to keep the other fields on a single line; use a text editor which
doesn't force you to word-wrap. OS/2 System Editor (E.EXE) does the job nicely.
(This makes things a lot easier on me, as then I can simply cut-and-paste the text
into the database.)
Since many people still haven't figured out what I mean, here is an example of
what I consider to be a good .txt file. Upload Information Template for Hobbes.nmsu.edu
===============================================
Archive Filename: xxxxx12.zip
Short Description: xxxxx - Web utility
Long Description: xxxxx! v1.2 web server utility
Does various things to your web server
which are useful. Can be configured with
a variety of options. Can do things to
both HTML and images, as well as any
other MIME type your server supports.
Can be used offline and with proxies.
Automated command-line, with (optional)
PM interface.
Proposed directory
for placement: /pub/os2/apps/internet/www/util
Your name: Sam O. Meone
Email address: someone@somewhere.net
Program contact name: (same)
Program contact email: (same)
Program URL: http://somewhere.net/~someone/xxxxx
Would you like the
contact email address
included in listings? yes
Operating System/Version: OS/2 Warp 3 and up
Additional requirements: TCP/IP
Replaces: xxxxx11.zip
This one follows all the rules, it has about the right size of a long description
(remember, the description is just that - a description), it gives all the
information as needed and requested, and is concise. Notice that the URL points
to a webpage (or the like) regarding the zip file, not the zip file itself; what
is the point of Hobbes storing files if it will only end up storing links to files?
And homepages go down all the time.
One other thing to mention: many uploaders have been confused regarding what
OS to put when they are uploading, say, a Java application. In that case, Java is
the OS. If that were a Java 1.1.2 application above, besides being in /pub/java/apps/internet/www/util,
its operating system would be Java 1.1.2.
If the uploader above didn't want his email address listed, he would say 'no'
for whether he wanted the contact email address included. Adding a 'DO NOT INCLUDE!'
message is rather pointless and redundant. If he also didn't want to have his real
name included, then he'd put (none) and (none) for contact name and contact email.
Also notice how 'Replaces' gives the filename, not saying 'previous version.'
I know that it's replacing a previous version. Otherwise it wouldn't be replacing
it.
The only exception to the rule that every file have a TXT file is with a large
group of files with the same filename but different extensions (most notably of
which being IBM fixpacks). Because they all have the same filename, it would be
impossible to assign each one a separate TXT file.
With multiple-file distributions, we would prefer that the description in the
TXT file pertain to the program in general, with the specifics of that file appended
to the end in parenthesis. For example:
If you cannot take the time to make a proper TXT file for your archive -- and
it doesn't take very long -- then please remember that having your file stored on
Hobbes is a privlege, not a right, and that Hobbes is maintained as a free service
by New Mexico State University.
Newer versions always take precedence. Whenever a new version is archived, all
old versions are deleted. The benefit of the doubt will always be given to the new
version.
As mentioned above, if certain rules are not followed a file will be delayed
for processing. In general, if a file is delayed in its processing, you will be
sent an email notice (unless your email address is missing from the TXT file) and
it will not be moved into the /pub/incoming/delayed
directory. Any unprocessed files sitting in there for more than seven days will
be deleted on the next archival sweep -- no exceptions.
If an attempt at uploading a file is unsuccessful, before attempting to upload
again you should rename the bad file to
If an archive is bad, it will be deleted and you will be notified to re-upload
it. You may have to re-upload the TXT file along with it, depending on the mood
I was in at the time.
If an archive contains a virus (and we do check), it will be immediately
deleted and a notice will be sent to you and your ISP. And don't think that not
including an email address in your TXT file will keep this from happening; even
if you do your best to hide your email address, the FTP logs still contain your
ISP's address.
If you are found uploading pirated material to Hobbes, it will be immediately
deleted and a message will be sent to your ISP. If you see that someone else has
uploaded pirated material, do not touch it or rename it - notify
me immediately. And PLEASE, whatever you do, do not rename it
until after you have emailed me the original names of the files (as uploaded,
that is). I cannot emphasize that point enough. It makes it difficult to track down
whoever uploaded it without the original upload filenames.
As with virus-containing archives, don't think that lack of email address in
the TXT file will keep me from figuring out and mailing your ISP.
If you are unclear on a point in this policy text, would like to make a suggestion,
or are feeling lonely and need someone to talk to, feel free to email
me. I just might respond. :)