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1993-01-22
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M A S T E R - B
A Thunderstorm Software Release
Copyright (C) 1993, Scott Fell
THE Bulletin Menu Manager
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Master-B v3.00 from Thunderstorm Software and Scott Fell Page 01
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CONTENTS
Section Topic Page
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Who it's for . . . . . .3
B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .What it does . . . . . .3
C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . For whom it works . . . . . .3
D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . What you can't do . . . . . .3
E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .How it works . . . . . .4
F . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Why not to freak out . . . . . .4
G . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . How to get it to go . . . . . .4
H . . . . . . . . . . . . . . How to deal with errors . . . . . .9
I . . . . . . . . . What to do if you find a real bug . . . . . .9
J . . . . . . . . . . . . . . How to make suggestions . . . . . .9
K . . . . . . . . . . What to do if you have problems . . . . . .10
L . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . How to register . . . . . .10
M . . . . . . . . .What will happen when you register . . . . . .10
N . . . . . . . . . . . . . .How to utilize shareware . . . . . .11
O . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . How to use ANSI . . . . . .12
P . . . . . . . . . . . . .How about that info stuff? . . . . . .12
Q . . . . . . . . . What to expect in future versions . . . . . .12
R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Who I wish to thank . . . . . .13
S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Where to get support . . . . . .13
T . . . . . . . . . . . . . How to contact the author . . . . . .13
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Master-B v3.00 from Thunderstorm Software and Scott Fell Page 02
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A. Who it's for
----------------
This program will probably be the most useful to Bulletin Board
SysOps.
B. What it does
---------------
Master-B will create two types of display files, ANSI and
ASCII. These files can be used for menus (i.e., bulletin menus)
on BBSs to let your users know the exact DATE the bulletin was
last updated. This can save time on a system where users like
to be kept up-to-date, but don't like to re-read old
information. This utility will also help SysOps keep track of
bulletins that are getting old and are in need of a little
spruce-up.
C. For whom it works
--------------------
Master-B has been successfully tested on SpitFire, PCBoard, and
RemoteAccess. This is not to say that it won't run on other
software. Master-B is native to the standard 1-99 numbering
scheme, the A-Z numbering scheme and, if you enable the option,
you can call your bulletins whatever you want to (like A1 or
something BIZARRE like that 8-) ).
D. What you can't do
--------------------
You are given permission (in fact, encouraged) to use and
distribute this product, so long as all instructions contained
herein are followed.
1) You may not change any of the files. This includes reverse-
engineering, editing, changing of documentation, adding BBS
advertisements <ZIP-type comments are OK>, or any other
sort of editing of the original distribution form of this
program.
2) No charge may be made for copying of this program. You are
allowed to distribute this program from commercial sites so
long as no charge is specifically made for access to this
product.
3) If you are a registered user, you do NOT have permission to
tell/convey/make available the key-code to ANYONE. The
key-code is what you have been granted a licence to use. If
you do, you are breaking FEDERAL law, and are open to
investigation and prosecution.
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Master-B v3.00 from Thunderstorm Software and Scott Fell Page 03
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4) Scott Fell and/or Thunderstorm Software, and/or
anyone/anything else, for that matter, are not obligated to
support this or any other product now or in the future.
And any other logical stuff you've seen on other Shareware
packages, too <grin>. In other words, this program is a
privilege to use. Do not misuse the trust I have placed in
you.
THE AUTHOR OF THIS PROGRAM SHALL IN NO WAY BE HELD
RESPONSIBLE FOR ANYTHING! <Does that cover it? 8^) >
E. How it works
---------------
At the DOS prompt, type in the EXE filename (M-Bv3.Exe) with
the single command-line directive to initiate the program. Note
that you should have edited the configuration file to your
needs prior to running the EXE file.
The command-line directive is the Drive+Path+Filename of your
configuration file (as in M-Bv3.Exe):
E:\BBS\CONFIG\M-B.CFG.
If the first/only command-line directive is not given, the
program will assume the use of MB.CFG in the current directory.
If this file is not found, the program will choke and die.
F. Why not to freak out
-----------------------
When it's running, Master-B doesn't do any screen-writing. I
figure that this will probably be run as a midnight event, and
nobody will be around to see it anyway, so why bother? There
are sparing screen writes, but if you see nothing, don't panic!
G. How to get it to go (ask a Pakled) ;-)
-----------------------------------------
Use one directive on the command-line. This is the
drive+path+name of your configuration file (as in M-Bv3.Exe
E:\BBS\CONFIG\M-B.CFG). The configuration file contains a great
deal of information that Master-B will manipulate, so be sure
to pay careful attention to what you're putting where.
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Master-B v3.00 from Thunderstorm Software and Scott Fell Page 04
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{Note to PCBoard sysops}
The Blt.Lst file contains the information you use for your
bulletins. Master-B, in this version, supports this file
directly. Please review the {NOTE TO PCBOARD SYSOPS} notes that
are scattered around. These will contain special instructions
that ONLY PCB sysops need to heed.
Use your favorite text editor to edit Master-B's configuration
file to fit your needs. The format of this file follows...
IMPORTANT NOTE!! NEVER SKIP LINES! The LINE <X> is
representative of the placement in the config file of THAT
SPECIFIC directive. Blank lines are okay, but make sure that
everything else lines up correctly or Master-B will choke!!
LINE 1
Your BBS-type. This can be /#, /RA, /PCBoard, or /Other (CASE
SENSITIVE!).
/# will get you a display with the 1-99 numbering
system (standard).
/RA will get you the A-Z system (the first bulletin is
referred to as A, the next, B, and so on).
/Other will allow you, the sysop, a great deal of
flexibility. With this enabled, you can effectively
call ANY bulletin almost ANYTHING (Further
instructions on this format later).
{NOTE TO PCBOARD SYSOPS}
/PCBoard will get a 'standard' 1-99 numbering system, but,
with an addition. With this system enabled,
Master-B will attach directly to your BLT.LST file.
From that file, it will be able to extract the
proper filenames of your bulletins without you
having to put it all in the config-file.
LINE 2
+REGISTERED FEATURE ONLY+
The type of header you wish Master-B to put at the top of the
display file. The values are /1, /2, /3, /4, /5, /6, /7, and
/8. Each one yields a different result. You can look these over
in the included MBHDR<x>.ANS (ANSI files) where <x> is
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Master-B v3.00 from Thunderstorm Software and Scott Fell Page 05
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representative of the numbers available for line 2. Note that
you must include the ENTIRE feature (as in /1) instead of only
the number (as in 1). For example, on line number 2, the text
"/1" (without quotes) would yield a proper result while leaving
"1" (without quotes) would yield an error. Note: The MBHDR<x>
files are contained inside of the self-extracting archive called
MBHDR_EX.EXE.
LINE 3
Your name, as you wish it to appear. Remember that this name
is what is used to generate your own unique 'key' to unlock the
registered features. Be sure to send me this EXACT NAME (CASE
SENSITIVE!!!) when you send in to register Master-B.
When registered, your copy of Master-B will show whom it is
registered to via this parameter.
LINE 4
BBS name, however you wish it to appear. This will appear at
the end of the display after registration.
LINE 5
The ANSI color-codes corresponding to the color you wish your
name and BBS name to appear in the end of the ANSI bulletin (an
index of valid ANSI codes is included in one of the last
sections of this document).
LINE 6
Your registration number.Be sure to type it in EXACTLY. If
unregistered, you can leave this blank. Do NOT put non-numeric
values in this line EVER.
LINE 7
Drive+Path+Name of the ASCII filename (Leave this blank if you
don't want an ascii menu created). A proper use of this would
be:
C:\MAX\MISC\BULLETIN.ASC
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Master-B v3.00 from Thunderstorm Software and Scott Fell Page 06
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LINE 8
Drive+Path+Name of the ANSI filename (Leave this blank if you
don't want an ansi menu created). A proper use of this would
be:
C:\MAX\MISC\BULLETIN.ANS
LINE 9
Ansi "Before Display" codes. This can contain control-codes
for your BBS pkg. For example, a clear-screen code could be put
here (Up to 48 chars). This line will be inserted before the
rest of the display is written to disk. ** An index of valid
ansi codes is included later in this document.
LINE 10
Ansi "After Display". This can contain control-codes for your
BBS pkg, or return the color to normal from the last color
displayed. This will be appended to the very end of the ansi
display file. ** An index of valid ansi codes is included later
in this document.
LINE 11
Same as line 9, but for the ASCII file.
LINE 12
Same as line 10, but for the ASCII file.
LINE 13
{Valid for /RA, /#, and /Other} Bulletin path. List the
directory where your bulletin files are kept as in the
following example (don't forget the trailing backslash!):
C:\BBS\Bulletin\
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Master-B v3.00 from Thunderstorm Software and Scott Fell Page 07
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{NOTE TO PCB SYSOPS!}
When using /PCBoard, this option is the PATH to your BLT.LST
file. So, if your BLT.LST resided in your F:\PCB\GEN\BLT
directory, this line would read as follows (ALWAYS use the
trailing backslash!):
F:\PCB\GEN\BLT\
LINES 14 - 113
These lines can contain several different options. I have
broken down this section into the different BBS-types, so it
will be easier to understand.
For PCBoard (/PCBoard):
|<-- This is the FAR left column
|
123456789/123456789/123456789/123456789/123456789/123456780/123456789/
This is a description of bulletin #1
For numeric formats (/#):
|<-- This is the FAR left column
|
123456789/123456789/123456789/123456789/123456789/123456780/123456789/
BULLET11.BBS Listing of local BBSs
For alphabetic formats (/RA):
|<-- This is the FAR left column
|
123456789/123456789/123456789/123456789/123456789/123456780/123456789/
BULLET12.BBS Latest/greatest software on THIS BBS!
For alphanumeric sequences (/Other):
|<-- This is the FAR left column
|
123456789/123456789/123456789/123456789/123456789/123456780/123456789/
AB BULLETAB.ASC Listing of files on Alpha & Omega BBS
1 BULLET1.ASC How to subscribe to this BBS
1N BULLET1N.TXT How to get coconuts delivered to your house FREE!
8 BLT25.SCR What you're missing by not watching STTNG
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Master-B v3.00 from Thunderstorm Software and Scott Fell Page 08
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{NOTE TO USERS OF ALL FORMATS}
It does not matter whether the filename you state in the
config is ascii, ansi, or something else. All Master-B does, is
check the file for the date, and nothing else.
That's all there is to the config file. It would probably be
easiest to glance over this reference, and just write over the
config file provided in this archive. 99 bulletins are
supported in this version.
[*] Important note: All the config-file lines should either
contain information, or be blank. DO NOT SKIP LINES! Skipping
lines will most likely lead to an excessive amount of
aggrevation. ;-) Master-B MUST find each of the options EXACTLY
where they should be. Perhaps I'll make the program a bit less
touchy in a future version if enough people have a big enough
problem...
H. How to deal with Errors
--------------------------
If you're getting a runtime error of 102, then that means that
one (or more) of the files you told Master-B were there, were
NOT there, for one reason or another. The current version of
this program is NOT error-aware, and will simply abort if it
doesn't run perfectly. Just look over the bulletins you've
listed in the CFG file, as compared to the file directory.
I. What to do if you find a Real Bug
------------------------------------
If you find a real bug in the program, please let me know! If
you find something before anyone else, you'll get 1) a
registered copy of the FIXED program <grin>, and 2) your name
in the DOCS for this program. This is a program I wrote, and
it's got my name on it, so I want it to be as "clean" as
possible.
J. How to make suggestions
--------------------------
I welcome your ideas for the program! If you have a BBS-type
that won't work with Master-B, and you can tell me how to get
it to work, you'll get the same rewards as those who find bugs.
I want this program to be as all- encompassing and bug-free as
possible, so, if your BBS-type isn't supported, let me know,
and I'll include it! Plus, you get a registered version for
free!
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Master-B v3.00 from Thunderstorm Software and Scott Fell Page 09
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K. If you have problems
-----------------------
Rule of thumb: Check ALL your resources before consulting with
the author. When you've determined that your problem is not
triggered because of an error in the config file, or anything
else that's under your own control, feel free to contact the
author. The address is at the end of the document.
L. How to Register
------------------
If you plan to keep using Master-B after the 30 day
evalutation period, you must register Master-B with the author.
One-time registration is 5US$ per copy. I consider this fairly
cheap, but I've been wrong before <grin>.
NOTE: The 5US$ includes registration for THIS version only.If
you wish to be registered for all future versions, send 8US$.
Send all registrations to:
Scott Fell
PO Box 855
Flagstaff, AZ 86002-0855
M. What will happen when you register
-------------------------------------
1) Unregistered notices will disappear.. (.. gee, what novel
idea!);
2) Master-B will list your name, your BBS name/#, or whatever
you want on the final line of the display (in whichever color
you wish);
3) You'll get free upgrades to future versions of Master-B.
Master-B operates on the key-concept. Once you get your key,
the Master- B program you already have will become registered,
and the registered features will be unlocked.
Your key can be obtained by calling Quandra BBS, or via
FidoNet FREQ.
You can expect your key to be available up to a week after I
receive your registration fee. Remember.. DO NOT send cash
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Master-B v3.00 from Thunderstorm Software and Scott Fell Page 10
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through the mail; it has this mysterious tendency to disappear
into thin air when you send it via the mail service, so only
send a check or money order.
Also, if you wish to be sent your key through the mail,
instead of by either of the above methods, include a
self-addressed, stamped envelope inside your note, and I will
send you the key to the program via snailmail.
If you want me to upload the registered key to YOUR BBS,
include 2 MORE dollars (for a total of 10$s, folks)--(I can't
afford all the long-distance otherwise!). If you aren't in the
USA, registration CANNOT be dealt with by this method. If
you're going to have me upload the key to your BBS, you will
also need to provide me with a PRE-REGISTERED account on your
own board. My login should be Scott Fell, password=MASTERB. IF
this account does not exist when I call, I will leave you a
private message on Quandra with your registration key. I will
not call more than once.
N. How to utilize shareware
---------------------------
This program is being distributed by way of the "Shareware"
concept, that is, on a "try before you buy" basis. If you
continue using this program after the 30-day evaluation period,
you MUST register it (if you don't, you're open to FEDERAL
prosecution!)
You all know what shareware is.. so support it!
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Master-B v3.00 from Thunderstorm Software and Scott Fell Page 11
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O. How to use ANSI
------------------
For the ansi-after display feature, these codes will produce
different results. The ESC is the flat-ascii representation of
the ASCII #27. To get this control- code, while holding down
your alt-key, hit 27 on your keypad, and then release the alt
key. You should have a small backwards arrow in that position
on your screen. If you put the following codes in the
after-ansi display, Master-B will change your cursor color to
that shown beside each code.
ESC[0;30m BLACK ESC[1;30m DK GRAY
ESC[0;31m DK RED ESC[1;31m LT RED
ESC[0;32m DK GREEN ESC[1;32m LT GREEN
ESC[0;33m BROWN ESC[1;33m YELLOW
ESC[0;34m DK BLUE ESC[1;34m LT BLUE
ESC[0;35m DK MAGENTA ESC[1;35m LT MAGENTA
ESC[0;36m DK CYAN SC[1;36m LT CYAN
ESC[0;37m GRAY ESC[1;37m WHITE
P. How about that info stuff?
-----------------------------
Master-B was written in Turbo Pascal, v6.0
Documentation written with Word Perfect, Galaxy and QEdit
Master-B, first shareware release: 7/14/1992
Master-B, second shareware release: 1/18/1993
With many more to come!!
The example display files are from High-Mountain BBS
Master-B v3.00
Q. What to expect in future versions
------------------------------------
These are a few things I'm planning on implementing:
More available headers
Comment-detection for the config-file
Level 1 error-detection
A more graphical approach
Available log-file
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Master-B v3.00 from Thunderstorm Software and Scott Fell Page 12
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R. Who I wish to thank
----------------------
MANY thanks go to Greg Smith, the sole beta-tester.. if
anything is screwed up, it's his fault <grin>. Greg contributed
some really good ideas for the program.. THANKS!!!!
S. Where to get support
-----------------------
Quandra BBS The High Mountain BBS
Flagstaff, Az. Flagstaff, Az.
Scott Fell Greg Smith
(602)527-8895 v.32bis (602)527-8404 HST/v.32
All ThunderStorm Software products on either BBS are always
free downloads.
T. How to contact the author
----------------------------
Send all registrations, comments, etc. to:
Scott Fell
PO Box 855
Flagstaff, AZ 86002-0855
BBS #=(602)527-8895 (v.32bis/v.42bis)
FidoNet via node 1:304/7 (FREQ MB for the latest version)
InterNet via Scott.Fell@f7.n304.z1.fidonet.org
Compu$erve via INTERNET>Scott.Fell@f7.n304.z1.fidonet.org
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Master-B v3.00 from Thunderstorm Software and Scott Fell Page 13
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