To: [log in to unmask] [Please get your editor to stop double-spacing messages] I agree that there SHOULD be a rec.pet.ferrets in Newsgroups. It might alleviate some of the lag in getting tghe word out. Until quite recently, I didn't have access to it and had to rely on friends who did to get ferret related articles from it. Until I learned how to use the Fidonet<>UUCP gateway, I couldn't reply to these messages, so I understand the hassles that some may have with not being able to access Newsgroups. Perhaps I can be of some assistance there. As indicated in my 'many hats' signature below, I have a few ties outside Internet that can help pass the word along to the less fortunate among us. I am Moderator of "Ferret Forum", a Fidonet Echomail Conference that originates in Chicago. We have 6 sites that carry this echo and several more willing to carry it as soon as the powers that be see fit to put it on the "Backbone". The sites and info on where it goes are listed below. If it is on a site in your area, all you need to do is log on and read the messages. Depending on the set-up at that site (some require you to be a subscriber to post to echoes) you may also post messages there. Messages posted on Ferret Forum have a 24-hour turnaround. Conversely, you may also send messages via netmail TO Internet through the Fido<>UUCP gateways. I'm currently investigating ways of gating the echo to Internet. (any help on this would be greatly appreciated) FERRET FORUM is a founding member of the Ferret News Network and the INternational Ferret News Service. Messages posted there may be copied and reprinted to both electronic and printed media, as long as credit is given where it is due and the iniitials [FNN] (for electronic media) and/or [IFNS] (for printed media) appear at the end of the article. I could also use your help in getting more coverage of ferret issues via FERRET FORUM by asking your local Fidonet sysop to carry the echo. We're not on the backbone yet, so all of our sites are polling the home nodes for it. If they choose not to poll, ask them if they'd request that it be put on the backbone so they can get it direct. The name of the game is 'getting the word out' , and the more ways we have of doing it, the better. LOCATION SITE NAME PHONE# FIDO# Berwyn, IL Chicago Syslink 708-795-4442 1:115/622 Chicago, IL I CAN BBS 312-736-7388 1:115/738 Yuma, AZ Cactus Patch BBS 602-342-5180 1:15/18 Springfield MO Telen-Quest BBS 417-886-2563 1:284/4 Yardley PA US Telematics BBS 215-493-5242 1:273/201 Brandon FL Virtual Reality 813-684-6663 1:377/26 Hope we can be of help... ----------------------------------------------------- Roger D. McMillian Director, Greater Chicago Ferret Association Moderator, Ferret Forum Echomail Conference (Fidonet) Volunteer Adoptions Officer, GCFA Shelter Editor, "Off The Paw" - GCFA Newsletter Midwest Anchor: Ferret News Network U.S. Anchor: International Ferret News Service Addresses: Internet: [log in to unmask] [log in to unmask] Fidonet: 1:115/622 1:115/738 ----------------------------------------------------- [Posted in FML issue 0300]