What I would like to suggest is that someone set up a special news server
just for FAQ distribution purposes. This server could probably run on a
486, since it would just carry the *.answers groups and perhaps the news.*
groups.
The server would firstly set up a bi-directional feed with MIT, and then
arrange two way feeds with some "key sites" in the distribution of news.
The Key sites would include such players as istar.ca, sympatico.ca, aol.com,
cmu.edu, bbnplanet.com, demon.co.uk, cs.ruu.nl, nortel.ca, uunet.net,
carleton.ca .... The list can be based on the sites that show up frequently
in the path lines of existing usenet postings. (years ago when the net was
young, I remember someone at DEC actually used to keep track of the most
popular relay sites, and news admins would try to get a high ranking as a
matter of pride) The list above is slightly skewed from my view of usenet
of course.
The idea would be to ensure that once a post found its way into the
mainstream part of the internet it would be sure to firstly get into the
MIT archive, (and the mirror/parrallel sites) and secondly ensure that all
FAQ posts would arrive at the sites that are most likely to spread them
around the net. The major sites that mirror FAQs such as altavista, and
dejanews should also be invited to participate.
The exchange with the particpating sites would be two way to ensure that
dropped articles are picked up.
By limiting the server to just FAQ Groups, you ensure that it does not
start dropping posts because of the sort of junk that is found on some
groups. In fact, one could have the server check the approval headers for
legitimacy. The relatively small volume of information exchanged would
hopefully persuade as many key sites as possible to participate.
Naturaly having such a server would pave the way for the creation of other
services, such as allowing maintainers to post their FAQs via the service.
Charles MacDonald - Information Management - NHQ
HRDC Banyan Mail : MacDonald.c@phii.faa.ad@nhq
HRDC Web Mail : macdonald.c@gw019348.hq-ac.prv
Work SMTP Mail : charles.macdonald@hrdc-drhc.gc.ca
Personal SMTP Mail : cmacd@achilles.net