Distributing Large Software Packages [A Constructive Idea]

[bill at persci.UUCP]

>I would suggest that no large software be distributed over Usenet, including
>the use of mod.sources. [...] an interesting statistic [...]
>On the average, ATT/Bell Companies make a couple of thousand dollars off each
>1k bytes posted to Usenet (I assume this is an estimate).
>[...] I've decided that the simplest and easiest, along with the cheapest, 
>form of distribution is through a OKSTATE type of mechanism. I think that
>what is needed are 'regional' software distribution sites that act as
>repositories; something like SIMTEL but located all over the U.S. and Europe.
>These repositories could provide distribution in a number of forms : tape or 
>uucp or kermit access. [...] the distribution sites shouldn't be asked to
>share any burden of software distribution - they should just be repositories.
>[...] Chuck Wegrzyn {allegra,decvax,ihnp4,linus,talcott}!encore!wegrzyn

At last, a truly constructive suggestion! I like your idea, Chuck. I know I
would be interested in setting up just such a system. The only question here
is whether I could talk our system 'directors' into it! Please include me in
further discussions.
I am curious about how that figure of ~$2000/kbyte was obtained. Does it assume
that EVERY uucp/news link is a long-distance call? That's not the case in this
area! 
(-: Note the many $k saved by shortening the included letter! Please mail 10% 
of your site's savings to :-)
-- 
Bill Swan (..uw-beaver!tikal!persci!bill)
Live in Seattle! 100000000000 slugs couldn't be wrong!