high-speed memory buffer and not actually do the relatively slow
write to disk until you've logged off. After the CIS meter has
stopped running.
After you've logged off CIS, you can
load your log file into any handy text editor (I use Apple Writer)
and read the traffic at your leisure. You may also type up responses
at your leisure, saved as individual files. When you type up your
message files, remember to end each line with a RETURN. CIS chokes on
the page-long "lines" that Apple Writer permits. I use the "visible
carriage return display" feature of Apple Writer (Numeric-pad 4, then
press "G") to ensure that I've ended each line with the necessary
RETURN. Keep your file size less than 2K (four blocks) for a forum
message.
The next time you log on to CIS, you
can answer your mail by transmitting the response files you
previously typed at leisure. With the "/EXIT to terminate" editor,
you can send files with no (zero, zilch, nada) character and line
delays. Just remember who you're sending the stuff to.
Easiest is answering forum messages.
Just type RE at the menu and enter the message number to which you
are REsponding. At the prompt escape to your file transmission
function (Openapple-S in Access ///, followed by arrowing to TRANSMIT
A FILE on the menu), send the file, escape back to "terminal" mode,
and type "/EXIT" to finish the upload. I have best luck by pressing
RETURN a couple times before typing the "/EXIT" to clear any garbage.
Then POST your message. I usually type "POST UNF" to post the message
as I typed it with the same line lengths and tabs and paragraph
breaks (UNFormatted).
If you are sending an original
message, or if the message you're REsponding to has fallen into the
bit bucket, you need to do more. First you need to know both the name
and ID of the person you're sending to. Choose COMPOSE from the
message menu. Then upload your file as above. Then you get to SEND TO
someone. If writing Dave Ottalini, the SEND TO would be "David
Ottalini 72457,2401" with name and a blank or two and ID number. Then
you get to type a terse subject. Then you get to choose a "section"
of MAUG -- number "13" for Apple ///.
If you are sending a message, please
do not ever start a line with a "." or a "/" character. The former
will upload and read fine, but it screws up folk who record the
messages for later reading in Apple Writer. AW thinks any line that
starts with a "." is a comment, and it won't print that line. The "/"
will screw you up. CompuServe thinks any line that starts with a "/"
is a command. Your message will be interrupted with UNRECOGNIZED
COMMAND, and things will get worse from there.
If you send a message with XModem
protocol, please ensure that each line is ended with both a carriage
return and a line feed. In Apple Writer, print the message to disk
with CR = 1. Otherwise, it will look like everything is on a single
line. Very compact, but not very readable. Kermit does not have that
problem. Kermit "text transfer" knows about lines.
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