Guest Editorial

Nodus Operandi -
an application of Cole's Law

Nodus Operandi
An Application of Cole's Law
Douglas Myers, 1:279/720, doug@mdtnbbs.com

Regular readers of the Zone 1 echoes realize that Fidonet is governed by two great documents: the organizational writings of Policy 4 and the thinly sliced cabbage of Cole's Law. Tom Cole, the author of the latter living document, revealed yet another subtlety of interpersonal communication last week in a new section of his policy entitled Nodus Operandi.

Nodus Operandi basically allows for multiple personality identification based on node number. This is not a new treatment for schizophrenia, but rather a method of distinguishing between a person as the sysop or as the coordinator. Simply put, coordinators must post from their /0 node number when they wish to speak as coordinator, or from their "real" node number when posting as a sysop.

This bit of administrative legerdemain was in response to the prospect of a Policy Complaint being filed against Tom. Tom contends that the aggrieved party would have to file the complaint with Tom /0 rather than the RC because Tom's posts were made using his "real" node number. Many have complained about the prospect of Tom the NC sitting in judgement of Tom the sysop, but few recognize that Mr. Cole may just be onto something here.

Why not have administrative node numbers for special purposes? For example, when David Hallford is engaged in pizza acquisition, I (for one) would like to know. Martin Blecke recently refused to divulge his personal opinion on how the Z1C should be selected on the basis that folks would interpret it as his official opinion (the official position presumably being based on his region's input). If he would just post using his "real" node number, then there would be no ambiguity.

I, personally, would be willing to switch the AKA matching software off in my mailer and BBS to gain the many benefits of posting from special node numbers. I could maintain one node number when I'm posting as an Ace Fidonews Reporter and another when I'm posting in the chat echoes as a Lounge Lizard. That way, when I strike out, it wouldn't impugn on the good name of Fidonews... and when I post a dry, uninteresting Fidonews article, I could flirt in the SUPERBITCH echo.

One should not be afraid to examine the runes in the cabbage leaves for a good idea. After all, ancient cultures examined entrails for enlightenment.