Letters to the Editor

FTSC Charter
from David Hallford, 1:208/103

Hi Douglas!

In a previous editorial you mentioned something about the FTSC. Here is a copy of FTA-1001.002 which is the Charter for the FTSC. It's pretty much plain language, but if you have any questions please feel free to ask. I may not have an answer <g>, but I can ask the other Standing Members.

I have to admit that the list of members sometimes makes me feel inadequate. Folks like Mats Wallin, Joaquim Homrighausen, and now Harald Harms and CHarles Cruden make me wonder what I am doing on that list.

The conversation level, however, is pretty decent and I have learned a lot in my 1st year on the committee.

with warm regards,
Dave

FTSC - FIDONET TECHNICAL STANDARDS COMMITTEE

Publication: FTA-1000
Revision: 2
Title: FTSC Charter
Author: Administrator
Revision Date: 29 December 1997
Expiry Date: Permanent Document

Contents:

1. Mission
2. Structure
3. Access

1. Mission

The Fidonet Technical Standards Committee (FTSC) is responsible for providing a thorough technical definition of FidoNet and its protocols sufficient to maintain it as a compatible electronic mail system, specifically by:

1. Documenting current practice in technical standards.
2. Encouraging new technologies in Fidonet software development.
3. Reassessing and revising FTS documents regularly.
4. Being publicly accessible to Fidonet sysops.
5. Distributing Technical Standards and Proposals.
6. Providing FTS document interpretations on software compatibility.

The FTSC shall maintain a publication which documents only the minimum acceptable protocol for a Fidonet node to receive mail as referred to in the current FidoNet Policy Document (Policy 4.07 at this writing) The FTSC shall not take upon itself any right to increase or decrease this requirement without express direction to do so from the International Coordinator (IC).

2. Structure

2.1 Organization

1. All members are Fidonet nodes in good standing.
2. Membership consists of no less than 7 and no more than 30.
3. Standing members are appointed Fidonet-wide as detailed in FTA-1001 (FTSC Operations).
4. An Administrator is selected by the FTSC standing members.
5. Working Group Leaders are appointed by the Administrator.
6. A freely-available list of members and Working Groups is maintained.

2.2 FTSC Administrator

Appointed for a specific term, and responsible for coordinating the activities of the Working Groups and for the smooth operation of the FTSC as detailed in FTA-1001 (FTSC Operations).

2.3 Standing Members

Appointed for a specific term to advise and assist the Administrator in directing the technical focus of the FTSC.

2.4 Working Groups

Formed to develop and update standards. Both standing and short-term Working Groups may be formed.

2.5 Working Group Leader

Responsible for forming an assigned Working Group and ensuring that its work is completed in a timely manner. Working Groups, and their assigned areas of expertise are detailed in FTA-1001 (FTSC Operations).

3. Access

A file distribution echo, and public and private echomail conferences are maintained, along with conferences for the various Working Groups, as detailed in FTA-1001 (FTSC Operations).

A. History

Rev.1, 19971009: First non-draft release. Author Adrian Walker.
Rev.2, 19971229: Reformatted slightly. Author changed to Administrator. Revision number added.