In article <[log in to unmask]> "Duane D. Weaver"
<[log in to unmask]> writes:
>The unix listserver is supposed to have the ability to search archives,
>which we have yet to test ourselves.    Internet presently does not have
>the ability to send intereactive messages, so that type of
>interaction with the Unix listserver is not permitted.
 
There are programs out there to send interactive messages on Internet.
RFC 1312 specifies such a protocol.  Rick Troth <[log in to unmask]>
has written a CMS TELL that speaks this protocol, and there exist
versions for VMS, UNIX (the one I maintain), and even for PCs.  (I
believe it's a part of Sun's PC-NFS, thanks to Geoff Arnold)
 
Interactive messages are possible, but I wouldn't limit yourself to
that.  Programs like WAIS and Gopher provide infinitely better methods
of searching mail archives than anything LISTSERV (CMS or UNIX) alone will
allow.  There are gopher clients for CMS, too.  (Thanks again to Rick
Troth)
 
>Does anyone have any comments as to why a BITNET LISTSERV list should
>not be moved to the Unix listserver?
 
The big concern is wether the UNIX site has someone capable to
maintain it, and that they choose the software that best suits the
task.  Your best bet is to read the monthly "Mail Archive Server software
list" in news.answers.  (or via FTP from rtfm.mit.edu in
/pub/usenet/comp.mail.misc/Mail_Archive_Server_software_list)
 
--Dave
--
System Administrator, Penn State Population Research Institute
* Dog Dianetics ("Woof woof woof?  Page 725.") - Kibo