Please read my article in net.std if you are interested in this question.
(I think VT-100 codes in text files are a good idea, but if you want to
flame at that, read my article first and reply in net.std. This group is
already too clogged.)
Dave Sherman
Toronto
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{allegra,cornell,decvax,ihnp4,linus,utzoo}!utcsrgv!dave