Distributing Large Software Packages

[Chuck Wegrzyn]

	I would suggest that no large software be distributed over
	Usenet, including the use of mod.sources. Why make everyone
	pay the freight and not just those that want it - Lauren has
	pointed out an interesting statistic to me in a converstation.
	On the average, ATT/Bell Companies make a couple of thousand
	dollars off each 1k bytes posted to Usenet (I assume this is
	an estimate). Usenet, and net.sources should be for 'small'
	postings, less than a few hundred thousand.

	Since releasing GNU emacs, I've decided that the simpliest
	and easiest, along with the cheapest, form of distribution is
	through a OKSTATE type of mechanism. I think that what is
	needed are 'regional' software distribution sites that act as
	repositories; something like SIMTEL but located all over the
	U.S. and Europe. These repositories could provide distribution
	in a number of forms : tape or uucp or kermit access. Which form
	is used	depends on the site (the distribution site should be
	should be chosen by it being able to handle all methods). The
	sites could also ask for handling charges, if necessary; the
	distribution sites shouldn't be asked to share any burden of
	software distribution - they should just be repositories. Now,
	the question becomes : how do I, as a writer of free software,
	distribute my programs. Well, the first thing you need to do
	is get in touch with the 'software distribution administrator'
	(this person has a well known electronic and mail address).
	You describe the package, size, restrictions, etc. You and the
	administrator work out how the package is to be delivered to 
	the administrator. Once the initial transfer is complete, the
	administrator distributes the package to the distribution
	sites. Once all the sites have the program, the administrator
	makes a general announcement about its availablity, a small
	writeup on the program and where it can be obtained. That is
	it.

	The question you may have is : who is going to do all this work?
	Well, I have started to collect names, and contact points 
	throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe. Once all these initial
	distribution sites are collected, I will get all these people
	involved into a discussion to work out the details. When every-
	thing looks like it is in place, I will make a general announce-
	ment about its success or fail.

	You might also ask - what gives me the right to do this? Well,
	I guess because I was the first to run into the problem. But,
	I would be willing to step aside for anyone willing to spend the
	time and effort. Any volunteers?

	I would like to hear about any comments or ideas...

			Chuck Wegrzyn
	{allegra,decvax,ihnp4,linus,talcott}!encore!wegrzyn