I have noticed that one by one, all of the Undernet servers are moving to
new code which masks a users server, prevents us regular users from using
the +s mode, masks general server information in routing synch/de-synch
messages, and disables the links and map commands. Perhaps there are other
enhancements that I have not noticed yet. :)
The advantages of masking server/router locations are obvious, and we
applaud any such improvements that help enhance security and stability of
the Undernet. Thank you ~ :) .
Unfortunately, some of us channel ops used these commands and features to
keep track of what parts of Undernet were lagged, where splits occurred, etc
. . .
This allowed us to make good guesses at when a user was legitimately lagged,
and when they were just ignoring us with ctcp replies turned off.
In a major/lengthy split, I could also move to the other side of a split to
help in channel in the event that no ops went with the lost servers. . .
If possible, it would be nice to have some new tools to help us keep the
channels running smoothly too. :) To that end, I humbly offer the following
two suggested enhancements for consideration:
1. It would be nice to be able to have a utility to ping the server of the
user, regardless of what it is. This would assist the average channel op in
determining if there is a *network* lag that is causing a user to be slow in
responding, or if the user has turned off CTCP replies.
We would not need to know what server it was I think, but just how far away
it was lag wise. (since it would always be a public server anyway, you might
provide the server name too ?? That would be *nice* to know sometimes too,
but opens up the user for some attacks (??), so may be better to keep it
hidden? You guys know this stuff far better than us ;) )
2. It would be nice to be able to see all of the *regular* servers on our
side of the split. This information would be invaluable in determining
where a lost user/channel bot might be found.
On a related note, I noticed that nick collision messages are still showing
some server/routing information:
*** Chrilith (~[EMAIL PROTECTED]) Quit (Killed
(*.undernet.org (NewYork-R.NY.US.Undernet.Org <-
arlington.va.us.undernet.org (nick collision from same user@host))))
(Shown on Amsterdam 22 AUG 01 )
Well thanks for your time and consideration. :)
I hope I have not come accross as a complete nut. :)
Take care and have a wonderful day
-stephen
_________________________________________________________________
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp
