From 79b59f9b30fb6a1fdf8c3efb446271f7cb00d434 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Markus Uhlin <markus@nifty-networks.net> Date: Thu, 7 Dec 2023 21:31:49 +0100 Subject: FICS 1.6.2 --- data/help/soapbox | 39 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1 file changed, 39 insertions(+) create mode 100644 data/help/soapbox (limited to 'data/help/soapbox') diff --git a/data/help/soapbox b/data/help/soapbox new file mode 100644 index 0000000..21011d6 --- /dev/null +++ b/data/help/soapbox @@ -0,0 +1,39 @@ + +Soapbox + + It is my hope that the source code to quality chess server software +will be available to the internet community for free. It could be the +FICS, the ICS, or some other new software, it doesn't matter. + + When Michael Moore started the chess server years ago, it was his +intention to provide free access to it to everyone. He distributed the +server code freely in the hope that server sites might spring up and +flourish. Unfortunately, the situation exists today where one small +group of people have hoarded the source code and refuse to allow +any alternate servers start. I hope that my efforts in re-writing +a public domain server has the effect to improve the server, both in +substance and in administration. + + If the FICS catches on and replaces the ICS (unlikely), then we win. If +the ICS is released as source code to the public and the FICS dies, then +we win. If the FICS and ICS go on coexisting perhaps someday sharing the +same ratings server, we win. + + The only way we lose is if the status-quo is maintained and the only +source of internet chess is controlled by a few individuals. + +Richard Nash + +SoapboxII (The revenge of soapbox! :) ) + + Since then, ICS went free and we all lived (almost) happily, however +ICS became ICC and wanted to charge $49 to play chess. + Now, I understand that the ICC code had lots of work put into it and its +writer deserves something. However in the spirit of how ICS was set up, I +and others feel asking for donations would be better and no pay or else +attitute. + So, a band of programmers and ex-admins of ICC got together to rewrite +the out of date FICS code and this is what you are using now. + FICS is free. Enjoy it. + + Dan,DAV,foxbat,friar,grimm,hawk,loon,mann,Shane,Sparky et al. -- cgit v1.2.3