
Q: Baja, Synchronet's easily mastered programming language, was greeted with
   much enthusiasm when it was released with version 2. Are there plans to
   expand it's capabilities in a future release? If so, what might we expect
   in a new and improved Baja?*

A: Yes. Assignable and testable integer and string variables, function defi-
nition with parameter passing, and other general programming enhancements for
the creation of door-like Baja add-on modules and more advanced command shells.
(* Editor's Note: Also see separate article on projected BAJA enhancements)

Q: Setting up a Fido-style network is probably one of the most difficult
   tasks a SysOp can undertake. Are there any plans to incorporate Fido
   support into a future release of Synchronet?

A: There is Fido support already in Synchronet. Synchronet directly creates
FTSC-1 NetMail, for example, as well as the many other FidoNet specific
features. If your question is "Will Synchronet have a Front-end mailer
built-in?", this is not something we have planned.


Q: Are there any plans to incorporate Internet accessing capabilities into
   a future version of Synchronet, thereby eliminating such third-party
   add-ons as NetXpress and GiGo?

A: No, not currently. We are spending our development resources on enhancments
that cannot be achieved by a third-party add-on. If in the future, we develop
a UUCP gateway, it would most likely be an add-on anyway.



Q: Personalized customer service is a hallmark of Digital Dynamics as many
   SysOps will attest, so, towards that goal, if someone is having problems
   with one of your products, what information should they have at hand to
   help expedite their (sometimes long-distance) call to you?

A: They should be in front of their BBS computer with the exact error message
on screen or written down (if applicable). They should have direct questions
(as opposed to vague) and peferrably have their questions/problems written
down before calling. Knowledge of the hardware configuration (what IRQs and
I/O addresses in use, for example) can greatly shorten tech support calls.


Q: What trends do you see in the near future for the BBS industry?

A: Depending on your definition of the "near future", I think inter-node DOOM
and other "serial linkable" games will be a hit with users. I think the
proliferation of Pentium-90 and faster CPUs will make multinode BBSs more
attractive to space consious multiline sysops. The obsolesence of single node
BBSs will become more apparent to users and sysops alike. Interactive multinode
games will increase in development and complexity.



Q: And one final question: What does Digital Man like to do when he's not
   hard at work improving Synchronet or answering SysOp questions?

A: My main "hobby" is music. I've been playing drums for 15 years and currently
play in a local alternative rock (Power-pop) band called "Weedpuller". We
recently released a self-produced CD called "Congential". Interested fans of
this style of music can send $10 to WP Publishing; PO Box 501, Yorba Linda CA
92686 for a CD. It can also be purchased at local Tower, Blackhole, and Bionic
Record stores (Orange County, CA).


As succinct and to the point as ever Digital Man. Thanks for the interview
and hopefully this has answered some questions that Synchronet BBS SysOps have
had over the years. Next issue, SYNCHRONETICS E-ZINE will try to get an inter-
view with the elusive Master of the Beast's Domain, King Drafus.


