                       
                      The ToyShop Distribution System
     
                        Policy and Procedures Guide
                         Updated 1st January 1992
                     (C) Copyright 1990-92, Adrian Ng

          The ToyShop Distribution  System is responsible for the timely
     and  effective  distribution  of  newly-released PCBoard Doorware &
     Utility   packages . The   distribution   of   these   packages  is
     performed in three ways :

     1.   By  the  use of  software  similar  to the mechanisms by which
     echomail  is  transferred  among FidoNet-Technology electronic mail
     systems.
 
     2.   By on-line  login  and  download  from the TDS Files directory
     located  in  the  TDS  Coordinator 's or Regional TDS Coordinator's
     bulletin board.

     3.   By mail order. Note   that   this   policy only applies to the
     TDS Coordinator & Regional TDS Coordinators ONLY.

          Also  known  as  the  TDS , (from  its initials), the  ToyShop
     Distribution System  is  entirely  a  volunteer  effort. No fees or
     charges  of  any kind are accepted for the distribution of software 
     except  by mail order, nor are any members of the TDS recipients of
     PCBoard  Doorware   & Utility   registration  rebates , or  similar
     revenue-generating mechanisms.

          The  hierarchy  of  the TDS is based on a top-down design.  At
     the  top, the TDS coordinator holds ultimate responsibility for the
     overall functioning of the entire distribution system.

          Under the  TDS  coordinator are the Regional TDS coordinators,
     who  are  responsible  for  all submissions within their respective
     regions,  as  well  as devising and implementing distribution paths
     to  the  net-level TDS nodes .  The  regional  TDS coordinators are
     fully   responsible  for   decisions   as  to  the applicability or
     acceptability  of all PCBoard Doorware & Utility submissions within
     their  region. Generally  speaking , unless  special exceptions are
     made  with  individual  authors,  the regional TDS coordinators are
     responsible for all submissions into the TDS.

          Under  the  regional  TDS  coordinators  are the net-level TDS
     nodes.   These   nodes   receive  all  PCBoard  Doorware  & Utility  
     Distribution   from   the  regional  coordinators , and  in  turn ,
     distribute  these packages amongst their respective networks.

          Submissions   into   the   ToyShop   Distribution   System are
     primarily  accepted in three fashions.  The preferred method, is by
     submission  to  the  Regional  TDS Coordinator, for any Doorware or
     utility produced within that specific region.

          Alternatively,  certain  PCBoard  Doorware  & Utility products, 
     by nature of their popularity or demand from the network as a whole,
     might  be  submitted directly into the TDS, after prior arrangement 
     with the regional TDS coordinator.

          PCBoard  Doorware & Utility  packages  submitted  into the TDS
     must  meet  certain  criteria  for distribution.  In all cases, the
     regional  TDS  coordinator  has  the  authority  to  accept PCBoard 
     Doorware & Utility, or  to  reject it, based on his judgement as to
     suitability.

     Submissions  may be rejected based on any of the following reasons:

          1.  The  PCBoard  Doorware or  Utility submitted is not public
          domain  or shareware, and has restrictions on the distribution
          of the product.  Commercial   software   is   one  example  of
          software   which   can   not   be  accepted  into  the ToyShop
          Distribution System (for obvious reasons).

          2.  The  PCBoard  Doorware (s ) or Utility(s) submitted is/are
          not  of  sufficient  benefit  to  the  network  as  a whole to
          justify  the  efforts  of  redistribution. Doorware or Utility
          archives  which  are  contained  in  more  than 450K bytes are
          expected  to  be  evaluated for suitability  by  the  regional
          TDS  coordinators before submission.

               The   ToyShop  Distribution  System  will  gladly  accept
          and  re -distribute  PCBoard Doorware & Utility releases which
          conform to our specific criteria. 

          In  all  specific  cases of software submissions, the regional
     TDS  coordinators  are  responsible for the decision of acceptance.
     If   a   software   developer desires to 'appeal' a decision not to
     accept   a   particular  PCBoard  Doorware  or  utility package for
     distribution,  the overall TDS Coordinator is available to consider
     the decision.

          The  hierarchy  of the ToyShop Distribution System is based on
     a  Star  distribution system.  The Coordinator of the TDS is at the
     'center' of the star, feeding  the  file-echo areas to the Regional 
     TDS  coordinators.  The Regional TDS coordinators in turn, feed the
     file-echos to net-level and other TDS nodes within their respective
     regions.  

          Positions   within   the   ToyShop   Distribution  System  are
     'appointive' - that is, replacements are generally appointed by the
     respective  coordinator(s).  Anyone  desiring to become part of the
     TDS  is  urged  to contact the TDS Co-ordinator or his/her Regional
     TDS coordinator and  express their desire to help out.  Chances are
     if  no  net -level representative exists for a specific network, an
     immediate   appointment   can   be   assigned .  The  Regional  TDS
     coordinators  are  responsible  for  establishing and maintaining a
     good distribution network  within  their  respective regions. Often
     times, in large networks,  multiple net -level TDS nodes are needed
     for good geographical coverage.

          As  the  bulk of the TDS responsibilities fall on the Regional
     TDS  coordinators, ever effort is made to appoint replacements from
     within  the  ToyShop  Distribution  System.  Appointments are based
     on  many  factors , including  the  desire to be a team-player, and
     having  the  capability  to  serve  as a high-capacity distribution
     system.

     Rarely, should a situation warrant it, Regional TDS coordinators or
     net-level TDS  representatives  may be replaced for the good of the
     system.

          In   closing , it  should   be   mentioned  that  the  ToyShop
     Distribution  System  has  been in place and functioning well for a
     considerable  period  of  time , and  has  operated  with peace and
     harmony   throughout   its  lifetime.  Politics and dissention have
     not been evidenced here, and hopefully never will.

          Adrian Ng
          ToyShop Distribution System Coordinator

