Re: ICQ for Gnome

[Aadi Deshpande <aadi bigfoot com>]

This is true
but there is work done to remedy this

I recall reading something about the Rendezvous Protocol which will provide
interclient conversations to occur. I haven't done much looking into it, but I'll
try to pick up some URLs and drop them back here.

So far as I know, it's not complete yet.

let's not forget that the reason to use ICQ (or any pager at all) is that it's
ubiquitous.  We'll always say, "yes, there's a better way; let's go write it" but
ICQ is here, now, and used by a tonnage of people.

I'm not here to comment on the merits or pitfalls of ICQ: the application, the
organization, or the protocol.   I'm not here to comment on the plusses and
minuses of IRC as a medium of exchange... though i have a lot to say on both ;-)

What I do know is that I use the ICQ java client.  I also know that I wish for a
faster, more aesthetic client, and that was my kick in the pants to get started.

Guillermo S. Romero / unnamed / Familia Romero wrote:

> >It all may be moot anyway.  If Mirabilis drops the current protocol in
> >favor of their newer one, which isn't understood, no one will get
> >anywhere with any project.
>
> They will, cos they want a propietary system. It free (money) now, but do no
> expect freeness in the future. Thats the "because" I do not use or like ICQ.
>
> IMHO we should implement a new one, based for example in IRC.
> It will be rather easier to create a bot that connects to a given IRC
> network (or scans all) joining a special group of channels where bots
> negotiate connections. Channel names should be of the kind "#free_comms_xxx"
> where xxx is the first three letters of your bot nick (so waiting bot are
> connected there, and searching bots know where to go to find someone).
> You can use PGP or any other crypto system for negotiation or for all comms.
>
> Instead of giving a ICQ number, give network-nick-pass. Network to speed up
> searchs, nick to find you (a big one, a rare one, not typical), code to
> avoid confusion with normal users and handle authentification. When a bot
> meets another bot, it gives the pass, if they match, they talk and the users
> are informed.
>
> Maybe a server to register bot nicks will be needed, so no confusion is
> made. Also nick can be based in crypted mail dirs, so you get a mad string
> that rarely other person will use. Or the PGP finger prints (so PGP server
> are used).
>
> Of course the system should be a free standard (thats the way Internet
> works), and the basic implementations should be under GPL (thats the way you
> make sure everybody can use the system). Also commercial apps can be coded,
> but from scratch and following the standard.
>
> I can not code anything, but I can discuss the protocol ideas. Contact me
> those who find interesting this ICQ alternative (should a group write a RFC?).
>
> GSR
>
>
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