RE: EMAIL != FTP

[Roeland Meyer <rmeyer () mhsc com>]

> From: Jim Mercer [mailto:jim () reptiles org]
> Sent: Friday, May 25, 2001 4:03 AM
>
> On Fri, May 25, 2001 at 06:32:48AM -0400, Mitch Halmu wrote:
> > So what's a regular user to do? Email it! Hence the 
> legitimate use of
> > email for transmission of large files. Most ISPs know that 
> if they start
> > limiting this privilege, users will migrate to someone that 
> allows it.
>
> i regularly configure ISP's with a limit on the size of email 
> messages.
> (generally 10meg, although i think 100k is probably better).

That's why most corps use their own MTA's. Sometimes, I run into a client
that has such bigots running their systems. A few "failures to communicate"
usually result in executive management applying the clue-by-four. Business
rules drive technology, not the other way around. One clueless company even
blocks attachments with more than one dot in the name. They are steadily
losing business.

One does not give access to passworded sites without an NDA. After the
initial deal is set, one does NOT strike clients in the face with security.
Security need to be transparent.

> when they get a complaint, i then point them to the fact that 
> many of the
> large email messages get stuck in the queue because the receiving side
> is too slow or doesn't have enough disk, or the users quota is full.

At $99 per 40GB HDD, there is no excuse for lack of space. MTAs should
delete all messages once they are sent, or soon thereafter. My laptop is
considered small ... at 12GB. BTW, end users DO know how to delete files and
manage space. The file cabinet metaphor works well.

> and of course, the sending user hears that it wasn't 
> received, and then assumes it was lost and resends it.

... and the system should accomodate them.

> file transfer by email is evil.

That's your unsupported opinion.

> i've been saying that for literally 10 years now:

... and you never wondered why no one listened?