Re: Ringlink feature requests [Point 5, Lists]

["ringmaster-curio" <curiowebring@yahoo.com>]

Dave Lerner:
> 5) I think the list-sites function lists the sites starting at a random site. 
Actually no, this is not how Ringlink's list function works.  Ringmasters had 
called for list function that would distribute visitors systematically, but 
consistently with the concept of rings, more fairly than any other system did, 
than webring had.  Gunnar implemented the best and fairest solution possible.  
I'll explain this very carefully because it's a very important development, and 
I want you all to appreciate it.
Ringlink's list function works as follows:  If the list function is called from 
the list link in a ring fragment posted at a valid site in the ring, then the 
sites will be listed forward commencing at that site.  The list will commence 
at a random site in the ring, only if the list function is called from a site 
that is NOT in the ring, i.e. without a valid site ID.  The sites in the list 
will always be listed in ring order.
WebRing had always listed sites starting at the "beginning" of a ring, but a 
true ring has NO beginning!  This unfairly weights a few sites in a "lopsided" 
ring.  It is interesting to note that Ringlink is the only system offering list 
distribution consistent with the ring concept.  Congratulations Gunnar!
Yours,
Dave Kay
http://www.egroups.com/group/ringmgr