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This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- packet:packet-white-papers-about [2025/02/22 12:51] – created g8pzt
+++ packet:packet-white-papers-about [2025/03/04 08:56] (current) – s/ pf / of / 2e0itb
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 ======= Packet White Papers =======
-THIS DOCUMENT IS UNFINISHED - PLEASE TRY AGAIN LATER
 Packet White Papers (PWPs) are a Packet Radio version of the Internet RFC (Request For Comment) series.
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   * Requests for Comment
   * Stimulation of development
-  * Historical record of prior art
+  * Historical record of prior art and practice
 ===== Origin of PWPs =====
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 ===== Where Are PWPs Stored? =====
+So far, they have been randomly stored on assorted floppy disks, hard drives, pen drives, scraps of paper etc.
+The plan is to retrieve as many as possible and store copies on this wiki, but a proper home needs to be found.
 ===== Who Can Write PWPs? =====
+Anyone can write and submit a PWP. It is better to publish than not!
 ===== What Content is Acceptable For A PWP? =====
+PWPs MUST be about Packet Radio in some relatively direct way - a list of rigs suitable for packet, or how to modify a rig for packet is fine, but a treatise on using FT8 with an Icom 7300 is completely out of scope.
+Humorous documents, April Fools Jokes etc. are acceptable, so long as they are Packet Radio related.
+Requests for comment, blue-sky ideas, results of experiments, well thought out commentary and opinions on the state of Packet Radio are all valid, as are minutes or summaries of important Packet Radio meetings etc.
+Verbatim use of copyright material is NOT acceptable, unless the original author gives permission. Try to avoid infringing patents where possible.
+If you are doing something interesting with packet Radio, why not write it up?
 ===== How Are The Numbers Assigned? =====
+To avoid duplication, it is important that PWP numbers are assigned by a single source, in strict sequence. G8PZT is willing to fulfil that role until such time as anyone else feels they should be the one to do it.
+Submit your document, either by email to g8pzt[at]krg.club or post it directly to the wiki, and G8PZT will assign a PWP number.
 ===== What Format Do PWP's Use? =====
+Any format is acceptable, but the preferred format is plain ascii text where possible.
+PWP authors should try to follow the tried and trusted RFC style as much as possible.  A PWP MUST include the following:
+  - A "Header Block" containing: \\
+    * PWP number (assigned by PWP editor)
+    * Name(s) of the author(s)
+    * Document creation date \\ \\
+  - Unnumbered sections as follows: \\
+    * Title - Succinct but descriptive
+    * Abstract - a brief summary of the document
+    * Status of the document - Who it's aimed at, what it's for, distribution rules
+    * Copyright Notice
+    * Table of Contents covering the numbered sections \\ \\
+  - Numbered sections, including something like: \\
+    * Introduction / Motivation
+    * Terminology / Conventions / Glossary
+    * The proposal, idea, information etc
+    * Security Considerations (if appropriate)
+    * Author's contact details
+    * References
 ===== How Do I Publish A PWP? =====
+There is nothing to stop you publishing your PWP directly to the wiki, but for the sake of consistency, it is highly recommended that you submit it by email to the PWP Editor at g8pzt[at]krg.club who will assign a number, check the format and publish it for you.
+===== Can PWP's Be Modified? =====
+No, this is not the Ministry of Truth! Once a PWP is published, it can not be changed. It is a historical document.
+A PWP can be obsoleted or updated by the publication of a new PWP with a different number.
+===== Why Are So Many Numbers Missing? =====
+  * The historical practice was to assign a PWP number at the instant of creation, to aid the management of multiple concurrent PWPs
+  * Many documents were lost on corrupted floppies and hard drives
+  * Some documents are still hiding on abandoned PC's in obsolete WP formats
+  * Gaps were left for documents from other sources to be inserted into the timeline
+  * Some documents were started, but never completed
+  * Some documents were complete, but never formatted to a consistent style
+  * Many documents were handwritten, numbered, but never digitised
+  * Etc...
+===== List of Packet White Papers =====
+[[packet:white-papers:index|List of PWPs]]