Lurker701

I seem to have read that something like 95% of the files transfered over the network are supplied by 5% of the users. I'm assuming this is media hype because I dont think, with the present system it can be catigorically stated how much any host, even an anonymous host, uploads. I'm afraid if it was a proven fact, built into the protocol in a tamper proof way to show how much even an anonymous user uploads it may spurn the dark side to devote the resources necessary to ferret out these hosts, and instill in them the proper respect.

I completely agree with you that freeloading is a major problem and seems to be getting worse. I just dont want to inadvertantly give anybody the rope to hang us with.

Give me your honest opinion on this idea. Along with every download request the requesting client would send a 2 digit number called a GQ (generosity quotient). This GQ would be based on the ratio of uploaded MB to downloaded MB and would be a pain in the *** for the user to manipulate. Users should be given credit for some percentage of upload network bandwidth and not just uploaded files for those who have recieved the ISP's letter. A brand new user would start off with 0up and 0down balance = 50GQ, not bad, a respectable user like that would have a 50% chance of getting thier request honored on the first request. After that first download however thier GQ suddenly goes to something like 1 (1%up-99%down), they have now joined the realm of the freeloaders. These unfortunates now have
a 1% chance of having thier request honored on thier first request. The only way out of the freeloader bracket is to stay connected and contributing to the network by handling network traffic. After doing this for awhile someone downloads thier file ... Yes, out of the freeloader bracket of lets say anything under 10GQ, hopefully never to return. After just this one upload they are now able to download 8 more files (with a decreasing GQ after each file) before again going below the cutoff point of 10GQ. They have been given a basic lesson in the value of sharing. Why am I talking about a cutoff point below 10GQ when I just said rank freeloaders still have a 1% chance? Because every 100 requests the client would send a totally random number
as the GQ, this would generate enough bogus 98 and 99GQs to prevent anyone from tracing down hosts that honestly earned thier high GQs.
I too was pleasantly surprised to see that you had taken my comments in the spirit in which they were offered. My posts sometimes seem to generate flaming responses for some reason. It seems to me that some people seem to take offense when none is intended. Others seem to flame just for the sport of it. I'm glad to see Your not like that, cool ideas rarely seem to come out of flaming discussions.

Regards,

The Gnu Age Philosopher