Message flags

Flags used to describe private and public messages.

These following flags are available:

MSF_EXEMPT

The message is protected from accidental deletion. This applies to public messages only. Deletion-exempt messages (also known as `tagged' messages) will not be automatically deleted by the system when they expire. The sysop will have to `untag' them before being able to delete them manually.

MSF_RECEIPT

A read receipt has been requested for this message. When the recipient reads the message (or uses the off-line mailer to create a message packet containing the message), the system will notify the sender by personal message. This flag only applies to private messages.

MSF_FILEATT

Signifies that this message has a file attached.

MSF_APPROVD

Public messages only. It may be necessary to moderate public file attachments for viri, illegal content, et cetera. Files attached to public messages are, by default, not available for download before an operator approves them. This flag is set to denote a public message with an approved file attachment. MSF_FILEATT must also be set. If it isn't, the state of this flag should be considered undefined.

MSF_CANTMOD

Usually, the sender of a message can modify it, even after its delivery (of course, if it's a private message, there's no guarantee that the recipient will re-read it). Certain types of messages should not be modifiable by their senders. The canonical example is the message sent by the system to the Sysop to notify them of a new user signing up. This is sent in the user's name, but it is a very bad idea for the user to be able to change the message. Can you say `spoof'?

MSF_SIGNUP

While we're at it, here's another interesting flag. When the sysop is presented with a signup message, they get a very special command that deletes the sender of the message\/! This flag enables this command. It's quite obvious that you should stay clear of this one, unless you really know what you're doing!

MSF_AUTOFW

Set by the mailing subsystem to indicate that a message has been auto-forwarded. Auto-forwarding is the Megistos equivalent of forwarding Internet mail with .forward files. People can specify an alternative username to receive all their mail instead of them. It's useful for people who have multiple IDs and only read messages on one, for people away on holidays, et cetera.

MSF_REPLY

Set if a message is a reply to another.

MSF_NET

Set to indicate that a message was not written locally, but was obtained over the network.

MSF_EXEMPT

Message is `tagged', i.e. can't be deleted

MSF_RECEIPT

Read receipt requested

MSF_FILEATT

A file is attached

MSF_APPROVD

The file has been approved by the Sysop

MSF_CANTMOD

Sender cannot modify this message

MSF_SIGNUP

This is a signup special message

MSF_AUTOFW

Message has been auto-forwarded

MSF_REPLY

This is a reply to another message

MSF_NET

Message came in through the network

MSF_COPYMASK

Flags to clear when forwarding and copying messages.

MSF_NETMASK

Flags to clear when transmitting messages over the network.

Alphabetic index