There are many websites out there that have embraced the Web 2.0 philosophy. In today's environment, it's important to leverage social networks, new technologies like Ajax, and new computing initiatives like cloud computing.
There is something to be said for looking towards a simpler time, though. That's why I am proud to announce that after many man-months of effort, Daily Kos will be stepping up to enterprise level functionality and going WEB/360. Rather than use buttons and zooming menus that no one really understands, you'll now interface with Daily Kos using the tried and true JCL, delivered straight to your line printer.
Unfortunately we've had some difficulties with hooking up the virtual punch card readers that you'll use to browse the site, so a web form will have to suffice for the WEB/360 demonstration. Don't worry, it'll be just as easy to type the JCL in as it would be to use the punch cards.
Not all of the planned functionality is currently operational. We're still getting bugs out of the system (some physical bugs) and waiting for new processing units from IBM to arrive to assist with processing posting, rating, and logging in through the new interface.
The JCL syntax for WEB/360 is easy to learn and use. This sample code gives an overview:
//JOBNAME1 JOB
//MSGCLASS=S,CLASS=A,NOTIFY=CT
//STEP1 EXEC PGM=SCPREAD
//IDXT=MAIN /* or STOR, or DIAR, or COMM */
//OFFSET=0
//* or STORY ID=123456,MODE=STORONLY or MODE=STORFULL
//* or COMMT ID=27123456,MODE=FULL or MODE=SHRK
//SITE=DKOS
// DISP=18
//* if IDXT is STOR or COMM, then DISP=,
// SPOOL=$$U
//DSR MYSAM DSN=DKOS.LOAD,DISP=SHR
//SYSOUT DD SYSOUT=*
Notes:
- Every line must start with "//". This is important to keep you from putting your punchcards in backwards.
- Each line must be no longer than 71 characters including spaces and the starting "//".
- The job name must be present, and must be no more than 8 letters long. The word "JOB" must begin at the 12th character on the line. Add spaces if your job name is less than 8 letters long.
- Put your username in all caps after NOTIFY=.
- MAIN is the front page, DIARY is the diaries page, STOR is an individual story, and COMM is comments. Set IDXT to the desired format.
- OFFSET is the offset on the MAIN or DIAR pages. It functions like the "Next 18" link at the bottom of the page.
Maximum value is 18. Set OFFSET to 0 for the current front page.
- There must be exactly 8 spaces between the "//" and DISP or SPOOL.
- //* and /* */ represent comments.
- Sometimes a problem in the computer will prevent your job from being processed. If the error message doesn't indicate a JCL syntax problem, just resubmit it.
- ADDENDUM:
- DISP indicates how many stories to display, with a maximum value of 18.
- Check your syntax - look for extra space a the end of your commands and remove it.
- This document replaces the previous.
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If something goes wrong, don't worry. The system will tell you exactly what went wrong in clear, easy to understand language. Just refer to Publication GZ28-1466-9, WEB/360 JCL Reference.
Remember, this is just a demonstration of the coming changes. I can't promise a firm date, but we should be moved over to the new system within three weeks. After that, Daily Kos will be fully WEB/360 enabled. A legacy "web browser" interface will be kept for a time, but it will be dropped at a future date, probably four weeks from now. A manual will be published to assist utilizing the site before that time.