This file describes the WadRegistryID number system.
NOTE:
   SEE ALSO EXAMPLE.PDF for the new "Pwad Description File Format" used in
   describing the contents of a pwad.  A PDF file should be distributed with
   any pwad files using the same name as the pwad, but with a .PDF extension.
   This method replaces the old .TXT file method for pwad file descriptions.

What is a WadRegistryID?
   A WadRegistryID number is a number given to a person who creates pwad
   (DOOM/DOOM2 maps etc) that identifies him/her in the name of the pwad.
   This naming convention is better because for authors, it is often hard
   to come up with unused names to upload his work to the internet etc.  It's
   easier for the user because if he has downloaded one of your maps before,
   and likes it, then all he need do to find more of your maps on the net
   is look for your WadRegistryID in the pwad name.  Also, since the names
   are often sorted in alphbetical order in file lists, an authors files
   will be grouped together because he will always use the first 5 characters
   of the pwad filename as his ID, and the last 3 as a sequencial index (in
   hexidecimal (max=4096)).  We have been trying to standardize pwad naming
   for a while now, and have found this to be the method to use.  Since
   many people have since "registered" (we now have 1,556 registered authors)
   we won't be changing the method.  Of course, by using this method, there
   can only be one database of registered authors (or linked ones:) so all
   authors must register at the same place (described below).

What is the format of the WadRegistryID?
   The format used is pretty simple, but allows for up to 60,466,176 authors
   to register, and provides the author with up to 4,096 Pwad files.  Here's
   how it works... The registryID number consist of 5 characters, each
   character can be 0-9 or A-Z and are given out in sequncial sequence.  For
   example, my ID number is JOHNB.  The first registered id is 00000, the 2nd
   person's ID number is 00001, and the 36th person's id is 0000Z and so on.
   When giving your pwad a name, you simple enter your 5 character id number
   as the first 5 characters, then a sequencial index number in hexidecimal
   for the last 3 digits.  For example, if your id number is 00XY and this is
   your first pwad that you will be uploading, the filename will be
   000XY000.WAD.  If this was your 11th pwad file it would be named
   000XY00A.WAD and so on.  Using this method not only identifies the author
   of the pwad, but also avoids duplicate names for pwads over the internet
   etc.  The author is responsible for maintaining the index number of the
   pwad file (the last 3 characters of the file name).  Therefor, you should
   keep track of the index numbers you have used.  If you don't know how to
   create a hex index number, just go into "Windows Calculator" (make sure
   it's in scientific mode) and type in the number using normal (Dec) numbers
   then click on the "Hex" checkbox and use the last 3 digits that you see
   as the last 3 digits of your pwad file name.  For example, if this is
   the 126th pwad file you have made, type in 125 and click on "Hex" and then
   the last 3 digits (07D) will be the last 3 digits in your pwad file name.
   (So...if your id is 000XY and this is pwad file number 07D, your pwad file
   name will be 000XY07D.WAD).  So...the pwad file name is structured as;
      WadRegistryID  - First 5 characters
      FileIndex      - Last 3 characeters
      Extension      - 3 characters following the '.' (.WAD)

      Some examples:
      WadRegistryID  FileIndex      Result
      89ABC          9AB            89ABC9AB.WAD
      01234          FFF            01234FFF.WAD (This would be you last map!)
      ZZZZZ          00F            ZZZZZ00F.WAD (Last posible author id!)

   Since most file viewers display filenames in alphabetical order, all your
   pwad files will be grouped together when the user is browsing through
   them (and there are a lot of them out there).  So for example, if your
   ID was 000XY a user could easily pick your maps out of the following list:

      Pwad File List
      0000000F.WAD
      000AB001.WAD
      000AB002.WAD
      000AB004.WAD
      000XY000.WAD
      000XY001.WAD
      000XY002.WAD
      000XY003.WAD
      00ZZZ00A.WAD
      00ZZZ00B.WAD
      00ZZZ00C.WAD
   NOTE:  Just like personalized licence plates for your car, you can request
      a personalized ID number.  However, since there can be NO DUPLICATES,
      it's first come, first serve.  If you register quickly, you might get
      your requested id, however if it is already in use, one will be assigned
      to you as generated by the software used in maintaining these id's.
      Please do not submit any more than 5 posible id's (in that we mean,
      don't send more than 5 posible id's).  REMEMBER!  You only have
      5 characters to work with and ALL 5 CHARACTERS MUST BE USED!
      (You can't have an id like "BOB", it must be "BOBBY" or "00BOB" etc).

   NOTE2:   If you think that you will be uploading more than 4,096 pwad files
   (And I'd find that hard to believe:), you can request 2 id's.  This should
   be done when registering for the first time (in other words, please don't
   get an id now, then 6 months later get another one).  You can still request
   a personalized id, but try to keep them sequencial (in other words, don't
   request DAVID and DAVEB, request something like DAVE1 and DAVE2).

How do I get a WadRegistryID?
   Send email to:  jbayley@barint.on.ca and include your full name and an
   email address where we can send your id number to.  Once you receive your
   ID number, you can start using it right away!
   NOTE:  Other suppliers will be available once the database is linked up.
         If you would like to be a WadRegistryID supplier (this is a volenteer
         service, no pay:), write to jbayley@barint.on.ca for supplier
         software (requires Windows 95) and a supplier ID number.

   Thanx...John Bayley

