Instead of this debate -- why not spec what the software does and start an open source project to replicate its functionality.

Because this is a one-instance project. It does not bring much to opensource it and have 5 different people working on it in 5 directions, because ultimately we need one instance that governs the AMPRnet. Even when we want to replicate it for redundancy, those copies need to run the same code or at least would have to have exactly the same functionality.

Having said that, it appears to be a pretty mundane LAMP project and it has taken way more time to discuss about the developments it needs than it would have taken to actually do those developments. Maybe writing the specs and starting from scratch is not such a bad idea, especially when done by someone who can actually spend some time on it.

I would have favoured integrating it with another AMPRnet application, HamnetDB, but unfortunately it appears its developer has just as little spare time, so that probably would be a tough project as well.

Rob