about ripe.db on ftp.ripe.net

>> objects, I was wondering if they were removed due to spam issues or=20
>> something, since they're accessible through normal whois.ripe.net=20
>> query's (which are bound to massive querying limits).
>> Could someone shed some light into this matter?
>
>Afaik they where removed because people used them for mass marketing
>(thus including spam).

  Exactly.


  There's probably more than one way to still do what you think is useful
  or necessary:

  - try to select from the inet[6]num split files those entries which are
    "interesting" and query the contacts from the live DB (subject to Q
    limits - see next bullet)

  - talk to the DB operators (ripe-dbm at ripe.net), explain to them what you
    inted to do, and why, and get an exemption from the Q-limit

  - talk to the DB operators and explain what your want to do, and why,
    and ask for access to the "missing" person,... split file.
    This might solve your problem if you want to perform a snapshot
    analsys

  - if you want to run your analysis on a more regular basis, then getting
    an NRTM[1] set up at your site might be a better solution. 
    This requires a formal agreement with the NCC about the DO's and
    DON'Ts, again talk to ripe-dbm.

[1] Near(ly) Real Time Mirror.

  Hth,
  Wilfried                                     ( https://cert.aco.net/ )
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