In addition to the other posts, I'd like to mention it's safer to always use $read(file,n). The n switch prevents variables and identifiers in the line from being evaluated.

Evaluation means if you have $me in the file, using //echo $read(file) will show your current nickname. This can easily turn to be harmful if you allow other users to add quotes to the database with a command.

If, for example, they know your password is stored in %mypass they can add a "quote" with that variable, and requesting the quote will cause your password to be displayed on their screen.

Or even worse, if a bad guy puts a harmful identifier (like $findfile() with a /remove command that will be executed on any file found) inside a quote, the identifier will be evaluated next time your script $read's it, and you'll will end up with your hard drive being wiped crazy