Msg: 4605 *Conference*

08-16-93 23:04:38

From: RICHARD HANSON

To : CHARLES WENDY

Subj: REPLY TO MSG #4604 ("BBSING")

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Charles: Your question about BBSing is worth open discussion.  Simply put, a
BBS is like an interactive answering machine.

From an equipment point of view a simple BBS (host) requires very little
processing power.  Any and all computers, regardless of size, speed, RAM,
storage, etc., may be used as a BBS host computer.  In fact, there are some BBS
programs in our library that turn a Model 100 into a host.

From a programming point of view, just about any terminal program may be turned
into a host program, e.g., PROCOMM has a very capable host mode.  A dedicated
host program provides menu features that the system operator (sysop) may use to
build the various menu presentations--much like building blocks.

Most successful, fun BBS's are dedicated to a specific interest.  It's not
uncommon for a sysop to be "into" a hobby, and dedicate his BBS to the support
of that hobby.  Then, with a little bit of local marketing, you will attract
individuals of like interest.  Another way to build a successful, fun BBS is to
make it part of an existing club.  That way there's a built in audience right
from the first day.

The Club 100 BBS--this host--is run on a DOS clone, 8mhz, 8088 XT with 640K RAM
and a 40MB drive that is less then 1/4 full, and a monochrom screen.  The host
software is TBBS v2.2 16, with the Sysom modual v1.0, both by eSoft, Aurora,
CO, running on DOS 4.something... I forget... who cares!  I use a 4 port
Digiboard, 4 modems, and 4 phone lines on hunting.  That's it!  With this
simple set up, the Club 100 BBS supports over 1000 people in its userlog at any
one time, and can support many, many more.  Most of the time, this host sits
unused.  Line 1 and 2 get a lot of use.  Line 3 comes into play only a few
times a week, and line 4 rarely gets used.

There are a few magazines around, like BABBA and Boardwatch, both dedicated to
BBSing.  If you do some library research, you will find articles in most of the
major computer magazines on the subject.  There are a few books on the subject,
as well.  Any well stocked book store will have something.

It's easy to get started.  Although you may start a BBS by simply putting your
existing computer into host mode in the evenings when you are not using it, but
that usually doesn't work so good.  Most of us computer-types tend to do our
best work in the evenings--we want and need our computer.  The very best way to
start BBSing is to go out and get a simple DOS computer and a simple, shareware
host program like RBBS and dedicate that computer to "a" phone line--maybe even
2 lines, i.e., COM1 and COM2.  Phone lines are cheap.  You can usually have
your local phone company put a few more lines into your home by simply telling
them that you need a few more for your kids.  The installation will run you a
few bucks, but the monthly nut will be under $10/month; with hunting.

Next, you need to play with your BBS's presentation to make it consistant.
Don't try to be perfect the first time out.  Believe me, after 14 years as a
host operator, I am constantly messing with my BBS; and it still ain't perfect.
So have fun.  Experiment.  

Lastly, refer to the above ideas about dedication to some personal interest.
Keep it fun and interesting.  And by all means, do not think you are going to
strike it rich as a host operator.  You might hit onto something--that's for
sure--but most of the time you will just hum along; having fun, making friends.

Hope this helps.  Good luck... future sysop!  -Rick-

FYI: This BBS does not make a profit.  In fact, I'm lucky if it loses less then
$500 a year.