Msg: 183 *Conference*

07-08-91 01:23:24

From: RICHARD HANSON

To : ALL

Subj: BOARDWATCH

-----
For the first time in a long time, I'm out, scouting around on other BBSs.  I'm
doing research on what it's like to be "new" on a BBS.  I want to feel the
frustration, first hand--the uncertainty; the overwhelm; the excitement; the
sense of adventure; the feeling of money spent on long distance calls.
 
I'm online at 2400 baud but it feels so slow.  God!  What would it be like at
(gasp!) 300 baud?  Hey.  I've been there but I "forgot" what it was like.
 
I decided to log onto Boardwatch Magazine's BBS.  They've been online for
several years.  I subscribe to Boardwatch and decided to call the editor, Jack
Rickard (by voice) and discuss the "state of the BBS" with him.  Jack and I had
a nice chat last week.  Actually, he suggested that I look around on his BBS,
since both of us are TBBS sysops.
 
I waited until the weekend when the rates are low and logged on.  My first log
was just to see the prompts.  I logged on and logged off.  Then, I built an
auto-loggon script for Procomm and logged on, again.  This time, I started
capturing menus and informational files.  I logged on and off several times,
each time capturing more "organizational" stuff.  Each time going deeper and
deeper into the system.  I'm using my word processing program(s) to organize
everything into a "system binder" for future use of the Boardwatch service.
I've got over 100 pages, and there's still "tons" more.  Wow!  I am
overwhelmed.  The sheer volumn of "stuff" is unreal.
 
I could go on but won't.  I'm doing this BBS thing, my way.  But, is my way the
only way?  I don't know.  I need your feedback.  What do you do to "understand"
a new BBS?  What activities are "real" for you and what is not?  Describe the
"ideal" BBS.  -Rick-