Msg: 2474 *Conference*
04-24-92 01:26:11
From: RICHARD HANSON
To : LEX JENKINS
Subj: REPLY TO MSG #2468 (BBS NETWORKS)
Lex: I've thought about networking Club 100 many times over the years. Since I'm using TBBS Multiline I can pretty much network onto just about anything. That's what you get when you spend $1,000 for a host program... quality and lots of options. In fact, I can do so much more with this host program that it would make your head spin. However, I've decided to keep it simple and focused. Probably the biggest reasons I've had for networking is, 1) The total cost of networking (more than just the phone call... much more!), and 2) The potential for loss of focus and loss of income. I hate to bring up the word "income" but for too many years I personally picked up the cost of this BBS's operations. I can tell you plenty of stories about the takers vs. the givers. It's a ration of 10,000 to 1. I can say, however, that 1991 was the first year that the BBS has ever paid for its direct operatin g costs and replacements. Remember, I started BBSing in 1980 and have picked up the cost for 10 years. However, the BBS's income does not even come close to paying management time for either myself or any of the staff members assistance. For instance: Look at the time stamp on this message. I've worked the club since 8:30 yesterday morning, taught a class at the federal prison that evening from 5:30 to 8:45 and now I'm finishing up the day with e-mail maintenance. This is not a brag. All I'm saying is as the organization grows, as it would--dramatically--if I network, I will gain no more income but my maintenance will square, i.e., management^2. In fact, this is the problem facing BMUG in Berkeley, the largest Macintosh user group in the world. They're so networked that the BBS is a drastic drain on their income. And, attempts to charge even the most meager amount met with a level of anger that you would not believe. I know this because they [BMUG management] asked me if I was interested in managing their BBS into a profit center. This was last year. I declined. I'm not ruling out networking, or online chat, or anything else as I explore new vistas. All ideas are on the table right now. Growth is at hand. A new era dawns, soon. However, whatever it is, Club 100 will remain in as pure a state as possible. Viva the Model 100. -Rick-