NETWORK ARTICLE FROM AWAUG BBS which contains basic 
information on the ADAM NATIONWIDE BBS NETWORK WHICH HAS 
RECENTLY COME INTO EXISTENCE.
 
Since I was capturing this file at 1200 and the disk drive 
runs slower than the modem (or something like that) I do 
sometimes get jumbled letters, which I have tried to correct 
but some may still appear.  Apparently the letters are 
coming faster than the disk can store them and they run 
together (or something).
 
Enter Filename>NETWORK.ART

                      THE ADAM BBS NETWORK

 
We have embarked on a new adventure:  the linkage of all 
ADAM 
Bulletin Board Systems (BBS') in the USA.  Our objective is 
to be 
able to contact any one of the dozen or so ADAM BBS' and be 
able 
to read bulletins and messages from all other BBS' and 
leave 
messages for members of any of the BBS' and expect to have 
the 
message answered within a reasonable period of time. 
Is it 
possible?  Well, it is in operation right now!
 
First of all we needed an inexpensive means of using 
the long 
distance lines for extensive periods of time as we download 
and 
upload message and bulletin files.  The answer we found 
is a 
system called "STARLINK" which uses the TYMNET long 
distance 
lines and packet switching service.  During non-prime time 
(8 pm 
to 6 am) calls can be made at $1.50 per hour (plus $10.50 
per 
month flat charge) anywhere in the country.  That's less 
than 3 
cents per minute plus the flat monthly fee.
 
Second we needed the cooperation of ADAM BBS Systems 
Operators. 
That was the easy part!!  Real champions for the concept 
emerged 
immediately.  John Lingrel of the AKRON BBS (who sparked the 
idea 
in the first place - yes I know it was discussed long ago, 
but 
John is the one who showed us how to do it) The next few 
sentences were lost but I think they were indicating that 
Herman Mason &/or Alan Neeley worked on this from the aspect 
of the 
r all the A-NET BBS' 
around the country and distributed the idea and the software 
for 
other BBS operators to join the NETWORK.  Larry Overman and 
Bart 
"ZONKER" Lynch who championed the concept in California 
and 
Washington State, respectively, and continue to help define 
and 
expand the ADAM BBS NETWORK.  Barry Wilson and Al 
Fitsgerald of 
the St Louis ADAM Users Group, who have pressed hard for a 
long 
time to achieve a National Association of Adam users and who 
also 
provide continued support and materials for the concept. 
And, 
software developer, Tony Morehen (of Canada) who is 
rewriting 
the AWAUG, AKRON and SO CALIF BBS' to better accomodate 
the 
Network.  There are others too who are joining and 
innovating new 
features for the NETWORK at this time.
 
With this support, we anticipate that the NETWORK will 
grow. 
Where it will wind up is another matter that only time will 
tell. 
In th enie eaepodt noneta h WU B hs 
endsgae steAA B EWR ETA. t is the focal 
point for the distribution of messages and bulletins.  If 
you 
would like for your local ADAM BBS to participate, call Bob 
Blair 
on (703) 971-6465 or contact any of the above mentioned BBS' 
and 
let us know about your favorite ADAM BBS and how we can 
contact 
them.  AWAUG has a standing offer:  Any established ADAM 
Users 
Group that does not have a BBS, or any ADAM BBS that 
operates at 
only 300 baud, can receive a free 1200 baud AVATEX HC modem 
for 
use on their BBS if they join the NETWORK for one year.  If 
the 
BBS discontinues operation on the NETWORK, it is to be 
returned - 
with no charge.  Beyond one year, they keep it.  This 
offer is 
available regardless of the type of BBS software used as 
long as 
it operates on the ADAM.
 
You know?  Things are really getting interesting around 
here!

                                             by Bob Blair

 


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