I feel the same way I see the local BBS's dying on the vine as Net Access becomes cheaper and easier. The Net accessable BBS's will be with us for a time but what will happen as html becomes more BBS like? Eventually you will visit a "site" that has all the functionality of a BBS. If you think about it you have already seen sites that have UD's (they call it FTP), and you have seen sites where you can post albeit crudely at this time. Text info is no problem (there is your library function) and chat and newsgroups are also an integral part of the web. It seems to me you already have all the functionality to a limited degree of a bbs. What will happen when someone finally puts it all together??
When and if Telefinder Server (and other hobby programs) supports PPP then you have a dialup to the net that is affordable for BBS operators. What will happen to internet service providers then. Certainly the prices will go down again from the $19.95 a month to perhaps $14.95 or even maybe as low as $9.95 a month.
Sure their will always be a demand for local bbs's but mostly by youngsters who can't afford access to the net. There will also always be specialty bbs's where you can get specialty services. I believe that the net connected systems will be the future.
Some of you may notice in the userlog a considerable amount of Brazilian names, European names, a few Japanese and even a few Chinese. While these guys aren't into heavy posting they are regulars of the system now. I think it is cool to be able to share resources internationally.
