BBS Etiquette

     Calling local or national BBS systems offers an opportunity to expand
     your horizons make new friendsand interact sometimes anonymously
     with scores of other users   Going online can release your
     inhibitions allowing you to take on a new personality and express
     yourself more freely   This has some real benefits but it can also
     lead to lapses of good taste you may later regret 

     Even the way you use the BBS itself can be a source of concern   Do
     the wrong thing and you could cause a system crash an unforgivable
     sin 

     Many sysops find themselves agonizing over what takes place on their
     systems   They don't want to deny access to users who abuse
     privileges but sometimes they have no other option.   Recent libel
     lawsuits have held sysops responsible for their user actions 

     Fortunately it is easy to avoid the most common online faux pas 
     Here's a set of basic modem manners that will make you welcome on 		         
     any BBS 

     When leaving messages public or private on a BBS use the same
     language you would use with a friend   Obscenities are strictly bush
     league theres always a better way to make your point   Similarly 
     avoid personal attacks against other users   It s okay to disagree
     with another user but don't resort to name calling or flaming others
     in your messages 

     Watch your private E Mail messages too   Most BBS software doesn t
     allow complete privacy   Chances are the sysop can read ALL messages
     left on the system   Most sysops can t do this but keep your E Mail
     within the bounds of decency 

    Keep your hormones in check as well   Sexual harassment in E-Mail
    messages is an all too common problem in the BBS community   If you've
    ever wondered why there are so few women online this is a major
    reason 

     Most systems have an unpopular member or two who use the message
     areas as forums for interminable diatribes on religious or political
     issues   Don't be tempted into responding it only encourages them 

     Avoid sloppy spelling grammar and punctuation in online messages 
     too  Take time to write clear readable messages   Remember that your
     putting your words on possibly hundreds of computer screens 

     The sysop is the ruler of the BBS domain   In most cases the BBS
     is an expensive and time consuming hobby   Developing a good
     relationship with the sysop just makes good sense 

     Every BBS has there own set of rules aside from these which are
     usually spelled out in a bulletin somewhere on the system   In most
     cases these rules make sense and are easy to follow   Break them
     regularly and you may find yourself without access 


     The first time you call most systems even those that allow
     nicknames you'll be asked for your name and phone
     number   Don t give false information the sysop will find out and
     deny you access to the BBS 

     Take time to read bulletins and help screens on the system   Not
     only will this eliminate confusion but it will also help you get more
     from your time online   Before sending a message to the sysop asking
     for help try solving problems yourself 

      IF you do need to ask for help with a problem be sure to give all
     the details   Tell the sysop what terminal program you re using what
     kind of CPU what protocol if an upload or download question and  
     describe the problem completely including any messages you say on    
     your screen  Simply saying can t download any files isn t enough 

     When using a systems message tools you have an opportunity to
     help the sysop  After you ve read messages addressed to yourself 
     especially private ones delete them 

      When its time to hang up always use the Goodbye command in the
     BBS menu  usually G  Using your communications program hang up
     command could crash the BBS software 

     Take a moment now and then to let the sysop know that you
     appreciate having access to the BBS 

     When downloading files don t abort the process unnecessarily   If
     you must stop a transfer in progress use your software command to
     end the transfer and then use the BBS s command usually CONTROL X to
     signal the cancelled transfer   Dropping the connection with your
     software hang - up command could cause a fatal crash 

     Let the sysop know if there s a problem with a file you ve
     downloaded   It is impossible for most sysops to run every piece of
     software uploaded   If you like a program post a review on the BBS as
     a public message 

     Before uploading a file make sure the program you re going to
     upload is recent and not already available on the BBS   Upload only
     those files you ve tested and found useful.

     ABOVE ALL NEVER NEVER UPLOAD A COMMERCIAL PROGRAM   In a number
     of cases sysops have been prosecuted for software piracy after a user
     has uploaded a commercial program   If youre not sure of a file keep
     it off the phone lines   Also before uploading any program use a
     virus detection program to check for viruses