Subj : Early 90s Fido
To   : AUGUST ABOLINS
From : JOE MACKEY
Date : Mon Feb 01 2021 05:24:20

  Aug wrote ---
 
> In the early times, some sysops were very protective of their  
> user base.

  Ah yes, we had those here as well.

> During the dialup days, I would just try to call any  
> system that didn't have a busy signal. One tended to be easier  
> to connect to than many of the others

  Yep.
 
> I'd hang around and post messages to find out what other BBSes the users liked to visit.

  At one time we had about 20 boards (that I know of) here in the
Huntington, WV area.
  A few were open, but several one had to apply to use them. Had to give
your name, address, age, and so forth then wait for the SYOPS to grant
permission and some one could only read (and not reply) for a period of time.
  Some boards were mainly for games, others for this or that field of
interest, etc.
  I was never into games but more general areas.
  A few offered a little more than just local stuff.
  Not wanting to run up my phone bill and depleting my bank account I
learned the local university offered free internet access.  This was around 1996
or '97.  
  One had to apply, in person, with paperwork, as to why they wanted
access.  It wasn't just to surf.  Then the application had to pass through several
people before it was approved or denied.
  I was about to be denied, since not associated with the university until
I mentioned a fella's name I was told by him to use and approved.  Now
access is given out like candy at Halloween.
  I also recall the times when academics in their ivoried towers complained
about all the peasants were suddenly flooding their sacred places and how
horrible that was.  :)
  Joe
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 * Origin: Fido Since 1991 | QWK by Web | BBS.FIDOSYSOP.ORG (1:123/140)

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