          Welcome to the COMPUTER ASSOCIATES OF LOUISIANA BBS!

        So you're new at this.....  Confusing, isn't it?  Don't worry,
it all gets LOTS easier, and does it quickly.

        The real key to learning how to telecommunicate (how's THAT for
a two-bit word!) is to just dive in and do it.  Don't worry if you mess
things up, 'cause they're really pretty foolproof on this end.  When I
first started calling BBSes, it took me about six months to build up the
nerve to post a message.  I hope you'll be more daring.

        I know the BBS can be intimidating, especially when you get
around to the national conferences and file transfers.  At first, stick
to the local message areas.  That way your errors won't be transmitted
around the world.  The people in Australia and Singapore get a little
upset over paying long distance to transmit messages that should be left
locally, like a letter to your "significant other", or a question about
how to play an online game!

        If you get stuck, Page the Sysop (System Operator -- that's me).
If I'm around, I'll break in and we can type to each other in a "live"
session. I'm not usually here, though, so don't hesitate to leave me a
message. The easiest way is to leave a "Comment to the Sysop" in the New
User or Termination menu.  The subject should be something to make me
want to read the message (like HELP!!!!!).  Be sure to <S>ave your
message after you're finished.  Don't worry about spelling, punctuation,
or anything like that.  I'm not an English teacher.

        BTW (that means By The Way), Computer Associates specializes in
training new computer users in a friendly, easily understood manner, so
give us a call at 504-868-9904!  Have fun!

                                Rick Luquette, System Operator
                                Computer Associates of Louisiana BBS

