Q: Is there a NeXT bulletin board for people who don't have access to the Internet?
A: CompuServe has had a NeXT forum since May 1991. CompuServe is accessible by modem worldwide. In most of America, it's a local phone call.
Users in France can log on to CompuServe Limited Edition by using the "dial-it" phone number, 3617 COMPU, on the videotex system, Minitel. They're also able to access the service via the online menus of Le Nouvel Observateur (a media group specializing in online videotex services in Europe).
The following information was provided by David Bowdish of the Rocky Mountain NeXT User's Group.
The NeXT Forum is the FIRST forum to open on CompuServe that is solely dedicated to
a single workstation platform--NeXT!
CompuServe, one of the first computer information services in the
country, is accessible from around the world and is accessible by a local
phone number by over 90% of the American population. CompuServe has 640,000
members worldwide.
THE FORUM:
The forum contains three parts: Message Section, Library Section, & Conference.
Message Section: This section allows you to leave messages, announcements,
questions, answers, and general NeXT trivia.
Library Section: This section (like an archive site) offers a place to upload
and download programs and other files in any on of several catagories.
Conference Section: This section allows for "live" computer conferences with
other NeXTer's from around the country (world). Conferences will be scheduled
on a regular basis.
COMPUSERVE ADVANTAGE:
Until now, the only way that NeXTer's could get together via modem nationally,
has been through Internet. However, Internet's access is limited and most of
the new purchasers of NeXT do not have access to Internet, Usenet, or ftp'ing.
On CompuServe over 90% of the NeXT users will have local number access where
they can ask questions, get programs and information, and exchange idea's with
other NeXT users. Much like an national user's group, only better.
HOW DO I GET ACCESS?
This is the easy part. CompuServe has set up a special program for NeXTer's.
CompuServe will give you a FREE membership and $15.00 usage credit to get
familiar with the system. There is no obligation and you may cancel your account
at anytime.
For this special offer call: (800) 848-8199 and ask for representative #235.
They will set you up with the free membership and the $15.00 credit.
The menu structure of Compuserve is intuitive and easy to use. If you are
looking for something in particular just type "find" and the name and hit
<return>.
ACCESSING THE NEXT FORUM:
After logging on, type "go nextforum" and follow the directions. That's all
there is to it.
CONCLUSION:
This is the first CompuServe forum dedicated entirely to a single workstation
platform (Sun doesn't even have a forum). If it is to be a success it needs
your participation and the participation of other NeXTer's. For many, this is
their only access to quick information, freeware programs, special information
files relating to the NeXT, and "live" conferencing with other NeXT users.
The NeXT forum is a relaxed, friendly place where both the beginner and the
advanced user will find something valuable. So if you want to make better use
of your NeXT or if you only want to "meet" with other NeXT users call the
number above and join today.
A FINAL COMMENT:
CompuServe has over 200 forums for all kinds of interests, an Electronic Mall
that is free of connect time, hundreds of information sources including daily
news from AP, Washington Post, Reuter's, and UPI. You also can send email to
other CompuServe members or to Internet, MCI, Telex, or by fax. (You can even
compose and mail an old-fashioned letter that will be sent from the nearest
of seven locations around the country).
David Bowdish
76711.143@compuserve.com
Sysop of the NeXT Forum
rmNUG NeWS Editor
Rocky Mountain NeXT User's Group (rmNUG) Executive board member
