Support Your Local SYSOP
                       Copyright 1988 David W. Batterson

    The attitudes of the "me generation" have caused many outstanding
computer bulletin board systems to bite the dust.  Specifically, the problem
comes from what I call the "gimme brats" out there.
    Gimme brats (adults included) are those users who call up, check
for personal mail, read the bulletins, download some public domain software
or text files, and log off.  Such users rarely give anything back to the
BBSs.
    The gimme brats say:  gimme answers to my technical problems, gimme new
sub-boards, gimme new software (I've downloaded all you have!) and gimme
more access time.  And gimme a quick response when I leave feedback for the
SYSOP (usually COMPLAINTS, not compliments).
    Am I being too cynical?  Perhaps.  When you get the FEW good users on a
BBS, it almost makes all the money and effort worth it.  But BBS users have
become spoiled by the huge amount of boards available.  If they get
kicked off or tired of one, they just call another.
    If users want to keep quality BBSs operating, they must begin to
realize that BBSing is a two-way operation; it requires giving back to the
system in order to make it thrive.
    Lame excuses (I've heard them all!) don't cut it:  "I don't have time to
post bulletins," "I don't have anything to say," "Can I upload Space Zombies
From Mars?" [NO!--public domain or shareware ONLY!], "I just called up to
check my mail and new bulletins," etc. ad nauseum.
    One of the most dedicated SYSOPs around is Norm Strassner, who runs a BBS
called Videoman in Los Angeles, which has about 350 regular users.  [Modem # is
(213) 666-8588.]
    Strassner agrees that "some users expect so much and give so little.
Videoman offers more information of practical use than 99% of the boards out
there.  I don't ask for thanks, I just ask for information-in-kind."
    He calls the lack of uploads "my major gripe.  PC Pursuit 'looky-loos'
are a pain because they take up a lot of time on those flat phone rates."
    We ALL have something to offer others.  It can be information on hobbies:
 stamp collecting, pottery, raising horses, photography or whatever.  We can
give our opinions on movies, books, TV, politicians, hardware/software, the
price of eggplant, or civil liberties issues.
    Another problem is the use of handles.  Sure, they are fun I suppose.
But hiding behind a pseudonym allows one to attack others anonymously--a
gutless tactic--or to leave obscene bulletins.
    Real names, addresses and phone numbers should be demanded by all SYSOPs,
and verified if there is any suspicion.
    Another pet peeve SYSOPs have:  users who call up and post ads.  These
people never offer anything, and are just looking for a free ride.
    How many BBSs are there across the country?  Heavy online user Steve
Cisler, editor of Connect newsletter, says that estimating the number of BBSs
is "like counting fruit flies--just too volatile to be accurate."  He once
"heard a number of 20,000, but that was pulled out of a hat."
    If we want quality BBSs to remain and flourish, then users must
participate actively, not passively (a BBS couch potato).  Post bulletins,
upload non-commercial software, send mail to lots of users--you don't get
mail unless you SEND some--and take time to thank the SYSOPs for their
efforts.
    Support your local BBS and your local SYSOP!
                                       #
David Batterson is a computer writer/consultant, and was co-SYSOP of a
now-defunct BBS called "Hollywood Midnight Express."  This article appeared
in somewhat different form in March '88 PC WORLD, under a pen name.