Ever feel just a little bit isolated in your efforts to develop Macintosh Software? I think that’s an emotion most Macintosh developers have felt now and then. Life is not as difficult as it was back in 1984, but unless you work for a large software firm, it’s just plain difficult to brainstorm with a colleague about how to solve that latest problem. There are some great sources of information out there now (notably MacTutor and the Mousehole BBS, AppleLink, and some really great books), but I guess I feel there’s room for more.
For about a year now I have run a BBS system to provide support to my users. This system has been well received, but the number of problems to solve has been many fewer than expected (a major, unexpected delight to be sure) the net result being that the system lays dormant most of the time. Couple this with the needs of developers I mentioned in the first paragraph, and the solution seemed obvious.
I have altered my BBS to support two separate activities, support for my users and a Macintosh developers’ forum. In the past I have referred to my BBS as an Electronic Mail System (EMS) because it is message based, rather than file based. To be sure, you can upload and download files, they are merely associated with a message (which should describe them). The system is evolving, so suggestions are welcome.
The basics:
2400, 1200 or (if you must) 300 bps. 8 bits, no parity, 1 stop bit. 24 hours, 7 days per week. (716) 759-8071
The fee:
Well, yes, there is a $5.00 registration fee to help cover expenses.
The pitch:
Think of it as an online programmers’ journal. Or think of it as a great place to meet other developers. Or think of it as a budget source of shareware & source code. Give it a shot. In a few months, I think we’ll have something really valuable.
Current message sections:
Pascal/MacApp, C & C++, System 7, HyperMedia (HyperCard, SuperCard etc.), User Interface Issues, General Discussion, MS/DOS & Connectivity, and Feedback.
Possible future message sections:
Databases (4th Dimension, Helix, Foxbase, Clipper etc.), Utilities, From Apple (select goodies from the developer CDs including the latest system software), Online Developers’ Journal, etc.
We are also working on a friendlier front end to the system, and other surprises.
This is a “no fluff” BBS (but that doesn’t mean we can’t have some fun…) for every level of Macintosh developer, programmer, hardware and software designers. Let’s get connected!
