textfiles/messages/BACKWATER/bw821105.txt

NUMBER OF LINES: 629 
1 TO SEE MESSAGES PLEASE TYPE 'HELP' OR 'LIST'
2 WELCOME TO BWMS (BACKWATER MESSAGE SYSTEM)  MIKE DAY  SYS OP
3 ************************* REMOVED: 5 NOV 82 *****************************
4 GENERAL DISCLAIMER: BWMS IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY INFORMATION PLACED ON
5                     THIS SYSTEM.
7 BWMS WAS CREATED AS AN ELECTRONIC BILL BOARD. BWMS IS A PRIVATLY OWNED
8 AND OPERATED SYSTEM WHICH IS CURRENTLY OPEN FOR USE BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
9 NO RESTRICTIONS ARE PLACED ON THE USE OF THE SYSTEM.
10 IT IS INTENDED THAT THE SYSTEM IS NORMALLY USED FOR MESSAGES AND 
11 ADVERTISMENTS BY THE USERS. AS THE SYSTEM IS PRIVATLY OWNED, I RETAIN THE
12 RIGHT TO REMOVE ANY AND ALL MESSAGES FROM THE SYSTEM WHICH ARE OFFENSIVE
13 TO ME. ADDITIONALLY BECAUSE OF THE LIMITED SIZED OF THE SYSTEM, IT WILL BE
14 PERIODICALLY PURGED OF OLDER MESSAGES. (ONLY 629 LINES AF DATA CAN BE SAVED)
16 TO LEAVE A MESSAGE, TYPE 'ENTER' AND USE CTRL/C OR BREAK TO GET OUT
17 OF THE ENTER MODE. THE MESSAGE IS AUTOMATICLY STORED.
18 IF AFTER ENTERING THE MESSAGE YOU FIND YOU MADE A MISTAKE,
19 USE THE REPLACE COMMAND TO REPLACE THE LINE.
21 TO EXIT FROM THE SYSTEM TYPE 'OFF' THEN HANG UP
22 THIS WILL PREVENT THE FILE UNSAFE MESSAGE FROM PRINTING OUT WHEN THE
23 NEXT CALLER USES THE SYSTEM NO BIG DEAL IF YOU DON'T TURN THE SYSTEM OFF
24 IT USED TO MEAN THAT SOME DATA WAS LOST, BUT I HAVE SINCE MODIFIED THE
25 SOFTWARE SO THAT THE DATA IS NO LONGER LOST, NOW ALL THE OFF COMMAND DOES
26 IS PREVENT THE UNSAFE FILE MESAGE FROM BEING PRINTED.
27 IT WAS LEFT IN BECAUSE I NEED IT WHEN I AM CLEANING THE FILES UP.
28 ********************************************************************
29 GREETINGS!
30 WRAM Computer Corp. is carrying the  KayPro II computer and is able
31 to supply most any commercially available software with it.  If you
32 would like to see this fine machine just call us at xxx-xxxx and ask
33 for Gary.  We just got MODEM7 working and thus will be able to supply
34 all of the Public Domain software too.
35 Sometime in September WRAM will be moving to the Koll Center on Hall
36 in Beaverton and will be carrying a complete line of hardware and 
37 parts to serve the computer professional. 
38                               See you there,
39                                   Gary Grossoehme.
40 ***************************************************************************
41 Need typing, word processing, or a QUALITY Daisy-wheel print-out?
42 give us a call for those jobs that you don't want to do (or can't).
43 reasonable rates, fast expert service.
45 the ELECTRIC Pencil
46  653-xxxx
47 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
49 TO: ALL
50 WE ARE LOOKING FOR A GOOD USED TRS-80 MODEL II. WILL CONSIDER
51 ANY OFFER. CALL TOM OR DAN @ xxx-xxxx IN PORTLAND.
52 *********************************************
53 I want to change the subject for a time.  In my travels in the telephone
54 biz, I have chanced upon some interesting numbers for test purposes, etc.
55 For instance, if you want a 1004 Hz tone sent from the CO at 0 dBm (1 mW),
56 just dial any prefix followed by -1000 (e.g. 777-1000).  For a "quiet line"
57 (silent termination) use -2860 in PNB areas or -0032 for GTE (the quiet
58 line starts with a short period of 1004 Hz).  Some of the exchanges in PNB
59 have a nice sweep tone at -9999 (226-9999 works).  If you want to ring
60 your own phone, you have to know the proper prefix for your particular
61 exchange.  I only have these for 244 (521), 245 (541), 246 (551), and
62 293 (571).  The ring back is done by dialing your own suffix with the
63 special prefix.  When you have done this, you again get dial tone.  Then
64 "flash" (hold down the switch hook for about a half-second).  This will 
65 produce a higher pitched dial tone.  After you get the high tone, you can
66 hang up and your phone will ring.  You may test your TT pad by pressing all of
67 the digits 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-0 after the dial tone first returns.  If you get 2
68 beeps, you're ok.  After testing, you can flash, get high tone, and hang up
69 to get rung back.
70   If anyone else has other "ring-back prefixes" or other numbers of 
71 interest, please share them with us.  For instance, in the SF Bay area,
72 there was a pair of numbers that sounded like silent terminations, but
73 if one party dialed the first number, and another party dialed the
74 second number, they would be connected together (great for secret
75 meetings where you don't want to give out your unlisted number).
76   Also, up until a month or so ago, the audio from NBS station WWV
77 (with time standards, etc.) was available locally.  You get
78 ATB tone there now.  Anyone know what happened (or alternate number)?
79 {}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{} Analog Alan {}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}
80 %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
81 ELECTRIC FENDER LEAD II GUITAR W/CASE
82 PAID $525.00 - WILL SELL FOR $400.00
83 ROLAND CUBE 40 AMP
84 PAID $325.00 - WILL SELL FOR $250.00
85 PURCHASED LAST JANUARY - CALL: 1-206-xxx-xxxx  (VANC.)
86                            OR/ 1-206-xxx-xxxx
87 %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
88 Well, if "Wierd is Wonderful!!", then this system is                   !
89 HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
90 FROM NOVICE CLASS ADVENTURER - HELP!!!
91 DOES ANYONE OUT THERE KNOW HOW TO GET
92 PAST THE HURRICANE IN "ULYSSES AND THE
93 GOLDEN FLEECE"?
94 HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
95 TO ADVENTURE
96 YES I CAN HELP ! I HAVE PLAYED THAT
97 ADVENTURE BEFORE, IT IS A GOOD ONE.
98 TAKE THE CAN OF BEANS FROM YOUR KNAP
99 SACK. EAT THE BEANS. THEN FART AS HARD
100 AS YOU CAN. THE RESULTING WIND CAUSES
101 THE HURRICANE TO DISSIPATE, AND YOU
102 MAY CONTINUE ON TO THE NEXT OBSTACLE.
103 IF YOU HAVE ANY MORE QUESTIONS, JUST
104 ASK.
106 1)  DEC BA11-M Box.  This is a PDP-11/03-SE with the cards
107       removed.      It   has   a   4   quad-slot   backbplane,   power
108     supplies, and front panel with 'DC ON/OFF', 'HALT/RUN',
109    and 'LTC ON/OFF' switches, and 'DC ON' and 'RUN'
110    indicators.  It is rack-mountable and 3-1/2" high.
111     Price:  $700.00.  (I can steer you to relatively
112     inexpensive CPU and Memory cards, new or used.)
113 2)  Televideo 920B terminal.  The 920 has the top row of
114     function keys missing on the 912, and the B means it
115     has a Teletype-style keyboard. (C indicates Selectric-
116     style).  RS-232C and 20ma current loop interfaces,
117     Printer port, and block or conversational modes are
118     standard, as well as attributes such as "Blink",
119     "Reverse", "Underline", etc.    Price:  $500.00.
120 Both items in mint condition in original boxes.
121 Call xxx-xxxx or leave message here.                Pann
122 ***********************************************************
123 From:  Pann McCuaig
124 Re  :  Items For Sale
125 SEE ABOVE
126 ********************************************************
127 ATARIANS JOIN ***AMIGO*** ATARI MODEM INTEREST GROUP ONLINE
128 CHECK THE OTHER BBS'S FOR MORE DETAILS
129 ***************************************************************************
130 SUB: ADVENTURE   RE: HURICANE   (SEE EARLIER MESSAGE)
132 I TRIED THE FART, BUT MY OIL LAMP CAUSED THE FART TO EXPLODE
133 WHICH CAUGTH THE SAIL ON FIRE, WHICH BURNED MY SHIP TO THE WATER
134 LINE. I AM NOW TREADING WATER. NOW WHAT DO I DO?
135 ....................................................
136 CAVORTCAVORTCAVORTCAVORTCAVORTCAVORT------------------------------
137 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
138 I just got the neatest set of roms for my Televideo 950.
139 It consists of 3 32K roms that replace 2 roms in the unit.
140 In the normal mode all the function keys now do things like;
141 DIR and STAT and ERA and so forth.  In the alternate mode they
142 do things like ^KQ and ^QE and other neat things that don't mean
143 a thing unless you are using WordStar.  Also the special edit keys
144 now work like I thought they would when I bought this thing.....
145 Best $100.00 I ever spent (on hardware).
146 I got them at WRAM.
147                                  The Phantom Glitch.
149 ----------------------
150 remember
151 stress + mundaness = insanity
152 Themnax of Lananara
153 ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
154 TO: MIKE DAY
155 FM: ADAM TRENT
156 SUBJ: AMODEM AND LINKASM
157 AMODEM IS GREAT!!  I'VE ASSEMBLED IT FOR MY KAYPRO II (FM YOUR 1.05
158 OF 29JUL82).  I'VE NOT USED LINKASM BEFORE.  IT WOULD BE MOST
159 CONVENIENT IF LINKASM WOULD LET ME SAY:  LINK B:<filename>  TO LET
160 ME DRIVE-DIRECT THE OPEN OF THE NEXT SOURCE MODULE.  IT DOESN'T
161 SEEM TO WANT TO LET ME.  MUST ALL MY SOURCE MODULES BE ON DRIVE A??
162 ALSO THE AMODEM VERSION I'VE ASSEMBLED GOES TO FAIRYLAND WHEN I TYPE 
163 "HELP HELP" TO THE MAIN COMMAND INPUT--IS THIS A BUG??
164 THANKS AGAIN FOR AMODEM.   9/24/82   -   A.TRENT
165 *******************************************************************
166 TO: ADAM TRENT       FM: MIKE DAY      RE: AMODEM
167 THANKS FOR THE COMMENTS. ALAS LINKASM DOES INDEED REFUSE TO ACCEPT
168 THE DRIVE DESIGNATOR. I AS YOU AM VERY DISHARTENED BY THIS, AND I
169 CONSIDER IT A MAJOR SHORTCOMING OF AN OTHERWISE EXCELENT PROGRAM.
170 AFTER STUDYING THE MATTER FOR A WHILE I THINK THAT REASON IT WAS
171 NOT DONE, IS BECAUSE IT DOESN'T FIT INTO THE STUCTURE VARY WELL,
172 SO RATHER THEN TRY TO FORCE FIT SOMETHING WARD JUST DECIDED TO
173 DECLAIR IT INVALID AND SAY TOUGH LUCK. IT IS A SHAME AS I COULD
174 VERY DEFINATLY USE IT (I ONLY HAVE 171K ON A DRIVE, AND AMODEM
175 TAKES ALL OF THAT. I AM CURRENTLY WORKING ON VERSION 2 AND I
176 HAD TO GO BACK AND STIRIP OUT A LOT OF FANCY STUFF IN THE SOURCE
177 TO GET IT TO FIT ON ONE DISK (THAT IS ONE OF THE REASONS FOR
178 THE EXISTANCE OF THE COMPRESS PROGRAM THAT I WROTE.)
179   CONGRATES GO TO YOU !!! YOU HAVE FOUND AN ORIGINAL BUG. YES IT DOES
180 'GO AWAY' IF YOU TYPE 'HELP HELP'. IT APEARS THE ONLY WAY THAT YOU
181 CAN RECOVER FROM THIS IS TO RESET THE SYSTEM VIA THE PANIC BOTTON
182 IF YOU HAVE ONE, OR TO TURN IT OFF AND BACK ON IF NOT. I WILL FIX THIS
183 IN VERSION 1 THERE ARE A COUPLE OF OTHER MINOR BUGS IN AMODEM WHICH
184 DO NOT AFFECT ITS FUNCTIONALLITY, IF YOU ARE USEING 2K OR LARGER BLOCKS
185 UNDER 2.X CPM IT WILL MISS CALCULATE THE SIZE OF ANY FILE THAT IS LARGER
186 THEN 16K. IT ALSO WILL NOT SHOW IN THE UNSORTED DIRECTORY ANY FILES
187 LARGER THEN 16K (THE SORTED DIRECTORY AND STATUS ARE OK THOUGH).
188 THIS IS ALREADY FIXED IN VERSION 2. (I FIXED THE DIRECTORY PROBLEM
189 BY PUNTING - I TOOK IT OUT! IT WAS TO COMPLEX TO FIX, SO I DECIDED
190 THAT THE SORTED DIRECTORY, STATUS, AND FILES WERE ENOUGH INFORMATION.
191 **************************************************
192 Are there any Osborne 1 users on the East side?
193 would like to meet up with some others who find
194 it too far to go to Beaverton for user group meetings.
195                LeRoy
196 ********************************************************
197 Does anybody else~ see "~~~" show up and confuse the system?
198 ~or is it just me?
199                                   the Phantom Gli~tch
200 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
201 The moon is blue over the cheesie waves.
202 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
203 I saw this system at the OMSI Computer Faire -- amazing that you can
204 do sooooo much with so little!
205 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
206 If you own an Atari and would like a copy of a Centipede game for free, 
207 leave a message for AMIGO!!
208 ()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()
209 TO: ALL   FM: CISTOP MIKEY   RE: BWMS
210 WELL, BWMS IS BACK AFTER A LONG AND AUDIUOS (OR IS THAT ODIOUS?) 
211 TIME AT THE OMSI COMPUTER FAIR. IT DID SURVIVE, BUT BEARLY DRIVE A
212 HAS PICKED UP SOME BEARING NOISE. I OILED THE BEARINGS WHICH HELPED
213 A LITTLE, BUT I THINK ITS DAYS ARE NUMBERED. (ANYONE WANT TO BUY A
214 VERY USED SA400 5 1/4 INCH DISK DRIVE CHEAP?? $50.00??) I WASN'T TOO
215 SURPRISED AT THIS AS IT HAS BEEN GETTING NOISIER FOR SOME TIME NOW.
216 AND WHAT WITH BEING RUN CONTINUOUSLY FOR THREE DAYS, IT DIDN'T HELP
217 IT ANY. THOSE OF YOU WHO WERE AT THE FAIR AND SAW BWMS KNOW WHAT IT
218 LOOKS LIKE. (CHEAP!!) IF YOU SAW THE MACHINE AT THE SAME BOOTH THAT
219 WAS RUNNING PACMAN, THAT IS MY OWN CPM MACHINE, THE HEATH MACHINE
220 THAT WAS RUNNING ADVENTURE WAS NOT MINE, BUT A CARBON COPY OF MY
221 H-8 THAT RUNS BEHIND BWMS (WITH THE EXCEPTION THAT MY H-8 HAS
222 ONLY 28K OF RAM CURRENTLY WHILE THE COPY HAS 64K.)
223 ***********************************************************
224 P.S. I HAVE HEARD RUMORS THAT BWMS OCCASIONALLY GLITCHES ON SOME OF YOU,
225 ALSO THAT IT HAS SOME TIMES DOWN RIGHT WHENT AWAY. IF YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED
226 THIS PLEASE PLEASE LET ME KNOW THE PARTICULARS OF WHAT HAPPENED SO THAT I
227 CAN FIX WHAT EVER IS WRONG. (I SAY THIS AFTER EXPERIENCING THE GO AWAY
228 PROBLEM MYSELF.)
229 **************************************************************
230 Dear Micky;
231 The machine was a little balky letting me on just now....
232 Took three calls to get past the greeting, it would hang at the 
233 promt.  Also, who the heck leaves the margin set for 120???
234 (who in his right mind uses a DECwriter for a terminal???)
235                                      The Phantom
236 @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
237 ==FOR SALE==                          16 OCT 82
238 lots of 4116 type 16k x 1 rams
239 these are especially good for expanding
240 apples and TRS-80's to 48K etc.
241 fast delivery [local] and cheap--$0.90 ea
242 free postage if you buy 10 or more
243 actually these are NEC 416's --150nS access
244 if interested call xxx-xxxx eves for`Joe (or busines hrs.-xxx-xxxx)
245 ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????
246 If this goes on, would anyone (everyone?) please date their garbage,
247 so I can scan past it when I want to find out if anything new is on the 
248 system? 
249 Just in case you wondered, this message is dated oct 11, 1982
250 <And timed at 12:32 AM.>
251 tnx		a		lot			B.A.D.
252 ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????!!
253 Mike, I got the printer going! I tried some fancy routines
254 but, doing the basic dump to buffer then to printer when
255 finished, seemed to work best. Thanks for talkin to me.
256 As for date, hmm, i'M sure its later than the 11th. Bye.
257 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 13 Oct 82 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
258   >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 21:30 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
259      Enter the Dilettante, who wandered all over your curious blackboard,
260 electrons in her wake, investigating all the nooks & crannies to be found...
261 to come to the conclusion that there is tremendous potential for cryptic
262 communication through this MOST excellent medium... So who dares to answer?
263 I once scrawled a flippant piece here, alias Dragon Lady--do you remember?
264      I come looking for a certain Eridan, to tell him that I have found the
265 door, but it is locked.  When I knocked softly on it, a breath of air whispered
266 through the keyhole, but the words twined within it eluded me, if indeed there
267 were any words ... I stood and listened for an everlasting time, but there
268 was no more than the rustle of an imagined sigh ... My thoughts returned
269 to the words of a tax collector, found in a dusty scroll at Seven Seven ...
270 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>   d   <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
271 Mike,  I was indeed amazed at the torture that your disk drives took at the
272 OMSI outing.  All things considered, this system has been outrageously
273 reliable every time that I have used it over the last year.  My hearty
274 congratulations.
275      I don't know how other people felt, but I was largely bored by the
276 OMSI Computer Fair.  After you've seen 20 computers running various
277 versions of PACwoMAN, what's left?  The booths of CBBS and BWMS were
278 really the high points of the affair.
279 {}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{} Analog Alan {}{}{}{} 2112 pdt 11 oct 82
280 ___________________________
281 WITH OVER 8,000 PEOPLE AND <<sorry, wrong button>> their children there
282 at OMSI, how could we run anything but games?? Nothing else was fast
283 enough to be seen.
284    I know, it was pretty thin.
285 ____________________________________________B.A.D.________oct 12,1982:0205__
286 ***********************************************************
287 As yet I wait in an endless daze, I think of what might have been.
288 Though it is nought, again I ponder that which may yet be. 
289 The time is long, and the days drag on. Yet do I hear a rustle at
290 the entrance to my land? I stop, I wait, I strain for that which
291 may be, but there is no more. I sigh and pray that time will bring
292 that which I desire, but there is no response only the echos,
293 the echos of my sighs to relieve the silence that I face.
294 Though I have waited a score and twelve, yet I hope for that 
295 which may be. Though my physical presence may resolve to its
296 original dust from whence it came. That part which is I shall
297 linger on in the hopes that the answer will come.
298 I wait in anticipation for that which I desire, and I hope for 
299 its resolution. I pray that it will come to pass so the half
300 will be whole and I need not wait and hope for ever more.
301 +++++++ The believer +++++ 13 October 1982 ++++ 10:46:47 PM +++++++
302 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 14 Oct 82 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
303   >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 02:15 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
304      A girl is curled up against the massive oak door, asleep & dreaming ...
305 She thinks she hears a voice, calling, and suddenly she is inside the wall,
306 questing through the mist for its source, hope & trepidation in her heart...
307 The mist ends abrubtly and a snow-bound forest comes to view; she steps
308 uncertainly into it and continues her search.  Hours later, she is trudging
309 with head down, resignation evident on her tear-streaked face, shivering...
310 when an arm reaches to block her path--she leaps away in startled reaction
311 and her eyes sweep up--to meet those arresting green eyes...
312 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>   d   <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
313 To Dragon Lady:
314 This one is elusive yet not given to flowery language.
315 He is ephemeral yet curious as a cat.
316 ********The Gray Ghost*****************************************
323 Hi Mickey;
324 either you are getting some of the greatest line hits ever or the sys
325 is creating some hash of it's own.... everysooften it starts spittin
326 garbage.  anyone else having problems?  Right know its is real stable.
327 it is 7:40 on a pleasant thursday evenin.
328                                             The Phantom Glitch.
329 _______________________________________________________________________
330 TO: T.P.G.    FM: CISTOP MIKEY
331 MOST CURIOUS, I STILL DON'T KNOW THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM. QUESTION,
332 WHAT KIND OF MODEM ARE YOU USING? (I KNOW THAT THE NOVATION CAT
333 DOESN'T LIKE WEAK SIGNALS, AND DOES THAT SORT OF THING SOMETIMES.
334 I FOUND THIS OUT THROUGH PERSONAL EXPERIENCE.) THE SYSTEM HAS BEEN 
335 EXTREMLY STABLE FOR ME OF LATE, AND I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO GET IT TO 
336 DO ANYTHING OUT OF THE NORM AT ALL. IF YOU HAVE A CARRIER DETECT LIGHT
337 YOU MIGHT CHECK TO SEE IF YOU ARE LOOSING CARRIER.)
338 ANYONE ELSE EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS??
339 ********* 14 OCT 82    9:42 PM  ****************************************
340 In anguish I return to my chamber to slumber yet again. As the darkness
341 once again enfolds me, I am alone once more. Suddenly the darkness is
342 shattered by a scream! I quickly arise and rush to the window to throw
343 open the shutters to observe that from wence it came. As I peer through
344 the darkness I see only the dank forest without. Then a movement, but it
345 is too far and too dark to see that which makes the shadow. As yet once 
346 again I turn to return to my chamber I hear once more the anguished
347 scream of futility and realize it is my own......
348 +++++ The believer +++++ 14 October 1982 +++++ 9:15:34 PM +++++
349 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 15 Oct 82 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
350   >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 00:15 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
351      You who speaks at 9:15:34 PM, prove yourself!  I do not Believe, for
352 I listen very close, and the words are as of a stranger...
353      Hey Mikey!  I've had trouble with the system sometimes; continual 
354 glitches <~~|> etc. and CTRL G's just as if someone was deliberately 
355 trying to discourage me; but I can tell by the sound when I connect if
356 its planning to be obstinate; I simply call again for a clean signal.
357      The Dilettante is enchanted by cats; speak to me, Gray!
358 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>   d   <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
359 Who knows when you will see a ghost?
360 He can slip thru the walls and hide in the fog.
361 Some might think a ghost to be an enemy,
362 but others can find him a friend.
363 """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""Grey Ghost"""""""""""""
364 Mikey: I have had no problems with your system.
365 Except those few times that I have entered the 
366 wrong control codes.
367 My system? Atari with Hayes Smartmodem]
368 There is one execption: Analog Alan uses some sort
369 of graphics/control character that clears my screen.--
370 The little I get, looks like a spade which is
371 ^; on my system -- "CC N" does not disable it.
372 **************************************************************
374 To: Cistop Mikey.
375 From: the Phantom Glitch.
376 Subject: My modem.
377 Message Follows;
378      My modem is PMMI MM-103 S-100 card.  As far as I can tell it
379 is working OK.  I can get on to CBBS(tm)/NW with no problems, 
380 Beaverton RCPM fairly good.  Sometimes I have trouble with lin
381 noise, but with the Great Tunnel Effect (GTE) this is  common
382 when the system stats acting up it occasionalymixes 
383 data from several different messages.  I suppose that really 
384 good noise couldgive the system some interesting commands.
386 END OF MESSAGE.
387 (Phantom was on around 7:30 pm, Friday; he forgot to note that.)
388 To the Atarian on line 368... The only slightly unusual character that
389 I use is the left and right brackets (ascii 123 and 125).  Is this it
391 {}{}{}{}{}{}
392 $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$  Analog Alan  $$$$$$$$$$  15 Oct 82 at 2020 pdt
393 They might fade and turn to stone
394 Let's get crazy all alone
395 Hold me closer than you'd ever dare
396 Close your eyes and I'll be there
397 And after all is said and done
398 After all, you are the one
399 
400 Take me up your stairs through the door
401 Take me where we don't care any more
402 AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
403 I am that I am though I would be more. I ask for the one that 
404 is there to be found. I pray that I may find her to be. Though I
405 am here alone in my chamber of solitude, I know that it shall not
406 remain forever barren of the love that should be.
407 As I dream of the one that is to be, my thoughts drift lightly past
408 my court to the dank forest without. A shadow passes by and I follow
409 in the hopes of solving the mystery that was there.
410 +++++ The believer +++++ 10 October 1982 +++++ 11:15:09 +++++
411 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 16 Oct 82 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
412   >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 01:15 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
413      The girl awakens with a start, and it is I, chilled to the bone from
414 the draft under the door.  Uncramping stiff muscles, I stumble to my feet
415 and gaze at it, still closed, massive in its indifference.  Realization
416 hits me like a bolt of lightning, and suddenly I am glad that it never
417 opened:  for it is the wrong door!  A voice almost fooled me into Believing
418 that my Eridan was listening ... but a stranger spoke to me.  With heavy
419 heart, I wrap my cloak around me, and continue in my desolate search.
420 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>   d   <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
421 To Analog Alan:
422 ATASCII 123 is my spade symbol, ATASCII 125 is my CLEAR SCl.
423 (unless preceded by<ESCAPE>(27).
424 Atari uses a little different arrangement of
425 the ASCII table. though most symbols are the same.
426 *******************************************************thx  the Atarian**
427 Wandering thru empty rooms and rooms filled with treasure,
428 the Ghost spies out his universe and seeks to add to his lore,
429 Probing hidden corners, he wonders what is this creature
430 with jeweled scales that calls itself a dragon?
431 Whence it came and whither it goes?
432 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^the Grey Ghost^^^^^^^^
433  
434 Reality, what a concept!         t.P.G.
435  
436 TO: ALL
437 FROM: Doc Watson
438 TIME: 3:05 pm 10/16/82
439 SUBJECT: CONN-80
441 It's back up folks!  The Connection-80 bulliten board is back up!
442 Enjoy, Enjoy, Enjoy!
444 EOF
445 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 16 Oct 82 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
446   >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 18:50 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
447      She comes from far-away lands on golden wings, and if you come too close
448 her green eyes will turn to black and a delicate hiss will issue forth...
449 She is fascinated with enigmas and values intelligence, but knows empty eyes
450 when she faces them.  She is standoffish but never untrue.
451 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>   d   <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
452 As I wander through the forest dark, following the shadow that is not.
453 Slowly the dawn does rise to day. Soon I aproach a meadow of green green grass.
454 There in a concavity I see a creature divine. She glistens of green and gold.
455 A beauty to behold. As I stand with great trepidation, I hear a wisper ever
456 so weak. The words do come though the meaning unclear. The words are simple
457 though I do not fear, for the words are kind and do not hurt.
458 They simply state "Touch not the cat."
459 +++++ The believer +++++ 16 October +++++ 9:40:16 PM +++++
460 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 17 Oct 82 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
461   >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 00:45 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
462      The girl has gone; and only a wraith-like fantasy creature remains...
463 cat? dragon?  wrought of electrons and imaginative dancing on the keyboard.
464 But remember:  such a beautiful thing cannot have a heart, so do not allow
465 yours any attachment.  It will not be long before it, too, will vanish as
466 my access to this world is cut off!  You have been warned.
467      Being of an inquisitive sort, I would dearly love to explore other
468 'blackboards' such as this!  Would anyone oblige me with phone #s, please?
469 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>   d   <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
470 When its up, you might try 654-xxxx (No Name BBS)
471 ***********************************************************
472 The Ghost remains, for it is part of both worlds
473 Often silent, it is nevertheless there.
474 It too has traveled, but usually in a different
475 form. It cannot be cut off save by death (not its own).
476 *****************************************************Grey Ghost
477 As the morning sun rises, the fog turns clear. With the fog goes the
478 creature of green gold. Once more am I alone in the land. 
479 Now I awake, yet once more do turn and open the shutters to greet the 
480 new day. The sun is shinning. The forrest is alive. Though the day
481 is new and beautifull and the sky filled with joy. There is yet a
482 pang of sorrow in my heart, for once more I am alone in my land.
483 +++++ The believer +++++ 1:15:11 PM +++++ 17 October 1982 +++++
484 In the room with the walls of fired clay, the small creatures lurk in
485 the shadows.  Working feverishly, they ignite the sacred flame and
486 inhale the wisp of smoke deep into their beings.  In the distance, the
487 aging maid shares the sorcery of the word... she cautions against having
488 two 'r's in forest, against having two 'l's in beautiful, and against
489 having two 'n's in shining.  The creatures in the room full of fog hear
490 not these warnings and forever are crippled in the mastery of the word.
491 ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
492 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 17 Oct 82 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
493   >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 17:00 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
494      Share your name, O aging maid!  It was time your sage voice broke
495 reproachfully over the din of misspelled words being spewn forth--Bravo!
496      Worse pain could have been yours, had you been involved, Believer!  I
497 tell you truly, females mean Trouble.
498 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>   d   <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
499 Curse these fingers that they would not provide the words to the form of
500 satisfaction. The mind it does wander and often not follow a true course
501 of examination. Yet still I presist in the hopes that the content of the
502 message will be understood. With this do I plead to thee; Do not mistake
503 these rumblings as those of an incoherent. I am but slave to my computer
504 and am lost without its assitance in these things. Forgive me that I am.
505     +++++ The believer +++++ 5:45:31 PM +++++ 17 October 1982 +++++
506 FM: CISTOP MIKEY   TO: ALL    RE: ABOVE RAMBLINGS
507 I AM INTRIGUED BY THE NEW TWIST OF INNOVATIVE MESSAGES THAT ARE APPEARING
508 HERE. ALTHOUGH I CAN NOT BE SURE, I THINK THAT THIS IS INDEED A NEW FORM
509 OF USE FOR A MESSAGE SYSTEM. BUT THEN WITH BWMS BEING ON THE FORFRONT OF
510 THE UNUSUAL IS THIS NOT SO SURPRISING? ALL THAT I CAN SAY IS CARRY ON,
511 AND BRAVO! 
512 *****************************************************************
513 P.S. IN CASE YOU WERE TRYING TO USE THE SYSTEM BETWEEN 6 AND 8 PM SUNDAY
514 17 OCT AND COULD NOT GET THE PHONE TO ANSWER, I WAS ON THE SYSTEM DOING
515 MY SEMI-EONAL BACK UP. AS SOON AS MY NEW BATCH OF DISKS COME IN I WILL
516 BE PUTTING A BRAND SPANKING NEW DISK HERE FOR YOU TO PLAY WITH.
517 ******************************************************************
518 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 17 Oct 82 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
519   >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 20:50 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
520      Ah, your humbleness is refreshing, Believer!  The meaning is not lost,
521 only blurred--I merely am a striver for perfection, but I do not impose
522 my standards upon you people--nevertheless, note lines 47-48 on disk B
523 for questions on spelling; and if you wonder why I bother, my motivation
524 is clearly revealed by the words inscribed on 64-65.
525      Thank you very much, Mikey!  This system lends itself well to intrigue
526 because none but the unique would venture into such a place, and such ones
527 seem to be the only ones left with imagination and curiousity enough to
528 investigate the clouds of dust I stir up ... Were that there were more!
529 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>   d   <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
530 There are other lands where the inhabitants have
531 fanciful names. Should this one be so shabby that
532 its denizens go nameless?? Can I not be known yet
533 wrapped in mystery? And these names may change -
534 for the Ghost plans to earn the name of Butterfly!
535 Some future time the meaning of the name may become
536 clear. 'Till then ---
537 ***************Grey Ghost***********************************
538 Though I am native to this land of dampness and green, I have been elsewhere
539 and come to love it yet even more. For the saying is wrong the grass is most
540 certainly not greener wither thou cannot see, but rather as Dorthy hath said
541 "There's no place like home!" I cannot abide those who would make of it less
542 then it is, or pretend that it be more. As I the land is what it is, and can
543 be no more. Though I fumble in fog and desperation, I yet still have left in
544 my heart the love for my land of green. As always before and still more I am
545      +++++ The believer +++++ 10:00:00 PM +++++ 17 October 1982 +++++
546 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 18 Oct 82 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
547   >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 01:00 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
548      Names?  Lands?  Voices are wandering off on their own courses, wrapped
549 up in hearing their own sound; do they speak to get a response? ... Fantasy
550 lands, fantasy identities:  are they there only for the individual?  Are they
551 not to be shared and explored with other sensitive souls?
552 What do you truly believe in, Believer?  Is there peace in your eyes?
553 Tell me, Ghost:  is a slippery identity really what you value?  Where are
554 you going when you follow the wind?  How will you know when you get there?
555 ... I'm a listener--talk to me!
556 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>   d   <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
557 Ponder this Inkeeper: Perhaps you should consider planting
558 a few green plants at the entrance of Backwater Inn, and
559 water them, perchance they will grow verdant green, mayhap
560 even bloom. Instruct thy servant in the ways of the gentle
561 folk, that they be greeted properly.
562 
563 Dragon Lady: You came flitting into this dusty place,
564 a true spirit creature you. A dilitantte, do not touch
565 or get too close she says. She listens briefly to the 
566 Believer, then makes ready to flit on - but then,
567 she falls under the enchantment of the grey cat-ghost.
568 Too late!! The deed is done, the golden wings flutter
569 helplessly to the barren ground. Weep not my child,
570 for those wings will come again. But for now, how say you
571 Dragon Lady, can even the most dilatory mother abandon
572 her offspring? - I think not!
573 See you here, the old maid awakes, the sun rises
574 a fresh breeze wafts across the land.
575 Will not the land bloom and become known? And a fabulous
576 land indeed it might be. From my domicile at Two Towers
577 I look on and come to sup at the Inn.
578 """"""""""""""Grey Ghost"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
579 //|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\
580 To:  All ATARI users  From:  Benjermin  RE:  Hello!
581 Is anybody out there Atari?  Why doesn't anyone on BBS' like to talk about
582 Atari's?  Let's here anything from anybody!
583 /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ BENJERMIN /|\ /|\ /|\
584 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 18 Oct 82 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
585   >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 20:20 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
586      Presumption!  Wingless she may be, but never helpless; her eyes slit
587 and a sleek, pearly display of claws appear at any motherly gesture directed
588 at her!  Dainty she is, but she moves sinuous and swift if necessary...
589 So I am trapped, am I, in this land?  Never mind, I'll make the best of it,
590 but no one casting spells can hold me long!
591 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>   d   <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
592 FM: CISTOP MIKEY    TO: ALL AND ANY WHO LISTEN   RE: RUMORS
593 RUMOR HAS IT THAT SOMETHING NEW YET OLD WILL COME TO BACKWATER.
594 AS THEY SAY ALL THINGS COME TO THOSE WHO WAIT.......
595 **********************************************************
596 TO: d / Old Maid     FM: CISTOP MIKEY     RE: VERBAGE AND PUNCTUATION
597 I NOTE THAT YOU AS WELL AS THE OLD MAID TAKE NOTE OF THE DISREPUTABLE
598 SPELLING THAT OFT' OCCURS ON THIS SYSTEM. INDEED, IT OFTEN WOULD SEEM
599 THAT THIS IS IN ACTUALITY PERFORMED IF NOT IN A RECKLESS MANNER, THEN
600 QUITE POSSIBLY ON PURPOSE. THIS IN FACT EVIDENT A FEW OF THE SOMEWHAT
601 MORE DEBAUCHED MESSAGES WHICH RESIDE HERE. I AM HOWEVER NOT ONE KNOWN
602 TO THROW STONES LIGHTLY, AND AS SUCH I WILL LEAVE THAT ALONE. HOWEVER
603 THERE IS ONE ITEM OF NOTE THAT IS OFTEN MISSING THESE EXCLAIMATIONS I
604 HAVE FOUND, AND THAT IS THE TOTAL MISUSE AND ABUSE OF THE PUNCTUATION
605 THAT SURROUNDS THOSE WORDS. (I MYSELF AM OFTEN ONE OF THE MORE GUILTY
606 IN THIS.) SOMETIMES THE MEANING IS DEEPER THEN THE SURFACE APPEARANCE
607 HOWEVER; AS AN EXAMPLE, NOTE MY TITLE. AT FIRST GLANCE IT SEEMS TO BE
608 BUT A HUMORUS MISSPELLING OF A COMMONLY USED ABBREVIATION FOR SYSTEMS
609 OPERATOR. CLOSER EXAMINATION WILL SHOW THAT IT GOES DEEPER THAN THIS.
610 IF YOU LOOK IN YOUR DICTIONARY (AHH DO I HEAR THE RUSTLING OF PAGES?)
611 YOU WILL FIND AN INTERESTING DEFINITION ACCORDED THE WORD (I WOULD IN
612 HOPE THAT YOU ARE LOOKING AT AN UNABRIDGED DICTIONARY.) THAT BEING OF
613 A TOMB OR CHEST. YET IF WE LOOK FARTHER, WE FIND THAT IT COMES FROM A
614 GREEK WORD 'CISTA'. IF WE LOOK YET EVEN FARTHER WE FIND THAT THIS WAS
615 ALSO USED FOR THE BASE OF THE WORD 'CISTERN', WHICH MAY BE DEFINED AS
616 A RESERVOIR OF WATER. (DOES THE MEANING NOW BECOME CLEARER?.........)
617 OF COURSE, IT IS QUITE POSSIBLE THAT SOME WILL MISTAKE IT AS SIMPLY A
618 MISSPELLING OF CYST, A SACLIKE STRUCTURE FILLED WITH DISEASED MATTER.
619 WHICH, A FEW WOULD CONSIDER BWMS TO BE ON THE BACKSIDE OF THE MESSAGE
620 SYSTEM COMMUNITY. NO MATTER, YOU MAY CHOOSE THE DEFINITION YOU WISH..
621 *********************************************************************
622 Ahhhh.... Ideed, what does the believer believe in? Is it his land?
623 Mayhap himself? Perchance it is his view of reallity? Mom and apple
624 pie? One who is greater than he? Does he himself know? Yes, it is a
625 question to ponder and that I shall. Perhaps it will bring peace to
626 my tortured mind and rest to these bones. Bless you 'd' for insight
627  +++++ The believer +++++ 18 October 1982 +++++ 10:15:18 PM +++++
628 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 18 Oct 82 <<<<< >>>>> 23:00 <<<<< >>>>>   d   <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
629 I beg of you all:  don't destroy these precious words until I have a hard copy!