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º January 1996 Volume 4 Number 1 º
ÇÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄĶ
º Board of Trade BBS New Port Richey, Florida (813) 862-4772 º
ÈÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍͼ
In This Issue
-------------
þ Three Years of the Pasco BBS Magazine
þ Pasco BBS Tour - Not just an article, but an event!
þ Jazz Jackrabbit Review - written by Paul Pollack
þ The latest news, humor and much more!
+ + + + +
Editor's Welcome
----------------
Thank you for taking the time to check out this Special Third Anniversary
Issue of the Pasco BBS Magazine! Three years, wow! Who would have thunk it!
I guess I could have regurgitated some old articles for this anniversary
issue and called it "The Best of the Pasco BBS Magazine." That common
practice would have been an easy way to start the fourth year of publication.
I could have rambled on about all that has been accomplished, about how great
the magazine is, but I have to admit that I've been there, done that. Look at
the first anniversary issue for the proof. Geez, I did go on. There is a
short article thanking those who have helped out over the first three years,
but this month's highlight is not just an article, but an event! The first
ever Pasco BBS Tour! I hope you enjoy the most detailed look at our local on-
line community ever published. I hope that those who do not live in Pasco
County enjoy it as well. Along with all our regular features, this month has
a great review of Epic MegaGames' Jazz Jackrabbit written by Paul Pollack.
Thanks to everyone who has helped make it possible for the Pasco BBS Magazine
to celebrate a third anniversary! Hopefully, we will celebrate many more.
+ + + + +
ÚÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ¿
³ PASCO BBS MAGAZINE ³
ÃÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ´
³ Tampa Bay's Oldest Free On-line Magazine! ³
ÃÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ´
³ Member of the Association of Online Professionals ³
ÃÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ´
³ Member of the Electronic Frontier Foundation ³
ÃÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ´
³ EDITOR: Richard Ziegler ³
ÃÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ´
³ HOME BBS: Board of Trade BBS (813) 862-4772 ³
ÃÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ´
³ World Wide Web Home Page: http://www.sanctum.com/pasco ³
ÀÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÙ
+ + + + +
Three Years of the Pasco BBS Magazine
-------------------------------------
The Pasco BBS Magazine was first published on the day after Christmas 1992.
Three years later, it is still around. I am sure that few would have thought
that this magazine would be around three years later. After all, the number
of free on-line magazines that have been published every month for over three
years is a very short list indeed. As is the case with most free on-line
magazines, which are almost always the creation of a single individual, it
could come to an end at anytime. Three years ago I did not know how long the
Pasco BBS Magazine would last. Today, I still have no idea. This is now
Tampa Bay's longest running free on-line magazine, perhaps the current goal
could be to expand that distinction. In a way, I would prefer to look ahead,
rather than look back, but an anniversary is always time for reflection.
In the first anniversary issue I went on for quite some time talking about how
the magazine had beaten the odds. The Editor's Welcome opened with: "Over a
year of doing the Pasco BBS Magazine! Geez, sometimes it seems like ten
years." It still does seem like the magazine has been around longer than
forever. There was an article called "One Year of the Pasco BBS Magazine,"
where I wrote: "The magazine seemed to be out of control." There was another
article on "The Future of the Pasco BBS Magazine," where I did my typical
begging for articles. I also commented in that article that ""I am the Dr.
Frankenstein to this monster." A third article discussed the "Revised
Distribution Method." By the second anniversary issue, an article titled "Two
Years of the Pasco BBS Magazine" ran only several paragraphs. At the time, I
said proof that the magazine had arrived was that I was not making as big a
deal out the second anniversary, compared to the first anniversary. Perhaps,
showing a lack of originality, or just carrying on a tradition, I titled this
article "Three Years of the Pasco BBS Magazine."
Instead of regurgitating a bunch of old articles, which is a typical practice
for anniversary issues, I suggest you look back at the first and second
anniversary issue for more on the history of the Pasco BBS Magazine. I would
prefer to forge ahead and close this article with a paragraph of thanks.
I do want to thank everyone who has contributed to the continued success of
the magazine. The loyal readers, those who have written articles and those
who have supported the magazine in various ways. I thank you all very much.
I do want to take the risk of mentioning a few folks by name. I say risk
because I hope I do not forget to mention someone. To Dan Linton of Software
Creations BBS: Thanks for the early support, you deserve every bit of the
success you now enjoy! To Clint Bradford of the California based Attention to
Details BBS: Thanks! The help you gave over the first year amazes me to this
day! To popular Shareware author Nels Anderson: Thanks for guaranteeing the
birth of the Pasco BBS Magazine by agreeing to be interviewed for the first
issue, and thanks for the subsequent help as well! To popular BBS utility
author, and West Pasco County resident, Brent Yandell: Thanks for the
continued help and support! Two people that I want to thank more than any
others are Rob Marlowe and Paul Pollack. Rob is the Sysop of Pasco County's
oldest BBS, the Inner Sanctum, and has provided help and guidance over the
years. He has written articles and set up a home page on the World Wide Web
for the Pasco BBS Magazine. Paul has written so much stuff, that it really
has made my life easier. Paul has also done a great job dressing up the
magazine's home page on Rob's board. Thanks guys! Thank you one and all!
Editor's Note: Software Creations BBS can be reached at (508) 365-2359, and
messages to Nels Anderson may be left on this board as well. Attention to
Details BBS can be reached at (909) 681-6221. Brent Yandell can be contacted
on his support BBS at (813) 842-8099. The Inner Sanctum BBS may be reached at
(813) 848-6055. Paul Pollack may be reached on the Board of Trade BBS, (813)
862-4772, or visit his home page on the World Wide Web at
http://www.sanctum.com/surfers/paulp.index.html.
+ + + + +
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ÆØØØØØØØØØØØ Board of Trade BBS ØØØØØØØØØص
ÆØØØØØØØØØ New Port Richey, Florida ØØØØØØØص
ÆØØØØØØØ (813) 862-4772 (28.8 Rotary) ØØØØØص
ÆØØØØØ FidoNet: 1:3619/10 ØØØص
ÆØØØ Øص
ÆØ Pasco County's Information Source ص
³ Home of Pasco County's Most Popular Publications ³
³ Home of the Pasco BBS Magazine, the 813 BBS Directory, ³
³ GamePlay Magazine, DA BUCS and BBS Basics ³
³ ³
³ Call here FIRST for the BEST in Shareware ³
³ Home of Shadoware, DragonHawk Productions, Maximus Productions ³
ÆØ and an Official Distribution Site for Everybody Else!! ص
ÆØØØ ØØص
ÆØØØØØ Official Support BBS for Pasco ComPats Computer Club ØØØØص
ÆØØØØØØØ ØØØØØØص
ÆØØØØØØØØØ Member: Association of Online Professionals ØØØØØØØص
ÆØØØØØØØØØØØ Member: Electronic Frontier Foundation ØØØØØØØØØص
ÔÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏϾ
+ + + + +
Pasco BBS Tour
--------------
Introduction: The premise of the Pasco BBS Tour was simple. Attempt to log
into every bulletin board in West Pasco County (Florida) and present the most
detailed account of our local on-line community ever published. While the
idea sounded simple, and it was realized that it would be time consuming, it
ended up being much more work than could be imagined. However, we hope you
will find the end result was worth the effort. The local hobby BBS has always
been the true strength of the on-line world and Pasco County is blessed with a
varied and vibrant BBS community. The Pasco BBS Magazine is very proud to
present the first ever Pasco BBS Tour!
Ground Rules: When the idea of the Pasco BBS Tour was conceived, there was no
consideration given to any ground rules. It was thought that we would just
log into every system, then publish some information and comments about each
board. But, a couple of things did come into play. Part of the concept was
to review boards from the perspective of the first time caller, who is
typically just calling to see what a BBS has to offer and may never make a
second call. So, no second calls were made to gather additional information.
Another factor was how some boards make things complicated for the novice
user. Examples would be boards that required callers to download some special
software, or had some sort of call back verification software that new users
had to deal with. No efforts were made to download any additional programs,
or jump through any other hoops, in the quest for information about the board.
It also has to be disclosed that the Pasco BBS Tour was conducted using a
fictitious name and fabricated user information. This made it possible to
log-on to boards as a first time user and insured that no preferential, or for
that matter detrimental, treatment would be given out of name recognition.
Disclaimer and Offer of Rebuttal: In the course of the Pasco BBS Tour, every
attempt was made to insure that the boards received equal treatment. Any
personal feelings about the Sysop, or the board, good or bad, were not taken
into account. In order to make the Pasco BBS Tour worthwhile, it had to
present the good, the bad and the ugly. It had to be without prejudice and
cover all systems. But, it is realized that some Sysops will be upset with
what has been written about their boards. I have no problem with that, and
offer no apologies, as the Pasco BBS Tour is just one person's opinion. For
the record: The Pasco BBS Tour was conducted and written by the editor of
this magazine, Richard Ziegler, who takes full responsibility for what has
been written. Any system operator, who feels that their bulletin board has
been the subject of an unfair portrayal, is encouraged to send in a rebuttal
for publication in a future issue.
Acknowledgments: The one person who needs to be thanked is Clark Gilbo,
editor and founder of the 813 BBS Directory, who has put together a BBS list
for over four years. Clark's directory was used as a starting point for the
Pasco BBS Tour.
Final Words: The systems called during the Pasco BBS Tour were up and running
during late November and early December of 1995. Considering the up and down
nature of bulletin boards, some boards listed could have gone off-line by the
time of publication, and others could have come on-line. If a board could not
be logged into, and typically dozens of calls were made in the attempt, it was
not included in the Pasco BBS Tour.
And now, without further ado, the Pasco BBS Magazine proudly presents the ...
ÛßßÛ ÛßßÛ Ûßßß ÛßßÛ ÛßßÛ ÛßÛ ÛßÛ Ûßßß ßßÛßß ÛßßÛ Û Û ÛßÛ
Ûßßß ÛßßÛ ßßßÛ Û Û Û ÛßßÛ ÛßßÛ ßßßÛ Û Û Û Û Û ÛßßÛ
ß ß ß ßßßß ßßßß ßßßß ßßßß ßßßß ßßßß ß ßßßß ßßßß ß ß
BBS Name: The Attic BBS
Telephone Number: (813) 845-7181
Sysop: Blue
BBS Software: Maximus
Year Founded: 1995
The most unique offering of this BBS may be "The Wanted List" door available
from the main menu. It allows callers to request a file and asks other
callers if they would like to upload the file for the requestor. The Attic
BBS has over thirty different doors, but only five bulletins. The board
features some FidoNet echos and has sixteen message areas. The Maximus
Software package is a bit unique, with sub-areas for different options, which
could lead to some confusion for the uninitiated. The log-in procedures are
relatively simple, including tips on how to select a password and a single
screen of system rules. They only post two rules, leave meaningful messages
and "try not to be a 'file sponge.'" However, the board does take the caller
through "Autopost" and a "User Report" before the main menu. The Attic BBS
has a second phone number at (813) 845-8061, and grants the first time caller
45 minutes.
BBS Name: The Bachelor Club BBS
Telephone Number: (813) 841-0904
Sysop: Steve Thielemann
BBS Software: AdeptXBBS
Year Founded: 1995
This board runs on a software package written for OS/2 and promotes "The Power
of OS/2!" A couple of questions on setting up different mail options makes
the new user questionnaire longer than average, but there are little
distractions before reaching the main menu. The Bachelor Club BBS has three
bulletins, a few dozen message areas (including FidoNet), over 100 files areas
and about a dozen doors.
BBS Name: Basically Computers BBS
Telephone Number: (813) 938-1201
Sysop: George Divens
BBS Software: Wildcat!
Year Founded: 1992
One of the more interesting options on the Basically Computers BBS is a very
detailed statistics screen that tells everything imaginable about the usage of
the BBS. The board has 199 files areas (including those on the CD-ROM), five
local message areas and no door programs. First time callers are greeted with
a precise welcome screen, but the standard Wildcat! log-in questionnaire is
longer than most software packages. The system gives the caller the option of
viewing the newsletter, takes them through the bulletin menu (which has only
two bulletins), before reaching the main menu. New users do get a 30 day
membership, with 30 minutes per day, but are expected to mail in a
"Registration Form" for continued access.
BBS Name: The Big Pit BBS
Telephone Number: (813) 863-1572
Sysop: Ernie Stefan
BBS Software: PCBoard
Year Founded: 1992
The Big Pit BBS claims to be "Tampa Bay's Fastest Growing Bulletin Board
Service." The strength of this system is the use of the PCBoard PPE files and
it even has a menu option to select different PPEs. The use of a PPE to
display rotating main menu screens is also a nice touch, however, the system
does have a lot of stuff to go through before reaching the main menu. New
users are greeted with several informational screens, a PPE set up with what
could best be described as junk screens, the extended PCBoard new user
questionnaire, autopost and the quote of the day, more ads and other screens,
and then new user must update more information before finally reaching the
main menu. New users do get an hour to check out the couple dozen doors, 22
bulletins and seven file areas. The BBS does offer adult access and a second
phone number is available at (813) 862-9353.
BBS Name: Board of Trade BBS
Telephone Number: (813) 862-4772
Sysop: Richard Ziegler
BBS Software: PCBoard
Year Founded: 1992
This system calls itself "Pasco County's Information Source" and is the "Home
of the Pasco BBS Magazine," among other publications. The Board of Trade BBS
also has the motto "Call here FIRST for the BEST in Shareware." A single
screen of information for the new user is followed by a standard
questionnaire. A statistics screen and the system news is also displayed
prior to the main menu. The board has 48 file areas, 25 bulletins, 11 message
areas, five doors, one questionnaire and is a member of FidoNet. First time
callers have 20 minutes to look around.
BBS Name: Buzzard's Bay BBS
Telephone Number: (813) 868-5334
Sysop: Steivn Zimmerman
BBS Software: Excalibur
Year Founded: 1995
This system's use of the Excalibur BBS package requires a special terminal
program for access. If you are not calling with this software, the BBS will
ask if you wish to download the necessary program, if you choose not to, you
will have to log-off. Whether or not this is the friendliest approach for the
novice user could be the subject of some conjecture, but we did not take the
time to download the software for this BBS Tour. While a complete review is
not really possible, the Buzzard's Bay BBS does promote itself as a file
board.
BBS Name: The Cellar BBS
Telephone Number: (813) 849-2196
Sysop: Richard LaBreche
BBS Software: Maximus
Year Founded: 1995
First time callers are welcomed with the warning that this system uses "caller
ID to verify new users. This enables me to dispense with callbacks and other
annoying stuff like that." Caller ID is a much more favorable option to some
of the more antiquated concepts, like voice verification, but few boards have
the courage to admit that they use it. This board does have a short new user
log-on questionnaire and only a couple of rules posted before reaching the
main menu. The Maximus software package uses sub-areas, but there are four
primary message areas and five file areas. The Cellar BBS does not feature
any bulletins, or doors, and first time callers have 30 minutes to look
around. We wonder if there is some water in the cellar, as the Sysop also
goes by the handle of Hýo.
BBS Name: Circuit Board BBS
Telephone Number: (813) 849-1209
Sysop: Rob Walters
BBS Software: Excalibur
Year Founded: 1995
This is the latest rendition of the Circuit Board BBS, a system which was up
some time ago, went down for a while and is now back on-line. The board uses
the Excalibur BBS package which, as noted earlier, requires a special terminal
program for access. This BBS was not reviewed for that reason, but is
believed to be a general interest board.
BBS Name: Classified's BBS
Telephone Number: (813) 856-0744
Sysop: Victor Dacey
BBS Software: Wildcat!
Year Founded: 1994
The Classified's BBS specializes in ads and money making ideas, perhaps some
would call them schemes. This system has the standard Wildcat! new user
questionnaire, which is longer than most BBS software packages. There are
several advertising screens, and the option of viewing the newsletter and the
bulletin menu, prior to the main menu. The board has six message areas, 30
file areas, a dozen doors and about ten bulletins. New users are given 30
minutes a day for 30 days.
BBS Name: Dr. Duck BBS
Telephone Number: (813) 849-3562
Sysop: Marty Ducko
BBS Software: Wildcat!
Year Founded: 1992
After the typical Wildcat! new user questionnaire, first time callers are told
that "use is now in restricted mode, download REGISTER.ZIP." After going
through the "who called today" screen, an advertising screen, the option of
viewing the newsletter (which is a actually a BBS list), the option of going
through the bulletin menu (which features mostly high scores for door games),
the first time caller finds out just how restricted that use is. With their
ten minutes, the new user has access to one file area with a half dozen "Free
Downloads," access to a general message conference and can see that the system
has seven doors.
BBS Name: Dragon Sphere BBS
Telephone Number: (813) 938-3238
Sysop: Mike Ralston
BBS Software: TriBBS
Year Founded: 1995
This board has a gaming theme and features the extensive use of graphics.
After a fairly standard new user questionnaire, first time callers are taken
through a rather confusing "Logon Verification System," which has little
explanation of what to do. After going through the system news, and a
bulletin menu with no bulletins, first time callers may find themselves at a
main menu where no commands seem to work. First time callers have 30 minutes,
but may find that only the questionnaire command (with two choices) works.
BBS Name: Ed's BBS
Telephone Number: (813) 937-7403
Sysop: Ed Brown
BBS Software: PCBoard
Year Founded: 1989
While the first time caller is granted an hour, they have virtually no access
on this board. You cannot really see what is available and are greeted with
"Menu Selection is not available" more than anything else. However, we were
able to find out that Ed's BBS has adult areas, along with FidoNet and
Huggynet echos. There is also a northern Pinellas County number available at
(813) 786-1747.
BBS Name: The Family Affair BBS
Telephone Number: (813) 849-3949
Sysop: Night Forest/Moon Glow
BBS Software: TriBBS
Year Founded: 1995
This BBS has a relatively short new user questionnaire, then displays some
statistics and the system news prior to the main menu. Callers are told that
"This is just a small, family operated bulletin board. It is our hobby
and we hope that we can share it with you!" The system has over 60 (mostly
FidoNet) message areas, 33 door programs, 21 file areas, eight bulletins and
adult access. First time callers have 45 minutes to look around.
BBS Name: Gator's Place BBS
Telephone Number: (813) 376-0087
Sysop: Gator
BBS Software: Virtual
Year Founded: 1992
The initial welcome screen claims that this is "The Place for FUN and
Adventure!" The system does have a short new user questionnaire, but has the
"You must now leave feedback to the system operator" requirement. New users
are asked to leave a message to "tell us a little bit about yourself,
including your hobbies and other interests. If you do not fill this letter
out, You WILL NOT be given file access on this board." The first time caller
receives 45 minutes of access. The BBS features a couple dozen door programs,
CD-ROMs, but no bulletins. Gator's Place BBS message areas include
VirtualNET, LocoNET and ConsumerNet.
BBS Name: Gemini Dreams BBS
Telephone Number: (813) 942-9602
Sysop: Jennifer Therrien
BBS Software: Renegade
Year Founded: 1994
This board has a relatively standard log-on script, but for some reason it
asks for occupation. There are no new user screens, but you must "send a
new user application letter" (a message) to the system operator. Callers are
taken through a "last few callers" screen and the system news prior to
reaching the main menu. Gemini Dreams BBS has 91 file areas (including CD-
ROM), 72 message areas (featuring AmberNet, FidoNet and RGSNet), but no
bulletins. There are three, mostly music related, voting booth options and
the King of the BBS Trivia door. First time callers are granted 45 minutes of
access.
BBS Name: Ground Zero BBS
Telephone Number: (813) 849-4034
Sysops: Dave Anderson, Sean Fleeman
BBS Software: C-Net
Year Founded: 1985
This system, along with the Studio PC BBS, are partners in Citicom Online
Communication Services. Upon logging-in you are told that "You've connected
to Tampa Bay's oldest CNet Amiga BBS." The board does display an excessive
number of rules for the new user and a long new user questionnaire. The
questionnaire goes to the extent of asking occupation, sexual preference and
tells you how to set the correct time zone. There is a very nice "Calendar of
Events" and some instructional screens prior to reaching the main menu. There
are hundreds of message areas, including FidoNet, AmyNet, MufoNet, AmigaNet
and Internet. There are six bulletins, 12 main file areas with sub-areas and
15 doors. A Pinellas County number is available at (813) 934-9765 and voice
support can be reached at (813) 842-5783. First time callers have 15 minutes
on the board.
BBS Name: Gumbyland BBS
Telephone Number: (813) 846-1000
Sysop: Gumby
BBS Software: Major BBS
Year Founded: 1991
This system was the first to provide Internet service in Pasco County and does
some of its business under the name of Internet Network Corporation. When
calling the BBS, and filling out a somewhat longer than normal new user
questionnaire, first time callers may have trouble getting to the main menu.
After finding that the menu can be displayed through the help function, they
will see "Sorry, you don't have access" more than anything else. About the
only thing a new user can see is rate information for the system. The
Gumbyland BBS does offer voice support at (813) 842-4444.
BBS Name: Information Services BBS
Telephone Number: (813) 938-4178
Sysop: Paul Kruschwitz
BBS Software: PowerAccess
Founded: 1995
This system asks callers if they want to download "PowerAccess for Windows,"
but if the caller opts not to do so, the board will work using a standard
communications program. This board does have more than an average amount of
instructional screens for the first time caller, as it explains different
types of graphics modes and other configuration options. After a typical new
user log-on questionnaire, there is another questionnaire for new users, but
the first time caller does get 90 minutes on the board for two weeks. The BBS
features 31 forums, a couple dozen file areas (including CD-ROMs), three
questionnaires and no game doors. They advertise "Adult Entertainment" and
offer voice support in the evening and on weekends at (813) 938-6826. We
would have thought that a BBS that takes the name Information Services would
have more than three bulletins.
BBS Name: Inner Sanctum BBS
Telephone Number: (813) 848-6055
Sysop: Rob Marlowe
BBS Software: TBBS
Year Founded: 1985
The Inner Sanctum BBS is Pasco County's oldest bulletin board and was the
first to celebrate a tenth anniversary. After filling out a rather standard
new user questionnaire, the first time caller is granted "Guest Status" for a
30 day trail membership, which allows 20 minutes a day. The system does not
display a lot of rules, and only the system news, prior to reaching the main
menu. There are 16 primary files areas (including CD-ROMs), several dozen
game doors, 16 bulletins, a dozen local message areas (and hundreds of network
areas) and two voting booth options. An interesting feature is "Business
Central," where business information can be found. The Inner Sanctum BBS, a
popular chat board, also features Internet and has a voice support number at
(813) 845-0893.
BBS Name: Lunatic's Lore BBS
Telephone Number: (813) 942-0143
Sysop: Lunatic Rick
BBS Software: PCBoard
Year Founded: 1995
This is a fairly new system, so do not be surprised if you see "Under
Construction" in some areas. The new user screen may be the shortest in Pasco
County, which is followed by a standard PCBoard new user questionnaire. After
filling out the questionnaire, you are notified that you are an "Official
Lunatic." There is a screen that states "CyberSpace the Final Frontier! To
carelessly go where no one normal has gone before," followed by the quote of
the day and the system news (which is as much jokes as it is news), before
reaching the main menu. The board features one message area called the "Loony
Bin," four bulletins, eight file areas, ten doors and two questionnaires.
There is a PCBoard PPE program that rotates the main menu screen, but
excessive typing at the bottom ruins the effect. First time callers have 60
minutes to look around.
BBS Name: MacHighway BBS
Telephone Number: (813) 372-6900
Sysop: Bettie Donavan
BBS Software: NovaServer
Year Founded: 1995
This system is dedicated to the Macintosh computer user, but may be called by
any standard communications program. It is one of the few hobby boards that
allows "Guest Accounts," which means someone can log-in and look around
without giving their name. The system has a standard new user log-on
questionnaire, then forces the first time caller through a short three
question survey. The MacHighway BBS features a local message area, Internet
mail, five bulletins and no doors programs. There are two file areas,
"Macintosh Files" and "PC Files."
BBS Name: Mystique BBS
Telephone Number: (813) 856-9681
Sysop: Larry Pytlak
BBS Software: PowerAccess
Year Founded: 1995
The PowerAccess software package gives callers the option of downloading a
special Windows terminal program, or using their favorite communications
software. The Mystique BBS has a standard new user log-on script, takes the
first time caller through another questionnaire after that, and is one of the
few remaining systems that verifies each new user by voice. The board claims
they "will provide you with MYSTIC Entertainment! Programs include your Daily
Horoscope, Astrology and a variety of related topics." However, none of this
is really apparent to the first time caller using their 20 minutes of access.
The board has seven CD-ROMs, 15 message areas, two bulletins, two
questionnaires and Internet. Voice support is available at (813) 856-4841 and
a second line can be reached at (813) 856-6165.
BBS Name: NaVain BBS
Telephone Number: (813) 372-0924
Sysop: Night Owl
BBS Software: C-Net
Year Founded: 1995
The welcome screen for the NaVain BBS proclaims "Welcome to The Freedom of
Speech BBS." The system has a rather long new user questionnaire, which has
several questions on the caller's terminal setup. The questionnaire also asks
for your occupation and inquires about "other interests." After going through
the system news callers reach the main menu. The board has 14 message areas,
several doors, seven file areas and two voting booth options. First time
callers have 30 minutes and a second line is available at (813) 372-7532.
BBS Name: The One Stop BBS
Telephone Number: (813) 857-1066
Sysop: Ken
BBS Software: Major BBS
Year Founded: 1995
After going through a fairly standard new user questionnaire, even if it is a
little bit longer than some, users will reach the main menu. The menu is very
colorful, but does display painfully slow at lower baud rates. New users are
granted 60 minutes of access, but cannot access any of the BBS commands.
About all the first time caller can do is get some basic command information
and find out that the board has adult areas.
BBS Name: Outer Limits BBS
Telephone Number: (813) 942-0722
Sysop: Paul Filippone
BBS Software: TriBBS
Year Founded: 1994
On the plus side, this system has a short log-on questionnaire for new users
and no new user screens. On the negative side, callers have to go through the
"Graffiti Wall," a couple of screens of statistics, some other junk screens
and the bulletin menu before reaching the main menu. This board gives the
first time caller 20 minutes, until they take a new user questionnaire, then
they are granted two hours of access. The Outer Limits BBS has 80 file areas
(including the CD-ROM), two message areas, two bulletins, two questionnaires
and three door games. The Sysop goes by the handle of Renegade.
BBS Name: The Personals BBS
Telephone Number: (813) 857-9181
Sysop: Rene Zagorianos
BBS Software: Oreacomm
Year Founded: 1995
This system advertises itself as "an all new adult bulletin board where
romance comes alive with excitement for all lifestyles. A confidential fun
way to meet someone special in the comfort of your home - safely, discretely,
anonymously." First time users are taken through a disclaimer screen, which
tries to insure that callers are over 21 years of age and aware of the
material which may be found on the system. That screen also states that "this
is a commercial enterprise." The "hang-up" option was selected at this point.
BBS Name: Piranha BBS
Telephone Number: (813) 856-0892
Sysop: Captian Hood
BBS Software: PCBoard
Year Founded: 1995
The Piranha BBS caters to people who are ANSI artists and the Sysop attempts
to verify that every caller is involved in the art world. The system probably
presents more graphic screens than any other BBS in Pasco County. The new
user questionnaire is pretty standard, but does feature a slick graphic
displaying the percentage of the questionnaire completed. Callers are taken
through a last callers screen and "one-liners" prior to reaching the main
menu. The board has 27 file areas and first time callers are given 50
minutes.
BBS Name: Planet Alderaan BBS
Telephone Number: (813) 934-7881
Sysop: Dale Hutchinson
BBS Software: PCBoard
Year Founded: 1992
The Planet Alderaan BBS has used some PCBoard PPE programs, and some nice
graphics, to dress up this board with a space theme. First time callers have
a fairly standard questionnaire to complete, along with two screens of rules.
Callers are taken through the system news (which is very nicely done in full
color), a last callers screen and statistics screen prior to reaching the main
menu. The board features over 200 message areas with FidoNet, HuggyNet,
SWNETII (Swingers Net II) and USNetMail. There are also dozens of bulletins,
about 40 doors, 14 main file areas, CD-ROMs, adult areas and Internet. A
second line is available at (813) 942-6070.
BBS Name: Purple Rose of Cario BBS
Telephone Number: (813) 842-1835
Sysop: Rob Flor
BBS Software: Wildcat!
Year Founded: 1995
As is typical of Wildcat! systems, this board's new caller questionnaire may
be a bit longer than average. Callers are taken through a "Today's callers"
screen, the high scores for selected door games and another advertising screen
prior to reaching the main menu. The Purple Rose of Cario BBS features 54
message areas (including the Tavernlink network), 21 file areas, about a dozen
bulletins and dozens of doors. The board also features one questionnaire
asking "How are we doing?"
BBS Name: Red Dwarf BBS
Telephone Number: (813) 844-3087
Sysop: Dave Lister
BBS Software: TriBBS
Year Founded: 1991
The Red Dwarf BBS appears to be the former Luddite BBS, which was started in
1991 by Tony Evans. While this board may have a new name, and a different
name for the Sysop, it does retain the Luddite's telephone number. This
system greets first time callers with a standard log-on questionnaire and a
few more rules than the average system. One rule is the somewhat antiquated
"Remember you are a guest here so please act accordingly." After going
through a screen that display the days remaining in the Clinton
Administration, and a statistics screen, new users reach the main menu with 45
minutes to check things out. The board features 18 bulletins, a few dozen
doors, 17 file areas (they also have a CD-ROM) and 23 message areas (including
some FidoNet echos). There are also two questionnaires, one is called
"Mandatory Questionnaire" and the other is used to upgrade the security level
of new users.
BBS Name: Schematic BBS
Telephone Number: (813) 372-9524
Sysop: Joseph McQuade
BBS Software: PCBoard
Year Founded: 1995
This is a new board and the system news advises "Please be patient, this
bulletin board is currently under construction." There is a short new user
screen and the standard PCBoard questionnaire before reaching the main menu.
The Schematic BBS uses a PCBoard PPE program to rotate different main menu
screens, but excessive writing at the bottom of the menu ruins the effect.
There are eight file directories, three message areas, two questionnaires, two
bulletins, but no doors were operational at the time of log-in. First time
callers have 60 minutes on the board.
BBS Name: The Screaming Cow BBS
Telephone Number: (813) 842-3311
Sysop: Doctor John
BBS Software: Searchlight
Year Founded: 1995
Keeping with the unusual name of the board, The Screaming Cow BBS displays
"MOOving along in '95' towards UTTER perfection" on its welcome screen. The
system has a short questionnaire and one screen of rules for new users.
However, there is some advertising before reaching the main menu. The board
has four bulletins, a couple dozen file areas, four message areas and adult
areas. New users are given 15 minutes per call, or 30 minutes a day, to check
out the system.
BBS Name: Scorpion's Den BBS
Telephone Number: (813) 845-5734
Sysop: Scorpio
BBS Software: Wildcat!
Year Founded: 1995
After a standard Wildcat! new user questionnaire, callers go through several
informational screens, and the option of viewing the system news and bulletin
menu, prior to the main menu. Scorpion's Den BBS is a member of FidoNet, but
has only two message areas. There are 64 file areas, 49 doors and three
bulletins. First time callers are given 60 minutes of access and a second
line is available at (813) 849-7631.
BBS Name: The Silicon Lab BBS
Telephone Number: (813) 869-3700
Sysop: Herb Mellinger
BBS Software: GAP
Year Founded: 1986
This system has been up under different names over the years. When logging in
you will be quickly notified that this is "A Closed BBS for Seniors and GAP
Sysops" and that the board is "structured for and dedicated to Seniors and
Retirees." This system is not one of the friendliest you'll come across, just
sample a couple of extractions from the numerous screens of rules.
"WARNING!!! After a bogus name call I need only pick up the line and enter
*57 to start the trace on the call. Since I keep a file of all logins and
their times, prosecution of these calls are a snap." Or, "We consider access
to this BBS as an extension of our home. We do NOT tell others how to run
their home and do not accept others telling us how to run ours." No attempt
was made to gather further information.
BBS Name: The Special Place BBS
Telephone Number: (813) 372-7525
Sysop: Bob Dipalma
BBS Software: Remote Access
Year Founded: 1991
Before giving any log-on information, this BBS advises that "We Cater to Gays
and Lesbians but everyone is welcomed. If this offends you, please hang up
now." The Special Place BBS has a new user questionnaire that is more
personal that most, asking such questions as "Do you have a lover or spouse
and for how long?" and "Describe yourself and looks." The two node system has
some FidoNet echos and first time callers are given 20 minutes to look around.
BBS Name: The Storm's Fury BBS
Telephone Number: (813) 843-8905
Sysop: Matt Holden
BBS Software: Virtual
Year Founded: 1993
The Storm's Fury BBS advertises "The Most Doors on Any BBS in Pasco County,"
and has 166 doors on the system. New users have a short log-on questionnaire
to complete, and a screen of rules for first time callers, before going
through autopost prior to reaching the main menu. First time callers have 30
minutes to look around. The board has 21 primary file areas, but also offers
CD-ROMs. The BBS states that it is an "Official Distribution Site for
seventy-eight software companies." The welcome screen has quite a few message
networks listed, FidoNet, VirtualNET, CrystalNET, CellNET, AuthorLink,
AllNighter, KargoNET, SpectraNET and DianondNET, however, a good percentage of
these are local networks with little activity. The Storm's Fury BBS has five
bulletins, a second line available at (813) 849-2272 and a Sysop who uses the
handle of Thunder.
BBS Name: Studio PC BBS
Telephone Number: (813) 849-4034
Sysop: Ralph Lobianco
BBS Software: PCBoard
Year Founded: 1986
The Studio PC BBS, along with the Ground Zero BBS, make up Citicom Online
Communication Services. This system was once known as Studio 64, when it was
based on a Commodore computer. First time callers are presented with a couple
of screens of rules and a standard PCBoard new user questionnaire. There is a
"Quote of the Call" screen, a statistics screen and the system news prior to
reaching the main menu. The board has over 700 message areas (including
FidoNet, Clink, Mufonet, K12 Information Freeway and Internet), over 700 file
areas, 25 bulletins, over a dozen doors, three questionnaires and over a dozen
different voting booth options. First time callers receive a 30 day
membership with 45 minutes a day to check out the board. There is a Pinellas
County number at (813) 934-9765 and voice support can be reached at (813) 842-
5783.
BBS Name: Treasure Isle BBS
Telephone Number: (813) 847-5317
Sysop: Gopher
BBS Software: Virtual
Year Founded: 1993
The Treasure Isle BBS has a typical new user questionnaire, then takes callers
through a statistics screen, a "Today in History" screen and auto-post prior
to reaching the main menu. The message areas feature VirtualNet, LocoNet,
ConsumerNet, HOGnet and FidoNet. There are a couple of file areas, 16 game
doors and three bulletins. A Voting Booth option has six choices including
"What Do You Think Of Pasco County?" First time callers have 20 minutes to
check out the system.
BBS Name: Traveling Man BBS
Telephone Number: (813) 856-0577
Sysop: David Zimmer
BBS Software: TriBBS
Year Founded: 1993
The Traveling Man BBS has a short new user questionnaire, which asks only
pertinent questions. However, callers are taken through several advertising
screens, the system news and the bulletin menu prior to reaching the main
menu. The board has 77 message areas featuring TriBBSNET and WME. There are
13 files areas, including a CD-ROM, and a File Request Door. First time
callers are given 30 minutes.
BBS Name: Twilight Zone BBS
Telephone Number: (813) 842-5240
Sysop: William Begley
BBS Software: TriBBS
Year Founded: 1993
When you log into the Twilight Zone BBS you have 20 different language files
to choose from. First time callers are greeted with a couple of screens of
rules, but are told ""This BBS is my hobby and yours to enjoy." A friendly
touch is the listing of 'Mom' as Co-Sysop. The BBS has a standard new user
questionnaire, but does take the caller through the high scores for door
games, an advertising screen, the system news, the last ten callers screen and
the bulletin menu prior to the main menu. There are 123 message areas,
featuring FidoNet, COM-X and CLink. The Twilight Zone BBS has 13 bulletins,
one questionnaire for visiting Sysops, 54 doors and over 70 file areas
including a CD-ROM. First time callers have 30 minutes on the system.
BBS Name: Underdog's BBS
Telephone Number: (813) 856-3895
Sysop: Sharon Combs
BBS Software: TriBBS
Year Founded: 1995
This system has a standard new user questionnaire and not much else prior to
reaching the main menu. There are three bulletins, two message areas (General
Chat and Pets), 14 game doors and one file area called "Downloads." The first
time caller is given 60 minutes to look around.
BBS Name: Zombie Zone BBS
Telephone Number: (813) 376-6136
Sysop: Zombie Mambo
BBS Software: Synchronet
Year Founded: 1995
This board has a longer than usual new user questionnaire, along with the
requirement of sending a message to the Sysop. There are several screens to
go through, using quite a bit of graphics, so it does take some time to get to
the main menu. Unfortunately, this system has needless obscenities displayed
in the new user screen, among other places. Zombie Zone BBS features ten
bulletins, five message areas, 13 file areas, a couple dozen doors and adult
access. New users are given 30 minutes on the system.
BBS Name: The Zoo BBS
Telephone Number: (813) 841-9316
Sysop: Goldfinger
BBS Software: T.A.G.
Year Founded: 1995
This system has a slightly longer new user log-on questionnaire than average,
which is followed by another short questionnaire. Callers are taken through a
last callers screen, advertising screens, a disclaimer, some rules, a
statistics screen and auto-message prior to reaching the main menu. The Zoo
BBS uses a call back verifier, or other forms of validation, so the first time
caller has little to see in their 15 minute allotment. The new user may
frequently see "Sorry You do NOT have access to this area. Use the Call-Back
Verifier or wait to be validated." The system does have 12 bulletins (which
are mostly high scores for game doors), a CD-ROM and is a member of FidoNet.
Epilogue: Next month's issue of the Pasco BBS Magazine will feature a follow
up report to the Pasco BBS Tour. We will take a look at how the Pasco County
BBS community has evolved over the past several years. A comparison on how
things have changed, since the first issue of this publication in January
1993, should produce some interesting findings. Look for a future issue to
cover east Pasco County systems.
+ + + + +
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³ The Most Comprehensive Listing ßßßßßÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛ ³
³ of Computer Bulletin Board ßßÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛßß ßÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛ ³
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³ ³
³ GILBEAU PUBLISHING CO. P.O.BOX 3397, HOLIDAY, FL. (813) 938-6975 voice** ³
³ THE 813 BBS DIRECTORY HOME BOARD IS BOARD OF TRADE BBS, DATA # IS 862-4772³
ÔÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍ;
+ + + + +
Jazz Jackrabbit Review
----------------------
Written by Paul Pollack, editor GamePlay Magazine, New Port Richey, FL
In this review I'll take a look at Epic's hot new game, Jazz Jackrabbit. So
read on and hear what's so special about this game.
As I finished writing this review, I realized that reviewing shareware games
is sort of unusual in the fact that shareware games are supposed to be try
before you buy. So you could make a case that shareware games let the user
"review" the game himself before buying the full version. What the purpose of
this review is, is to give you my thoughts on the game before (or after) you
download it. Let's get started.
Game: Jazz Jackrabbit
Developer/Publisher: Epic MegaGames
Overall rating: B
Rating scale (like a report-card):
A+ -- Mega-awesome
A -- Awesome
B+ -- Great
B -- Really good
C+ -- Good
C -- Average
D+ -- OK
D -- Fair
F+ -- Better than nothing...
F -- Stinks!
Categories:
Graphics: How good are the graphics compared to your computer's maximum
capacity available for the graphics?
Sound: Are the bleeps and bloops good, or are they really just bleeps and
bloops?
Music: Will you be humming the theme song later, or will you be trying to get
it out of your head?
Technical Problems: Did I spend more time getting the game to work right than
I did playing it?
Plot: Does the plot remind you of Willy Beamish, or King's Quest VI?
Fun-factor: Is the game fun enough to even have a Replay factor?
Replay factor: Does winning the first time through make you want to replay
it, or store it?
Control\manipulation: Can you do what you want to do without hassles or too
much tediousness?
Concept: Is the main idea of what kind of game your dealing with sound good
to you?
Combined realism: All together, how realistic was it. Did it manage to pull
you into its virtual world?
Overall: Put all these factors together, and what do you get?
Worth registering/buying: After playing, did I want to send the programmer
money, or did I think he should have to send me money?
Individual Ratings:
Graphics.................... A+
Sound....................... B+
Music....................... A
Technical Problems.......... A
Plot........................ C+
Fun-factor.................. B+
Replay value................ B
Control/Manipulation........ A
Concept..................... C+
Combined realism............ N/A
Worth registering/buying.... B
Explanation:
Graphics (A+): The graphics were very nicely done, but it was hard to rate
them since there's really not many other games for the PC in this genre other
than Zool. If I was comparing it to Zool, I'd say that Jazz was far superior
with three different levels of graphic detail, and more animation. On the
highest level, the sun that was perpetually in the upper-right hand corner got
to me, and I turned down the detail level to take out the sun. Let me just
put it to you this way. If you can stand Sonic, you can stand Jazz.
Sound (B+): The sound was another area where Jazz Jackrabbit did pretty well.
All the sounds in the game sounded exactly as they should, and different
levels of sound quality let you fine-tune the sound for your computer. On a
486-33 the sound should be fine, but for true "Ultra-quality" you need a
Pentium. I also noticed that none of the sounds were "borrowed" from other
Epic games and were completely original (as far as I can tell).
Music (A): The music for the game was great and fit the game well. It never
became overly repetitive or annoying, and just seemed to go well with the
game.
Technical Problems (A): There were no glaring technical problems in Jazz
Jackrabbit. I didn't get any "Out of hunk" or "Not enough memory" messages
while running the game. In fact, the only technical fault is the sound. To
get ultra-quality you need at least a Pentium machine, and on a 486-25 some
people think that the sound is "tinny." If you have anything above a high-end
386, you should be able to run Jazz at a nice and satisfying frame rate,
although you may have to sacrifice sound quality. The sound's not really bad,
even on the lowest level though, and doesn't really detract from the overall
value of the program. In fact, I really couldn't tell much of a difference in
sound quality from "high-quality" to "medium-quality."
Plot (C+): OK. Here's the plot. You are a young jackrabbit known
appropriately as Jazz Jackrabbit. You are out to save princess Earlong.
Sound familiar? It's the same old save the princess from the evil
person/animal (in this case, turtle). It's not really a bad plot, though, and
since it isn't a graphic adventure the plot isn't the main focus of the game.
Fun-factor (B+): The game was pretty fun to play while it lasted (7 levels)
and never really got too repetitive. There were a variety of weapons to
choose from, and the graphics changed depending on what world you were in.
The gameplay was fresh and exciting each new level, and there were some
secrets thrown in every level (more on that in Replay Value).
Replay value (B): I've always liked Sonic games, and Jazz Jackrabbit is, for
all intensive purposes, a Sonic clone. To tell you the truth: After beating
Jazz Jackrabbit, I really didn't have the urge to play it all over again.
Many people do play it all over again, if only for all the secrets Epic has
put into the game (the bird you can get to help you each level, the racetrack,
the extra lives, the secret levels, etc.). It depends on what you like. If
you really like Sonic-type action you may replay this a lot. If you're only a
casual fan, you may not after beating it.
Control/manipulation (A): The game's controls were easy to learn and to use,
and even novices should have no problem getting into the game. Another option
is the joystick support, which worked fine on my standard analog joystick. If
you really want the control to shine, check out the game on a Gravis PC
Gamepad!
Concept (C+): Face it, folks. Jazz Jackrabbit is basically a Sonic the
Hedgehog clone. A good looking clone, but still a clone. Many of the
graphics, such as him standing unbalanced when he reached the end of a cliff,
were borrowed directly from Sonic. Even the racetrack reminded me of
something from Sonic II. Face it, it's not that original and when combined
with the only mediocre plot, is only slightly above average. It really
doesn't hurt the game that much, though, since the rest of the game is so
good!
Combined realism (N/A): OK. You control a drawn Jazz Jackrabbit, a
jackrabbit trying to save princess Earlong, who, not coincidentally, is also a
jackrabbit. Both characters are made not to look realistic at all, but rather
to give a cartoonish feel. Thus, you really can't assign a realism value when
there really wasn't meant to be any.
Worth Registering/Buying (B): Whether you buy the game or not hinges on one
simple question? Do you like Sonic the Hedgehog? Even if the answer is yes,
Jazz Jackrabbit still might not be right for you. If you own a Sega, there
are tons of games out there like this, with just as well-done graphics and
sound. To register for episodes 1, 2, and 3 of Jazz, it'll cost $25 dollars.
For episodes 4, 5, and 6, it'll be another $25 dollars. All together, getting
the full Jazz Jackrabbit costs more than registering Doom, or buying TIE
Fighter! Whether it's worth it for a simple arcade/action game is up to you.
Overall (B): Jazz Jackrabbit, while not the perfect game, is certainly worth
a try. Whether you have none or a million Sonic clones, there's no denying
Jazz's great graphics, sound, animation and control. This is one of the
better PC arcade/action games out there, and to those who've never played a
Sonic clone, I recommend it wholeheartedly. Whether you like Sonic the
Hedgehog or not, Jazz Jackrabbit is definitely worth a download, and some of
your time.
Editor's Note: Thanks again to Paul Pollack for another great article. There
will be more from Paul and GamePlay in next month's Pasco BBS Magazine. Paul
is an avid gamer and frequent BBSer who, if you would like to contact him, can
be reached at Gator's Place BBS (813) 376-0087, or Dr. Duck's BBS (813) 849-
3562. Paul is also the moderator of the GamePlay Conference on the Board of
Trade BBS (813) 862-4772. You may also wish to visit his home page on the
World Wide Web at http://www.sanctum.com/surfers/paulp.index.html.
+ + + + +
ÚÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ¿
³ ÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛ ÛÛ ÛÛÛÛ ÛÛ Û ³
³ Ü Ü ÛÛ Û ÛÛ Û ÛÛ Û Û ÛÛ Û ÛÛ Û ÛÛ ÛÛ Û ÛÛ Û Ü Ü ³
³ ÜßÜ ÜßÜßÜ ÛÛ Û ÛÛ Û ÛÛ Û Û ÛÛ Û ÛÛ Û ÛÛ ÛÛ Û ÛÛ Û ÜßÜßÜ ÜßÜ ³
³ ÜßÜßÜßÜßÜßÜßÜß ÛÛ ÛÛÜÛ ÛÛ Û Û ÛÛÜ ÛÛÜÛ ÛÛ ÛÛÜÛ ÛÛÛÛ ßÜßÜßÜßÜßÜßÜßÜ ³
³ ßÜßÜßÜß ßÜßÜß ÛÛ ÛÛ ÛÛ Û ÛÛ Û Û ÛÛ ÛÛ ÛÛ Û ÛÛ Û ÞÛÝ ßÜßÜß ßÜßÜßÜß ³
³ ßÜß ßÜß ÛÛ Û ÛÛ Û ÛÛ Û Û ÛÛ Û ÛÛ ÛÛ Û ÛÛ Û ÞÛÝ ßÜß ßÜß ³
³ ÛÛÜÜÛ ÛÛ Û ÛÛ Û Û ÛÛÜÛ ÛÛ ÛÛÜÛ ÛÛ Û ÞÛÝ ³
³ ³
³ =======FOR THE SERIOUS ONLINE GAMER======= ³
³ ³
³ The hottest gaming magazine ever just got even better! With more reviews ³
³ of shareware and commercial games/demos, more game hints, Windows 3.1 ³
³ compatibility, an updated list of the best shareware games, demos and ³
³ more! This is one magazine you simply can't afford to miss! Now with a ³
³ terrific all-new 256-color menu system, an awesome new RPG narrative, a ³
³ complete One Must Fall 2097 strategy guide, and a terrific strategy ³
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³ ==========DragonHawk Productions========== ³
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³ Home BBS: Board of Trade BBS, New Port Richey, FL (813) 862-4772 ³
ÀÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÙ
+ + + + +
EFF Quote of the Month
----------------------
"Don't hate the media. Become the media."
- Jello Biafra (formerly of the band Dead Kennedys. Successfully fought an
attempt to prosecute him, the group, and various record distributors over the
inclusion of an allegedly obscene miniposter by Austrian master surrealist
painter, H. R. Giger, in one of their albums.)
Editor's Note: The Electronic Frontier Foundation Quote of the Month is a
collection of the wittiest and stupidest, most sublime and most inane comments
ever said about cryptography, civil liberties, networking, government,
privacy, and more. For more information on the Electronic Frontier
Foundation, contact the EFF via the Internet, phone, fax, or US Mail. The
Electronic Frontier Foundation, 1001 G Street NW, Suite 950 E, Washington, DC
20001, (202) 347-5400 (voice), (202) 393-5509 (fax), (202) 638-6119 (BBS),
Internet: ask@eff.org.
+ + + + +
²²²²± ²²± ²²± ²²± ²²²²²²²± ²²± ²²± ²²²²± THE NEWS
²²± ²²± ²²± ²²± ²²²± ²²± ²²± ²± ²²± ²²± ²²± ²²± DIRECTORY
²²± ²²± ²²± ²²²²±²²± ²²±²± ²²± ²²± ²²²±
²²± ²²± ²²±²²²²± ²²²²± ²²±²±²²± ²²²± A brief look
²²± ²²± ²²± ²²²± ²²±²± ²²²²²²²± ²²²± at some of
²²± ²²± ²²± ²²± ²²± ²²± ²²± ²± ²²²±²²²± ²²± ²²± the news of
²²²²± ²²± ²± ²²± ²²± ²²²²²²²± ²²± ²²± ²²²²± the month
Published reports are now estimating that there are approximately 70,000
bulletin boards in the United States.
With the November 28th announcement of a new 561 area code, Florida will have
double the number of area codes it had about a year ago. Beginning in April,
Palm Beach, Martin, Saint Lucie and Indian River counties will make up the new
561 area code. These counties are currently part of the 407 area, which is
expected to split again in 1997. This will make eight area codes in the
state, up from four just over a year ago. The demand for additional phone
numbers, brought about by the public's desire for electronic gadgets, has
created this wave of area code splits. The Tampa Bay area's 813 area code,
which spilt earlier this year, is now expected to fulfill demand until the
year 2012.
Microsoft Corp. announced that sales of Windows 95, released August 24, have
topped ten million units.
+ + + + +
ÉÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍ»
º º
º ßÛß ÛßßÛ ÛßßÛ Ûßßß ÛßÛ Ûßßß ÛßßÛ ÛßßÛ ÛßßÛ ßßÛßß Û Û ÛßÛßÛ º
º Û Û Û Û Û Ûß ÛßßÛ ßßßÛ ÛßßÛ Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û º
º ßßß ß ß ß ß ßßßß ß ß ßßßß ß ß ß ß ßßßß ß ßßßß ß ß º
º º
º ÛßÛ ÛßÛ Ûßßß º
º ÛßßÛ ÛßßÛ ßßßÛ º
º ßßßß ßßßß ßßßß º
º º
º Since 1985 - Pasco County's Oldest BBS º
º º
º Sysops - Rob & Carolyn Marlowe º
º º
º Popular Chat Board, On-Line Games, CD-ROMS, Internet, FidoNet º
º º
º Ten Lines - (813) 848-6055 Voice - (813) 845-0893 º
º º
º telenet: sanctum.com º
º º
º READ THE PASCO BBS MAGAZINE AT: http://www.sanctum.com/pasco º
º º
ÈÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍͼ
+ + + + +
ROTFL!
------
Computer humor courtesy of Sandy Illes
MS-DOS 99.3
Welcome to your new, simplified MS-DOS manual!
Thank you for choosing MS-DOS 99.3! You have wisely purchased an operating
system that has made Bill Gates rich and will continue to make him even
richer. He'd thank you personally but he's sailing in the Bahamas on his new
yacht, surrounded by beautiful money-hungry women, and doesn't have time
to write anything in this introduction.
Note that the warranty on the enclosed disks becomes null and void if they are
placed within five (5) feet of a computer while the packaging is removed.
Whatever you do, DO NOT INSERT THESE DISKS INTO YOUR COMPUTER!
If you have elected to ignore our standard warranty disclaimer, these steps
should be followed. (Please note that MS-DOS is no longer under warranty once
the package seal has been broken, and all steps are followed at your own
risk.)
Step 1:
Open the disk packages and remove the disks.
Step 2:
Insert them into your computer one at a time while the computer is switched
on.
Step 3:
Type [install] while praying really, really hard that this upgrade will not
affect any of the important programs you already have installed on your
current MS-DOS system.
Step 4:
If the installation is unsuccessful, do not - we repeat DO NOT - call the MS
Support Line. You have already voided the warranty by removing the disks
from the packaging and we really don't care if you have lost many megs of
valuable and irreplaceable information. Perhaps our next upgrade will work
better... who knows?
Editor's Note: Thank you to ROTFL Digest!, and its editor Sandy Illes for
allowing the above to be reprinted from a prior issue of the on-line humor
magazine. For more information on ROTFL Digest! contact Access Media Systems
at (905) 847-7362 (Voice/FAX), or call the CAP/Canada BBS at (416) 287-0935.
Email: sandy.illes@canrem.com, or Sandy Illes 1:250/710.
+ + + + +
PBM Flashback - January 1994
----------------------------
The first anniversary issue of the Pasco BBS Magazine had a very special
interview with British Shareware author Graham Cluley. He is the author of
the adventure games Humbug and Jacaranda Jim, and the arcade-style games Blox
and Wilf. If you enjoy British humor, you may want to go back to that
interview two years ago, as it was quite delightful. Here is some of what
Graham Cluley said about the British Shareware industry in the January 1994
issue.
"British Shareware has never been as organized as USA Shareware. From
discussions I've had with UK authors I seem to be about the only chap who has
had any real success in selling their software. I think that is largely down
to a knowledge of how to market the games best. If you can't present the
games properly and put them in front of the end-user, they'll never register
them. Also, you must have a good reason to register the games. Otherwise,
people's natural reaction will be that they won't bother."
Editor's Note: PBM Flashback will appear on a regular basis in future issues.
Most issues will have this brief look back at some of the features which have
appeared over the history of the Pasco BBS Magazine.
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°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
² ²
² Board of Trade BBS New Port Richey, Florida ²
² ²
² (813) 862-4772 12/24/48/96/144/28800 baud ²
² ²
² Home of the Pasco BBS Magazine ²
² ²
² Home of the 813 BBS Directory ²
² ²
² Home of DragonHawk Productions ²
² ²
² Home of Shadoware ²
² ²
² Home of Maximus Productions ²
² ²
² Official Distribution Site: ²
² Alive Software, Apogee Software, Epic MegaGames, Gamer's Edge, ²
² Id Software, Impulse Software, MVP Software, Safari Software, ²
² Software Creations, Soleau Software and Union Logic Software ²
² ²
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
+ + + + +
Next Month
----------
The February issue of the Pasco BBS Magazine will have more on the Pasco
County BBS community. We will take a look at how things have changed over the
last few years. A quick comparison could provide some interesting findings.
It could even be possible that Pasco BBS Tour will generate some rebuttals
from local Sysops. While it will be hard to top the Pasco BBS Tour, it will
be another informative issue.
The February issue of the Pasco BBS Magazine will be available on, or before,
January 22. Do not miss an exciting issue of Tampa Bay's oldest free on-line
magazine!
+ + + + +
Important Information
---------------------
The Pasco BBS Magazine is distributed free of charge, as long as it is
unaltered and complete. When uploading make sure the original archive is
intact with all files included.
The Pasco BBS Magazine is the sole property of the Board of Trade BBS and
Richard Ziegler. It is legally copyrighted material and all rights are
reserved. No part of this magazine may be used without permission. No
compensation of any kind may be received for the viewing, distribution, or
for any other use of the magazine files.
By submitting something, you are agreeing to allow publication of the
material in the magazine. Articles reprinted with permission remain the
property of the cited source. Guest contributions may not necessarily
reflect the views of the Pasco BBS Magazine. The editor reserves the right
to edit submissions, however, this is normally only done to correct spelling
or grammatical errors. The editor makes all determinations on what and when
articles will run.
Every effort is made to insure that all information contained within the
Pasco BBS Magazine is accurate, but inadvertently mistakes can appear.
The Pasco BBS Magazine, Board of Trade BBS or Richard Ziegler cannot be held
liable for information contained within this document. It is intended that
this magazine exists for the personal enjoyment of the readers.
Rather than place a trademark symbol at every occurrence of a trademarked
name, it is stated that trademarks are only being used in an editorial
fashion with no intention of any infringement of the trademark itself.
More information can be found in the other files distributed with the
magazine's archive.
Comments, questions, suggestions and submissions can be left on the Board
of Trade BBS (813) 862-4772, or mailed to Board of Trade BBS, P.O. Box 1853,
New Port Richey, FL 34656.
+ + + + +
(C)Copyright 1995 Richard Ziegler - All Rights Reserved
+ + + + +
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