Subject: BBS'S
Richard,
Thanks for the summary of what you look for in a BBS.  I'm printing out
a copy so I can use it to point out the advantages of using my system
when folks call us for information.
Just a few thoughts...
Service:  A voice line is pretty much mandatory.  It's even better if it
has voice mail to handle callers who call when you are talking to
someone else.  Also, I'm amazed at how many boards have come and gone
over the last 11 years we've been up simply because the sysops of those
boards don't even respond to messages on their own boards.
RP>When scanning the local computer press for BBS numbers, I look for:
RP>- The name in the "BBS Name" column. If the name sounds interesting then I
We'd probably be a split decision then.  We're listed as "The Inner
Sanctum BBS" in many of the computer geek lists and "Marlowe &
Associates" in the yellow page listings for "Computers - Bulletin Board
Systems" and "Internet Service Providers".  Your point is well taken
though...funky names are not as likely to grab today's new callers as
they did years ago.
RP>- In the "Comments" column I look for an interesting description (not the
  >  typical "We have tons of files, messages and games" type).  I need to
We're a system with all that stuff that caters to newbees and the chat
crowd.  Defining how to market that to avoid the trap you've indicated
above was VERY difficult.  As it turned out, we sort of slid into being
primarily a chat system in spite of all that other "stuff".  I fully
agree with your point though that you've GOT to define your system in
terms that distinguish it from all the others in town.
RP>- Are there enough phone lines. I don't bother calling boards with less
  >  than 4 lines because I know it will be hassle connecting.
We wouldn't have met your criteria for the first eight years we were
online.  You might at least give the smaller boards a try once just to
see if there is any potential.
RP>When checking out a board, I look for:
RP>- Do they use a proprietary interface? For example, if it's "Windows only"
  >  I may not have the necessary hardware or software.
I hate to say it, but I'm afraid that the world is rapidly pushing
toward a Windows interface.  The point and click crowd sometimes have
problems negotiating a hot key system.  Give me ANSI any day!
RP>- Does the sysop respond to the users, or does he/she ignore them?  If I
The number one killer of Bulletin Board Systems!
RP>- Message bases and networks. Is the board connected to the major nets?
  >  Does it offer Internet e-mail and perhaps Usenet newsgroups?  I
Depending on what's hot in a particular area, a sysop not willing to run
every echo in the world could still be responsive to requests from
callers to add specific echos.  We did so a month or so ago, adding
three or four echos I don't particularly care about.  I not only got an
annual subscription to the BBS, but a new Internet customer and he's
been raving all over town about how good we are.  The "net" cost to me
to do that?  Zip. It just took a couple of messages to get the
appropriate echos turned on by my NEC.  Customer service is key.
RP>- Files. Is there a good selection or is it dominated by games, GIF's and
Are the files rotated or replaced on any sort of regular basis?  We've
found BBS ready CDs to be an ideal solution.  They come already scanned
for virii, they are easy to install, and you can hang one or more CD
changers on your system (we've got three six CD changers for a total of
18 disks online at once) and have tens of thousands of files with
relatively little grief.
RP>- Is the board available when I call?  I see no point in using a board
  >  that is plaqued by technical problems.
This is the flip side of the busy signal issue you mentioned earlier.
RP>- Competitive pricing.  As a consumer, I'm not the least bit interested in
  >  how much it costs the sysop to run his/her system, any more than I'd be
  >  interested in what it costs a store owner to keep his store in 
peration.
  >  I'm ONLY interested in the value I will receive for MY money.
Careful.  You MAY care how much it costs the sysop if those costs are
related to the quality and stability of the service.  We compete with
folks offering "free" bbs access.  It costs money to run a BBS with 12
phone lines and a full time Internet connection.  We make no apologies
for charging.
Likewise, many Internet services push $15 "all you can eat" pricing.
(Continued to next message)
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