Rob:
RM> Thanks for the summary of what you look for in a BBS.  I'm printing
RM> out a copy...
Rats!  I knew I should have applied for a copyright. 
RM> A voice line is pretty much mandatory.
It helps, but a message from the sysop the next time I log on that states
he's looking into the problem would do almost as well - as long as I don't
feel that I'm being ignored.
RM> Also, I'm amazed at how many boards have come and gone over the last
RM> 11 years we've been up...
I've been modeming for about 16 years and the number of systems that have
disappeared in Toronto during that time number in the 100s.  Is it any
wonder then, that BBS's have a "Fly-by-night" reputation which makes users
hesitant to subscribe?
RM> You might at least give the smaller boards a try once just to see if
RM> there is any potential.
Toronto has 150+ boards and 90% of them have 3 lines or less.  Given the
the number of boards and the fact that one would likely have to use auto
redial for varying amounts of time before getting through, how long would
you estimate it would take to give each of them a try? 
RM> I hate to say it, but I'm afraid that the world is rapidly pushing
RM> toward a Windows interface.  The point and click crowd sometimes have
RM> problems negotiating a hot key system.  Give me ANSI any day!
ANSI is the lowest common denominator and makes the board accessible to
virtually all computers.  I can't help but think that sysops who insist on
being on the leading edge are attracting only a portion of the potential
market for their services.  Callers lacking the necessary hardware and/or
software to connect will go to their competitors.
RM> Depending on what's hot in a particular area, a sysop may not be
RM> willing to receive every echo in the world...
It's not necessary to carry "every echo in the world," but a sysop would
be wise to carry some of the major networks.  I doubt that "SniffNet" (if
there is such a thing) would be a drawing card, but FidoNet, NaNet, Rime
or any of the other popular networks certainly would be.
RM> ...adding three or four echos I don't particularly care about. I not
RM> only got a annual subscription to the BBS, but a new Internet customer
RM> and he's been raving all over town about how good we are.
This provides a valuable lesson for all sysops: It's not what the SYSOP
wants or doesn't want, it's what the USERS want that will get them to call
and hopefully, subscribe.
RM> Careful.  You MAY care how much it costs the sysop if those costs are
RM> related to the quality and stability of the service.
If a mall has several jean outlets, do you really care how much it costs
each store owner to stay in operation?  And if the "quality and stability"
of one of those stores is diminshed as a result of its operating costs,
what would be your response -- you would patronize one of the other stores 
wouldn't you?
RM> It costs money to run a BBS with 12 phone lines and a full time
RM> Internet connection.  We make no apologies for charging.
Nor should you!  But too many sysops try to burden users with the costs of
staying in operation, almost as if they expect them to subscribe out of
sympathy.  The costs of operating a BBS are the sysop's concern, just as
the cost of operating a store is the store owners concern.  In both cases,
any attempt to use these costs in a pitch to get the consumer to buy is
just plain poor business.
RM> While we've been talking specifically about Bulletin Board Systems,
RM> these general principles apply to ALL businesses...
Precisely!  A sysop who plans and markets his/her BBS as a business will
have every opportunity to grow.  Those who operate with a hobbyist mindset
and expect users to contribute in order help reduce the cost of his or her
"hobby" will always find it a struggle.
You seem to have a good grasp of the marketplace, Rob, and I wish you
nothing but continued success with your online venture.
Richard
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 Richard Portsmouth                          Internet: af903@torfree.net
 Toronto, Canada                             FidoNet : 1:250/518
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