Hello Earl! 

     

 ET> BBSs that will still be there tomorrow.  Another problem is that
 ET> there is so much software to use to access BBSs and every BBS
 ET> is different - having no standard adds another barrier to most
 ET> new users.

There are standards that were established many moons ago, but were not
"enforced".  It's still fairly easy to log onto most systems other than
the ones that require a special log-in to the operating system (Linux)
and then on to the BBS.  That's a pain it the neck.  Most other common
systems follow the ritual of user name (or Guest or New), password and
opening screens then a "main menu".  Granted, some are confusing as all
get-out, which probably would dissuade a user that's never used a
traditional BBS before.

 ET> Windows software and the Internet is winning because of
 ET> consistency and the vast amount of content.

There is a very considerable amount of Fido software development for
the "newer" BBS systems (Windows NT and XP and Linux).  Much of it is
now free software.

 ET> The only thing Fidonet has going for it is the community among
 ET> its users but that community is dwindling all the time.

You are unfortunately right about the dwindling. ;-(

Best regards,
Marc.



... RAM DISK is NOT an installation procedure!
--- Blue Wave/386 v2.30