	 Association of Online Professionals
 	Information and Membership Application  


Professional (pre-fshe-nel):  
A skilled practitioner; an expert.

What does it take to be a professional in today's 
ever-changing, rapidly expanding online industry?  
Increasingly, it takes immediate access to reliable
information, resources and services.

That's why membership in the Association of Online 
Professionals may be the single most important investment you 
make this year.  Whether you operate an online system, provide 
Internet access, or sell products and services to or through 
system operators, AOP is your professional association.

Already, we've established a strong record of performance on 
behalf of our members.  We're monitoring legislation at the 
federal and local levels, providing timely alerts of 
legislation that may affect online systems.  We're working with 
the attorney representing sysops facing charges for online 
activities.  We're promoting our industry to the media, working 
to achieve a more balanced and accurate image of our industry.  
We're providing professionals with the information and news 
they need to grow professionally and to prosper.

And we're delivering the best set of benefits every offered to 
online professionals:

-- A one-year subscription to SysOp News, a leading trade 
   magazine for online professionals. 
-- A one-year subscription to PC Magazine, a special membership
   benefit provided in coordination with Reception Room Service,
   the nation's leading provider of discounted magazine services
   for BBS systems.. .a $49.97 value! 
-- A spcial AOP member rate of only $199 each for the USRobotics 
   "V.Everything" modem with V.34 and Fax support -- the lowest 
   price ever offered for this top-of-the-line modem. 
-- Substantial discounts on credit card merchant accounts, online 
   check processing, hotel accommodations at Choice Hotels 
   worldwide, and more!


AOP is also creating ways for professionals to work together on 
issues that are of interest to them.  We've already created 
Special Interest Groups for SysOps, Non-Profity and Hobbyist 
SysOps, Media and Publishing, Legal and Legislative Issues, 
Industry Marketing and Education.  And we'll create other 
groups as members express an interest in working together to 
the benefit of the industry.

These benefits -- plus our monthly newletter, the AOP Code of 
Professional Standards, interaction with other professionals 
and more -- can be yours at the low rate of just $95 for one 
full year if you join today!  


How can AOP provide this level of benefits and services?  
Through a very simple idea:

That professionals working together can do more than 
individuals working alone.

AOP was created by leading members of our industry to support 
the individuals, online systems and companies that comprise 
that industry.  The Association is already supported by people 
you know and respect --  from SysOps of BBS systems and major 
online services to web sites on the Internet.  And by such 
leading companies as Hayes Microcomputer Products, USRobotics, 
Rockwell International and Clark Development

Together, we are building an industry where professionals can 
practice their craft without undue interference.  An industry 
with room for individuals and systems to grow and prosper.

But we cant do it without you, the online professional.  

Regardless of the environment in which you work, whether an 
online system SysOp or a company providing products and 
services to online professionals,  we need your support.  We 
need your voice with ours when we fight for fair legislation.  
We need your ideas and efforts to define and deliver services.  
We need your financial support, through your dues, to fund 
these efforts.

If there was ever a time for professionals to stand up and be 
counted, that time is now.  And AOP will continue to work to 
make membership the single best investment you can make in your 
company or system this year.

To become a member of AOP, complete the attached membership 
application and return it by fax or mail.  Or join today with 
your check or credit card by calling our membership department 
at (703) 924-9692.

Join with professionals who will help to shape the future of 
our industry.  Join the Association of Online Professionals.

===========================================================
            Association of Online Professionals
                          Fact Sheet

The Assocation of Online Professionals (AOP) is a non-profit 
service and support organization that exists to foster and 
promote the growth of individuals, organizations and companies 
that operate, consult with and support electronic 
communications and information services worldwide.

Association:			Section 501(c)(6) professional 
				association, tax-exempt
Founded:			1994
Staff Contact:			David P. McClure 
				Executive Director
Classes of Membership:		Individual
				Corporate
Special Interest Groups:	System Operator
				Industry Marketing
				Hobbyist/Non-Profit
				Education
				Media
				Public Policy
Board of Directors:

	Dennis C. Hayes		Hayes Microcomputer (Chairman)
	Steve Klingler		Clark Development (Vice Chairman)
	Adam A. Strack		US Robotics (Treasurer)
	Tony McClenny		World Data Network (Secretary)
	Doug Clemons		Rockwell International
	Dan Linton		Software Creations
	Bob Mahoney		Exec-PC
	Carson Hanrahan		Traders Connection
	Kathy Lane		Harman Interactive

Contact:			Assn of Online Professionals     
				6010 Burdon Court, Suite 302
				Alexandria, VA   22315  
				Voice:   (703) 924-9692
				Fax:	 (703) 924-9594 
				E-mail:  membership@aop.org
	 				 70631,266 on CIS
					 Go AOP on AOL
				BBS:     (703) 264-1750   
				Fidonet: 1:133/1501 
 

================================================================
The Association of Online Professionals is a non-profit trade 
association  founded in 1994 to promote the interests of the 
professionals who plan,  manage and provide services to the 
online telecommunications industry. Though in its first year, 
AOP has already gained the support of major  companies in the 
industry, key system operators and other interested  
professionals throughout the country.  
  

Classes of Membership 
 
AOP has two classes of members: 
  
-- Individual members are individuals who manage or 
   operate  systems that include BBS systems, nodes of the 
   Internet, nodes on  message networks, remote access computers 
   and other systems.  And they are the professionals actively 
   involved in the industry who do not  manage systems. These 
   include service providers, educators, law  enforcement officers,
   government employees and others who share our  commitment to 
   the growth of the online community.  These  members receive the 
   full range of AOP services for an annual dues of  $95. 
 
-- Corporate members include the companies that provide 
   hardware,  software, access services (including major online 
   systems) and other  direct services or support for system 
   operators.  Corporate members pay  a dues fee on a sliding scale 
   based on gross annual sales, and receive up to five individual 
   memberships, access to industry research data, access to 
   members, and a role in industry promotion and public policy 
   initiatives.  

Participation in Association Special Interest Groups: 
 
AOP operates and supports special interest groups (SIGs) and 
committees that work cooperatively to the betterment of the 
industry.  Members are invited and  encouraged to participate in 
these programs.  They include, but are not limited to:  

1) A SysOp SIG that will set priorities for projects and guide 
   the AOP staff in providing services to system operator members.
   This SIG also oversees such critical projects as the Standards 
   Committee (which manages the AOP Code of Professional 
   Standards) and the Awards Committee.

2) An Industry Marketing SIG to develop and implement joint 
   marketing programs to members and consumers. This is the 
   primary working group for consultants, service providers and
   small companies.

3) A Legal and Legislative Issues SIG to coordinate legislative 
   and regulatory responses at the International, Federal and 
   state levels in support of member interests. 

4) A Hobbyist/Non-Profit SIG that will set priorities for projects 
   and guide the AOP staff in providing services to system 
   operators who operate non-profit or hobby online systems.

5) An Education SIG that will establish and strengthen the use 
   of online systems for education and reference.  This SIG will 
   also manage the AOP Certification Program for online 
   professionals.

6)  A Media SIG for members who report on or cover online 
   communications, including editors of online 'zines and 
   newsletters.

Members are encouraged to be active in one or more SIGs, both 
to ensure that their voices are heard in the Association and to 
help further the goals of the Association.  New SIGs will be 
added if a sufficient number of members request them.

Member Services 

Service to members is the reason AOP exists, and its single goal 
for the years  ahead.  These services are defined and planned by 
our members based on  their needs, and implemented on their 
behalf by the Association's staff.   

Services for members include: 
 
-- Opportunities for interaction with other professionals,
   including seminars, conferences and regional events. 
 
-- A voice in Washington, and in your state capitol, working to
   protect your interests. 
 
-- Professional advisory services for legal, business management,  
   marketing and accounting issues. 
 
-- Career development, education and accreditation services for
    professionals. 
 
-- Referrals for Bulletin Boards.  Referrals to consultants. And a
   job-search bank for professionals seeking new opportunities. 
 
-- Discounts on essential products and services. 
 
-- Industry-wide promotional programs to foster the growth of the
   online community, including  media relations, joint marketing 
   and public education. 
 
-- Association publications that include membership directory,
   resource guide and more.
 
-- A members-only BBS system for communication and information
   vital to online operations and management. 
 
-- A monthly newsletter, legislative alerts and other timely news. 
 
-- And the opportunity be take an active role in the growth and
   evolution of the world's fastest-growing and most vital 
   industry. 
 
AOP is the international association for online professionals.
It's your professional association, created and managed to serve 
your needs and interests. 
 
AOP is well-organized and planned.  It is staffed by experts in 
the online industry and in association management.  It's backed 
by leading BBS systems, online services, companies and 
consultants across the country.   All it needs now is you!
 
===============================================================
                      Application For 
 	              Individual Membership 
 
Name:     _________________________________________
Company:  _________________________________________ 
Address:  _________________________________________ 
City:     _______________ State: ___  Zip: ________   
Country:  _____________________ 
Phone:    ___________________ Fax: ________________
E-Mail:   _________________________________________
 
Type of Company, BBS or Online System: 
 
     _____   Public BBS          _____   Private/Corporate BBS 
     _____   Internet Site       _____   Online Services Forum 
     _____   Public Library      _____   Consulting Firm 
     _____   E-Mail Provider     _____   Academic Institution 
     _____   Law Firm            _____   Media/Publisher
     _____   Internet Provider   _____   Computer Hardware/Software 
     _____   Marketing Firm      _____   Network Consultant 
     Other (specify):   ______________________________________ 
 
For our records, please provide information regarding the online 
or BBS system you manage, if applicable.  If the system has 
multiple telephone lines or nodes, note the first or primary 
contact telephone number.  For the Internet or other addressable 
systems, provide the complete e-mail address.  For content, list 
the type of materials carried on the system (e.g., adult-oriented, 
research, general public info, etc.): 
 
Name of System:           _______________________________ 
Main Access Telephone #:  _______________________________
Modem Type/Baud Rate:     _______________________________
General Content:          _______________________________ 
			  _______________________________ 

===========================================================
Instructions for Membership Application: 
 
Please complete all information on the reverse side of this page.  
The information will be used for the AOP Membership Directory 
and for our files.  When completed, mail this document along 
with a check or money order for dues to: 
 
	Director of Member Services 
	Association of Online Professionals     
        6010 Burdon Court, Suite 302
        Alexandria, VA   22315  
        Voice:   (703) 924-9692 
        Fax:     (703) 924-9594  

Payment is also accepted by Visa or Mastercard.  Enter the 
information below and mail or fax this document to AOP:

Name of 
Cardholder:_________________________________________________
Visa ____   MasterCard ____  Expiration Date _______________
Card Number:   _____________________________________________

Signature:    ______________________________________________
 
For faster application, call AOP with your credit card or
check information.
 
Dues for individual professionals is a flat fee of $95. Dues  
must accompany the membership application. 
 
This dues payment is not deductible as a charitable 
contribution.  However, for most members this fee is deductible  
as a business expense.  Please note that 20 percent of member  
dues will be used for lobbying expenses on behalf of the  
members.  Membership is for a one-year period.  Membership is  
not transferrable or refundable. 
 

AOP has a wide variety of committees and special interest groups in
which you may choose to become active.  Please indicate your interest: 
 
___   Public Policy SIG    ___    Media SIG 
___   Education SIG        ___    Hobbyist/Non-Profit SIG 
___   SysOp SIG		   ___    Industry Marketing SIG 
