       NETWORK BASIS:        COPYRIGHT 1996  Terry L Erickson

   Two and a half years ago, I believed in an idea.  That idea was
that I could run a message-based BBS system that would fit my goal
of supporting computer users.  Well, two and a half years later I
have realized I kind of strayed from that a bit, adding lots of file
areas and trying to keep a fairly decent sized user base going.
However, now I'm going BACK to my original beliefs for good!  :+)

                       I BELIEVE.....

in a network which is not run by one single person or which has the
  workload fall on one person.  It must be a volunteer organization
  where different jobs are handled by different people and/or groups.

it should start out with a small group of members and a handful of
  conferences that are worthwhile and supported (have current member
  interest in it).  It should also start with the anticipation that
  it will grow.

there should be no such thing as network dues or required purchases.
  SysOps have enough payments to worry about already!!

in a structured network.  The                   HOST
  "network tree" idea sounds                  /      \
  really good to me.  There            LEVEL 1        LEVEL 1
  is a lot of stress on the           /       \      /       \
  systems that have too many   LEVEL 2   LEVEL 2   LEVEL 2   LEVEL 2
  other systems calling them.     :         :         :         :
  Detail at right.....          BASE      BASE       BASE      BASE

that the people who are writing the messages are the -MOST IMPORTANT-
  part of an e-mail network.  Without them, there is no reason for a
  network to exist!!  This doesn't mean that anything anyone writes
  is considered good for the net though!  :+)

in a fully non-competitive/non-clone network.  We don't have to do
  things to "keep up" with others, to follow trends, or to look/act
  like another network!  User and/or message count will not matter.
  What matters is that we are being ourselves and enjoying it!! :+)
  We also don't discourage the existance of any other networks on
  our member BBS systems.  All we ask is that the networks be kept
  well defined (each to their own) for the benefit of the users.

in personality.  Each of us are different, unique, or whatever you
  want to call it.  We need to accept/tolerate others viewpoints
  and not try to force our ideals on them.  "Discussion" is a great
  thing, arguments are completely unwanted though!

in Sysop and/or Co-Sysop participation and support of the network!
  I'd discourage a BBS to carry the net for the sake of them saying
  they carry it or even for a potential member on their board.  If
  the BBS operator(s) don't care about the network, they most likely
  aren't going to watch over it or get involved with it's activity.
  We -need- systems who appreciate the worth of messaging and would
  extend that theme to their callers!!

in not allowing ALIAS's!  If somebody has to hide behind a fake name
  to post messages, we most likely won't like the messages posted.

in a fully open and public administration conference!  Only one
  restricted conference for relaying applications and one for the
  conference HOSTs to communicate with Administration regarding
  conference specific concerns.
