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                       Fidonet(tm)Technology Network
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Table of Contents

(1) What is NeoNet?
(2) How can I participate?
(3) What are the rules?
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Portion #1: What is NeoNet?

    NeoNet, a FidoNet(tm) technology network, was spawned from the need to
    have an intelligent message network in the 815 area code, with the
    possibility of expansion in the future.  There previously had been one
    named VoidNet/Variety Meat Net that I, Tim Johnson, helped found.  It
    died with the collapse of the "world headquarters" and 815 went without
    a network for a while.  Then, one named XtreamNet was founded, but it
    proved to mostly try to be "elite" (but it failed miserably).  NeoNet has
    started with mainly the same basic ideas as VMNet except it's a bit more
    professional.

    NeoNet is open to any computer platform, so long as it has a mailer written
    for it!  The worldwide hub runs on an Amiga.

    The founders are Tim Johnson, Justin Taylor, and Tony Lindskog.  Tony's
    board, Inter-City BBS, is the worldwide hub for NeoNet.  You can contact
    any of us in the NeoNet echomail base NEO-SUGG, the suggestions base, or
    by netmail.

    The domain name we use with NeoNet is "neonet.ftn".  Please set up your
    mailer accordingly.
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(2) How can I participate?

    Included in the archive with this document should be a nodelist and an
    application form.  If you wish to join, use a text editor to fill out
    the application form, rename it to something fitting your board name,
    and upload it to Inter-City BBS.  Your board will be evaluated to see
    if it fits the standards of NeoNet.  We're not trying to be 100%
    selective here, but we don't want boards that try to be "elite" or
    antisocial by any other means.
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(3) What are the rules?

    As much as we may not like them, there has to be some rules and guidelines
    set.  Without them, the network would become a pit of blathering idiots
    insulting each others' mother.

    These rules apply to anyone posting on NeoNet.  If you would like to
    show this to users the first time that they enter a NeoNet base, you're
    a good sysop and we appreciate it!

    A.  Language doesn't matter, so long as you're speaking mostly English
        and / or it isn't being used stupidly.

        If someone uses the occasional "cuss word" to get their point across,
        so be it.  If anyone is offended, let a member of the management know.
        I don't know what we can do about it, other than say lighten up.  If
        some immature moron posts a message that is entirely cuss words and
        gives the impression that the poster is a 13-year-old trying to show
        off how cool they think they are (not that all 13-year-olds are bad),
        they will be reprimanded.  We do not want that kind of garbage on this
        net.

    B.  If a topic is set for a specific area, try to stick to it.

        If an off-topic message is posted, the moderator will usually step in
        and tell the poster to get back on track.  If the moderator does not
        step in, DON'T TAKE IT UPON YOURSELF to inform the poster that they
        are off-topic.  If the problem persists (i.e. the echo is filled with
        off-topic threads for a week or two) then contact the management and
        we will make sure that the moderator receives a swift flogging.  Or
        maybe some verbal abuse.

        If you feel that there is a topic that deserves its own echo, post a
        message in the area "Suggestions".  This is where we, the management,
        look over suggestions about the net and possibly have votes.  This
        area is a good one to scan when you're reading messages to keep up
        with changes and additions to the network.

    C.  Treat everyone on NeoNet like you would treat a good friend.

        We try to maintain a userbase of people that do not jump down other
        people's throats at the slightest cause.  Why should you?  Would you
        jump on your best friend for saying that one computer platform is
        better than another?  Probably not.  Why should you do something like
        that on NeoNet, then?  If you do so repeatedly, you will be suspended 
	from the network.

        Insulting people based on their opinion (so long as the opinion isn't
        completely unfounded) is frowned upon.  Doing this too much will show
        that you are a hard person to get along with and your access to the
        network may be revoked.  One person's NeoNet access is not worth
        making other users angry.

    D.  NeoNet messages should be posted using real names.

        Some networks use handles in place of people's real names.  NeoNet,
        for various reasons, uses real names.  People usually treat everyone
        else like real people when using real names.  Handles allow people a
        certain sense of "mystique" and anonymity.  This usually leads to
        people not acting like they would in a public place dealing with
        real people.

    E.  Certain areas, such as NEO-MOD and NEO-SYSOP should only be provided
        to certain users.  Please follow these guidelines.

    F.  Pipe color codes, ANSI, and other color-control codes should NOT be 
	used in any base but NEO-ART.  

    G.  Follow the rules.  Follow the moderator's instructions
	(unless they're crazy, then let the management know).  If you
	don't, your access to the network will be swiftly revoked.
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Thanks for reading, and I hope that you enjoy NeoNet!

                                                             - Tim Johnson
