= 2/95 Guide to Select BBS's on Internet =

A comprehensive guide to BBS's
accessible via TELNET or RLOGIN on
the Internet. 169 BBS's from around
the World!

The official "SBI List", featured in
West Coast Online Magazine, and listed
in Boardwatch Magazine.

*SYSOPS - Read SYSOPS.DOC for
information on how to become a part of
this list - it's FREE!

= 2/95 Guide to Select BBS's on Internet =

A comprehensive guide to BBS's
accessible via TELNET or RLOGIN on
the Internet. 169 BBS's from around
the World!

The official "SBI List", featured in
West Coast Online Magazine, and listed
in Boardwatch Magazine.

*SYSOPS - Read SYSOPS.DOC for
information on how to become a part of
this list - it's FREE!

==========
README.DOC
==========

GUIDE TO SELECT BBS'S VIA TELNET 02/95
----------------------------------------------

Thank you for downloading the 02/95 edition of the SBI (Select BBS's on
the Internet) BBS listing. This listing will be updated MONTHLY, unless
there are no changes or additions to the list from the prior month. This
list will always be called SBI.ZIP

Files in this archive should include:
-------------------------------------
SBI0295.LST Select BBS via Internet list
SBIQ0295.LST Select BBS via Internet "Quick" list (just
names and addresses)
README.DOC The file you are reading now
README.1ST Important revision information
SYSOP.DOC How to become a part of the SBI list
HISTORY.DOC How this list came about


Other files available on the official FTP site (dkunix.dkeep.com):
------------------------------------------------------------------
SBI0295.HTM HTML page of all SBI systems, with telnet and WEB links
and full descriptions, for World-Wide-Web
SBIQ0295.HTM HTML page of all SBI systems, with telnet links and
NO descriptions, for World-Wide-Web.

WHY ANOTHER INTERNET BBS LIST?
------------------------------
The answer to this is simple - other internet BBS lists mostly contain
government or educational based BBS's. They are not what most "BBS'ers"
would usually call a "BBS" - which are very diverse and colorful systems
that offer just about everything - messages, files, games, chat, and other
services - and up until recently, were mostly accessible via long distance
phone calls! This is a list of "real" BBS's accessible via TELNET and
RLOGIN on the Internet.

Although this list is small now, we believe that there will be hundreds
and then thousands of BBS's accessible via the internet in just the next
few years, and we feel a good and FREE listing of these systems will not
only help promote BBS's on the 'net, but also act as an invaluable aid to
the new Internet user trying (and sometimes desperately searching) for
useful and *fun* systems to visit out in cyberspace. This list does *not*
contain any opinions or editorials of the systems listed - it is merely a
listing, with details provided by the BBS sysops themselves.


HOW DO I ACCESS THESE BBS'S VIA THE INTERNET?
---------------------------------------------
This "guide" is not designed to be a tutorial of "how to use the
Internet", nor is it a guide to "how to get access to the Internet".
There are hundreds of "help" files available on the network, or on your
favorite BBS to help you out. Most of the systems listed in this list
offer Internet access, and can be called using a modem and phone line.
Once you get setup on one of these systems (or gain access to the Internet
through some other means), you can access all of the systems listed by
using a "TELNET" client. This works differently for different systems,
but one common example would be:

telnet (ex: telnet boardwatch.com)
or
telnet (ex: 199.84.216.1)

Some systems integrate "telnet" into a menu prompt, which after execution
will simply ask you to enter the host name or IP address.

Some systems also offer the ability to use RLOGIN for the same purpose as
TELNET. I'd suggest you try TELNET first...

Another method is to telnet via a WWW page. If you have access to the
Web, you can use this URL - http://dkeep.com/sbi.htm

SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT FILE TRANSFERS:
---------------------------------
Even though most of the BBS's listed support "outgoing" FTP, many of the
"PC" based systems listed here do not support FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
TO their PC-Based file systems (which is where most of the files are).
One solution for those that use dial-up accounts for their internet access
(where the user dials into the service with a PC using a communications
package such as Procomm or Qmodem), is to use ordinary "Z-modem" once
telnetted into the BBS. However, in order for this to work, you MUST USE
8-BIT BINARY MODE for your telnet session, or rlogin using the -8 command
line parameter. Different "telnet" and "rlogin" clients handle mode
settings in their own way, so check with your service, documentation, or
look thru your help files to see how this is done. I've accomplished
transfer rates of 1800 cps via telnet - so it IS possible. Granted, the
Internet is a fickle place when it comes to throughput, so your actual
rates will vary.

LEGAL MUMBO-JUMBO
-----------------
THIS LIST IS COPYRIGHT 1994,1995 BY RICHARD S. MARK.

THIS LIST MAY BE ELECTRONICALLY DISTRIBUTED FREE OF CHARGE AS LONG
AS IT IS UNALTERED OR UNMODIFIED IN ANY WAY. THIS INCLUDES BBS-ADS
WITHIN THE MAIN ZIP FILE! (IF YOU HAVE THE COMPULSION TO ADD AN
ADVERTISEMENT, PUT IT IN A ZIP COMMENT.) WE ENCOURAGE USERS AND SYSOPS
TO DISTRIBUTE THIS LIST AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.

THIS LIST, OR ANY PORTION THEREOF, MAY NOT BE SOLD OR BECOME PART
OF A SALE OF SERVICES, EQUIPMENT, SOFTWARE, OR DATA WITHOUT THE
EXPRESS WRITTEN CONSENT OF RICHARD S. MARK. I PROVIDE THE LIST FOR
FREE, AND EXPECT EVERYONE ELSE TO AS WELL.

THIS LIST, OR ANY PORTION THEREOF, MAY NOT BE RE-PUBLISHED IN NON-
ELECTRONIC FORM, OR BE JOINED AS PART OF ANY OTHER PUBLICATION
(ELECTRONIC OR OTHERWISE) WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN CONSENT OF
RICHARD S. MARK.

THIS LIST IS PROVIDED AS A FREE PUBLIC SERVICE TO THE BBS AND INTERNET
ELECTRONIC COMMUNITIES. INDIVIDUALS ACCESS AND USE THE SYSTEMS ON THIS
LIST COMPLETELY AT THEIR OWN RISK. THE AUTHOR AND DISTRIBUTORS OF THIS
LIST BEAR NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE CONTENT OF THE THE SYSTEMS ON THIS
LIST, NOR DO THEY BEAR ANY RESPONSIBLITY FOR FILES DOWNLOADED FROM ANY
OF THE SYSTEMS ON THIS LIST. THERE IS NO WARRANTY, IMPLIED OR OTHERWISE,
FOR ANY OF THE SYSTEMS ON THIS LIST OR ANY OF THEIR SERVICES. LOOK, IF YOU
WANT TO CALL A BBS, IT'S UP TO YOU. YOU'LL PROBABLY HAVE A GREAT AND
WONDERFUL TIME. BBS'S ARE FANTASTIC RESOURCES. BUT YOU ARE 100%
RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN ACTIONS - SO DON'T BE A WEENIE.

=============================================================================
HOW TO GET THE SBI FILES:

FTP dkunix.dkeep.com (in /pub/sbi) - login:anonymous
gcomm.com (in /internet) - login: anonymous
ftp.rahul.net (in pub/wco) - login: ftp

FINGER [email protected] (Guide to Select BBS's on Internet)
[email protected] ("Quick" Guide to Select BBS's on Internet)
[email protected] (Revision Information for current list)
[email protected] (How to Become a Part of the SBI list)

WWW: http://dkeep.com/sbi.htm - includes a "telnet" web page of all
SBI BBS's for easy access

USENET: posted monthly on: alt.bbs, alt.bbs.internet,
alt.bbs.lists, alt.bbs.allsysop

BBS: Dragon Keep - dkeep.com / (904) 375-3500 (signup, then type /GO SBI)
West Coast Online - bbs.calon.com / (707) 586-5250 (signup, /GO SBI)
Software Creations BBS - swcbbs.com / (508) 368-7036
ExecPC - bbs.execpc.com / (414) 789-4360

Or call you Favorite BBS and download SBI0295.ZIP
==============================================================================

= 2/95 Guide to Select BBS's on Internet =

A comprehensive guide to BBS's
accessible via TELNET or RLOGIN on
the Internet. 169 BBS's from around
the World!

The official "SBI List", featured in
West Coast Online Magazine, and listed
in Boardwatch Magazine.

*SYSOPS - Read SYSOPS.DOC for
information on how to become a part of
this list - it's FREE!

==========
README.DOC
==========

GUIDE TO SELECT BBS'S VIA TELNET 02/95
----------------------------------------------

Thank you for downloading the 02/95 edition of the SBI (Select BBS's on
the Internet) BBS listing. This listing will be updated MONTHLY, unless
there are no changes or additions to the list from the prior month. This
list will always be called SBI.ZIP

Files in this archive should include:
-------------------------------------
SBI0295.LST Select BBS via Internet list
SBIQ0295.LST Select BBS via Internet "Quick" list (just
names and addresses)
README.DOC The file you are reading now
README.1ST Important revision information
SYSOP.DOC How to become a part of the SBI list
HISTORY.DOC How this list came about


Other files available on the official FTP site (dkunix.dkeep.com):
------------------------------------------------------------------
SBI0295.HTM HTML page of all SBI systems, with telnet and WEB links
and full descriptions, for World-Wide-Web
SBIQ0295.HTM HTML page of all SBI systems, with telnet links and
NO descriptions, for World-Wide-Web.

WHY ANOTHER INTERNET BBS LIST?
------------------------------
The answer to this is simple - other internet BBS lists mostly contain
government or educational based BBS's. They are not what most "BBS'ers"
would usually call a "BBS" - which are very diverse and colorful systems
that offer just about everything - messages, files, games, chat, and other
services - and up until recently, were mostly accessible via long distance
phone calls! This is a list of "real" BBS's accessible via TELNET and
RLOGIN on the Internet.

Although this list is small now, we believe that there will be hundreds
and then thousands of BBS's accessible via the internet in just the next
few years, and we feel a good and FREE listing of these systems will not
only help promote BBS's on the 'net, but also act as an invaluable aid to
the new Internet user trying (and sometimes desperately searching) for
useful and *fun* systems to visit out in cyberspace. This list does *not*
contain any opinions or editorials of the systems listed - it is merely a
listing, with details provided by the BBS sysops themselves.


HOW DO I ACCESS THESE BBS'S VIA THE INTERNET?
---------------------------------------------
This "guide" is not designed to be a tutorial of "how to use the
Internet", nor is it a guide to "how to get access to the Internet".
There are hundreds of "help" files available on the network, or on your
favorite BBS to help you out. Most of the systems listed in this list
offer Internet access, and can be called using a modem and phone line.
Once you get setup on one of these systems (or gain access to the Internet
through some other means), you can access all of the systems listed by
using a "TELNET" client. This works differently for different systems,
but one common example would be:

telnet (ex: telnet boardwatch.com)
or
telnet (ex: 199.84.216.1)

Some systems integrate "telnet" into a menu prompt, which after execution
will simply ask you to enter the host name or IP address.

Some systems also offer the ability to use RLOGIN for the same purpose as
TELNET. I'd suggest you try TELNET first...

Another method is to telnet via a WWW page. If you have access to the
Web, you can use this URL - http://dkeep.com/sbi.htm

SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT FILE TRANSFERS:
---------------------------------
Even though most of the BBS's listed support "outgoing" FTP, many of the
"PC" based systems listed here do not support FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
TO their PC-Based file systems (which is where most of the files are).
One solution for those that use dial-up accounts for their internet access
(where the user dials into the service with a PC using a communications
package such as Procomm or Qmodem), is to use ordinary "Z-modem" once
telnetted into the BBS. However, in order for this to work, you MUST USE
8-BIT BINARY MODE for your telnet session, or rlogin using the -8 command
line parameter. Different "telnet" and "rlogin" clients handle mode
settings in their own way, so check with your service, documentation, or
look thru your help files to see how this is done. I've accomplished
transfer rates of 1800 cps via telnet - so it IS possible. Granted, the
Internet is a fickle place when it comes to throughput, so your actual
rates will vary.

LEGAL MUMBO-JUMBO
-----------------
THIS LIST IS COPYRIGHT 1994,1995 BY RICHARD S. MARK.

THIS LIST MAY BE ELECTRONICALLY DISTRIBUTED FREE OF CHARGE AS LONG
AS IT IS UNALTERED OR UNMODIFIED IN ANY WAY. THIS INCLUDES BBS-ADS
WITHIN THE MAIN ZIP FILE! (IF YOU HAVE THE COMPULSION TO ADD AN
ADVERTISEMENT, PUT IT IN A ZIP COMMENT.) WE ENCOURAGE USERS AND SYSOPS
TO DISTRIBUTE THIS LIST AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.

THIS LIST, OR ANY PORTION THEREOF, MAY NOT BE SOLD OR BECOME PART
OF A SALE OF SERVICES, EQUIPMENT, SOFTWARE, OR DATA WITHOUT THE
EXPRESS WRITTEN CONSENT OF RICHARD S. MARK. I PROVIDE THE LIST FOR
FREE, AND EXPECT EVERYONE ELSE TO AS WELL.

THIS LIST, OR ANY PORTION THEREOF, MAY NOT BE RE-PUBLISHED IN NON-
ELECTRONIC FORM, OR BE JOINED AS PART OF ANY OTHER PUBLICATION
(ELECTRONIC OR OTHERWISE) WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN CONSENT OF
RICHARD S. MARK.

THIS LIST IS PROVIDED AS A FREE PUBLIC SERVICE TO THE BBS AND INTERNET
ELECTRONIC COMMUNITIES. INDIVIDUALS ACCESS AND USE THE SYSTEMS ON THIS
LIST COMPLETELY AT THEIR OWN RISK. THE AUTHOR AND DISTRIBUTORS OF THIS
LIST BEAR NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE CONTENT OF THE THE SYSTEMS ON THIS
LIST, NOR DO THEY BEAR ANY RESPONSIBLITY FOR FILES DOWNLOADED FROM ANY
OF THE SYSTEMS ON THIS LIST. THERE IS NO WARRANTY, IMPLIED OR OTHERWISE,
FOR ANY OF THE SYSTEMS ON THIS LIST OR ANY OF THEIR SERVICES. LOOK, IF YOU
WANT TO CALL A BBS, IT'S UP TO YOU. YOU'LL PROBABLY HAVE A GREAT AND
WONDERFUL TIME. BBS'S ARE FANTASTIC RESOURCES. BUT YOU ARE 100%
RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN ACTIONS - SO DON'T BE A WEENIE.

=============================================================================
HOW TO GET THE SBI FILES:

FTP dkunix.dkeep.com (in /pub/sbi) - login:anonymous
gcomm.com (in /internet) - login: anonymous
ftp.rahul.net (in pub/wco) - login: ftp

FINGER [email protected] (Guide to Select BBS's on Internet)
[email protected] ("Quick" Guide to Select BBS's on Internet)
[email protected] (Revision Information for current list)
[email protected] (How to Become a Part of the SBI list)

WWW: http://dkeep.com/sbi.htm - includes a "telnet" web page of all
SBI BBS's for easy access

USENET: posted monthly on: alt.bbs, alt.bbs.internet,
alt.bbs.lists, alt.bbs.allsysop

BBS: Dragon Keep - dkeep.com / (904) 375-3500 (signup, then type /GO SBI)
West Coast Online - bbs.calon.com / (707) 586-5250 (signup, /GO SBI)
Software Creations BBS - swcbbs.com / (508) 368-7036
ExecPC - bbs.execpc.com / (414) 789-4360

Or call you Favorite BBS and download SBI0295.ZIP
==============================================================================
==========
README.1ST
==========

SBI REVISION NOTES 02/95
------------------------


SYSOP SUBMISSIONS
-----------------
I've been getting a VERY steady flow of sysop submissions - and for some
reason, most have started using the form provided in the list. Will
wonders never cease . I appreciate the response, and all the great
comments from around the world!

However, I do need sysops to realize a few things. First of all, this
data is kept in a database - anything other than the format provided in
the update information form is simply ignored. So verbose explanations
about baud rates, WEB pages, and other misc details about specific data
items are simply not included. Second, most of the info is manually
entered into the database - so fancy descriptions that include ANSI, ASCII
art, and bizarre formats will be redone for easy data entry. Eventually,
I would like to move towards a telnet-able database that sysops can use to
enter and update their own info, but until then, I'm it...so be kind to
me.. :]

I'm also beginning to get updates to existing entries. If you do want to
update your entry please do the following: (1) point out to me the
difference in the new listing (sometimes the changes are so minor I can't
see them!), and (2) try not to send me more than one update in the same
month - I don't always date my "update file" so you never know which one
I'll use (I clear this file every month). Also, I will simply NOT update
your entry multiple times in the same month - I've had several sysops
modify their entries as many as 4 times in 30 days - even though the list
itself is only published once per month. This simply causes me more work
than I am willing to do for a single system. If you need an update,
please make sure it's correct before submitting it!

And finally...I've added a few new requirements to get on the list:

1. That any listed BBS must be "public" and accepting new members.
Personally, I don't see the point of advertising a system that won't
allow new users.

2. That the BBS run 24 hours/day (excluding maintenance/mail-runs), and be
accessible on the Internet during normal operations.



CHANGES TO THE LIST
-------------------
Only a few changes of note:

Sysop Email - I'm now limiting this to (2) addresses ONLY.

Country - I've actually started using this field...heh..

Number of Nodes - "Lines" really was the wrong word - what I really want
to know is how many simultaneous nodes do you currently support. So this
number represents the sum of all nodes - dial-up, telnet, x.25, other...


USER REQUESTS FOR THE LIST
--------------------------
So many users have started writing and asking for copies of the list, that
I've had to create a formal policy. I will NOT send out copies of the list
in email to those that request it - I will only send a single page message
describing all the ways someone can get the list on their own.


REQUESTS FOR OTHER INFORMATION
------------------------------
Another new phenomenon is the surge of strange requests from people for
information, ranging from "how do I setup an internet BBS", to "what's
telnet?". This gave me an interesting idea...I can post a list of
"information providers" along with the list. Perhaps if your company
sells internet access, you might not mind talking to the dozens of sysops
that write and ask me questions about how to jump on the net.

Anyone wishing to be listed as an "information provider", just drop me a
note, and let me know what kind of info you can provide...or think you can
provide...heh...

(Okay...I don't expect a lot of people responding to this..so suprise me).


BOARDWATCH MAGAZINE
-------------------
The SBI list is now listed in Boardwatch Magazine's "List of BBS List
Keepers" as "Internet BBS List". Unfortunately the format only allows for
them to list "home board" and phone number, which is Dragon Keep. But the
phone number listed in the 1/95 and 2/95 issues was wrong 🙁
For the record...the number for Dragon Keep is (904) 375-3500. Anyone can
login (by phone or telnet: dkeep.com), signup, and download the SBI list
for free (type /GO SBI after signup).

However, on a good note, I did speak with Gary Funk at Boardwatch and he
indicated that the magazine would be very interested in featuring Internet
BBS systems in an upcoming issue. (Personally, I think they're waiting
for the list to break 200...heh). I send them a copy of every list each
month...


SBI LIST DISTRIBUTION
---------------------
We are VERY close to getting the SBI list submitted in the moderated
newsgroups: news.answers and alt.answers. These are repositories for
periodic postings and FAQ's like the list. Keep your eyes open...


TECHNICAL ISSUES
----------------
Okay, I goofed. I failed to update the WWW display lists with the 1/95
listing last month. The WWW "telnet page", and the FTP site were fine,
but not the listing you get when you choose to "Display List" (you got the
12/94 list). I shall endeavor to be careful in the future :]

The WWW telnet pages have been updated to display a bit cleaner. I'm also
working on a "indexed" listing that will combine the "Quick" list and the
detailed list into one WEB page.


PEOPLE THAT SEND ME LISTS
-------------------------
I appreciate all those that have sent me lists of internet-accessible
BBS's, however, I only include a few in the actual listing. I'd include
more if I could actually connect to the majority of the systems on these
lists! The sysops of those systems not included in the SBI list are
welcome to send submissions - group submissions (like the MAC bbs list)
don't provide most of the details I need for the SBI list - and for some
reason, I never get thru to most BBS's that are on these other lists. I
even had someone send me a nice list of 30 internet BBS's by domain name -
of which only 1 domain name could be resolved (the list was maybe 10 years
old..heh)! I find I am wasting a lot of time on these other lists - so
please don't send them unless they are "live" systems you have actually
used. Anyway, like I've said before... get the sysop to send me the info
- its the best way to get on the list.


MILESTONES
----------
So far the list has been downloaded over 25,000 from the main FTP site,
and the WEB page is accessed several times PER HOUR. BBS distribution is
estimated at (conservatively) 10,000 downloads per month. Total
distribution is estimated at over 100,000.

Even with all this exposure, people still write in alt.bbs.internet "Hey,
anybody ever seen a telnet-able BBS list", to which people respond "Here's
a telnet address". Well, I've started posting SBI information "bulletins"
several times per month...maybe they will catch on.

And the last "milestone" is that this is - by far - the longest README.1ST
file the list has seen .


Your SBI list author,
Richard ([email protected])