Subject: = 4/96 Guide to Select BBS's on Internet [1/2] =
Date: 1 Apr 1996 09:47:09 -0600
Summary: A Comprehensive listing of BBS's accessible via telnet/rlogin; 
         also called the "SBI List"

Posting-Frequency: monthly
 
             GUIDE TO SELECT BBS'S ON THE INTERNET  (SBI LIST)
             -------------------------------------------------
       Copyright 1994, 1995 by Richard S. Mark, all rights reserved
                          (cerebus@dkeep.com)
                BBS Magazine's Official Internet BBS List
                          April, 1996 Edition
                       Posted Version [part 1 of 2]
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
The SBI list is a comprehensive guide to BBS systems accessible by telnet,
rlogin, WEB, or special client on the Internet, and is updated monthly. 
The files that make up the list are available for download from various
locations (outlined in "Where to find the SBI files"), using a wide
variety of methods.  To make this posting complete, I've included the most
of main files that make up the actual archive. 
 
As of the 3/95 list, the -detailed- "Guide to Select BBS's on Internet" is
no longer available via Usenet due to its ever-increasing size.  However,
I strongly urge anyone interested in Internet BBS's to get a copy of the
detailed listing, which includes a great deal of additional information
about each BBS than is listed in this posting.  A WEB version of the
detailed listing is also available, and provides a "guided tour" of
Internet BBS's.  To get a copy of the detailed list, or for information
about the WEB page, see the section "Where to find the SBI Files",
included in this posting. 
 
This "posted version" of the list is divided into (2) parts:

PART 1:
.- README.1ST  - Revision information about this month's edition
                        of the SBI list.
        - README.DOC  - General information about the SBI list.  Includes
                        "How to get the SBI files".
        - SYSOP.DOC   - How to become a part of the list; BBS information
                        addition/update form.

        - WHERE TO FIND THE SBI FILES - General info about how to get
                    the complete Guide by FTP, modem, finger, and WWW


PART 2:  The "Quick" Guide to Select BBS's on Internet - a short summary
         of all the BBS's on the list, along with IP addresses.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

==========
README.1ST
==========

SBI REVISION NOTES 4/96
-----------------------

WEB SITE MODIFICATIONS
----------------------
A few minor modifications took place this month:

1. Telnet port numbers are now handled correctly on the WEB page.
2. The "Quick" listing has been modified to only include domain names
   when available, and port numbers.
3. The WEB site indexes have been modified for faster displaying.
4. A "star" has been added for 1996 Top20 contest winners.


MARCH PROBLEMS
--------------
An update to our information server software caused email information
request to fail for several weeks last month.  It has been repaired
and is working once again!

The SBI FTP site is down...and will probably remain down for some
time.  If anyone has a FAST anonymoust FTP site and is willing to
pick up updates each month, let me know!  The Belgium site is still
online, as well as the Gcomm site (which gets updated a little
slowly).


THE INTERNET BBS TOP 20 CONTEST!
--------------------------------
VOTING BEGINS NOW FOR 1997!

The Contest for the 20 Most Popular Internet BBSs has Commenced!
Winning systems will be featured in BBS Magazine.  Prizes for voters
too!  Voting will continue throughout the remainder of 1996.

Sysops - get your users to vote for your BBS!  The top 20 BBSs could win
with less than 100 votes each...so every vote counts!

Vote via the WEB at: http://dkeep.com/sbi.htm


SBI LIST - IN BOOK FORM!
------------------------
I've recently signed an agreement with Manning Publications and
Prentiss-Hall, Inc. to include the SBI list in an upcoming Internet 
book about Internet BBSs.  This is GREAT way to further promote this 
budding industry.  I have contacted all SBI sysops for additional
information -- if you were NOT contacted, then I didn't have a valid
sysop email address.  Either visit the WEB page, or drop me a note, and
I will send you out a sysop survey.  All Internet BBSs with complete 
and accurate information will most likely be listed in the book, and 
a good number will be featured in some additional detail.  Visit the 
SBI Home Page for more information!


SYSTEM REGISTRATION/UPDATE FORM ON THE WEB
----------------------------------------------
With a LOT of help from the good people at Concentric Research (CHRIS),
and specifically  Patrick Doyle at CRIS, sysops are now able to
submit new or updated system information directly via the WEB.  In fact, 
this is actually the BEST way to make sure all your information is included
in future lists.  All you need is a "forms compatible" WEB browser (most 
are) and goto: http://dkeep.com/sbi.htm

  *** PLEASE USE THIS METHOD FOR SUBMITTING SYSTEM INFORMATION! ***

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Keep those BBS's coming!

Your SBI list author,
Richard (cerebus@dkmail.dkeep.com)

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

GUIDE TO SELECT BBS'S VIA TELNET         4/96
---------------------------------------------

Thank you for downloading the 4/96 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<MMYY>.ZIP

Files in this archive should include:
-------------------------------------
SBI0496.LST         Select BBS's via Internet list (full detail)
SBIQ0496.LST        Select BBS's via Internet "Quick" list (just
                    names and addresses)
SBIN0496.LST        NEW BBS Systems for this month.

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


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,
RLOGIN, or WEB on the Internet.

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 (where possible) 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 most of the systems listed by
using a "TELNET" client.  This works differently for different systems,
but one common example would be:

telnet <host name>   (ex: telnet boardwatch.com)
or
telnet <ip address>  (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  You will also
need a "telnet" client.  Some browsers have them built-in, but most
don't.  Off of the SBI Home Page is a link to and FTP site with some 
decent clients.

For Web-based BBSs, you can access them using any graphical WEB
browser.  I'd recommend Netscape for the highest level of compatibility.

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.  Many telnet clients
use "toggle binary" to set 8-bit mode.  

I've accomplished transfer rates of 1800 cps via telnet on a 14.4
connection - so it IS possible.  Granted, the Internet is a fickle place 
when it comes to throughput, so your actual rates will vary.

If you are on a "dumb" terminal that is logged into a Host computer
(like a mini or mainframe), then you have no file transfer protocols
(other than FTP) available to you while in a telnet session, so regular 
BBS file transfers will not be possible.


FILE TRANSFERS WITH SLIP/PPP
----------------------------
For those users with a SLIP/PPP connection, a great program called
"ComT" allows you to redirect a comm port to be a telnet socket!  This
allows you to use ANY standard Windows-based communications software to
telnet to a an SBI BBS and then use a regular download protocol (such
as Zmodem) for file transfers!  The ComT program is available at the
dkunix.dkeep.com FTP site as COMT.ZIP.  Shareware.

Another package called "CommNet" has just become available.  Unlike
ComT, it is a complete communications package in itself, specializing
in SLIP/PPP telnet connections.  It features a phone book for dial-up
AND telnet connections, and supports high speed Zmodem and Ymodem-G
file transfers.  You can get a "demo" copy via FTP at ftp.radient.com
Registration costs $34.95.

For OS/2 users, there are communications drivers called "SIO", and a
communications interface program called VMODEM.  VMODEM, along with the
SIO drivers, create a "virtual comm port" (similar to COMT for WIN), 
that allows any OS/2 communications program to "dial" a telnet address
(ie, ATDT129.45.10.2).  The drivers and programs can be found at most
any OS/2 FTP site, including "hobbes.nmsu.edu" and "ftp-os2.cdrom.com".

There are also several new SLIP (Winsock compatible) TELNET clients
with built-in Z-modem!  The best of these is Neterm, and is avialable
from the SBI Home page on the WEB.  Neterm also has some of the best
ANSI-BBS terminal emulation out there, and includes ZMODEM file
transfer!  HIGHLY recommended!


LEGAL MUMBO-JUMBO 
----------------- 
THIS LIST IS COPYRIGHT 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. 

BBS SYSTEMS INCLUDED IN THIS LIST ARE INCLUDED AT THE SOLE DESCRETION
OF THE AUTHOR, RICHARD S. MARK.  THE AUTHOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO
REFUSE TO LIST ANY SYSTEM SOLEY AT HIS DESCRETION.  ANY SYSTEM
APPEARING IN THIS LIST THAT DOES NOT WISH TO BE LISTED NEED MERELY
CONTACT THE AUTHOR BY INTERNET EMAIL (cerebus@dkmail.dkeep.com) AND
REQUEST THAT THEIR ENTRY BE DELETED.

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.  


===============
SYSOP.DOC  4/96
===============

HOW TO BECOME PART OF THE SBI LIST:
-----------------------------------

There is no fee required to become a part of this list.  The ONLY
requirements are:

1. The BBS should be privately owned (no Freenets, and no University BBS's).
   BBSs that are privately owned, but receive free Internet access
   through a government site will be considered on a case-by-case
   basis.  Government-run BBSs will also be considered on a
   case-by-case basis.

2. The BBS must be accessible on the Internet via TELNET, RLOGIN, WEB, 
   and/or Special clinet. This means you must be able to actually LOGIN 
   to the BBS through the Internet. 

3. It must BE a "BBS" of some kind - sites that provide internet
   services, must also have a variety of local services.  This is not a
   listing of mere "internet providers".

4. The BBS must be in operation "24 hours" a day, excluding maintenance
   and mail-run times, and Internet accessibility must be active during
   normal BBS operating time.  (For example, sites that connect to the 
   Internet for only couple of hours a day are NOT on this list.)

5. The BBS must accept new users.  What's the point in advertising a
   "closed" system that won't let anyone login?  If your BBS does not
    describe exactly how to login as a new user, then you must include 
    that information in your listing.

We also request that any additions or changes to this list be submitted 
by a sysop of the system (we don't take user-contributions of list
information) - this is to protect the integrity of the list, and the
systems on the list.  Please also be sure to supply a valid internet
address.

THE LIST AUTHOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY SUBMISSION.  So far,
this hasn't happened...but you never know.  I wouldn't include a BBS
dedicated to kiddie porn, for example.

NOTE: I WILL verify additions to this list via telnet!  I do not
require or request a "guest" account - I am merely confirming that the
telnet address is "alive" and eventually gets me to some kind of login
prompt.

NOTE: Only one BBS listing per IP address!  If you run several "BBS's"
from the same IP address, you can mention them in the 10 line
description.

SUBMITTING NEW/UPDATED SYSTEM INFORMATION
-----------------------------------------
There are now (2) ways to submit new/updated system information:

1 - Access the SBI WEB page (http://dkeep.com/sbi.htm), and fill out the 
interactive WEB input form. (THIS IS THE PREFERRED METHOD)

2 - If you don't have a forms-compatible WEB browser, you can also fill out
the form at the end of this document, and send it via internet email 
to: cerebus@dkmail.dkeep.com  (Please, only use this method if you
absolutely have to!).


SUBMITTING VIA EMAIL
--------------------
(Use ONLY if you don't have a forms-compatible WEB browser!!)

Submit new systems or updates by completing the information below, 
and send it via internet email to: 

              cerebus@dkmail.dkeep.com 

For MBBS systems on other mail networks, other valid addresses are:

       Cerebus@DKM (MajorNET) or Cerebus@30 (Netaccess)

------------------------------------------------------------------
New/Updated System Information Form:
-------------------------------------------------------------------    
  System Name:  (system name)

           TELNET:  (host name and IP address) 
              FTP:  (host name or IP, anonymous FTP ok?)            
           FINGER:  (addresses for info / whoson)
              WWW:  (HTML address/page name)
      Sysop email:  (address(es) - up to 2)   
  Guest/New Login:  (what do new signups or visitors login as)      
     Phone Access:  (list phone numbers, up to 4)
         Location:  (city, state, country)   
  Number of Nodes:  (total nodes)  Pay: (y/n/opt)  Type: (BBS software)

DESCRIPTION:   

(enter up to 10 lines, no longer that 72 characters long each)
-------------------------------------------------------------------

I appreciate the information!  I think a list like this will benefit
everyone - and I pledge to keep it as accurate and up-to-date as is
humanly possible.  Please don't hesitate writing me if you have any
questions or need additional info.

- Richard 
  cerebus@dkmail.dkeep.com 

=======================================================================
WHERE TO FIND THE SBI FILES:

WWW      http://dkeep.com/sbi.htm  - includes a Guided Tour of Internet
                                     BBS's from around the world.

FTP      gcomm.com (in /internet) - login: anonymous
         ftp.netropolis.be (Belgium) (in /pub/sbi) - login: anonymous

FINGER   sbi@dkeep.com        (Information about the SBI List)
         sbiq@dkeep.com       ("Quick" Guide to Select BBS's on Internet)
         sbi-info@dkeep.com   (Revision Information for current list)
         sbi-sysop@dkeep.com  (How to Become a Part of the SBI list)

EMAIL    info@dkmail.dkeep.com  - put the word "SBI" in the TITLE/SUBJECT
                                   (Info will be sent within 24 hours)

BBS: 
Dragon Keep - dkeep.com / (904) 375-3500 (Login: SBI, Password: LIST)

Or call you Favorite BBS and download SBI0496.ZIP
==============================================================================
