On Jan 25, 2026 02:04pm, Accession wrote to Mike:
Hey Mike!
On Sun, 25 Jan 2026 14:33:38 +0100, you wrote:
I can live just fine with someone not liking the internet, even though
he/she/it use it every day. It's the same with the way a forum
approaches and presents a topic on the www. Everything is fine from my
perspective!
If I remember correctly, you had previously mentioned that it is out of your realm of expertise/knowledge to do what I mention below, but rather than trying to get people that don't like using web forums to try
using... web forums.. How about trying to expand your knowledge and expertise and utilize FTN /into/ your message forums? This way people
that don't like using web forums can still communicate with the people
that access your web forum?
Would that not bridge a pretty huge gap in communications between the
two?
Currently, it looks like you are using (and maybe even paying for?) some cloud based forum software, with a light-weight wiki add-on. If indeed
you are paying for this monthly, or yearly, I'd like to ask how much different it actually is than this (which can definitely be improved
upon, graphically, by anyone), for example:
https://pharcyde.org/?page=001-forum.ssjs&group=0
I guess what I'm saying here is, there are actual BBS softwares that already seem to have this "forum" style messaging built in - and already supports communication via FTN networks, so there is no need to gain expertise/knowledge on creating your own, etc.
I'm not trying to put what you're doing down, whatsoever. So please
don't take it that way. I was just looking at some comparible stuff and wondering why you chose to go the route that you did. Either way, keep
on doing whatever makes you happy!
Regards,
Nick
... Sarcasm: because beating people up is illegal.
--- GoldED+/LNX 1.1.5-b20250409
# Origin: _thePharcyde telnet://bbs.pharcyde.org (Wisconsin) (723:1/1)
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* Origin: Capitol City Online (723:320/1)
Hello Nick
First of all... Thank you for your constructive suggestions!
I would like to first comment on the upper section, if that's alright?
This is relatively easy to explain. At the end of 2023, I started to seriously engage with the topic of BBS again. I hadn't done anything for 23 years; I was never really the programmer either (probably no talent for something like that).
What struck me back then, besides the Wildcat Interactive Net Server that was used/choiced, was that in addition to the language problems (English - German, technical English - technical German), you had to search a long time on the
WWW before you could get a rough overview of the hobby. Perhaps this is also because, over the 23 years, I have inevitably just gotten 23 years older? I don't want to dispute that right now!
Long story short: I was never the programmer, more of a user of existing software. My talent is therefore limited.
The forum software was therefore purchased after I had weighed the pros and cons of the software available on the market a little. The add-ons as well.
If the timing works out, I will also tackle the wiki.
Let's move on to the next point: I had to start with something within the
scope of my mental capabilities and skills. And maybe I am taking the easier route for me? So I focused on the content first. Unfortunately, a forum is not really suitable, or barely suitable at all, for properly describing and categorizing mass uploads. So each program, tool, utility, door, door game,
and and and, must be entered and descriped individually.
Therefore, since I am now hanging around as a one man show, I am maintaining/adding programs, doors, and tools, etc., in this endless loop, along with information (simple research) on the topic of BBS in the www.
Since my day also only has 24 hours, and there is still a working life (although due to my retirement it is no longer 220 days a year), but with the German Armed Forces as a reservist for 5-7 months a year, alongside normal family life, time is limited, as it is for many here.
Regarding the connector in the Fido or FTN: Apart from the fact that, as described above, I don't even have the time to learn the skills, I do have
some concerns about this possibility. I had mentioned that I don't want to see the forum as competition to the BBSs or the Nets! The idea itself is quite
very appealing to me, although I have some legal concerns with one or another network that uses real names!
Therefore, I initially focused on introducing the respective still existing
FTN and mentioning contact persons (Zone Coordinators). Certainly, one could further expand on the content, and I will most likely do so. But in my view, the first step is to first highlight the diversity and history of this wonderful and creative hobbies.
All in all, the forum is explained by the personal facts of my person
described above and therefore develops more slowly than it would in a collaborative effort where everyone can contribute their ideas and strengths. And the fact that often, and now I will try to express myself cautiously, things are depicted and discussed here and there mostly in a manner specific
to certain software. Broadly, that is, across all platforms and still existing programs, actually to my knowledge, concentrated to one point not.
All in all, I can still imagine many things that the forum could offer or accomplish. But honestly, I rely on a bit of help for that. And everyone reading along knows that it doesn't come and probably never will.
No blame! Just the reality.
I can only keep repeating that I would be very happy if the project, the idea, gained more approval.
Mike
... Platinum Xpress & Wildcat!..... Nice!!!!
--- Platinum Xpress/Win/WINServer v7.0
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