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wiki:user:digital_man [2018/09/22 15:32] – [Why BBS?] digital man | wiki:user:digital_man [2018/10/08 22:30] – [Why BBS?] Fixed typos digital man | ||
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===== Why BBS? ===== | ===== Why BBS? ===== | ||
- | In the title, "Why BBS?", I'm using " | + | In the title, "Why BBS?", I'm using " |
Of course, the plural noun " | Of course, the plural noun " | ||
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BBS users or sysops that are either new to the scene or returning after a long absence often offer their observations about the state of BBSing and their recommendations to restore or at least increase the popularity of BBSes beyond the niche they serve today. But not everyone has the same intentions or goals when it comes to this hobby, so while some may think relatively low usership or participation indicates something is wrong, others might not see that as a problem. If you want content consumption or participation from thousands of daily users, maybe a BBS isn't the right thing for you. There are certainly plenty of other interactive platforms and technologies that may be more accessible or attractive to your target audience or user group. | BBS users or sysops that are either new to the scene or returning after a long absence often offer their observations about the state of BBSing and their recommendations to restore or at least increase the popularity of BBSes beyond the niche they serve today. But not everyone has the same intentions or goals when it comes to this hobby, so while some may think relatively low usership or participation indicates something is wrong, others might not see that as a problem. If you want content consumption or participation from thousands of daily users, maybe a BBS isn't the right thing for you. There are certainly plenty of other interactive platforms and technologies that may be more accessible or attractive to your target audience or user group. | ||
- | I'm not trying to talk you out of using or running a BBS; I just think you should have realistic expectations. If *you* like using or running a BBS, that should be all that matters. You can't force that enjoyment or desire on others. If you can't find the content or participation level you'd like to see in BBSes, | + | I'm not trying to talk you out of using or running a BBS; I just think you should have realistic expectations. If *you* like using or running a BBS, that should be all that matters. You can't force that enjoyment or desire on others. If you can't find the content or participation level you'd like to see in BBSes, |
- | If the BBS users and sysops of the 1980's and 90's were asked to describe their dream online system of the future, they probably would describe something similar to the AOL/ | + | If the BBS users and sysops of the 1980's and 90's were asked to describe their dream online system of the future, they probably would describe something similar to the AOL/ |
- | I still endeavor to improve the content availability and user experience of today' | + | As for myself, |
**However**, | **However**, | ||
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So that brings me back to the question: "Why BBS?" and here are the answers I have to offer you: | So that brings me back to the question: "Why BBS?" and here are the answers I have to offer you: | ||
- | - Nostalgia: you likely BBSed back in your younger years and its one of the ways we can still feel young | + | - **Nostalgia**:\\ you likely BBSed back in your younger years and its one of the ways we can still feel young |
- | - Obscurity: it's highly unlikely your ex or your next prospective employer is going to find and judge your BBS activity | + | - **Obscurity**:\\ it's highly unlikely your ex or your next prospective employer is going to find and judge your BBS activity |
- | - Independence: | + | - **Independence**:\\ the content, management and durability of your BBS is really up to you (it's //your// island) |
- | - Challenge: the technical challenges involved should be fun and give you a sense of wonder and accomplishment | + | - **Challenge**:\\ the technical challenges involved should be fun and give you a sense of wonder and accomplishment |
- | - Creativity: within the limited confines of BBSes, there' | + | - **Creativity**:\\ within the limited confines of BBSes, there' |
- | - Experience: believe it or not, knowing how BBSes work may give you a step ahead in your future technical aspirations | + | - **Experience**:\\ believe it or not, knowing how BBSes work may give you a step ahead in your future technical aspirations |
- | - Community: there is a BBS community, or several, and they will likely welcome your participation and enthusiasm for the hobby | + | - **Community**:\\ there is a BBS community, or several, and they will likely welcome your participation and enthusiasm for the hobby |
- | So in summary, I agree: BBSes can be made more accessible and user-friendly than they are today and support more mainstream use-cases than they do today. And maybe, probably, some of those enhancements will come to fruition in the near future. | + | So in summary, I agree: BBSes can be made more accessible and user-friendly than they are today and support more mainstream use-cases than they do today. And maybe, probably, some of those enhancements will come to fruition in the near future. |