The geek side of me got overly excited the other day when I saw that Textfiles.com is bound to raise some eyebrows.
BBSes are what initially got me interested in self-publishing. One could say that without BBSes, there might not be a Daily Ping. I remember in 7th grade using an Apple II with a 300 baud modem in my school’s computer lab to call up local systems. I was the typical newbie when I started (much like many first-time Ping posters, I thought I was the shit and people better bow down), but by 8th grade, I was writing my own BBS software and running it on the school’s Apple IIGS with a 1200 baud modem. It was called the MMS-BBS and the phone number was 953-9663. I can’t believe I remember that.
I had a lot of trouble with the software I wrote–it was cause for celebration when the modem didn’t lock up overnight–but I’ve gotta say, it was pretty cool. It allowed posting, e-mail, and even some simple door games (the equivalent to Flash games in 1987). It was never hugely popular, but it was an incredible learning experience and I’m thankful that Mr. Henkel gave me such freedom in the school’s lab.
Ah, the days of BBSing in the life of a young computer geek. Does anyone else even have a clue what I’m talking about? I know Paul does and I bet that Joseph and Chris do…
Posted in Miscellaneous