BBSing: Through a user's eyes

TextMode - A User's Point of View
by: cr1mson@phatstar.org

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What does a user expect from a BBS?  This might be a question that a SysOp
might want to know to get and keep users calling out to their system.

Let's face it, every user is different and expects something different.

To break it down.  Someone might want to see stock or a customized system.
One might want a complex system or something simple.  A SysOp has to have
the eye of their users.  What appeals to you when you call a system?  Do
you find something that you like especially more than the other in regards
to what to expect?  If you find something boring or uninteresting, would
you put that on your system?  It's likely that you wouldn't because it
doesn't appeal to you, but it might appeal to someone else.

A good option to have would be to have a multi-selection on what you, as
a user would like to see on a BBS.  Some are turned on by a lot of sexy
graphics, while others like it plain and simple black and white.  We could
make it customized which flavor we'd like and a multitude of options to
make it feel at home.  It's like a business, but a business turned inside
out just for the user.

Perhaps, we could say a SysOp owns an apartment complex and within it are
8 different custom furnished apartments.  A user could select which one to
pick, yet speaking electronically, we could have the same apartment look
and feel like another one as a neighbor.  I'm not talking about running
more than one BBS.  I'm speaking of themes.  Themes have been around
awhile, yet I've yet to see a lot of variety of themes available for one
particular BBS.

As a user, I expect quality over quantity.  I like things to look as perfect
as possible, I don't like a lot of clutter.  I can be turned off by a BBS
that's incomplete.  Like I've previously stated: Would you setup a BBS and
watch it flourish from the ground up or build it first, making sure
everything is working and running it properly before you decide to open it
for business.  Typically, with a business, the ground work is already done
and you have a showcase to present to customers.  On another hand, we have
a community, like family.  I love a good community-based system where there
are active members involved with peace and harmony.

What I like most is seeing participation as a community and on a common
goal to keep the BBS scene alive and kicking.  Passion will never be lost.
Once you find something you love and enjoy, it's going to be just that; love
and enjoyment.

A user is a person on the outside looking in.  They look through the windows
to see what's available.  If they don't like what they see, they're not
going to stick around for long; maybe a feedback at most.  So keep in
contact with the community and find out what's shying people away if that's
the case.

Another note, is what is the reputation of the SysOp?  Does he/she keep up
with things on their system; is the SysOp motivated, hard-working,
dependable, pleasant to be around, know how to treat their users?  We all
have different tastes and what appeals.  Get to know the SysOp given the
opportunity.  Time is short my friend.  My goal is to help out as much as I
can with my capabilities and time.

Keep all this in mind as a user.  It's a constant battle of BBSes.  Who
attracts more, has the very best content, supplies the majority of their
users what they want and what they enjoy.  My suggestion as a user is to let
the SysOp know what they're intending to see on the BBS.  What they would
like to see when they called back.  What you see on the BBS is what you get.
It's like a picture worth a thousand words.  You can already get a feel of
what's ahead when visiting.

Keep calling, having them return from time to time is a SysOp's dream; how
to run a successful BBS.  Remember, it takes, sweat, blood and tears to get
a really good BBS going.  Let them know how much they are appreciated.

That's my thought for this article.  I hope you enjoyed it.

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