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         SysOpNet - Where SysOps Exchange Knowledge, Code, and Echomail

                            SysOpNet.com - (Zone 23)
 
==== Introducing SysOpNet ====================== UPDATED = 2026-09-12 ==========

What is it?
-----------
SysOpNet is a small FTN echomail network set up by Dean Lodge
to support Sysops who want to provide SysOp-related topics to their users.

Delivery Methods
----------------
We offer vModem(telnet) connections via NetSerial, BinkP and QWK connections. 
In the Application, you can specify which connection type you require.

How to Join
------------
Joining is as simple as completing an online form, oe emailing in the application
(sys_app.txt) and setting up the necessary message and file echos. You will then
get an email with any necessary details, and we will begin sending you messages.	

===== Goals ====================================================================

* Build a reliable technical support community - give sysops (new and experienced)
a place to troubleshoot BBS software, FTN configuration, and networking issues with
people who've actually hit the same problems (echo areas like Tech Support, BBS
Software Support, New Sysop Q&A already point this direction).

* Preserve and share BBS operational knowledge - capture the kind of hard-won,
trial-and-error setup knowledge in documentation, file areas, and message history
so it doesn't get lost or re-learned from scratch by every new sysop.

* Grow a healthy, self-sustaining node base - move from "one hub, manually
onboarding every applicant" toward a multi-NET structure with delegated hubs,
as membership grows past what one coordinator can manage alone.

* Interoperate with the wider hobby BBS ecosystem - stay visible and cross-connected
with established networks rather than existing in isolation, since most of the
sysop community already has a presence there.

* Maintain a well-moderated, welcoming environment - enforce the Echo Area Policy
consistently enough that both technical veterans and brand-new sysops feel
comfortable participating, without the network becoming either too chaotic or
too gatekept.

===== Housekeeping =============================================================

* Members of SysOpNet are to conduct themselves in accordance with the above
  goals. Failure to do so risks being delisted by the Network Coordinator.

* The use of the network for illegal purposes is not permitted. Members
  deemed to be engaged in such activities will be delisted by the Network
  Coordinator.

* Real names used in the nodelist, aliases or real names welcome in
  all echoareas.

* Please post messages containing ANSI but do so with an [ANSI] prefix in
  the message subject line. This allows members who can't view ANSI content
  to opt out of reading it if they are unable to do so.
  
  e.g. Subject: [ANSI] Something I drew last night

===== Technical Details ========================================================

**** IMPORTANT - PLEASE NOTE ****

The SysOpNet US HUB (23:1/1) accepts BinkD connections via bbs.pwecksretreat.com:24554 

If you are running Mystic BBS please add the IP address for the relevant hub to
the GOODIP.TXT and WHITELIST.TXT files in your Mystic BBS data directory 

If these files do not exist you just need to create them. Taking these steps
ensure that if the SysOpNet HUB polls your system it will not be auto blocked
by your Mystic Internet Server if it polls your system very frequently.

===== Echoareas ================================================================

Message Echos:

SYS_GEN    SysOp General Chat
	   ->open discussion for sysops to chat, vent, share wins and war stories
SYS_ADMN   SysOpNet Administration
	   ->discussion area for designated users of SysOpNet 
SYS_TEST   Test Message Area
	   ->send your test messages here to make sure everything is working
SYS_BBS    BBS Support Support
           ->technical help by platform (Synchronet, Mystic, Renegade, Wildcat!, Worldgroup, etc.)
SYS_FIDO   FidoNet/Networking Technical
           ->echomail routing, tosser/mailer configuration, nodelist issues
SYS_DOOR   Door Game Development
           ->writing, porting, and troubleshooting doors; DOS/DOSBox compatibility talk
SYS_ANSI   ANSI Art & Menu Design
           ->sharing/critiquing ANSI art, menu themes, screen design tips
SYS_HARD   Hardware & Telephony
           ->modems, multi-node setups, VoIP-to-BBS bridges, retro hardware sourcing
SYS_HIST   BBS History/Nostalgia
           ->stories from the golden age, old boards, "remember when" threads
SYS_NEW    New SysOp Q&A
           ->a beginner-friendly safe space for people just standing up their first board
SYS_PRMO   BBS Promotion/Telnet Listings
           ->announcing new boards, uptime status, telnet/SSH addresses
SYS_PLCY   Policy & Moderation
           ->discussing netiquette, echo rules, node conduct across the network
SYS_JOB    Job Board/Collaboration
           ->sysops offering help, coding favors, ANSI art commissions, co-sysop opportunities

         
File Bases:

SYS_SOFT   BBS Software Releases
	   ->latest Mystic, Synchronet, ENiGMA½, WWIV builds and changelogs
SYS_DOOR   Door Games
	   ->DOOR32.SYS-compatible games, DOSBox-ready doors, installation notes
SYS_ANSI   ANSI/ASCII Art
	   ->art packs, VT100/ANSI templates, artist group releases
SYS_UTIL   Utilities & Tools
	   ->nodelist compilers, mutil configs, door frontends, log parsers, RCS-type tools
SYS_SRCE   Source Code/Scripts
	   ->MPL scripts, Python door snippets, config file examples (mutil.ini, MIS configs)
           other sysops can adapt
SYS_DOCU   Documentation/FAQS
	   ->setup guides, FTN policy docs, "how I configured X" write-ups from members
SYS_RTRO   Retro Software Archives
	   ->vintage DOS/Amiga/C64 software, emulator-ready images
SYS_INFO   Infopack
	   ->info packs for sysops wanting to cross-connect
SYS_NODE   Weekly Nodelist
	   ->weekly updated nodelist for SysOpNet	   
SYS_MUSC   Music/Mods
	   ->tracker music (MOD/XM/S3M), chiptunes — a classic BBS file-area staple
SYS_SWAP   SysOp Swap
	   ->a catch-all for member-submitted files not fitting elsewhere
  
