The Newbie Experience
So, you've just gotten your modem hooked up, your comm. software running
and you've called your very first board. Congrats! Or, you've been at this
a while but want to know what some of that cryptic stuff is. Great! Keep on
readin'........
This text is in 2 sections. Section 1 deals with etiquette and should be
read by EVERYONE. Section 2 is about abbreviations and other "slang" that
gets tossed around bulletin boards, and should be read by anyone who is
interested in learning more about this wonderful communications system we
all love.
-=-=[ Section 1 ]=-=-
We, as computer operators, spend a lot of time communicating with people
on a very impersonal basis. That means, you read the message, but you don't
hear the vocal inflections, or see the sarcastic smile. What is important,
then, in BBSing with others is to BE CLEAR! If someone gets the wrong idea,
all kinds of havoc can result. One way is to be sure and avoid sarcasm, or
"inside" jokes unless the other person is aware of what's going on.
Another way to use sarcasm is the infamous "construct" or through
symbolism. These are things like :-) :-( ;-) B) etc. (hint: turn these
90 degrees clockwise) that let the other person know that you are being
funny. Use them. They make life easier for everyone.
Another thing to be aware of is "jumping into" conversations. This can
usually work if one is polite and either asks (to get in and stay in), or to
write something like "pardon me,but couldn't help saying....." (for a
one-time comment). That's just common courtesy, and it helps keep other
users happy.
The last thing in this section is one of those things that can get you
kicked off a system--flames. Lots of people have lots of fun with them, but
a lot of sysops discourage them. If you are a user on a board where the
sysop doesn't allow flames, please respect his wishes and don't flame there,
but rather, find a board that supports a flame and debate area .
Along these same lines, most boards have the policy that "spelling flames
are considered harmful". Not everyone is a great speller, and most of us are
not the world's greatest typists, so be understanding. If ya don't get
something, write the author of the message and ask for clarification.
Above all, THINK BEFORE SPEAKING!!!!!! Remember that there is a person on
the other end of your message.
-=-=[ Section 2 ]=-=-
I am a great one for using abbreviations, and in some places they are the
norm, and in some, they're a new concept. These abbreviations came out of
the era of 300 baud communications that were very expensive, and people
needed to say things quickly without using a lot of bytes.
So, for your edification and amusement, here are some of the more popular
abbreviations in use today:
BBS = Bulletin Board System
BBSes = plural of BBS
BBSer = one who uses a BBS
BBSing = using a BBS
BPS = communications rate in bits per second (Baud)
BTW = By The Way
Chat = to "talk" with someone via modem.
CUL8R = See You Later
Download (D/L) = to take a file from a BBS
L8R = Later
TSIA = Title Says it All
TTYL = Talk To Ya Later (Type to ya Later)
Upload (U/L) = to send a file to a BBS
w/ = with
w/o = without
Xfers = transfers, referring specifically to file transfers
There are undoubtedly others, and many people think of their own, but
that's all the stuff I can think of.
Modeming and BBSing is a great way to make friends, and learn more about
computing and just about everything else. Hopefully, this has helped. If
you think so, drop me a letter and let me know. If not, please feel free to
make suggestions for improvements.
Original work by Ford Prefect, with just a bit of editing by Rebo...