Keeping in Touch
June 1992
SPITFIRE Monthly Support Newsletter for registered SPITFIRE Sysops
Compliments of Buffalo Creek Software
In this issue
- SPITFIRE CONFERENCE SPEAKERS
- SPITFIRE CONFERENCE DOOR PRIZES
- SPITFIRE UTILITY REVIEW - TIMES
- SYSOP-OF-THE-MONTH
- NEWLY REGISTERED SPITFIRE SYSTEMS
Archival transcript
The text below is a faithful Unicode rendering of the original SF06-92.TXT. Its DOS line wrapping, spacing, capitalization, spelling and CP437 box art have been retained.
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║ ╟─┐
║ K E E P I N G I N T O U C H ║ │
║ ═══════════════════════════════ ║ │
║ SPITFIRE Monthly Support Newsletter ║ │
║ for registered SPITFIRE Sysops! ║ │
║ June 1992 ║ │
║ Compliments of BUFFALO CREEK SOFTWARE ║ │
║ Buffalo Creek's BBS * 515-225-8496 ║ │
║ 38400/19200/9600/24400/1200 Baud ║ │
║ 2 Nodes ║ │
║ ║ │
╚═╤══════════════════════════════════════════╝ │
└────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Edited by Jacque Shipley
The Mother Board BBS - (515) 986-3464 - 19200 Baud
Sysop Of The Month by Walt Crede
Roam This Fertile Land - (515) 288-8755 - 2400 Baud
Newly Registered SPITFIRE BBS List by Ann Woltz
Other Contributions As Noted
╔═════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ Notes from the author of SPITFIRE! ╟─┐
╚═╤═══════════════════════════════════════╝ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────┘
BCS SPITFIRE UTILITY UPDATES
----------------------------
There have been 3 Buffalo Creek Software SPITFIRE utilities
updated since the last newsletter. They are...
SFCHKUP Version 2.0
For those of you who are not aware, SFCHKUP is a program written
to test the integrity of files uploaded to a SPITFIRE BBS. SFCHKUP
can be used in a very simple or a very complex manner. It can be used
to do nothing more that put your personalized comment in .ZIP files
(simple) or it can be used to perform a series of tests limited only by
your ability to write a batch file (complex).
MKSFFBBS Version 2.0
MKSFFBBS is a program used to create and maintain the various SFFILES
text files used by SPITFIRE. Version 2.0 supports multi-line file
descriptions and CD-Rom support.
SFMNUEXT Version 1.3
SFMNUEXT is a program used to expand the number of door programs which
can be operated under SPITFIRE and it is used to expand the number of
features a Sysop can offer via the various SPITFIRE menu extension
feature. Version 1.3 provides the means of configuring whether the
<G>oodbye feature is available to the caller. Further plans for SFMNUEXT
include the ability to shell to DOS and a chat feature.
Buffalo Creek Software UTI
--------------------------
With any kind of luck at all, we will our UTI released by the time the
next newsletter is published. As you will recall, I announced in the
February newsletter that it was about 90% completed and I would finish it
AFTER SPITFIRE v3.2 was released. Hopefully, I should be able to finish
it soon and get it tested and then get it released.
1992 SPITFIRE SYSOP CONFERENCE
------------------------------
We are looking forward to the 1992 SPITFIRE Sysop conference which has
been scheduled and will be conducted in Des Moines, Iowa at the Park Inn
International on June 13-14, 1992. The door prize list continues to grow
as well as the list of SPITFIRE Sysops planning to attend. It should be a
GREAT time for all.
Until next time, may God bless you...
Mike, Ann & family
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│ SPITFIRE CONFERENCE SPEAKERS │
╘══════════════════════════════╛
The SPITFIRE Sysop conference is quickly approaching. Although the
entire agenda has not yet been completed, below will list the speakers
and the subject of their talks to date.
Mike Woltz, Author of SPITFIRE.........................Assorted Topics
Ira Lichtenstein, SPITFIRE Sysop..........................Beta Testing
Mike Thacker, SPITFIRE Sysop...........................Simply The Best
Steve Cox, Wildfire Author......................Live Cat Door Products
.............................Virtual Reality
Tom Kellen, SPITFIRE Sysop/Utility Author.............To Be Announced
Bruce Wilson, SPITFIRE Co-Sysop......Legalality Of BBSing and Messages
John Miksich, SPITFIRE Sysop................Midwest Message Conference
Steve Newman, SPITFIRE Sysop................................CircuitNet
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│ SPITFIRE CONFERENCE DOOR PRIZES │
╘═════════════════════════════════╛
DOOR PRIZES THAT WILL BE GIVEN AWAY
AT THE SPITFIRE SYSOP CONFERENCE
June 12-14 Des Moines, Iowa
Door Prize Contributor Winner
---------- ----------- ------
2 SFUSERS..............Buffalo Creek Software ASP Author
2 SFCHKUP..............Buffalo Creek Software ASP Author
2 SFTOPTEN.............Buffalo Creek Software ASP Author
2 SFLASTEN.............Buffalo Creek Software ASP Author
SPITFIRE T Shirts......Michael Redman
2 Hobbit Trivia........Mary Van Horn
2 Disney Trivia........Mary Van Horn
2 Sex Trivia...........Mary Van Horn
2 Potpourri Trivia.....Mary Van Horn
2 Sports Trivia........Jacque Shipley
2 Television Trivia....Jacque Shipley
SFMgr Registration.....BETATech Computer Consulting
HSLDoor Registration...BETATech Computer Consulting
DoorKnob Registration..BETATech Computer Consulting
SFVerify...............Doug Vangorp
SFHeader...............Russell Mikami
Callback/Verifier......Russell Mikami
2 WildFire.............Steve Cox
CircuitNet Software....Dave Stahl
SFExtend...............Dave Stahl
Procomm Plus v2.0......Alan Boelter
Procomm Plus (Windows).DataStorm Technologies, Inc.
Desqview 386 v2.4......Quarterdeck
DVX v1.0...............Quarterdeck
2 So Much Shareware
CD-ROM.................Power User Software
2 So Much Screenware
CD-ROM.................Power User Software
3 T-Shirts.............Power User Software
CD-ROM.................Dave Clark
2 CATDISK v6.21........Rick Hillier - ASP Author
Telix v3.15............Exis, Inc.
2 SPIT-CD/ROM..........Don Hutson
Storm Door.............Storm Door Productions
5 $10 Door Reg.
Certificates........Secret Service (Mike Wilson)
5 $20 Door Reg.
Certificates........Secret Service (Mike Wilson)
Fireinfo................Tim Maloney
A complete list of door prizes, contributors and winners will be
published in the July 1992 newsletter. Good luck to all the conference
attendees.
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│ SPITFIRE UTILITY REVIEW - TIMES │
╘═════════════════════════════════╛
For SPITFIRE Sysops who have wanted a way to track the number of
times each file on the BBS is downloaded, this month's utility review
will spark your interest. TIMES, by Alexander Erne of The Netherlands,
has exactly what you are looking for.
TIMES adds one line to SPITFIRE's multi-line file descriptions
which show how many times the file has been downloaded from the BBS.
The first time a file is downloaded, 001 times downloaded is added to
the last line of the file description. Each additional time the file
is downloaded the numerical value, 001, is incremented by 1. Both the
SFFILES.BBS and SFFILES.<x> (for CD-ROM file areas) are updated each
time a file is downloaded.
TIMES also includes a safeguard for files which are downloaded
privately. In such an instance, the file would need to be located in
an existing file area that contains either a SFFILES.BBS or SFFILES.<x>.
However, the file being downloaded would not be contained in the
listing so no updating occurs.
TIMES is easily installed by creating/or modifiying your SFLOGON.BAT
and your SFINIT.BAT with a single command line. The documentation
clearly covers how TIMES can be set up for your SPITFIRE BBS. TIMES
is also written to operate on multi-node SPITFIRE systems.
TIMES provides Sysops an opportunity for tracking the activity of
files on an ongoing basis, rather than just periodically (such as
the typical weekly download statistical bulletins).
TIMES is distributed as freeware by Alexander Erne, with one restriction.
The "001 times downloaded" is copyrighted by Erne and thereby, according to
the documentation, " *no one* is allowed to write a program that uses this
part of the file-discription. This means all kind of programs except for
SPITFIRE itself, utilities that create a list of all available download
and utilities to manage the download area's." Erne has plans to release
another utility in July, 1992 that will use the added description line
to create a bulletin on the most popular files on the BBS.
╒════════════════════╕
│ SYSOP-OF-THE-MONTH │
╘════════════════════╛
Mike Thacker
Home Connections BBS
Macon, North Carolina
In the Thacker report, he starts out saying, "I'm sure Mike Woltz
kept wondering, `Who in tarnation is this Mike Thacker? He keeps
ordering and registering copies of SPITFIRE, like crazy.' Quite true.
I now have four (4) copies up and running and by the time this is
published there will be a fifth one added. Being chosen as June's
Sysop-of-the-Month gives me the opportunity to get in a few words of
explanation.
"First off, Macon is a `wide spot in the road' about 80 miles north
of Raleigh, NC, located on Lake Gaston, a 20,000 acre hydro-electric
reservoir. My wife Connie and I reside in Lake Gaston Estates with
our yellow Lab named Brandy. Ours is a `lake home,' having 230 feet
of waterfront, a regular paradise and dream come true.
"Professionally, I've been in the computer business for 25 years,
starting on large mainfranes in 1967. In 1973, I earned a `certificate
in data processing' from the Institute for Certification of Computer
Professionals in Chicago, sanctioned by DPMA, ASP, ACM and about 20
other professional computer associations. Round 7 years ago, I bought
my first PC, a Kaypro 4 with CPM. I remember trying to call those
first BBSs using a communication package named `Mite.' It was a mighty
frustrating experience and I decided at the time BBSing wasn't for me.
Now I'm the Master Sysop of four BBSs and expecting to double that
number by the end of this year."
Thacker explains further he owns three computer-related businesses
and runs them from his home in Macon. His Home Connections BBS is one
of these. He'll be the first to admit modern communications is out of
this world. All he needs is a phone, FAX, and modem-equipped PC to
conduct a multi-location business from the central point of his home.
What this amounts to is Home Connections BBS is a franchised undertaking
whereby a "turnkey" BBS is established in a city providing computerized
searching of "homes for sale." Real estate agents and sellers (for sale
by owners) pay to advertise their properities on the BBS. Buyers and
sellers can access the BBS for FREE, checking properities for sale
(by price, location, schools, style, bedrooms, baths and other features,
such as jacuzzi, lakefront, swimming, tennis, etc.) It's like the
realtor's MLS, except it's a "public-access listing service" (PALS).
The really BIG benefit for agents and sellers is "sales leads"--the
names, addresses and phone numbers of BUYERS who called the service
and later LOOKED at a properity are provided to the listing agent or
seller of that properity.
"Currently," Thacker reported, "the franchise Sysops are `sales
people,' not computer people. In fact, our first Sysop didn't even
know where the <ENTER> key's located. So we had to have software
that's E-Z to use, `bullet-proof.' We're running multi-line systems
using Desqview--and SPITFIRE's a jewel of a communications platform.
It fits in very nicely with our overall concept for a `working BBS'
that doesn't require a lot of Sysop intervention. And the support I've
received from Ann and Mike Woltz the few times we did have problems
is outstanding.
"In addition to the `for sale' listings in Home Communications BBS,"
he went on, "there are also `rental database,' `HUD database' and we're
developing other databases: commercial, recreational properities and a
national properties exchange. Although we're working to create a nation-
wide franchise network in larger metropolitan areas, we're planning to
release some of our Home-Search(TM) software to enterprising Sysops.
These shareware versions are expected to be available within 45 days.
"I invite anyone wanting more information about Home Connections or
the aforementioned shareware to leave a message on the Home Connectioms/
Atlanta BBS (modem: 404/447-0036) or directly at our lakeside home
(voice: 919/257-1401)."
Mike Thacker is a USCG charter captain.
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│ NEWLY REGISTERED SPITFIRE SYSTEMS │
╘════════════════════════════════════╛
A hearty welcome is extended to the following, who have
recently become public registered SPITFIRE Bulletin Board Systems:
The Archers Arrow.........................203-589-7866...2400 Baud
David Scott, Sysop............................Bristol, Connecticut
PC-Forum..................................503-777-2708...2400 Baud
PC-Forum..........................................Portland, Oregon
Zepnet BBS................................503-761-3367...2400 Baud
Kevin Morse, Sysop................................Portland, Oregon
The Atomic Cafe...........................671-639-5073...2400 Baud
Max Wynne, Sysop......................................Dededo, Guam
Starbase 515..............................707-769-1624...9600 Baud
James Boyer, Sysop............................Petaluma, California
The Apollo Exchange.......................713-286-7740...2400 Baud
Ben Broughton, Sysop................................Houston, Texas
HSC Electronic Supply.....................707-792-1042...9600 Baud
George Shedore, Sysop...........................Cotati, California
Craig's BBS...............................206-582-7970...2400 Baud
Craig Findley, Sysop............................Tacoma, Washington
The Trading Post..........................403-594-5497...2400 Baud
Steven Enair, Sysop........................Medley, Alberta, Canada
Dead End BBS..............................519-272-1315...9600 Baud
Jack Skinner, Sysop.......................Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Joes's BBS................................414-942-1667...2400 Baud
Joseph Lutzen, Sysop............................Kenosha, Wisconsin
Orion's Belt!.............................702-362-0963...2400 Baud
Patrick Powers, Sysop............................Las Vegas, Nevada
The Elite BBS.............................907-248-7859...9600 Baud
Craig Langman, Sysop.............................Anchorage, Alaska
The Temple BBS............................614-294-4121...2400 Baud
Chris Rose, Sysop...................................Columbus, Ohio
Test Pattern BBS..........................416-890-2531...2400 Baud
Jay Jackson, Sysop....................Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
The "COSMIC BAGEL" BBS....................707-887-0835...2400 Baud
Gary Timmons, Sysop........................Forestville, California
Shakey Jake's.............................671-342-4113..14400 Baud
Jacques Shake..........................................FPO Address
The Joker's BBS...........................713-485-3074...2400 Baud
Norman Littlefield, Sysop..........................Pearland, Texas
The Monopoly Board BBS....................314-861-2512...2400 Baud
Thundar Communications...........................Ballwin, Missouri
Novice's Retreat..........................919-868-8846...9600 Baud
William Peek, Sysop...................Fayetteville, North Carolina
Why Not!! BBS.............................702-453-0711...2400 Baud
Charles Kravetz, Sysop...........................Las Vegas, Nevada
Mart's UnderGround BBS....................904-749-9937..14400 Baud
Martin Friend, Sysop..............................Pierson, Florida
Ed's Datashak.............................915-580-3508...2400 Baud
Ed Wesson, Sysop.....................................Odessa, Texas
The Locker Room...........................502-737-4422...2400 Baud
Kevin Matherly, Sysop......................Elizabethtown, Kentucky
Fractured Files BBS.......................606-282-0391...2400 Baud
Richard Hill, Sysop.........................Independence, Kentucky
Control Tower BBS.........................318-397-2795...2400 Baud
Mike Jones, Sysop...........................West Monroe, Louisiana
The Jug Clod BBS..........................201-584-2563...2400 Baud
Steven Cherifi, Sysop.........................Randolph, New Jersey
The TREASURE Chest........................919-922-1047...9600 Baud
James Slade, Sysop...................Winston-Salem, North Carolina
In addition, there were 5 new private SPITFIRE BBS Systems
registered. These private SPITFIRE BBS's included registrations
from: Dallas, Texas; Cedex, France; Metairie, Louisiana;
Maryville, Tennesee; and Jacksonville, Florida.
There were 9 registrations for whom registration information was
incomplete. These included BBS's in: Chicago, Illinois; Huntsville,
Alabama; Des Moines, Washington; Fayetteville, North Carolina; Glasgow,
Scotland; Henderson, Auckland, New Zealand; an APO address; Miami,
Florida; and New Orleans, Louisiana.
The increase in registrations where information is incomplete is
largely due to Buffalo Creek's Software's new policy of accepting
on-line Mastercard and Visa credit card registrations.
JUST A REMINDER...the newsletter is always looking for
contributions. Please forward any articles in ASCII text to
either Buffalo Creek's BBS or The Mother Board BBS.Source note
This reading edition was decoded from SF06-92.TXT in the original SF06-92.ZIP package. The page date records the preserved archive timestamp; it is not a newly inferred publication date.