What?
BBS stands for Bulletin Board System. These systems were popular at the advent of networked computing, before being replaced by the world wide web. Most BBSes were accessed via a dial-up modem, and this is the system for which we have opted; telnet-based BBSes are available but due to security concerns we will not be running one. A BBS consists, usually, of a 'bulletin board' - similar to the present forum - along with a chat feature (which will replace #definecynical as our primary talk channel) and games (including but not limited to Hunt the Wumpus and Multiplayer Guess the Number).
How?
Using the BBS is simple. Fire up your favourite modem terminal client (mine is qmodem) and dial 867-5309. You will be asked to log in by our BBS server, 'Jenny'; enter your username and password (don't worry, your accounts will all be transferred). You should reach a screen like this:
Pressing the indicated key will take you to the relevant forum. All posts have been transferred, although all images had to be removed to make them compatible with this new format.
Why?
This BBS system is much more secure and flexible than the web-based system we currently use. It also allows a much greater variety of hardware to use the forum; until now users with VT100 terminals and many different Amiga units have been unable to access the forum. The Define Cynical administrative team is, as always, entirely committed to enabling as many users as possible to access the website, hence the move to a BBS system.
When?
The move will take place at 10PM GMT on 1st April. The web-based forum will be taken down 15 minutes afterwards, to be replaced by a definition of the word 'cynical'.
Where?
The BBS server is based in Medford, Oklahoma. This means, naturally, that residents of Medford, Oklahoma will be able to use the BBS at a much less expensive rate. International callers will be charged at standard international rates to Medford, OK, by the minute.
If you have any further questions, leave a message on the BBS messaging system for myself or Jason.
It's still before 12 in some places.
April Fool's? Me? Never.
