I do not think that the VMB requests are getting sent this file, so I am
going to post my welcome text here:

------
Welcome to 'VBBS/VA Discussion!'     (VirtualNET Topic Area #111111)

This topic area is intended for the purpose of sharing information
about Virtual BBS (VBBS) and also Virtual Advanced (VA) BBS both by
Roland De Graaf.  Both new and old sysops are encouraged to actively
particpate in these discussions.  If things do get way to technical,
then I may ask that they get taken to a Tech Support Sub (if there is
one for that specific topic).  Otherwise, general tech support is allowed.


I want this to be a helpful, informative area.  Many new sysops often need
a little help and are many times nervous (or even harassed) about asking.
We were ALL new once.  Even experienced sysops could use a little help, so
let's try to do that.  ;-)  I do have a list of 'rules' some which are just
plain common sence, but are stated here to stress the importance of each.

***The Rules that I expect to be followed (This is rather detailed)***

1) Set this to Real Names.  I do not mind if your posts are signed with
your handle, but I would like Real Names set in VCONFIG please.

2) Message Base Taglines are acceptable as are quoters and personal sigs.
HOWEVER, but must be with VirtualNET Net Guide Standards (Section V, #3
for details).  [No more then Six lines TOTAL for all three, no more then
300 bytes EACH].

3) Gateways MUST be approved directly by me.  Quite frankly, I see this as
a VirtualNET area and that there is no need to gate it.  But if you feel that
you MUST gate it, or were gating it under the previous host, then you will
need to request authorization again as soon as possible.  Anyone that runs
an unapproved gateway will be told to stop (messages from the gateway
will not go out on VirtualNET).  If you fail to stop it, then you will be
removed as a client.  Also, it is important to stress, if you are gating,
then YOU will be held responsible to make sure that THESE policies are
followed on that network as well ("Can't do it, don't gate it" is MY policy!).

4) Net Validation should be on.  You can use this to keep yourself from
sending messages that you really should not (off topic, flames, etc).

5) Under NO circumstances do I want to see Net Ads, Sub ads, or BBS ads in
this sub.  You MAY mention that a info file on these can be obtained and
where from, but it should be a REPLY.  A reply is info sharing where as a new
thread about these topics is strictly an ad in my opinion.  If that is not
clear, then just ask...

6) Software announcements are limited to a correctly formated FILE_ID.DIZ
and also mentioning where the file can be obtained.  The only exception to
this is software announcements regarding the VBBS/VA Software (and related
products from Virtual ComTech) itself.  Because detail about those softwares
will be of more use and is completely on topic, I feel that more freedom in
regards to that should be allowed.  I would think, that those announcements
will come directly from Roland De Graaf, himself.

7) No name calling or fighting, PERIOD!  There is no way that this can lead
to a productive discuss in this sub, so it is STRICTLY PROHIBITED.  You
will probably get a warning if you 'go there'.  If you blow off my warning,
then you are gone.  The keyword in the name of this sub is DISCUSSION, it is
not flaming.  If you want to do that, then start your own sub!

This may all seem rather strict of me, but if we follow the guide lines, then
clear DISCUSSIONS can go on.  Thank you for subscribing!

Thank you,
Tom Torbeck
1@1847000
VirtualNET RC 5 & 8

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