Approved-By:  EDTECH Moderator <21765EDT@MSU.BITNET>
Newsgroups: bit.listserv.edtech
Date:         Mon, 28 Dec 1992 18:04:14 EST
From:         Gleason Sackman <sackman@plains.nodak.edu>
Subject:      GeoInfo BBS Network (from comp.infosystems.gis) (from KIDSNET)

---------- Text of forwarded message ----------
Date: Sat, 26 Dec 1992 23:38:47 EST
From: KIDSNET Mailing List <KIDSNET@vms.cis.pitt.edu>
To: KIDSNET Subscribers <KIDSNET@vms.cis.pitt.edu>
Subject: GeoInfo BBS Network (from comp.infosystems.gis)

Date: 23 Dec 92 06:16:24 GMT
From: tcsmith@cdmg-hq.UUCP (Ted Smith)
Subject: GeoInfo BBS Network
Newsgroups: comp.infosystems.gis
X-Maildoor: WaflineMail 1.00r


     GGGGGGG  EEEEEEE  OOOOOOO  IIII  NNNN    NN  FFFFFFF  OOOOOOO
     GG       EE       OO   OO   II   NN NN   NN  FF       OO   OO
     GG  GGG  EEEEE    OO   OO   II   NN  NN  NN  FFFFF    OO   OO
     GG   GG  EE       OO   OO   II   NN   NN NN  FF       OO   OO
     GGGGGGG  EEEEEEE  OOOOOOO  IIII  NN    NNNN  FF       OOOOOOO

                  Information as of December 22, 1992

Updated information on the public e-mail network: GeoInfo. This free
communication forum is based on qwk/rep mail packets available via public
telephone lines accessible to all modem users. The name says it best:

         geo-    " earth " [ from the Greek "ge"]
                 Because we are all students of the earth: "geologists".

        -Info    [ Informal, Information ]
                 Because learning by e-mail is fun!

        GeoInfo  Because GEOgraphic INFOrmation systems (GIS) are
                 advancing the technological frontiers of earth science.

We are pleased to offer this communication tool for earth science
awareness to connect interested public: geoscientists, teachers,
rockhounds, mapping specialists, resource managers, and students across
North America. Ours is a new microcomputer network aimed at home
computer users as well as academia and business that need rapid
dissemination of information or just want to keep in touch with
colleagues or know the latest news on earthquake or volcanic events.
Whatever the interest or specialty, we are all students of the earth:
"geologists".

This information bulletin is a public call to BBS SysOps (System
Operators) to join our growing net. Our Charter members cover Ontario,
Kansas, Colorado, Arizona and California with cross links to numerous
BBS's on other networks. Additional nodes are being added in Iowa,
Colorado, and California as this is being written.  We hope to sign up
more geoscience-oriented systems in North America and welcome offshore
Bulletin Boards to reach internationally.

GeoInfo is a *.qwk packet based echomail network initially established
by computer bulletin boards using Wildcat! BBS software (Mustang
Software Inc.), the TomCat 3.02+ door and TNET 2.2+ mail tosser or
equivalent.  If you can handle qwk/rep packets in your e-mail traffic,
you probably have the technology to join.  We welcome quality Boards!

BBS members of this network must have (or plan) a significant earth
sciences or GIS content as part of their public offering.  Application
to join can be made at any Hub or echoed to a Hub via any Node system.
Although there is no fee for joining as a Node, BBS membership is
screened by one of our Hub members by reviewing the contents of your
Board.  You may echo from any Hub and we recommend you check the best
connection (modem compatibility, distance) before setting up your mail
runs.  Once accepted as a GeoInfo SysOp, you will automatically have
free message access to all our member Boards.

The policies are simple: we SysOps have worked hard to develop a
valuable communication tool and expect responsible adult standards of
all participants. We obey all laws and rules of BBS etiquette.  Each
member BBS is responsible for the behavior of its message base users.
Any BBS identified in breach of criminal laws will be dropped from the
Net after one warning. Posting of pirated software, military classified
information, copyright infringement, obscene material, etc. would
qualify for a warning.  Cancellation of privileges is by a vote of
network Hubs.

There are many networks cluttered with thousands of general interest
conferences suitable for hobby hackers and kids. We wish to limit
message traffic on the GeoInfo Net to useful information of value to
GIS/mapping specialists; geoscience educators and professionals;
advanced students and knowledgeable hobbyists (rockhounds, amateur
seismologists, naturalists, etc.).  We want message quality, not
quantity.

Because each BBS must absorb the long-distance costs for mail exchange
some member Boards charge a modest membership fee for regular users
having access to the network.  Other Boards get sponsorship via
governments, companies or professional societies. But all Boards are
public access Boards that welcome new callers. The user fees offset the
local BBS costs and encourage GeoInfo to grow. To allow each BBS the
opportunity to acquire local users, the net-SysOp access at any Hub is
partially controlled by the other nodes in the same telephone area code.
Any BBS with a strong geoscience "flavor" is welcome, even within the
same area code, as long as it does not impact negatively on the overall
development of the network.

To join the network, you must have any of the *.qwk/*.rep mail packet
generating netmail software (e.g. Tnet, Qnet, Rnet, Rosemail). For echo
information, call us at one of the national or regional Hubs or transfer
your application via the closest local member Board.


                  CURRENT MEMBERS OF THE GEOINFO NETWORK:
                  =======================================

+======================================================================+
| U.S.A. NATIONAL HUB of GeoInfo                                       |
|======================================================================|
|        GeoNet BBS at      (316) 265-6457  2400b   Wichita, Kansas    |
|                           (316) 265-1994  9600+b                     |
|        Running: Wildcat 3.55 multi-line. Novell 3.11. 900 meg        |
|        Fees/Sponsor: Kansas Geological Society, subscribers          |
|        Key SySop: Tyler Sanders, phone (316) 267-4379                |
|        Co-SysOp:  Larry Nicholson, fax (316) 267-4383                |
|        Modem:   USR Dual Standard 9600 V.32bis/42bis set  8-N-1      |
|        Theme:   members of Kansas Geological Society & public.       |
|                 On-line service for geology information. No games.   |
|        Voice:                   (316) 265-8676                       |
|        Snail Mail:              Kansas Geological Society            |
|                                 212 N. Market St. #100               |
|                                 Wichita, Kansas, 67202 U.S.A.        |
+======================================================================+

+======================================================================+
| CANADA NATIONAL HUB of GeoInfo                                       |
|======================================================================|
|        GeoFuel GeoScience BBS                     Oakville, Ontario  |
|                 at (416) 829-4097 since Mar.1991                     |
|                    (416) 829-0858 (soon)                             |
|        Running: Wildcat! 3.02 multi-line, Tomcat, Tnet               |
|        Fees/Sponsor: private, subscriptions $29/year                 |
|                 1992 Canadian Geological Foundation donation.        |
|        SySop:   Dr. Dieter Birk, P.Geol. (geochemist, R&D management)|
|        Modem:   USR Courier HST 14.4  set: 8-N-1                     |
|                 USR Courier HST/Dual Standard 16.8 (pending)         |
|        Theme:   Geoscience awareness by connecting geologists        |
|                 educators and rockhounds. Geoscience files from      |
|                 specialist freeware, to games and images. On-line    |
|                 technical information, door games, collector         |
|                 sites, swap shops. AutoCAD, GIS user groups.         |
|                                                                      |
|        Voice:                   (416) 829-2716                       |
|        Snail Mail:              GeoFuel GeoScience BBS               |
|                            c/o  Dieter Birk                          |
|                                 2704 Ashridge Place                  |
|                                 Oakville, Ontario                    |
|                                 L6J 7K3  CANADA                      |
|                                                                      |
|        Internet Address:        geofuel@gpu.utcs.utoronto.ca         |
+======================================================================+

+======================================================================+
| WESTERN U.S.A.:   REGIONAL HUB of GeoInfo                            |
|======================================================================|
|        CDMG ONLINE at  (916) 327-1208                Sacramento, CA  |
|        Running: Wildcat! 3.55                                        |
|        Fees/Sponsor: California Division of Mines & Geology          |
|                 (in Department of Conservation). No fees.            |
|        SySop:   Ted Smith                                            |
|        Modem:   Hayes Ultra 9600, MNP-5, V42bis                      |
|        Theme:   California's geology and the wise use of geologic    |
|                 information in land-use planning and development;    |
|                 geologic hazards reduction; conferences of interest  |
|                 to geologists, geographers, GIS-operators, engineers |
|                 and seismologists; information on recent earth-      |
|                 quakes; announcements of professional meetings,      |
|                 Internet echoes (geoscience and astronomy); info     |
|                 about recently released publications of CDMG         |
|                 and the California Division of Oil & Gas.            |
|                                                                      |
|        Voice:                     (916) 322-4149                     |
|        FAX:                       (916) 445-5718                     |
|        Snail Mail:        California Dept. of Conservation           |
|                           Division of Mines and Geology              |
|                           801K Street   MS 12-30                     |
|                           Sacramento, CA 95814-3531                  |
|                                                                      |
|        Internet Address: cdmg-hq!tcsmith@citrus.sac.ca.us            |
|                      or: tcs@sactoh0.SAC.CA.US                       |
+======================================================================+

+======================================================================+
|U.S.A.  NODE SYSTEMS:                                                 |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------|
|        GISnet BBS  at      (303) 447-0927       Boulder, Colorado    |
|        running  Wildcat! 3.02s on Gateway 386/25                     |
|        Fees/Sponsor: Subscriptions $48/year                          |
|        SysOp:   Bill Thoen                                           |
|        Modem:   Telebit T1600 9600 v.32   set 8-N-1                  |
|        Theme:   Geographic Information Systems software, data,       |
|                 desktop mapping, satellite imaging, GPS, remote      |
|                 sensing. Also monitors geology, meteorology, space   |
|                 research. Internet echoes.                           |
|                                                                      |
|        Voice:                    (303) 786-9961                      |
|        Snail Mail:               1401 Walnut St., Suite C            |
|                                  Boulder, Colorado, 80302 U.S.A.     |
|                                                                      |
|        Internet Address:         bthoen@csn.org                      |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------|
|        PreCambrian BBS at (602) 881-5836         Tucson, Arizona     |
|        Running: Wildcat! 3.55s                                       |
|        Fee/Sponsor: GeoApplications. No user fees.                   |
|        SysOp:   Angus Scott-Fleming (Geophysicist)                   |
|        Modem:   Compucom Speedmodem Star V.32bis, V.42bis, CSP       |
|        Theme:   PreCambrian provides client support to supplement    |
|                 consulting services of GeoApplications. Initial 1987 |
|                 geoscience consulting has now expanded to include    |
|                 custom software and hardware for databases, local    |
|                 area networks (NetWare, Lantastic). Clients include  |
|                 groundwater consultants, mining companies. SysOp's   |
|                 geoscience experience is in exploration geophysics   |
|                 (base/precious metals, petroleum, groundwater,       |
|                 diamonds). Wife is a hydrogeologist.                 |
|                                                                      |
|        Voice:                    (602) 323-9170                      |
|        Fax:                      (602) 327-7752                      |
|        Snail Mail:               GeoApplications                     |
|                                  P.O. Box 41082                      |
|                                  Tucson, Arizona, 85717-1082  U.S.A. |
|                                                                      |
|        Internet Address:  75500.3223@compuserv.com                   |
+======================================================================+

The following systems have indicated interest in joining GeoInfo and
should be coming on line in early 1993:

    Computer-Oriented Geological Society (COGS; in Colorado)
    PSN San Jose (California)
    U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) BBS (Menlo Park, California)
    PSN Pasadena (California)
    The Computer Plumber BBS (Iowa)

              CONFERENCE OFFERINGS:  (current listing)
              ========================================

CONFERENCES ALL GEOINFO NODES MUST CARRY:
  GeoInfoSysop             - Member Net SysOps, administration, echo
                             tests.  Attached files and private messages
                             allowed.
  GeoChat                  - Open chat conference -- you pick the
                             subject.
  General Geology          - Open for discussion of any topic related to
                             geology and geoscience.

THEME CONFERENCES (not necessarily carried on all nodes):
   Astrogeology           - Planetary geology, Moon, Space [not Earth]
   Atmospheric Sciences   - Meteorology, weather, the atmosphere
   AutoCAD 4 Mapping      - Computer aided drawing, drafting, AutoCAD as
                            used in map preparation
   Earthquake Engineering - Structural/civil engineering for earthquakes
   Engineering Geology    - Hazard mitigation; tunneling; urban geology
   Environmental Geology  - Ecology, waste management, etc.
   Gemology               - Gems, crystallography, lapidary
   Geochemistry           - Rock/mineral chemistry, assays, lab-talk
   GeoEducation           - Geoscience education, courses, student/
                            teacher talk, etc.
   GeoEnergy              - Fuel technology, nuclear, coal, hydrothermal
   Geography              - Physical and cultural geography
   Geologic Events        - Recent phenomena: volcanic eruptions, floods,
                            meteorite impacts, earthquakes, etc.
   Geomorphology          - Earth's surface morphology, glaciology,
                            erosion, etc.
   Geophysics             - Geomagnetism, petrophysics, resistivity, etc.
   GeoSale                - Ads for sale or trade of hardware, field, lab
                            equipment, etc.
   GeoSci Crossfire       - Open discussion of "Hot" topics
   Geoscience Meetings    - Announcements of meetings, workshops, field
                            trips, and short courses
   Geoscience Software    - Geoscience software
   GIS                    - GIS Software (ARC/INFO, MOSS, OZgis, etc),
                             geoscience spacial databases.
   GIS/Geo Legal Issues   - Legal issues related to GIS and/or geoscience
   GPS/Geodesy            - Global Positioning Systems, digital earth
                            charts, satellites, geodesy,
   History of Geology     - Famous geologists, antique books, museums
                            old theories, career yarns, historical lies.
   Hydrology/Hydrogeology - Surface and subsurface hydrology; waste
                            management; stream erosion and
                            sedimentation; floods
   Job Market             - Job opportunities and jobs wanted in the
                            geosciences and GIS field
   Licensing & Geology    - Discussion of pros/cons, history, etc., of
                            licensing of geoscientists
   Maps & Mapping         - Map sources, surveying, field geology
   Mineralogy & Petrology - Petrology, Mineralogy: rocks, minerals
   Mining Geology         - Mines & mineral exploration: metals &
                            non-metals
   Oceanography           - Oceanography, coastal erosion, storm surges;
                            floods
   Organic Geology        - Kerogen/oil geochemistry, coal, oil shale
   Paleontology           - Fossils, palynology, archaeologic geology,
                            paleoecology
   Petroleum Geology      - Exploration/recovery: oil, gas, tar sand
   Remote Sensing         - Remote Sensing, geophysical instrumentation
   Rockhounds             - Rock & mineral collectors, swap shop
   Seismology             - Seismology as a science, subsurface
                            exploration, earthquake location techniques
   Stratigraphy           - Stratigraphy & sedimentation
   Private Mail (fees $)  - User-to-user, private messages [SysOp
                            readable] and attached files allowed.


Expect that some conferences will have low message traffic for this
initial year of echo operations.  Redundant conferences will be merged
in future years. Conference names may be customized on each system and
grouping may reflect local themes. BBS's may carry any other Networks
and local Conferences as long as rules of cross posting are observed.
Private Mail and GeoInfo SysOp are restricted conferences.



INSTRUCTIONS TO BBS NODES & HUBS:
=================================

These rules are set out in the spirit of international cooperation.

1.  All BBS nodes and Hubs must echo #1 (GeoInfoSysOp) as a private
    conference for sysops only. No other network sysops or BBS users
    should have access.  Private Mail may be restricted by special user
    fees.

2.  All BBS nodes & Hubs must carry the #2 (GeoChat) as the common
    public forum. Set mail tosser for this and all other GeoInfo
    conferences (except Private Mail) for public messages only (no
    private mail).

3.  All Boards should echo at least once per week while Hubs
    should echo more frequently as per message traffic. All Hubs must
    carry all conferences. To minimize on-line time, all participating
    Boards should offer their callers access to shareware off-line mail
    readers as free downloads.

4.  All HUBS must carry all GeoInfo conferences. New conferences are
    added or dead conferences deleted every 6 months by votes cast at
    the USA National Hub (GEOnet, Kansas).  To prevent chaos in the use
    of script files for automated echoes, each Hub agrees to announce
    changes to it's log-on format or conference numbering via the
    GeoInfo SysOp conference.

   This is a public echo network so all conference mail should be set to
   "public".  Only the Private Mail conference carries private mail.

5.  This information file for the network should be available as a
    publicly accessible download on all Nodes and Hubs.

6.  All BBS Nodes and Hubs should identify the conferences by a GeoInfo
    menu item (e.g.):   GeoInfo * Mining Geology echo

7.  Mail transfers should have a tagline that indicates the network as
    follows|
         SLMR ~* GeoInfo * Your BBS * Your Town, State * (123) 456-7890

8.  All nodes should prepare a text file describing their BBS theme
    and perhaps the history of the board or SysOp for inclusion in any
    network publicity. Upload this file in ASCII format (or zipped ASCII)
    to the Hub or post as a message on the GeoInfoSysOp conference.

9.  In order to facilitate file exchanges, each Node should upload a
    file listing periodically to the Hub.  Hubs should post and exchange
    with all other Hubs.  Some Boards may wish to exchange files by
    appending to messages. This should be done ONLY through the GeoSysOp
    or Private Mail conference and should NOT be a feature available to
    all users. Automated mail runs that include uncontrolled file
    exchanges could quickly increase SysOp phone bills to a prohibitive
    level!

10. Node Boards that do not carry the full complement of GeoInfo
    Conferences should NOT give echo feeds to unregistered BBS's.

11. Hubs and Nodes should NEVER cross-link GeoInfo Conferences with
    those from other Networks without the notification and agreement of
    all Hubs.  Agreement will require that one Hub be designated as the
    gateway between GeoInfo and any other Network.  Such cross-posting
    will require the Hub to have dual Hub status (for both Networks)
    and the responsibility for appropriate gateway precautions.  The
    Hub will be selected as gateway based on Network transmission costs
    and topology.

12. Because GeoInfo depends on volunteer labor and financial resources
    of SysOps or sponsors, all BBS's must agree to minimize expenses by:

    a. Discouraging messages with embedded files, encrypted *.GIF's etc.

    b. Discouraging excessive quotes of old messages (a few lines will
       suffice)

    c. Encouraging informative messages and intelligent comment or
       humor.

    d. Discouraging multiple postings within GeoInfo Conference
       offerings.

    e. Encouraging SysOps to acquire high speed modems (9600+).

    f. Encouraging usage of off-line mail readers and other Netiquette.

    g. Minimizing on-line bulletins or ANSI screens prior to user log-on
       and allowing SysOps user access via rapid BBS entry to mail
       tosser.

    h. Minimizing the need for changes to script files for automated
       mail runs.

13. All rules and regulations will be set by consensus of the Hubs after
    consultation with the Nodes (one vote per BBS).


NEW NETWORK FEATURES:
=====================

The following enhancements are currently under construction by member
Boards of GeoInfo and will be made available in the near future|

a.  Geoscience File Database:  A central database of earth science and
    GIS files available on member Boards. This will be offered as a
    Door feature to allow users a ready reference of file location.

b.  Internet gateway: Some member Boards are currently carrying USENET
    conferences from the Internet on a "read only" basis. In the future
    we hope to echo two ways and give access to users of GeoInfo.

c.  Joint Conferences: Negotiations are under way to allow cross-posting
    of messages from closely related conferences of certain qwk/rep
    compatible networks. Specifically, discussions have been held with
    the Science Factor Network (Washington) and the BRRAnet (a CAD/GIS
    network).

You may apply by modem to any one of our Regional Hubs or Nodes. Please
log on to our systems under your real name.  Then upload your form and
leave a message to the SysOp. Alternatively Call or mail to any one of
the Hub addresses.  There is NO fee for joining!

========================================================================
=       GeoInfo Network: Membership Application   (no fee)             =
========================================================================

.....................................: Your Full Name

.....................................: Your BBS's Full Name

.....................................: Sponsor/Affiliation

.....................................: Street Address

.....................................: City/State/Province/Postal

.............: Your home phone # (voice) ..............: FAX

.............: Your business phone# (voice) ............: FAX

.....................................: Internet or e-mail Address

.....................................: Your public access BBS Number(s)

[ ] V42BIS  [ ] V32      [ ] V32BIS  : Modems supported
[ ] HST     [ ] Telebit  [ ] Compucom
[ ] 16.8    [ ] Other ________________

.........: Number of nodes ..........: Number of Users

.....................................: BBS software used / Version

[ ] Yes    [ ] No  ..................: Do you support QWK mail packets?

...........: What mail door do you use? ..........: Years in Operation

.....................................: What other NETs do you belong to?

[ ] Node   [ ] Regional Hub..........: Status Requested

.....................................: Who is your PREFERRED Hub?

...................................... Geoscience theme of Your BBS ?


-----------------------------------------------------------------------
 NOTICE: IF you are approved, you may ask any Hub for assistance in
 setting  up your mail transfers. We have script files available for
 some configurations. To facilitate your set-up, capture on-line the
 latest Conference listing from your preferred Hub using communications
 software. Run test mail echoes using the GeoInfo SysOps conference.

---
 * QMPro 1.0 41-6306 * BBSing: One part feudalism, one part anarchy, & all fun


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gleason Sackman                           BBS:       sackman@sendit.nodak.edu
Coordinator                               Internet:  sackman@plains.nodak.edu
SENDIT - NoDak's K-12 Telcom Network      Bitnet:    sackman@plains.bitnet
BOX 5164,  NDSU Computer Center           Voice: (701)237-8109
Fargo, ND  58105                          Fax:   (701)237-8541
Comments: Gated by NETNEWS@AUVM.AMERICAN.EDU