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 * What Is StormNet?

     StormNet is an alternative network for use with FidoNet compatible
software.  We pass messages back and forth both in netmail and in echomail
conferences.  In StormNet, each node is welcomed and assisted in many ways
by other StormNet members.  We have active echomail areas and a growing
file echo selection.  Our echomail traffic is growing every day, and are
now pulling more mail ever than before. StormNet has a friendlier
atmosphere than can be found in many other networks.

     StormNet has been in existence for over two years, and in that time,
has grown significantly.  Our membership has changed from an inexperienced
group of local nodes to a more mature group of people from all over the
United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia.  Currently, we have over 250 nodes
in StormNet, and are expanding every week!

 * Why is StormNet here?

     StormNet was started for a few reasons.  When we created it, we wanted
to serve teens, adults, and others worldwide with a quality alternative
network that is relatively cheap to pull in.  Most of our high speed
transfers take less than a minute.  Although we prefer it, you don't have
to poll every day, we are flexible and will allow you to poll whenever you
like.  We want to serve you with the finest quality echomail and files for
you and your users.  We are considerably smaller than FidoNet, and
therefore do not have the overflow of mail/files often seen in its
conferences.  The average cost per month for one who pulls StormNet and
polls daily is around $6.00-7.00 within the US.

 * What are the rules like?

     StormNet?  Rules?  You've got to be kidding me.  Well, it's not like
we don't have any rules; all of the rules in our policy statement basically
stem from one basic principle - "Be nice and use common sense." The
policy's specifics were written to outline some problems which may
potentially arise when people aren't nice and don't use common sense.

     The SNAC (StormNet Advisory Council) helps to ensure the smooth
running of StormNet affairs.  StormNet does not discriminate because of
age, sex, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, beliefs, taste in
food, opinion on world politics, or favorite color.  We welcome anyone who
is interested in joining a fun network to try out StormNet.  We also don't
allow "bashing", spindling or other forms of mutilation of groups in our
newsletters, or any of our echos (excluding WAR_ZONE), and other parts of
our network.

 * What are the echos like?

     We have a variety of conferences to suit most needs.  If you are a
user of StormNet, or a node, you can request an echo if you feel it would
be active.  We have echos on many subjects, A to Z (as we say SN_A to
SN_Z).  We have a talented staff of moderators and co-moderators, and
combined with the efforts of our international echomail coordinator, keep
the network running smoothly.

 * Internet...  Yes, Internet!

     StormNet is now registered in the domain listings as "storm.net".  All
StormNet nodes can use our UUCP host to send messages anywhere on Internet
at no additional cost to you.

 * Vanity Internet addresses

    The StormNet International Internet Coordinator has just recently
allowed a "vanity" name that you can apply for once you join StormNet. This
can be just about anything, and saves typing.  For example,
"John.Doe@johnsbbs.storm.net" is alot easier to remember than
"John.Doe@f104.n192.usa.storm.net."

 * Support

     StormNet has support sites for different types of software.  We
currently have technical support nodes/echos for BinkleyTerm, EzyCom,
Maximus, Proboard, RemoteAccess, Storm Watch Software, and T.A.G..

     New technical support nodes for other software are permitted and
encouraged.  When you apply for technical support, you will get a flag in
the nodelist designating you as a support site.  You also get your name
added to the list of technical support nodes at the bottom of the nodelist.
And finally, you have the option to add file and message echos software you
support.

 * What we're looking for

     StormNet is looking for nodes who want to pull in high quality
echomail at a relatively cheap price.  Ones who think they would like
StormNet to be on their BBSes or computers.

     We also are looking for new zones to create all the time.  StormNet is
not just limited to North America, other continents and countries are
already members, but we would like more.  We'd like to expand StormNet
worldwide, and we think that everyone would benefit from this and it would
strengthen relations and understanding between other nations.  It already
has.  With European and Asian nodes, StormNet has a very unique atmosphere
where you will regularly chat with people not in the same country, or
continent as you.  We are willing to work with you to install a new zone
in/on your country/continent.

 * Why should I consider StormNet?

     We respect each and every StormNet member and his/her rights.  We
offer our services to all.  We have a great network setup.  We want all to
join and have a good time in the network that we have created.  We're proud
of our network.
 We offer a unique and quaint atmosphere not found on any
other network.  We guarantee it.

     If you have any questions, comments, or problems, feel free to contact
any of the nodes listed below.  We'd be glad to help you.

                              Alan Jurison
                              StormNet Int'l EchoMail Coordinator
