          F R E E D O M N E T   F O R M A T / P O L I C Y
          ===============================================

    Hi there and thanks for checking out FREEDOMNET.  This is a .qwk
compatible network that plans to ALWAYS keep the little guy in mind.
You'll understand what we mean in a minute.

    First off, let us introduce ourselves.  We are Keith Allen and
Melinda Trantham and we are the SysOps of Al's Place BBS located in
Anniston, Al.  Now, before we start hearing the Hillbilly jokes from
everyone, let us advise you that Anniston is a MILITARY town and lots
of folks here weren't born here.  We'll also say at this time that
Anniston also happens to be the home for one of the pioneers of online
communication whom also is known as the Grandfather of BBS'S.  This is
none other than Tom Bowerman, whom opened one of the first public BBS's
in the United States.  Anniston at any one time usually has within our
local calling area a dozen or so BBS's operating, most all
non-subscription.  Al's Place has over time, become one of the
"permanent" landmarks in local cyberspace.

    Al's Place carries anywhere from 3-5 .qwk compatible nets at any
given time.  We've had experience with several nets and we try to keep
nets available for our users that reflect the "flavor" of Al's Place in
general.  This "flavor" is one where someone can jump into a message
thread at free will, without fear of being flamed by other users for
his/her thoughts/beliefs and without fear of reprisal from the net for
expression of thoughts/ideas/beliefs....you get the picture.  We've 
seen some good nets start out, only to die because the net admins 
didn't work to keep it going or because the net got too big too fast 
and lost sight of the users...the little guys...with the expansion of 
monstrous sets of rules.  It was out of the ashes of some of these nets 
that the idea of FREEDOMNET was born.

    The operational concept of FreedomNet is to encourage and promote the
free flow and exchange of information and ideas.  We are trying to do
this by keeping in mind that our users have to be comfortable in
posting messages without any fear of being "overrun" by the system.
Hence, you will find a few simple rules in the text below, and a few
additional suggestions to all to keep things running smoothely, but you
won't find any cybercops around here trying to "strictly" enforce those
rules and/or bust people out for "technical violations".  Let's move on
to the rules.

    The few rules we have follow:

    1.  Treat all users and yourself with respect in messaging.

    2.  NO FLAMING PERMITTED!  Leave the flamethrowers outside the net.
        I think everyone knows that we mean intentionally personally
        insulting another user by demeaning messaging.  It's one thing
        to crack a joke....it's another to flame.  Anyone feeling they
        have been flamed can feel free to contact the net
        administrators directly (Keith Allen and/or Melinda Trantham).

    3.  Outright use of profanity and/or offensive language on this
        net is not allowed in any "non-restrictive" conference.  A
        non-restrictive conference is any conference where users under
        the age of 18 are allowed.

    4.  Messaging that may be interpreted as "pornographic" in nature
        is not permitted in any non-restrictive conference.

    5.  Any communications that would be considered criminal in nature
        are prohibited on the net.  You can say that someone ought to
        cut Hillary Clinton's tongue out if you like, but you can't
        actively plan it on this net <G>.

    6.  ANSI art messages are allowed on the net, and all BBS'S whose
        message systems can support them are encouraged to do so.

    7.  Aliases are permitted in all conferences, but not required.  If
        there are later exceptions to this rule, I'll post notice in
        the appropriate conference, but don't expect it<G>.

    Well, that about covers the rules.  Not too many, are there?  Now
here are just a few more suggestions to help keep things running
smoothly:

    1.  Try to keep message topics appropriate to the conference.  You
        know as well as we do just how easy it is to get off topic on 
        a thread.  We're not making a rule on this because we know a
        thread can go all over the place (heck, we've been as guilty on
        that one as anyone!! <BG>)  What we are asking, is that if the
        thread gets to be continually on a topic not appropriate to the
        conference, then maybe you ought to think about moving it to a 
        more appropriate conference.  We don't see the need to make this 
        a strict rule or such, as we know you guys will keep it cool<G>.

    2.  If someone tells you they are offended by your messaging
        directly to them, it might be a good idea to apologize and
        pursue another line of discussion.  We're talking about
        something that someone considers as a personal insult toward
        them.  A good way to avoid a misunderstanding would be to be
        sure to put a <grin> or similar JABBA in the message.

    3.  When entering the net, please be sure to bring along your sense
        of humor.  Remember to keep it handy when reading and entering
        messages here.  Please keep in mind that we're all here to
        exchange thoughts and feelings and have a good time at it.

    4.  Try to keep an open mind when messaging.  Remember, if you want
        someone else to consider your point of view, you need to give
        them the same courtesy <G>.

    5.  Try to remember this is for fun and entertainment, and maybe
        even to help someone from time to time.


            Well that covers all of the users' rules and suggestions.
As SysOp of your BBS, you'd need to post these for your users to see
and make sure they know the second set is just suggestions...not RULES.

    There are a few additional rules and suggestions for you as a node
or hub SysOp.  They follow:

    1.  All hubs are required to carry the full net to avail to their
        nodes / user base.

    2.  All nodes are required to carry the following conferences:

        hub conf #      Conference Name
        ==========      =======================================
            11          Cyberchat
            14          UFO's/Other Unexplained Phenomena
            21          Soapbox
            22          Missing/Wanted Persons
            25          Teen Street
            27          Net Admin Conference

    3.  All hubs are required to carry the latest 1000 messages per
        conference in all conferences.

    4.  All nodes are required to carry the last 300 messages
        per conference in the required conferences and recommended to
        carry at least the last 100 messages in all optional
        conferences the node carries.

    5.  All hubs are required to carry the latest version of the
        FreedomNet information packet in zipped format.  Nodes are
        heartily encouraged to also carry the FreedomNet information
        packet, but not required.

    6.  All nodes and hubs are required to abide by decisions of the
        net administrators regarding conference carriage, user access,
        user lockouts, and any other issues that may arise as a result
        of the daily operations of this net.

    7.  All hubs are required to poll the net hub for mail on a daily
        basis.  All nodes are encouraged to poll their hubs daily but
        required to poll only every third day.


    Hey guys, don't let that thing in number 6 scare you... it's the
standard thingy we have to do.  Now a couple of suggestions.

    1.  Encourage your users to jump in anywhere they want to and have
        fun!!

    2.  Carry as many conferences and messages as your hard drive will
        allow.  This allows users to go further back and really get a
        good feel for the flavor of the conference and the net.

    3.  If you notice a user getting a bit offensive and they happen to
        be from your end of the net, send them a private message
        suggesting they cool down a bit.  If you're worried about it,
        check with us first and we'll be happy to drop a line instead.
        We just want folks to have fun and enjoy the net.


    Well, that about covers it.  If you like the conference listing but
you're still worried about anything (like the rules or just curious)
just call our BBS at 205-236-5481 and page, or leave a note if we can't
answer your page.  Otherwise, we look forward to receiving your net
application soon.


                                     Al and Mel



