                    WHAT IS THE U'NI-net/US?  


Thanks for downloading this information file concerning U'NI-net/US,
the network for users.

The purpose of this archive is to let you know a little bit more about
the fastest growing, best managed network to date.


PURPOSE:
-------

        U'NI (Pronounced "You and I") has one simple goal: promote
        the exchange of information between people for people. By
        focusing our efforts on the users, we eliminate almost all of
        the political infrastructure that can be found in any other
        national network. This focusing allows quality, current
        information to be distributed quickly to everyone.


ACTIONS:
-------

        To get the latest quality information requires the right
        connections. Boy do we sure have them. We are supported in
        several conferences by people who have actual experience in the
        products they are talking about. Our connections are bolstered
        by our cross echoing agreement with Smartnet. This cross
        echo allows us to offer the user and sysop a political, trouble
        free network without sacrificing product support from companies
        like Hayes, PKWare, Quarterdeck, and US Robotics.

        Our connections also count on our users. Many of our users are
        working professionals in the computer industry that offer
        experiences, advice, and tips that cannot be found anywhere for
        any price.


USERS AND SYSOPS:
----------------

        Diverse. That's our goal. We want to find users that know
        something from Alchemey to Zymurgy and are willing to share it.
        The network exists for users to help each other, not for sysops.

        In sysops we look for someone who wants to be involved in a
        ground floor opportunity. This opportunity will turn into a path
        filled with golden tidbits of knowledge and fun. Since we are
        new, there is a plethora of opportunities to help shape and
        determine the route of the network.

                       U'NI-net US Dossier - Page 1













GUIDELINES:
----------

        "What, no rules," you ask? We believe that rules are outdated
        forms of control on the highway of information. They are so
        final. We prefer guidelines that can be modified and are malleable
        so that sysops and users can work within the confines to create
        a better network. These are the network usage guidelines. For
        Sysop specific guidelines, please see the sysop application
        form.

        1)      Aliases that are obvious are not permitted. Real
                sounding aliases are allowed if the local sysop
                approves. Dynamite Dan would not be allowed, where Dan
                Smith would be.

        2)      Three conferences must be carried by every BBS: UNINET
                (Sysops and Hosts Conference), NETUSERS (User
                Comments Conference), and CHITCHAT (General conference
                for the purpose of continuity).

        3)      Abusive language (non-profanity included), flaming, and
                other such forms of verbal combat are not wanted.

        4)      Conference hosts facilitate the flow of conferences. If
                a user believes that there is a problem, we encourage
                that user to address it in the NETUSERS conference.

        5)      ANSI codes are only permitted in the designated ANSI Art
                conference.










                      U'NI-net US Dossier - Page 2





FORCES:
------

        The driving forces behind the network have over 25 years of
        telecommunicating experience between them. They are dedicated to
        providing a consistent, user driven network:

        Jim Fouch is the sysop of Sleepy Hollow BBS. Jim serves as the
        Western United States Hub, which is right up his alley seeing
        that he was the co-originator of the first national network, PCB
        Echo. He also is credited with beginning the popular SharkNet.

        Vic Kass runs Rose Media BBS in Canada. Vic is the UN'I-net
        Canada Host.

        Joseph Sheppard actively supports The Ledge PC Board in Tujunga
        California. As the United States host, Joe has managed to
        successfully recruit several key members. Best known for his
        Shareware programs, he consistently knows what today's sysop
        needs in running a BBS.


NETWORK DIAGRAM:
---------------

                      Ŀ
                         United States Host    
                             U'NI-net/US       
                      
                                  
                                  
       Ŀ
  Ŀ  Ŀ             Ŀ    Ŀ
   West Hub   Cntrl Hub              MidWest Hub     East Hub 
     U'NI        U'NI                    U'NI          U'NI   
                     
                                                            
                                                            
  Ŀ  Ŀ             Ŀ    Ŀ
     Node        Node                   Node           Node   
     U'NI        U'NI                   U'NI           U'NI   
                     






                      U'NI-net US Dossier - Page 3
                           SYSOP INFORMATION

So, you say you're ready to join our family? Great! This step is a very
important one for you and your users. A professional, dependable network
for you and an information packed network for your users.

Before we get some information from you, we need to let you know about
some guidelines we have.

GUIDELINES:
-----------

        1)      Normally, your BBS must have been up and running for at
                least six months, though special exceptions are made, so
                contact us.

        2)      Nodes must make daily mail transfers to their Hub. This
                eliminates old, dry mail. Exceptions can be made for
                special cases.

        3)      A QWK/REP compatible mail package must be supported on
                your BBS for network mail transfers.

        4)      Have fun!

NETWORK ADMINISTRATION:
----------------------

        Since the network is being started by sysops with experience
        with other networks, you will see that the administration is a
        compilation of what works best.

        U'NI-net Canada and U'NI-net United States are considered
        completely separate networks working together under a common
        name with similar goals.

        U'ni-Net US is administered by it's hubs.  The host system may
        make day to day decisions regarding general operation, and
        emergencies. However, decisions regarding the direction of the
        network are referred to the hub systems, who in turn refer the
        matter for discussion to the local Sysops they service. The hub
        systems report back to the host with the outcome of the
        discussions with their local sysops, and decisions are made
        based on what the majority of connecting sysops indicate.

        In the event a hub becomes unavailable, the area Sysops elect a
        new hub from their group.  In the event that a decision cannot
        be reached by the area Sysops, the host may appoint the new hub.

        The above guidelines are always open to discussion and drafting
        whenever necessary. The stress is always put on making the
        network easier to administer, not stuck in bureaucracy.

                      U'NI-net US Dossier - Page 4

               U'NI-net/US MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM 
                  Ŀ
                       Please Print or Type         
                  

Name:   _____________________________________________________________

BBS Name: ___________________________________________________________

BBS Software and Version: ___________________________________________

BBS Public Phone Number: ____________________________________________

BBS City (Location): ________________________  Number of Nodes: _____

Modem Types and Speed Supported: ____________________________________

Length of Time Your BBS Has Been Operating: _________________________

Your Address: _______________________________________________________

Your City/State/ZIP: _______________________  Your Age: _____________

Voice Phone Number (Confidential): __________________________________

Do You have any Special Skills: _____________________________________

Are You A Member of Another Network? If so, Which One: ______________

"I have read the enclosed Hub and Node agreements and will fully comply
to them as a member of U'NI-net/US. I understand that failure to follow
these guidelines may end my relationship with U'NI-net/US. I further
understand that any charges for transferring mail may be the
responsibility of myself."


Your Name: _____________________________   Date: ____________________

Upload this application as a C)omment to one of the following BBS':

Ŀ
 Sleepy Hollow BBS                                   (213) 859-9334 
 Beverly Hills, California                                Jim Fouch 
Ĵ
 The Northern Lights                                 (207) 766-2467 
 Peaks Island, Maine                                    Jack Kilday 
Ĵ
 Poverty Rock PCboard                                (206) 367-2596 
 Seattle, Washington                                      Rick Kunz 
Ĵ
 The Ledge PCBoard                                   (818) 352-3620 
 Tujunga, California                                Joseph Sheppard 


After we receive your application, transferring mail may be a matter of
days!

                     U'NI-net US Dossier - Page 5

