Digital Archaeology: Codex (Floppy Disk) #9 (part 2)

A summary for those that haven't been keeping up with this series:

I found a number of 5.25" disks at a thrift store several years ago. I finally got around to acquiring a 5.25" disk drive and extracting the contents a while back. Since then I have been posting the contents here.

Based on the contents, at least some of these disks were apparently once owned by someone named Connie A. Buys who used to run the “Close Encounters” Special Interest Group (SIG) on Delphi in the mid 1980s.

A specific definition of this SIG was found in a document on one of the disks: “This SIG, known as 'Close Encounters', is a forum for the discussion of relationships that develop via computer services like the Source, CompuServe, and Delphi. Our primary emphasis is on the sexual aspects of those relationships.”

This service was text based and was accessed via whatever terminal program you used to dial in to Delphi’s servers from your computer. Many of these disks have forum messages, e-mails and chat session logs. All of this is pre-internet stuff and I don’t know if there are any archives in existence today of what was on Delphi in the 1980s. In any case, much of this stuff would have been private at the time and probably wouldn't exist in such archives even if they existed.

This post includes the contents of DM1106.DOC and includes stuff from late October 1985. There's quite a bit here. This is basically a dump of an e-mail session with the first e-mail containing a chat log. My favorite parts are the ad for the press release for the Tandy 600 laptop and the end where you see the disconnect and reconnect :).

===
DM1106.DOC
===

#1          27-OCT-1985 09:42:49                                        MAIL

From: BOS1A::CABUYS "CONNIE"
To: RODM,CABUYS
Subj: wasn't much of a Halloween party [sigh] but here's co transcript.

.Sexy Witch> I assume the kids are all asleep.
.Sexy Witch> by the way, how was 'Airwolf"?
.Myself> the kids are in bed - not necessarily asleep yet
.Myself> but my door is closed
.Myself> airwolf was good cept they cut into it because of the world series game
.Myself> that makes two weeks in a row.
.Sexy Witch> figures.
.Sexy Witch> I think conference attendance will be low tonight. sigh.
.Myself> they pushed the evening magazine thing complete after the game because
of
.Myself> their local p[rogramming committment
.Myself> then ran that over into airwolf time abt 5 minutes.
.Sexy Witch> bet the one thing not cut was commercials!
.Myself> right!
** Fuzzy One just joined CLE - HALLOWEEN PARTY (3 members now) **
.Myself> hi fuzz
.Sexy Witch> hi Fuzzy!
.Fuzzy One> Hi!
/rn fuzzy one
FRIED
.Fuzzy One> Gee, small party. [grin]
.Sexy Witch> I do love fuzz!!! [grin]
.Myself> it isn't really started yet
.Myself> most folks will start showing up shortly
.Fuzzy One> Urk, I think I have the noisiest phone line in New England!
.Fuzzy One>
.Sexy Witch> tell it to be quiet, Fuzzy!
.Fuzzy One> Can't stand it. Gonna try again. Back soonly.
.Fuzzy One> - signed off -
** Dick just joined CLE - HALLOWEEN PARTY (3 members now) **
/s ellisco [hugs]
.Myself> hi dick
.Dick> big party!
.Dick> hi john, connie.
.Dick> what's happening?
.Sexy Witch> how are you, Dick?
.Myself> nothing yet
.Dick> fine, been busy.
.Myself> we are just waiting for our faithful friends and fellow
.Myself> members to arricve
** Fuzzy One just joined CLE - HALLOWEEN PARTY (4 members now) **
.Sexy Witch> <gee I should have rehearse my spell or something>
.Dick> just finished reading all of the project threads.
.Fuzzy One> I think that's better.
.Dick> great fun!
.Sexy Witch> welcome back, Fuzzy. is line any quieter?
.Fuzzy One> Yes,dOUTPUT OFF

MAIL>

#10         27-OCT-1985 23:46:32                                        MAIL

From: BOS1A::RODM
To: CABUYS,RODM
Subj: Warning}i - Advirsory

My DELICOUS Darling Connie,

You fixed the Profile in the MAIN menu as shown below:

MEMBER-NAME : CABUYS

NAME : Connie A. Buys
BIRTHDATE : January 11, 1948.
COMPUTERS : Tandy 1000 and TRS80 Model 100.
GENERAL : I am the sig manager for Delphi's Close Encounters sig,
which deals with relationships, how they develope and how they
affect our lives. For more information, send DMAIL to CABUYS or
type at the MAIN> Delphi prompt, GR CLO.
LOCATION : Jacksonville, Fl
TERM-SOFT : Omniterm

BUT!!!!!

Your Profile in the Close Encounters Member Directory reads as follows:

MEMBER-NAME : CABUYS

NAME : Connie A. Buys
COMPUTERS : TRS80 Model 1; Radio Shack Model 100; Tandy 1000; also use
IBM PC and Wang 2200 MVP systems at work.
HOBBIES : Sig Manager of The Close Encounters Sig (formerly known as
Friendship Circle Sig on Delphi. Former SysOp of The Issues Sig on
CompuServe. Interested in how relationships develop via computer
services like Delphi, Source, and CompuServe. Latest hobby is
Teddy Bears - I collect anything I can afford about 'em! Also
enjoy reading, movies [tho I seldom have time for them], talking on
the phone, traveling, and cooking <actually baking delicious and
fattening goodies!>
LOCATION : Jacksonville, Fl.
OCCUPATION: Computer operations manager for large insurance agency in
the Jacksonville area.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! >>>>>>>>>
ONLINEIDS : Delphi: CaBuys, Ladylove, Amanda, Miranda. Unison:
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< ^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^ >>>>>>>>>

Connie Source: TCY745 MCI mail ID: 115-1075. CompuServe: All
accounts are inactive and will remain that way.
SEX : Female and loving every minute of it!
TERM-SOFT : Depends on which computer I'm using at the time.

I did NOT change it !!!! But thought you should know about AMANDA and MIRANDA

BY THE WAY!!!!!!

<<<>>>>>>>>>>>> I LOVE YOU <<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>

Love,

Rod

MAIL> d

MAIL>

#11         28-OCT-1985 03:05:55                                        MAIL

From: BOS1A::RODM
To: CABUYS,RODM
Subj: ....and so much more!

IIIIII LLLLLL OOOO VV VV EEEEEEEE
II LL OOOOOO VV VV EE
II LL OO OO VV VV EE
II LL OO OO VV VV EEEE
II LL OO OO VV VV EE
II LL LL OOOOOO VVVV EE
IIIIII LLLLLLLLLL OOOO VV EEEEEEEE

      YYYYY    YYYYY       OOOO        UUUU  UUUU
        YY      YY        OOOOOO        UU    UU
         YY    YY        OO    OO       UU    UU
          YY  YY         OO    OO       UU    UU
           YYYY          OO    OO       UU    UU
            YY           OO    OO       UU    UU
            YY            OOOOOO         UUUUUU
          YYYYYY           OOOO           UUUU

Morthove,

Rod

MAIL> d

MAIL>
#12 28-OCT-1985 03:07:16 MAIL
From: BOS1A::RODM
To: CABUYS,RODM
Subj: ....and more still!!

I LOVE YOU <<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>> I LOVE YOU <<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>> I LOVE YOU <<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>> I LOVE YOU <<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>> I LOVE YOU <<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>> I LOVE YOU <<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>> I LOVE YOU <<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>> I LOVE YOU <<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>> I LOVE YOU <<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>> I LOVE YOU <<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>> I LOVE YOU <<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>> I LOVE YOU <<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>> I LOVE YOU <<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>> I LOVE YOU <<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>> I LOVE YOU <<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>> I LOVE YOU <<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>> I LOVE YOU <<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>> I LOVE YOU <<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>> I LOVE YOU <<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>> I LOVE YOU <<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>> I LOVE YOU <<<<<<<<<<
V| >>>>>>>>>> I LOVE YOU <<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>> I LOVE YOU <<<<<<<<<<
Love,

Rod

MAIL> d

MAIL>
#13 28-OCT-1985 12:22:01 MAIL
From: BOS1A::PRINCESS
To: BOS1A::CABUYS
Subj: RE: hi

conni, e,
was ont not in town this weekend anyway ... will talk sometime
i know is hard on us all, but we will survive
i still care too and think of you everytime i see a teddy bear

hugs
love
peggy

MAIL> d

MAIL>

#14         28-OCT-1985 23:48:10                                        MAIL

From: BOS1A::RODM
To: CABUYS,RODM
Subj: WoW - Look at this!

91 26-OCT 13:06 General Information
RE: new machine from Tandy (Re: Msg 87)
From: RBREYES To: JEFFPARKER

The details of the Tandy 600 portable are in DL 6 of the TRS-80 Professional
Forum (pcs-21) on CompuServe. This file is the official Tandy press release
and spec sheet. The machine has an 80C88 processor, 32K expandable to 224K,
Microsoft Works built in, 3.5" disk drive, 80x16 screen, modem, ROM cartridge
slot, and weighs 11 pounds.

MAIL> d

MAIL>
#15 29-OCT-1985 00:11:52 MAIL
From: BOS1A::RODM
To: CABUYS,RODM
Subj: NEAT STUFF _ from MS-DOS Sig

My DELICOUS Darling Connie,

I would rather be talking to you , and more that that have you lying in my
arms right now <SIGH!!!>, But since I have neither I went snooping around and fo
und this

I thought I would copy it top you!

"to" you!!

Anyway here it is:
.
DELPHI
RODM
RADCOM
WHO
<<< TRASH!!>>>

October 23, 1985

NEW TANDY 600 LAPTOP COMPUTER OFFERS
FEATURES PORTABLE COMPUTER USERS WANT

The Tandy 600 laptop computer will be introduced on Monday, October 28, at
approximately 1100 Radio Shack Computer Centers, Plus Computer Centers and
participating dealers and franchisees nationwide. The newest laptop from Tandy
is an upward extension of the popular Tandy 100/200 laptop computer family.
"Laptop users asked for more contiguous memory, an 80-column display, built-in
disk storage, and enhanced word processing, spreadsheet and telecommunications
facilities. When we brought out the Tandy 200, the cost of the technology
needed to offer those features was simply too high. Now, the costs and
technology have reached the point where we're able to offer greatly enhanced
features while maintaining the basic characteristics that made the Tandy 100 and

200 portable computers the laptop industry leaders," explained Bernard Appel,
President of Radio Shack.
The Tandy 600 laptop computer uses the 16-bit 80C88 microprocessor, and comes
with 32K RAM storage. The memory is expandable to 224K, in one contiguous memory

bank. The built-in 3.5" floppy disk drive has a capacity of 360K, and the
adjustable, flip-up 80 character x 16 line LCD display has a matte finish to
reduce glare.
The Tandy 600 portable computer features Microsoft Works, five very powerful,
full-featured built-in applications, which are written to use key words
displayed at the botton of each screen. Application programs built into ROM on
the Tandy 600 include file management, database, word processing, spreadsheet,
calendar and telecommunications software. Built-in nicad batteries, which last
approximately 11 hours between charges, are easily recharged with an AC
adapter, which is included with the Tandy 600 laptop computer.
Suggested retail price for the Tandy 600 portable computer (26-3901) is
$1,599.00

Tandy is a registered trademark of Tandy Corporation. Radio Shack is a
registered service mark of Tandy Corporation. Microsoft Works is a trademark of
Microsoft Corporation.

TANDY 600 FACT SHEET

32K RAM for file storage. Expandable to 128K or 224K with 96K
memory upgrade kit, $399.95 * (Built-in 3.5" floppy disk drive, 360K capacity.
Flip-up 80 character x 16 line LCD display with matte finish. * Internal
300-baud direct connect modem, with auto answer/auto dial * Low power, 16-bit
80C88 microprocessor * Standard RS232C connector * Expansion bus for external
floppy disk drive * Parallel printer port * Full-feature typewriter keyboard *
Built-in nicad batteries and AC adapter charger * Allows use of custom
applications via optional ROM slot (by removing
Multiplan) using standard 27256 EPROMS * Built-in clock includes auto-wakeup and

other features * Automatic shutdown * Optional ROM for BASIC * Weight: 11 lbs.

Dimensions: 12"x13"x2 3/4"

APPLICATIONS Five full-featured built-in applications, written to key words
displayed at the bottom of each screen.

System Manager allows the user to run each application, exchange
information between applications, and manage the files created.
Handles file management for disk drive and RAM.
Word contains all the normal word processing features including
right justification, global search and replace, automatic page
numbering, multiple format lines, and more.
Calendar offers a built-in alarm; appointment information appears
on the screen.
File can serve as a simple or complex data base.
Telecom includes auto dial, answer, wake-up, and host modes.
Supports XMODEM protocol. Also supports many VT-52 escape
sequences for cursor positioning.

MAIL>

MAIL> d

Unrecognized command verb - check validity and spelling
\D \

MAIL>

#16         29-OCT-1985 18:40:44                                        MAIL

From: BOS1A::CABUYS "CONNIE"
To: BOS1A::RODM,CABUYS
Subj: RE: NEAT STUFF _ from MS-DOS Sig

That's not fair!!! I just got this one!!! [sigh]

I love you!

Love,
Connie

MAIL> d

#18         29-OCT-1985 22:26:33                                        MAIL

From: BOS1A::AMTRAKMAN
To: AMTRAKMAN,RIDPATH,JAV,SASSY,WIL1,LOOP,ARNE,DWOLPERT,BCOLBERT,ALAN1,TRAIN
BRAIN,IVY,DIBS,MLJEX,CARLEPSTEIN,GORE,CLYDETURBO,MOJO,TC1,PIPEMAN,WULFE,ILLUSION
,DANNYDOS,JOEY,KAPLAN,HANSOLO,ELLENK,PAULLEWIS,CABUYS,JOHNMYSELF
Subj: -= BRAIN BBS =-

Hello DELPHI Users!

WE e are happy to announce that the
BRAIN BBS Service has been
restored, and is better than ever!

We invite you to call and m become
aa member of a growing family
of computerests
.

The BRAIN BBS Service FeaturersL :

Academy Information
Behind the Scences Screen
CHAT with Sysop
$ * Dowb nLoades s! Free of Charge!
Electronic Mail
Feeback Service to Sysop
GE eneral Section of Information
Help with System featurers Features
Information on The BRAIN BBS
Keyboard Mode Option
Full Member listing
Nulls for Printer
Off Feature
Posting of Messages on The Board
Removing Messages
Scan/Read Bulliten Board
Users OnLine
Video Lenght Option
Welcome Message (Changes Daily)
Xpert Mode Option
Your statues a s a member.

AS s an additional service, we
provide the [AP] Newswire on
the BRAIN BBS FREE!!!!!

We also have daily weather
forecasts from [AP] also FREE
OF CHARGE!!!

The BRAIN BBS has no fee, no
costs, nothing! It's a free
bB BBS Service, just for DELPHI
members!

+-=> LOG ON TODAY!!! <=-+

1-(718)-258-7078
+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-
1-(718)-258-7078
+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-
Up 24 Hours/ 7 Days. We NEVER Close!

*PLEASE NOTE: When you logon,
IMMEDIALTY IATLY CHHOSE HOOSE THE [F]EEDBACK
OPTION AND ANSWER THW E QUESTIONS
GIVEN TO YOU.

*ALSO: LEAVE A MESSAGE IN [F]EEDBACK
BEGINNING WITH :'DEAR AL VOCI',
OR OTHERWISE A READER
WILL GET YOUR MAIL!

THANKS YOU!!!!

AL [AMTRAKMAN]
SYSOP-BRAIN BBS!!

MAIL> d

MAIL>
#19 30-OCT-1985 02:29:35 MAIL
From: BOS1A::RODM
To: CABUYS,RODM
Subj: Video

My DELICOUS [and soon to be consumed] Darling Connie,

I went and watched the first 10-15 Min. of 'Sex-Waves' and I don't think
YOU [assuming you got a chance to see it all] would like it very much but
I don't think you will get much of a chance to get critical about it!!

The Video Tape has a 10 min. PREVIEW of another video at the beginning
so by the time you get through that [skin flick] you are for a better effort tha
t sex waves provides.

The film/Video is erotic and I would like to see more of it although I may
never see the entire movie at one time! 
I am anxious to see how this video effects you!!!!!

See you in a few hours!!!!!

I LOVE YOU !!!!

               LOVE

YOU!!!!!!!

MAIL> d

MAIL>
#20 30-OCT-1985 21:35:43 MAIL
From: BOS1A::JOHNMYSELF
To: CABUYS,JOHNMYSELF
Subj: hi and other things

Hi Lover. Hope all is well with you.
would like you to archive the poll on membership. I commented
in message 315 on the results.

will get started this week on final details for your
suggested contest. hope to be ready for friday.
[crossing fingers]

catch you later love. [will post a co topic by tomorrow]
KISSes ......

MAIL> d

MAIL>
#21 30-OCT-1985 23:33:09 MAIL
From: BOS2A::QUICKRODNEY
To: CABUYS
Subj: The mag...

Connie,

It'll be in tomorrow's mail. Interesting article... I'd be interested if the pe
rsons in there are anyone we know...?
Anyway, good luck... see ya 'round

John

MAIL> d

MAIL>
#22 31-OCT-1985 19:06:57 MAIL
From: BOS1A::JOEY "JOEY"
To: CABUYS
Subj: Playboy

Mailed the Playboy to you today. No hurry getting it back. Keep it as long
as you need it.

Hugs,
Joe

MAIL> d

MAIL>
#23 31-OCT-1985 19:22:47 MAIL
From: BOS1A::WIL1
To: CABUYS
Subj:

Would you plleeees aaaassssseeeee respn ond to my last couple of mea ssages!!??!!

Willie (WIL1)

MAIL> d

MAIL>
#24 31-OCT-1985 21:35:10 MAIL
From: BOS1A::JOHNMYSELF
To: CABUYS,JOHNMYSELF
Subj: sexual fantasy rules

                    Close Encounters Sig
                Sexual Fantasy Contest Rules.

    This month in Close Encounters, we will be starting
    a 'sexual fantasy' contest. 

    This contest will run on a monthly basis with a new
    contest starting the first of each month.  

    All members of the Close Encounters Sig are eligible to
    play regardless of when they joined except for the sig
    managers, sysops, and members of their immediate families.

    The rules are simple.  Write a sexual fantasy and submit
    it for consideration to the 'LADYLOVE' account via dmail only.
    If you have trouble sending mail to LADYLOVE, you may send 
    your entrd

OUTPUT OFF

MAIL>
MAIL>

MAIL>

#25          1-NOV-1985 02:50:37                                        MAIL

From: BOS1A::AMTRAKMAN
To: @MAILLIST1.DIS,NEWKID
Subj: BRAIN BBS DOWN

SORRY BUT DUE TO A THE BRAIN BBS WILL BE
DOWN FROM 6:00AM-12:00NOON EDT
DUE TO ROUTINE MAINTENACE.

PLEASE DON'T LOG IN DURING THIS
TIME, YOU WILL ONLY GET A BUSY
SIGNAL.

AFTER 12:))NOON, IT WILL BE FREE

THANKS YOU,

AL VOCI
SYSOP--->BRAIN BBS

/ex

MAIL> d

MAIL>
#26 1-NOV-1985 17:59:23 MAIL
From: BOS1A::AMTRAKMAN
To: @MAILLIST1.DIS
Subj: BoUR+o?; BRAIN BBS IS ^^UP^^!

SORRY WE HAD TO SHUY T DOWN, BUT WE
ARE NOW BACK UP AND RI UNNING. THE
SCOND APPLE ][E IS NOW IN ACTION
UNTIL THE NEW POWER PAC FOR APPLE
I ARRIVES (MONDAY).

THE BRAIN CANHANDLE HANDLE ONLY 2 CALLS
AT THE SAME TIME (RE EMEMBER, OUR
APPLE i I IS DOWN) BUT MONDAY
,WE9 'LL
BE BACK UO TO P TO 3 CALLS AT THE SAME
TIME.

REMEMBER OUR TELEPHONE NUMBER!

1-(718)-258-7078

1-718)-258-7078

if IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS LOGGING ON TO
BRAIN, PLEASE LEAVE A DMAIL TO
USERNAME 'AMTRAKMAN'. I'LL TAKE
CARE OF IT

THANKS!

AL <AMTRAM KMAN? >

SYSOP BRAIN BBS

MAIL> d

MAIL>
#27 1-NOV-1985 19:14:59 MAIL
From: BOS1A::WIL1
To: CABUYS
Subj:

Would you please reply, gosh, i have noticed that you have been on from
the entry log in cl. co.

Willie (WIL1)

MAIL> d

MAIL>
#28 2-NOV-1985 00:51:25 MAIL
From: BOS2A::TSBJR
To: CABUYS
Subj: PROBLEMS

HI CONNIE. GUESS I'VE BEEN OUT OF
TOUCH WITH THE SIG LATELY (SORRY). I HAVE A SERIOUS PERSONAL PROBLEM AND WOULD
VERY MUCH LIKE TO EXPLAIN IT TO SOMEONE AND GET SOME ADVICE AND SUPPORT . I THINK
I'D PREFER TO DISCUSS IT ONE-ON-ONE FOR NOW, BEFORE POSSIBLY BRINGING IT UP TO
THE SIG AS A WHOLE IN A FORUM MESSAGE.
THIS PROBLEM IS REALLY BOTHERING ME AND EATING AT ME. DO YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTION
S FOR ME? PLEASE ANSWER SOON. AND THANKS A LOT.
YOUR FRIEND, TOM. (TSBJR).

MAIL> d

MAIL>
#29 2-NOV-1985 02:10:01 MAIL
From: BOS1A::RODM
To: CABUYS,RODM
Subj: Look ! What I found !!

My Beloved Darling Connie,

Look at what I found !!

I really enjoy finding these things and showing you them and the changes
they illustrate!!

Name: THAT SUDDEN FEELING
Type: TEXT
Date: 28-JUL-1985 20:03 by JOHNMYSELF

Getting close on-line by Cabuys, Maven, John

Recently a friend and I were talking on-line here about compusex,
but mostly our discussion centered around the question of how it
can affect people. His original thinking was that words on a
screen can generate feeling but, after all, they are only words
on a screen. He could not understand how two people could feel so
very close with this medium as the only form of communication.
We talked late into the night. We avoided, for some reason,
getting invovled in compusex itself and talked of feelings, trying
to understand the hows and whys of it all. Many times I answered
his question of "how" with "I don't know! it just happens!"
As our discussion continued, we realized suddenly that at that
particular moment, we felt so close, so very special to each other.
 He, not expecting this, struggled trying to understand
how he felt. I, having slightly more "experience" at this than he,
knew what was happening but could do little to help. The sad part
is that once we realized how we felt, that closeness was gone.
We met once again a few days later in an effort to recapture that
special moment. Unfortunately, it didn't happen and may never
happen again for the two of us. This time I managed, unintentionally,
to shatter his "fantasy image" of me. I feel a certain sense of loss
or regret or perhaps rejection because things didn't work out.

All this is leading to my question: Why does this special feeling *
of closeness or oneness happen so frequently on-line but seldom *
happens in "the real world"? *
Or does it actually happen in "the real world" and I am just one *
who has missed such an experience? Am I the only one who feels this *
way? *

To those who have hope and wait come all good things in time !

Darling, I live to make more complete your life and we really do have this
and it IS the "Real World" !!
Love,

Rod

MAIL> d

MAIL>

#30          2-NOV-1985 02:23:00                                        MAIL

From: BOS1A::RODM
To: CABUYS,RODM
Subj: By the way.....

x
My DELICOUS Darling Connie,

I LOVE YOU !

MORTHOVE,

Rod

MAIL> d

MAIL>

#31          2-NOV-1985 02:41:32                                        MAIL

From: BOS1A::RODM
To: CABUYS
Subj: Co. Topic <Explosive!>

From: BOS1A::RODM 2-NOV-1985 02:39
To: JOHNMYSELF,RODM
Subj: Suggestion - Co. Topic

Dear John,

I would like to suggest the following topic:

"Forgive AND Forget - Is That Possible?"

I would suggest monitoring the results of the polls on that topic and after
a reasonable sample is present have a discussion in Conference.

Sincerely,

Rod

MAIL> d

MAIL>
#32 2-NOV-1985 08:12:39 MAIL
From: BOS1A::CABUYS "CONNIE"
To: RODM,CABUYS
Subj: disturbing phone call

Darling,

At a couple of minutes after 8 AM this morning, my phone rang in the bedroom
and I answered it.

Whoever was on the other end did not say anything and all I said was hello
a couple of times.

Then whoever it was hung up. ~?
DISCONNECT
*dt 3561115x
DIALING...t 3561115
RINGING...
ON LINE ORIG
|x|
UNINET PAD 3EC0 PORT 00
service : gvc

*u001 000 connected to 61703051

Username: CABUYS
Password:

Hello CABUYS

Logon at : 6-NOV-1985 18:40:45
Last Logon : 6-NOV-1985 18:10:24

_{Sponsored ( Powered by dclick )}

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modernzorker (69) 6 years ago

I'll never get tired of reading through these. They remind me of a book I read back in the mid-90's that was called "E-Mail: A Love Story". The whole book was told in epistolary format using forum posts, private messages, and e-mail only. I'd love to track down a copy again and read it today to see if it really was as good as I remembered it being. :)

$0.05

2 votes

darth-azrael (71) 6 years ago

Then of course there's the movie "You've Got Mail". :)

$0.00

cryplectibles (69) 6 years ago

Wow, I hadn't read one of these in a little bit, what a great post out of this one. I swear in 1985, the people here in these situations, God I want a documentary on them. I'm pretty sure they went on to create Fet Life or some shit. Either way, such a great look at that time period and the mindset of people communicating in a way the general public just doesn't even really grasp yet.

I need to hit up some vintage shops and find some floppys and three by fives. Then I need to build an old computer to view the files lol.

$0.02

It really was such a small segment of the population that knew how to communicate this way. I didn't really get "online" until the early 1990s. However, it was still before ISP connections were common. I called local BBSes as opposed to using services like Compuserve or Delphi. Only a few years later, most local BBSes were dead or dying and the internet was exploding.

I haven't found a decent stash of old computer stuff in years. These days its either considered garbage and thrown out or "collectible".

Really, you just need a computer old enough to have a floppy controller on the motherboard. I'm currently using an Athlon XP generation computer for reading floppies though I think controllers were included on motherboards for a while after that. The floppy drives themselves can be found on places like eBay pretty easily. You can get more creative and buy or build a usb interface but that is more expense or more work in my opinion.

I sadly/embarrassingly believe I have both a floppy and 3.5 drive somewhere around that I could fangle a way to connect to a newer machine.

I went back through reading the post again and noticed Connie dox'd herself. Man, a search of two later, If I found it right, she is 70 years old now. You should mail her these floppies so she can read her old love letters lol.

Yeah, I think I found them on facebook a while ago. They were married and had kids (or at least one) that was grown... So I guess it was a happily ever after.