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  • Digital Archaeology: Floppy Disk #14 – DM0123.DOC

    Posted on by Azrael Comment


    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 a number of years ago (we are talking late 1990s probably). I finally got around to acquiring a 5.25″ disk drive and extracting the contents a several years back. Since then, I have been occasionally posting the content here.

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

    A description 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 on your computer to dial in to Delphi’s servers. 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 be in such archives even if they existed.

    This post includes the contents of DM0123.DOC. This file is dated September 2nd, 1985. The first part is a couple of ‘whois’ commands which lists user information for the given username. The most interesting part to me is the fact that the hardware used by the user is usually part of their profile.

    The rest of the file looks like an e-mail reading session with topics ranging from sex education to a new file library on Delphi and more.

    ===
    DM0123.DOC
    ===

    CONF>whois anticlub

NAME      : RUSSELL J., JIM V.T., JACK M.
COMPUTERS : APPLE///plus {anticlub}
LOCATION  : LOS ANGELES, CA
TERM-SOFT : MODEM 1200, IMAGEWRITER, TERM, ACCESS 3.
CONF>whois davros
There is no information on file for DAVROS.

From:   YOSHI          20-JAN-1985 19:45
To:     @MAILCALL
Subj:   Sex Education

@MailCall'ers:

I believe that sex ed. should be a shared responsibility - 
shared between the parents and the schools.  Why both?  
Because neither is equipped to deal with all aspects of sex
and sexuality.  Why not the church?  Well, certainly the
church can and will provide some info and guidance.  But it
should only be allowed to do so for its own followers and/or
members.  In no way should the church (and here I mean any
organized religious organization) be allowed to dictate what
others do, nor should they be allowed to influence anyone but
their own followers.  Anyone has a right to influence their 
own views by listening to what some religion says, but
religions have no right to influence those who choose not to
listen.  But I'm here to discuss sex ed, not flame against
organized religions.

I think before I go further that I should say what I think 
sex ed should include.  I think we all will agree that kids
need to be taught the fundamentals of the biological aspects 
of sex.  I also doubt that anyone here will believe that such
knowledge will in any encourage them to have sex.  But I also
think that kids need to be made aware of the issues of birth
control, intimacy, and responsibility.

I think that it is the job of the school to provide
information concerning the biological side of things.  They 
are probably best equipped to deal with the rapidly changing
medical world and the discoveries made therein.  Also, let's
face it - how many of us can rattle off the hormones that
affect a woman's menstrual cycle, and which one does what and
in what order?  I know I can't.  But people who teach sex ed.
do know such things.  Or they should, if they 're gonna teach
about them.  Also, schools have access to charts, diagrams,
models, etc, that the average parent doesn't.  And this can
really help kids see what is being talked about.

But the schools aren't really the place for kids to learn 
moral values.  I firmly believe that every person will develop
their own set of morals, but I doubt they will do it before
they start having sex.  (I know that my own set was still
ill-formed when I started.)  And that's part of what parents
are for - to teach children about the ideas of "right" and
"wrong" and how to make decisions about which is  which.
And parents are also supposed to help prepare their kids
emotionally for what's in store for them.  After all, sex is 
a very powerful thing. And its influence is very strong.  And
that can be scary for a kid if s/he doesn't have any idea of
what to expect.  Parents are also there to help kids learn
about things like intimacy - what it is, why it is, and why it
matters.

Hopefully, kids will get a good view of sex and all that's 
associated with it before they start trying it.  And the
different viewpoints and values of those that teach them about
it will help them form their own values.  It is unfortunate
that you (usually) have to try sex before you really
understand what's it's like - many people wind up getting
hurt that way (and hurting others).  And some people never do
learn lots of things about sex because their first experiences
leave them hurt or scarred or frightened.  But such is life.
We can only hope that by providing kids with as much
information as possible that they will make the right
decisions and not get hurt as badly as many of us did.

Well, thanx for listening to me.

Yoshi

P.S. - As we say in the UNIX world: "Comments welcome, flames
to /dev/null".
From:   IDEL           20-JAN-1985 22:39
To:     CABUYS
Subj:   Close Encounters
 
Hi, Connie:
Wud you send me the password to the Close Encounters board?
Thanx,
 
>>>>IDEL/Greg

WC> 


From:   MBERGSTEIN     17-JAN-1985 21:24
To:     CABUYS
Subj:   REDSHAW

Hi Connie:
How are you?  spoke to Amy at Redshwaw the other day and told
her about our idea.  She thought it was good and would be
happy to work with us on it.
                                                                I am going to try and set this up in the Users Sharing Ideas
program which ARIAS is running this year.  Redshaw will
provide the hardware including the necessary Async Modems.
Also spoke to Jackie Lewis who is running that for ARIAS and
she is going to provide us with 30 minutes. I thought we would
explain it and then I would send a message to you, projected
onto the overhead screen (we will have to keep it clean) and
then you could retrieve it and send me one. Please let me know
your thoughts on this and any other ideas you may have.

One thing bothers me - there is no control key on the Wang
2236 terminals.  Do you know how to compensate for that?
Should we ask Delphi?  Do you think Delphi would offer
discounts if we get a number of people to sign up? Please let
me know what you think.

By the way - is there a way for me to save this message so
that I can refer to it after you answer?  Manual (as most)
is not very clear.

Look forward to hearing from you.          Mike.

From:   DEOGBURN       21-JAN-1985 00:46
To:     GLENN,JOHNWG,CHUCKG,DAN,KIP,@SIGOPS
Subj:   PROGRAM LIBRARY PRESENTATION (guide will follow in a
few days)

Proposed blueprints for PROGRAM LIBRARY (Upload/Download area)
Please refer to technical notes guide that follows.

Gentleman:

Below is a presentation of a proposed DELPHI product called
PROGRAM LIBRARY from several SIGOPs.  We would greatly
appreciate your time in looking over our presentation, and we
remind you to feel free to ask any question you may have. 
Once again, we ask that you follow along with the TECHINAL
NOTES GUIDE that follows this file.

Here is a sample run off PROGRAM LIBRARY with an explanation
of all commands, uses, as well as ERROR messages, etc.

**************************************************************

<sig-name or delphi area> PROGRAM LIBRARY (We will use IBM SIG
for our presentation herein.)

IBM-PROGRAM LIBRARY MENU:

CATALOG  List of Programs
FEEDBACK Mail message to program owner
INFO     Information on a program
SUBMIT   Add/request program to/for library
TRANSFER Download, Xdown, or Copy program
EXIT     Leave PROGRAM LIBRARY
HELP     HELP with COMMANDS

IBM-PLIBRARY>     (hidden MAINT for level 4 manager)

If CATALOG is selected or the RETURN Key is depressed then:  2
programs available:
Catalog
-------

#    PROGRAM NAME       SIZE    DATE       OWNER      COMPUTER
                                                      MAKE
-- ------------------  ------  -------- ------------  -------
1  IBM CLOCK MODULE    9/9    01-JAN-85 DEOGBURN      APPLE
2  TIC-TAC-TOE GAME    4/4    23-JAN-85 GLENN         PIEP                                                            PIPER
3  EAMON GAME         22/22   27-JAN-85 KIP           IBM-PC

PLIBRARY>(CATALOG,FEEDBACK,INFO,SUBMIT,TRANSFER,EXIT) 1 <cr>

(IF # or INFO selection is selected then:)
Information on program # (? for CATALOG)  <===only if INFO
selection
                                           1
  PROGRAM NAME: IBM CLOCK MODULE
  FOR THE, APPLE, COMPUTER
  SIZE: 9/9 BLOCKS
  DATE: 01-JAN-85
  OWNER: DEOGBURN
  DESCRIPTION: A ROUTINE FOR DISPLAYING THE TIME IN LOCATION 1,
59 ON THE
  SCREEN AT ALL TIMES. 10 LINE MODULE MODIFIED FOR USE ON THE A
PPLE COMPUTER.
 
PLIBRARY>(CATALOG,FEEDBACK,INFO,SUBMIT,TRANSFER,EXIT)
 
 IF SUBMIT is selected THEN:
 (3) status levels (O)pen,(R)ead-only,and (P)rivate
If  (O)  user will be allowed to add direct to program library.
 If (R) user's submitted program must pass review of the SIGOP 
(Use MAINT)
 If (P) user must enter a password to add direct to program lib
rary
 
 PASSWORD:  (if P status)
          E...Invalid password!
          E...More than 3 tries, please continue, your program 
will be snet
              to the SIGOP for review.
 
 TRANSFER <upload mode> MENU:
 
 COPY  file from your workspace
 UPLOAD file from your computer
 XUP   use XMODEM protocol
 EXIT
 HELP
 
 TRANSFER <upload>:          (MAINT may be entered here by leve
l 4 if desired)
 
 If COPY THEN:
 COPY from file? TEST.DAT
 ...file copied!
                  if '?' entered: Please enter the file name in
 your workspace
                                  that you would like to SUBMIT
.
(Same as COPY in WRITERS' CORNER)
 
 IF UPLOAD THEN: (Same as UPLOAD in WRITERS' CORNER)
 
 IF XUP THEN:    (Same as XUP in WRITERS' CORNER)
 
 at any rate, the following follows after file is COPIED,UPLOAD
ED, or XUPED.
 
 Please enter CATALOG label:
 Name of PROGRAM: IBM CLOCK MODULE   '?' Enter name to place in
 catalog
                                      E...entry to long (20 cha
cter MAX.)
 Computer MAKE: APPLE                '?' Enter computer make yo
ur program is for.
                                      E...entry to long (12 cha
cters MAX.)
 Enter short DECRIPTION: This is a.....
 (use TEXT-ENTER MODULE LIKE in INFO ARTICLE or MAIL to SIGOP)
 a CONTROL-Z to end, or CONTROL-C to cancel!
(NOTE:  System fills in DATE, SIZE, and catalog #)
PRLIBRARY>(CATALOG,FEEDBACK,INFO,SUBMIT,TRANSFER,EXIT)
  Please use REVIEW in MAINT of IBM-PROGRAM LIBRAY for submitte
d program
  by MEMBER: GLENN on: /TIME
                       [/TIME and hereon is SYSTEM TIME placed 
by the system]
 
  Thanks
 
  Uncle Max
 
 o REVIEW
 
  1 program awaiting review                   (special Mask rou
tine over MAIL)
 
                                                               
    REVIEW
  #    From       Date          Subj
  1   GLENN     01-JAN-85    CHESS Game
 
ACTION:<[A]dd;[R]eturn,[S]ave;[V]iew;[N]ext>: View 1    (Read 1
)
 
                                                               
    REVIEW #1
 
  TO:DEOGBURN                01-JAN-85    23:02
FROM:GLENN
SUBJ: CHESS GAME
 
PROGRAM NAME: CHESS GAME
FOR THE, ATARI, COMPUTER
SIZE  : 2/2 BLOCKS
DATE  : 01-JAN-85
OWNER : GLENN
DESCRIPTION: A GAME CALLED CHESS FOR THE ATARI COMPUTER. 48K RE
QUIRED AS WELL
AS A JOYSTICK. IN EXECUTE LOAD FORM.
 
 10 REM CHESS GAME
 20 POKE 765,22
 30 GRAPHICS 0
 40 SETCOLOR 2,0,4
 50 PRINT "CHESS GAME"
 .
 .
 .
 400 END
 
ACTION:<[A]dd;[R]eturn;[S]ave;[V]iew;[N]ext>: Add,Return,Save
 o Add
   Level 4 gets:
                ...Adding (uses REVIEW mail file as load file f
or library)
                ...Owner notified     (sends below Dmail messag
e to owner)
 
  TO:GLENN
FROM:DEOGBURN
SUBJ:REVIEW action on submitted program
 
Dear GLENN:
 
Your program: CHESS GAME submitted on: 01-JAN-85 was added to t
he IBM-PROGRAM
LIBRARY on:/TIME
 
Thank you for your program!
 
MEMBER,DEOGBURN, SIGOP for the IBM SIG.
 
 o Save
   Level 4 gets:
                ...Saving (uses FILE Future scheme like in MAIL
)
                ...Owner notified     (sends below Dmail messag
e to owner)
 
  TO:GLENN             01-JAN-85  23:02
FROM:DEOGBURN
SUBJ:REVIEW action on submitted program
 
Dear GLENN:
 
Your program: CHESS GAME submitted on: 01-JAN-85 was saved for 
future use
of the IBM-PROGRAM LIBRARY on:/TIME.
 
Thank You for your program, and I will notify you again when fu
ther action
is taken on your program.
 
MEMBER,DEOGBURN,SIGOP for the IBM SIG.
 
o  Remove
 
    LEVEl 4 gets:    ....User notified!
                     ....Program has been returned to user!
                     ....Review files updated
 
User Gets:
 
    TOL:DARTHVADER
  FRomOM:DEOGBURN
  SUBJ:REVIEW action on Submitted program
 
DEAR  DARTHVADER
 
Your program: <program-name> submitted on:<date> was returned t
o you
in a seperated mail message at:/TIME
 
READSON:   File has to many .....
 
Thank you for your program, and please feel free to re-submit t
o other
areas of DELPHI by forwarding the returned program mail message
.
 
MEMBER, DEOGBURN ,SIGOP for the IBM SIG.
 
User Gets:
 
    TO:DARTVADER
   FROM:DEOGBURN
  SUBJ: RETURNED sumitted program listing
 
*****RETURNED COPY OF YOUR SUBMITTED PROGRAM   ?/DATE**********
 
end!
 
***************************************************************
********
This ends the PROGRAM LIBRARY presentation, we hope you found t
his
presentation of interest, please be reminded that it is not int
ended
to impose on the desingign teams of GVC, rather offer insight from
 the
SIGOPs end.  Please feel free to use any ideas presented here i
n any
project.  You will note that many tasks in PROGRAM LIBRARY are 
the
same or similiar to application modules presently on DELPHI.  R
easons
include: Makes it easier for GVC staff to assembly, rather rwrit
ting
a new application, and because these modules were observed as t
he best
modules tha could handle such an application, further it was fe
lt that
these modules, with some enhancements in some tasks, yowere at it
s highteight.
 
Thank You
 
SIGOPS
UAP SUGGESTION GROUP
GVC STAFF
GENERAL DELPHI USERS

WC> 
Sorry, there is a problem opening your file 0123.MAIU (=43).
<<read error="" 29="">>

WC> llist d,	m0123.mail
I don't understand the term "LLIST D    M0123.MAIL" in this
context.

WC> list dm0123.mai


From:   FTF        ESS,CABUYS,MONTE,TRINA,WEB,IVY,MARTI,JSARAS
Subj:   ?
 
Its late.
And yet the phone rings
once again.
"Dinner. tomorrow!"
But I'm busy.
How about the next night?
"No. Tomorrow!"
But I can't.
And thats the end of that.
The hum of a dial tone.
But it doesn't end.
Later it rings again.
And then comes the mail.
"Why?"
And I don't have an answer.
How can I when I don't know the question!
 
Lately, it rings alot,
late at night when most are asleep
except for me
and all that is calls out
for that release.
Late at night,
when that silent phone
begins to ring and I know
it would be easier to not
answer - but I still do.
"Why?"
Well, why not thursday?
"I can't then."
Lunch Friday?
"Doctors appointment. Sorry!"
So why do you call at 1 am?
"I gotta go."
hum.......
 
"Lets go out to the hot tubs!"
Geez! its 2 am and they don't
stay open that late!
"Come over Saturday..."
Ok.
"Oh. I'm sick. Next week?"
Ok.
"My ex got married today!"
Gosh. how do you feel?
"Relieved I didn't have to go!"
Wow.
Don't you feel anything?
"Yeah. But only in private..."
"Why didn't you call?"
What!
To talk to your answering machine?
Gimme a break!
"But I always call back!"
Right. at 1 am.


From:   DAVROS         20-JAN-1985 12:44
To:     CABUYS
Subj:   ACCESS TO THIS SIG
 
This SIG interests me.  How do I go about obtaining fuller acce
ss?
 


From:   ANTICLUB       20-JAN-1985 17:12
To:     CABUYS
Subj:   CURIOSITY
 
I JUST CAME ACCROSS THIS "FRIENDSHIP" THING ON THE NETWORK
AND I AM CURIOUS WHAT IT IS AND WHAT IT'S FOR AND HOW TO JOIN.
I AM A 36 YEAR OLD ARTIST AND I MANAGE AN "UNDERGROUND"
NIGHTCLUB IN L.A.  A MEMBER OF PERFORMING ARTS NETWORK (PAN)
UNDER SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS.  THANKS. JACK (ANTICLUB).
 


From:   IDEL           20-JAN-1985 22:39
To:     CABUYS
Subj:   Close Encounters
 
Hi, Connie:
Wud you send me the password to the Close Encounters board?
Thanx,
 
>>>>IDEL/Greg


From:   AVATAR         22-JAN-1985 00:08
To:     @FUN
Subj:   more foolishness
 
 
SHIFTING SANDS INSURANCE COMPANY
JERUSALEM
INTEROFFICE MEMO
 
To: Home Office, Jerusalem
From: Bethany Sub-office
Att: Regional Claims Manager
 
Re: Yehoshua Bar-Joseph
    Death Claim/Nissan 33
    Final Report
 
Dear Sir:
 
     As you know, our office has been investigating the
life insurance claim presented by the widow of Joseph of
Nazareth, House of David (Mary, by name).
 
     The details of the claim as first presented concern a
juvenile life policy on their son, Yehoshua, taken out in
Jerusalem some 33 years previous.  Policy dates, coverage
amount and premium payments have all been verified by the
underwriting department of your good offices.  Our office
is concerned only with verification of death and payment of
the claim.
 
     The first report of the claim appeared to be a routine
matter of verifying the cause of death (crucifixion) and
then paying the amount of the policy.  There were overtures
made by some (relative to a possible suicide), but I see no
point in raising this issue.  The two-year clause for
denial based on this has expired.  Secondly, our legal
department has pointed out, quite succinctly, that suicide
by crucifixion would be no small matter to prove.
 
     The investigation uncovered a well-witnessed event,
including a statement by a Centurion who was an eyewitness
to the entire proceedings.  He quoted the 'deceased' as
saying: "Now it is finished," at which time the Centurion
states that the insured expired.  He has witnessed a number
of crucifixions and although he is not a physician his
testimony does carry weight.
 
     Following this, the funeral proceedings were done with
some haste, due to the upcoming Sabbath.  It was at this
point in the investigation that our adjuster began hearing
talk about the deceased raising himself from the dead.
Considering that Yehoshua had a substantial cult following,
the adjuster gave little import to this talk.  In an
attempt to wrap up the investigation, he interviewed eleven
of the twelve close disciples.  Their stories and
statements contained numerous contradictions, not the least
of which were statements to the effect that he died on the
date in question, followed by statements to the effect that
they had talked to the deceased three days later.  It
appears that they have their chronology reversed.  The
twelfth, by-the-bye, committed suicide about the time of
the Yehoshua crucifixion.  There is a separate report
forthcoming on that matter and no payment will be made on
that claim.
 
     Normally, we would have made payment at this juncture,
but the investigator asked for additional time.  To be
blunt, he suspected a fraud.  A number of reliable
witnesses began to talk, advising that there was no
question of having seen and talked with the deceased
*after* the alleged crucifixion.
 
     Contact was then attempted with P. Pilate.  The latter
refused to be interviewed, indicating that he had washed
his hands of the entire matter.  We did write to him
subsequently raising anumber of points on what was recorded
by him officially.  He refused to clear up any
discrepancies and merely wrote on the bottom of our letter,
"What I have written, I have written."  We simply can't
push the issue with him any further due to his obvious
connections.
 
     Finally, we were fortunate enough to obtain two
statements from well-known and respected citizens, who
report having supper with Yehoshua several days after the
alleged death.  They were on their way to Emmaus at the
time.  Both make excellent appearances as witnesses.  Their
statements are enclosed for your perusal.
 
     Also enclosed are the statements from the eleven
disciples.  They are coherent, except for John's, and
despite their disagreements on a few minor points, they
establish one of two possibilities ( I cannot personally
see any others.)  First, he was never crucified. In that
situation, we owe nothing.  Secondly, he was crucified, and
then raised himself from the dead.  The second possibility
is an absurdity but if it were so, I'm afraid we have a
legal problem of unique difficulty.  I say this because we
took a statement from his mother, Mary.
 
     She maintains that he was crucified and appeared to
her and his disciples three days later.  Our adjuster,
after getting her to sign the statement, politely turned
her claim down.  When she asked why, the adjuster pointed
out that the policy only pays in the event of death.  As he
was packing his briefcase and preparing to leave, she very
shyly indicated that she had a question, and since he was
the policy expert, that perhaps he could answer it.
 
     She then stated that Yehoshua had, in fact, died.
What she wanted to know was this: "Is there any exclusion
in the policy which says that the beneficiary will not be
paid if an insured is able to raise himself from the dead?"
 
     The adjuster was quick enough mentally to say that
he would check it out with the home office and get back to
her.  Here is our problem.
 
     Suppose it happened the way his mother stated?  If he
did in fact raise himself fromt he dead, what's to prevent
him from doing it a second time?  If he does it again,
we'll have to pay again.  Then?  If he does it again, we'll
have to pay again.  This policy is a guaranteed renewable,
non-cancellable contract.
 
     We'd appreciate your advice on this, as things are not
shaping up well.  I would make one suggestion if Mary
continues to push this claim. This is a bit too complicated
for our house attorney.  Why not farm this out to Saul over
in Tarsus?  He's as sharp as they come and can probably
delay this until it dies a natural death.
 
 
                         Warmest regards to all,
 
 
 
                         Caiaphas Bar-Annas
 
cba/cc/enclosures (11)


 
 
WC>


From:   DAVROS         20-JAN-1985 12:44
To:     CABUYS
Subj:   ACCESS TO THIS SIG
 
This SIG interests me.  How do I go about obtaining fuller acce
ss?
 

WC>

    📂This entry was posted in Computer Arcana 📎and tagged

  • Digital Archaeology: Floppy Disk #10 – XFLAG.DOC

    Posted on by Azrael Comment


    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 a number of years ago (we are talking late 1990s probably). I finally got around to acquiring a 5.25″ disk drive and extracting the contents a several years back. Since then, I have been occasionally posting the content here.

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

    A description 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 on your computer to dial in to Delphi’s servers. 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 be in such archives even if they existed.

    This post includes the contents of XFLAG.DOC. This file is dated September 24th, 1985. This is a relatively short one. It lists the subset of users (probably of the Close Encounters SIG) that have the ‘X’ flag on their profile. I’m not sure exactly what this indicates other than it represented a certain set of permissions. I don’t recognize any of these user names from any of the chats or messages that have shown up so I suppose it is even possible it indicates a ban or something.

    ===
    XFLAG.DOC
    ===

    fl

Search through membership list for flags

Enter Flag you would like to search: x

Username: BAS          Flags: X            Name: basil
Username: FRANKH       Flags: X            Name: Frank Howard
Username: HARPO        Flags: X            Name: TIM CRAIG
Username: JOHNEASTON   Flags: X            Name: Karl
Username: KBS          Flags: X            Name: JERRY
Username: MERONA       Flags: X            Name: JAY
Username: RONB         Flags: X            Name: Ron
Username: SASSY        Flags: X            Name: SYL
Username: TRICON       Flags: X            Name: Bob
End of File.

SM*MEMBERS> [)F=
_$y 
@$q6
DISCONNECT
*#
?

    📂This entry was posted in Computer Arcana 📎and tagged

  • Digital Archaeology: Floppy Disk #10 – WHYONLIN.DOC

    Posted on by Azrael Comment


    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 a number of years ago (we are talking late 1990s probably). I finally got around to acquiring a 5.25″ disk drive and extracting the contents a several years back. Since then, I have been occasionally posting the content here.

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

    A description 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 on your computer to dial in to Delphi’s servers. 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 be in such archives even if they existed.

    This post includes the contents of WHYONLIN.DOC. This appears to have been a capture of a group conference (online chat) nominally about why people go online. As most online chats do, it tends to wander some. Also, given the nature of the Close Encounters group that this chat was held in, reasons tended to be about relationships. The file has a date stamp of September 17th, 1985 so that is probably when this chat occurred.

    ===
    WHYONLIN.DOC
    ===

    .lt
 ** Conference of 9/14/85 - Topic: "WHY DO YOU COME ON-LINE?"

 ** Beth just joined CLE - WHY COME ON-LINE? (2 members now) **

 ** Connie just joined CLE - WHY COME ON-LINE? (3 members now) **

 ** EFK just joined CLE - WHY COME ON-LINE? (4 members now) **

 EFK> Do you usually stick to the topic in this conference?
 Myself> well, once we get started.
 Myself> we try to hold close to the original topic
 Myself> but have been known to stray
 EFK> Sounds good.
 Myself> if the general discussion moves in another direction which
         generates a better discussion.
 Myself> well, lets see what we can do
 EFK> I'm used to main conf.  It can be a zoo.
 Myself> I think this tymnet thing is going to keep attendance down.
 Myself> well, that is the nice thing about here..
 EFK> Been going on for weeks! Aren't they working on it?
 Myself> less congestion.  more conversation.
 Myself> that is what they say they are doing.
 Myself> but I don't see any results yet.
 EFK> Talk is cheap.
 Myself> agreed.
 Myself> ok
 Myself> lets start this conference....
 EFK> I've been curious about something for a long time John...
 Myself> yes? what is that?
 EFK> Why do you call yourself myself?
 
 ** STUART just joined CLE - WHY COME ON-LINE? (5 members now) **
 Connie> <oh - oh!><giggle> you've done it now!
 EFK> Hi Stuart.
 Myself> well I am <after all> Myself ...  but seriously...
 EFK> yes?
 Myself> I picked it up on another system
 Connie> hello Stuart.
 Myself> and just kept it.
 Beth> Hi Stuart
 EFK> Just be yourself. Is that it?
 Myself> you see, my name is john <hence johnmyself> and you know how
         many of those there are.
 Myself> bingo.
 EFK> Ok.
 Beth> {I always wondered, too}
 Myself> now for the subject at hand...
 Myself> <it also lends nicely to such comments as "well, here we are again, talking myself">
 Myself> why do you come on-line?
 Myself> and a very good question as there
 Myself> are as many reasons (or excuses) as there are people
         getting on-line 

 ** Paul just joined CLE - WHY COME ON-LINE? (6 members now) **
 Paul> hi, all
 EFK> Hi.
 Connie> <hi paul!>
 Beth> [hi Paul]

 ** PRINCESS just joined CLE - WHY COME ON-LINE? (7 members now) **
 PRINCESS> hi all
 EFK> Hi Princess.
 Myself> hi princess...
 Paul> hi, princess
 Peggy hi efk
 Myself> anyway...
 Myself> some folks come on-line for the various information sources
         that they can access
 Beth> [hi princess]
 Myself> for anything from school reports to business information.
 Peggy> cute profile efk <grin>
 Myself> others come on looking for 'the fast scene' what with the
         ratio of males to females and all.
 EFK> Some of us find the fast scene without looking for it too.
 Myself> some are here for 'free' computer programs, and others
         actually
 Peggy hear hear!!
 STUART> - signed off -
 Myself> try to use these various services to move pirated stuff.
 EFK> Not much to steal on Delfi, though.
 Myself> true
 Myself> which brings us to the question
 Myself> Why do you come on-line.
 Myself> ga

 ** Dick just joined CLE - WHY COME ON-LINE? (7 members now) **
 Peggy> hi dick, welcome to why??
 EFK> Hi Dick.
 
 ** STUART just joined CLE - WHY COME ON-LINE? (8 members now) **
 Connie> hiya Dick.
 EFK> Booted off, Stu?
 Dick> hi all.
 Peggy> rehi stuart
 STUART> the system isnt working right
 Paul> hi Stuart, Dick
 STUART> better neo
 Myself> lo dick
 Dick> hi John.
 Dick> Hi Beth
 Beth> Hi Dick
 Paul> Hi Beth
 Beth> Hi Paul
 Myself> any comments?
 Peggy> stu send us some california heat ... boston is cooooold
        tonight
 Dick> same here.
 Peggy> to keep in touch with friends via dmail
 EFK> To talk to Delphi friends.
 Dick> what was question?
 Paul> I come on-line because I'm a SIG Manager and Delphi would get
       really bummed if I never showed up!
 Peggy> check title of group dick <smile>
 Myself> <dick =>>  why do u come on-line - conference topic>
 Peggy> grin paul
 Myself> good point paul.
 Beth> ?
 Connie> Paul, they'd just cancel your sig! <grin>
 Dick> I share Paul's reasons <grin>
 EFK> I thought it was pretty funny.
 Myself> personally I come on-line just because.
 Myself> beth ga
 Beth> I come online because of the people...
 Beth> I live in a small town, and if you've ever lived in a small
       southern town, you'd know exactly what I mean.
 Beth> The people here are some of the finest on earth.  ga
 Dick> smaller than Charlotte, NC
 EFK> It's very important to like where you live.
 Connie> ?
 Beth> [yes, Dick]
 Myself> <connie>
 Myself> connie ga
 Beth> [I know, efk..can cause lots of problems if not]
 Peggy <can get used to anywhere>
 Connie> I come on line because of the people too. They are
         fascinating <and sometimes frustrating!> but where else can
         you go to meet and chat with people from all walks of life in
         so many areas of the world for such little expense!
 EFK> I come on line for different reasons each time.
 Peggy> <and no drinks to buy?>
 STUART> perrier and a twist
 EFK> For a couple of months it was like a drug.
 Dick> <or expensive dinners>
 Paul> I wasn't sure it was such little expense about a year ago,
       Connie, when my bill was ovr $500/month!
 EFK> Ditto.
 Myself> hear hear!!
 Connie> I was never able to talk in what I felt was an "intelligent"
         way to people in so many varied professions. Being on line
         has helped me to gain confidence in dealing with people, in
         talking to them, and most importantly, in realizing they are
         all people - not something to fear.ga.
 Dick> here,here!
 Peggy <there there!>
 STUART> wasnt from you paul<laugh>
 Peggy <ditto connie>
 Beth> Me, too, Connie.
 Myself> getting on-line can certainly be fun...
 Paul> huh, Stuart? <innocent grin>
 Myself> I recall when I first got involved in some interesting
 Peggy <ha! you innocent paul? - grin>
 Myself> message threads...
 Paul> as little as possible, princess!
 Myself> i would start out by answering a few messages..
 Peggy <right>
 Myself> then I would usually get up to 15 responses which over the
         course of a week would gradually dwindle away to zip.
 Peggy> brb forgot to get my sweater ... brrrrr
 Myself> then I discovered that people could actually get 'close' this
         way.  what a change that made in life here.
 EFK> Anything specific?
 Myself> lots of specific...
 Myself> first I discovered new friends..
 Myself> then new problems..
 Myself> then I discovered <careful now=>...
 Myself> compusex!
 Peggy> **back**
 Myself> I found that with a little thought, one could weave some very
         interesting 'spells'
 EFK> ?
 Myself> <looks good peg>
 STUART> back?
 Myself> efk ga
 EFK> Control R not working.  Bummer!
 frozen princess> as in i am back
 STUART> we missed you
 frozen princess> <sure!! <giggle>>
 Paul> compusex? <innocently>
 frozen princess> nothing you would know about paul
 Paul> I'm afraid not, frozen!
 Myself> not to you beth
 Myself> anyway, ef - your on.
 EFK> Like I said, I come on-line for different reasons.
 STUART> are sends working?
 EFK> Mostly to talk to people I've met here.
 Peggy <sen is working one way mostly tho i can sen to john or direct line folks>
 EFK> Couldn't send to stuart.
  STUART> not to uninet?
 Myself> no
 Peggy> no not to uninet or anyone else
 EFK> Boo hiss!
 Peggy> i cannot sen to anyone else not local
 Dick> Beth> your mail request has been honored.
 Myself> ef, what do you find most attractive to being on-line?
 Myself> <lousy wording - oh well>
 Peggy <interesting>
 EFK> I like meeting people on-line.  You can take it as far as you
      want.
 Myself> or drop it anywhere enroute.
 EFK> I've had some very interesting talks with people.
 EFK> Some people are just so witty, it's amazing.
 Peggy> hey, some of us got it and some of us dont <grin>
 EFK> Also, you can see puns in words on the screen that you wouldn't
      see when you talk in person.
 EFK> That's a lot of fun.
 STUART> very punny
 Peggy> you can take longer to see them too
 EFK> Exactly.
 Peggy> boo stu
 EFK> These are the jokes.
 STUART> 2-4-6-8
 Peggy> they are?? <innocent look>
 Peggy> <grin>
 Myself> no we don't appreciate!
 Peggy> racey
 STUART> pru-dish
 Peggy> is that us who are the jokes.
 Myself> terrible.
 Myself> meanwhile...
 EFK> yes?
 Peggy> not us we are not prudish ... but top of the town folks here
 Paul> (please let me know when the racy parts are coming so I can
       cover my screen)
 Myself> now that you are on-line......
 STUART> beautiful view
 Peggy> ha paul
 Myself> have you any favorite people or places?
 EFK> Sure.  Don't we all?
 STUART> sure
 Myself> of course, how silly of me to ask
 Beth> Yes!
 STUART> I love Dallas and Kansas City
 Myself> i love women!
 Beth> [I thought you meant on-line]
 Myself> some more than others.
 EFK> How generous, Johm.
 Connie> {my favorite place & people:  this sig and the people in
         it!} [but then I *might* be a little bit prejudice!] <grin>
 Myself> i did mean on-line.
 Myself> that was the reason for my dumb remark.
 dorothy> no place like home
 EFK> There aren't a lot of women on-line, though.
 Peggy> brb
 Myself> dallas and kansas city don't fit the question as valid
         answers.
 Myself> hi dorothy, how's toto?
 Peggy> not so myself, there are folks there who use computers
 EFK> Seems to be pretty balanced in this sig, though.
 Peggy> are some women, just more men have computers, brb must get
        something ...
 Myself> I suppose you have a point there peg,
 Myself> hadn't thought of it that way.
 EFK> Finally had to get 2 computers to solve *that* problem.
 Myself> really?
 EFK> Yep.
 EFK> But I got the modem!
 Myself> I had to get two phone lines as I couldn't get incoming calls
         while on-line
 EFK> That's next.
 Paul> want someone to call you, John?
 Beth>  /who
 Paul>  /me
 Connie> what do you want to call him, Paul?
 EFK>  /me too
 Beth>   /oops
 EFK> Just don't call him late for dinner.
 Paul>  /Don't know, Connie, any suggestions?
 Myself> not yet paul
 Peggy <here i am, back again ...>
 Myself> why, you want to 'show your wife some fun'? <ducking quick>
 STUART> we missed you again
 Peggy> <paul, that is his name!>
 EFK> Hi again Peggy.
 Peggy> not so ... hi again all ... did i miss much? <saw screen upstairs grin>
 Paul> <i know that, princess!>
 STUART> how do you know paul?
 Myself> those pesky gremlins are in my keyboard again.
 Peggy> you do paul?? were you looking?? <hiding behind screen> ...
        like my ski sweater?? <grin>
 EFK> Has anyone besides me felt the magnetic pull of the terminal?
 Paul> spray the keyboard with Raid.
 Myself> always ef
 Beth> yes, ef
 Myself> but I have a fairly high resistance.
 EFK> It's a little scary, isn't it?
 Paul> good question - have you ever put a magnet right on your
       screen?  It's neat!
 Myself> I am alergic to high bills.
 Beth> and expensive
 Myself> am also alergic to low bills
 Peggy> yes efk, can be hard to take yourself away, was terribly
        addicted to it at one time, used to sneak on ...
 EFK> Some people are worth the expense.
 Myself> and late bills
 Myself> and unpaid bills.
 Myself> etc.
 Myself> I agree.
 EFK> Right, Peggy.
 Beth> that is true, ef
 Connie> EF, I was once very addicted to all this! it should be scary!
 EFK> I never felt anything else that was quite like it.
 Beth> how long does it take for the addiction to get under
       control--on the average?
 Peggy> very true efk especially if the only way to keep in touch is
        by keyboard ...
 Myself> never on average.
 Dick> nite all, got to go to work, mail waiting, enjoy <connie, agape>
 EFK> It's like love.  It doesn't just go away like a headache or
      something.
 Dick> - signed off -
 Beth> most of you have said you were addicted--do you now have it
       under control or what
 Peggy> get a few bills, and get to know the people offline, those
        both help! <but to be honest the second is real thing>
 Myself> but if you really want to, and sometimes if you have trusted
         friends, you can
 Connie> Beth, not sure about others, but took nme nearly 5 years. in
         other words, addiction only came under control around the
         first of this year.
 Paul> It takes until they threaten to take away your house for unpaid
       bills, Beth!
 Myself> but there is no hard data on the response time..
 Peggy> hehehe paul
 Beth> [faint]
 EFK> Wow.  I'm glad it didn't take me that long.
 Beth> how long, ef?
 Peggy> shucks
 EFK> How long what?
 Beth> you said it didn't take you "that long".
 Peggy> did it take you?
 STUART> shucks?
 EFK> A few months.
 Peggy> <wanted to say nite dick>
 Myself> It took me till my first cis bill.
 EFK> I still come on a lot, but not every night.
 Paul> it means 'ah, gee', stuart.
 Peggy> hehehe
 STUART> question of priorities EFK and balance in life
 Myself> sure paul
 Connie> Beth, price of addiction can be very high. I know of
         bankruptcies, divorces, etc. due in a large part to the
         addiction.
 EFK> Delphi was very high priority for a while.
 Myself> that is also true
 Myself> well, you can understand though..
 Myself> especially when there is so much attention you can get from
         others.
 EFK> Divorce was almost a possibility, believe it or not, but not
      because of the bills.
 Myself> too much on-line time to exclusion of family ef?
 EFK> Sorta.
 Peggy <bills usually is not reason when dealing with computer ... other relationships that ensue>
 Myself> right!
 Myself> those new and often exciting adventures we call 'other
         relationships'
 Myself> can work wonders for the domestic scene...
 Myself> but can also wreck havoc there as well
 EFK> Falling in love is very exciting in the beginning.  I love my
      husband for life, but you know how the magic can dissipate over
      the years.
 Peggy> so who needs a havoc anyway?
 STUART> there can be other relationships everywhere--at work,after
         work,etc
 Myself> true
 Myself> <cute peg>
 Peggy> needs replenishing efk ... is hard to do ...
 EFK> Managed, thank goodness.
 Myself> especially if you fall into the usual trap of
 Peggy> good, am glad for you ... honest
 EFK> But not before I almost lost it.
 Myself> just letting things go on in 'the usual way' and don't
 Beth> what happens if you meet people on-line who you'd like to get
       to know, to hear their voice...would you write?  call?  Out of
       the blue or what?  Does this happen often?
 Myself> keep up on the relationship.
 Peggy <so common ... sigh but can be handled if with love>
 Myself> is easy to take others for granted.
 EFK> I don't know if it happens often, but it happened to me.
 Myself> actually beth it happens quite frequently.
 Myself> and is a natural extension of getting to know them.
 EFK> I'll tell you all something...
 EFK> If you're happily married, and let's say your eyes meet
      someone's across the room...
 EFK> If you're like me, you'd probably look away.
 Peggy <strangers in the night ...>
 EFK> But on-line, you just *can't*!!
 Myself> right
 Beth> [yes, but I'd rather not sometimes]
 STUART> you cant see their eyes
 Myself> and there is a god reason for that...
 EFK> Funny that paul said before he'd cover the screen!
 Peggy> can ctrl z, but hardly would in some cases
 EFK> Not really a possibility.
 Paul> (I embarrass easily, princess)
 EFK> One thing leads to another, and some "innocent" flirting gets
      carried away.
Myself> it is the fact that here, at my terminal, you at yours, we are
        safe <relatively speaking>
 Myself> or so we think.
 STUART> Its been great tonite--have to run--catch you all
         later--adios
 STUART> - signed off -
 EFK> Bye stu.  Nice meeting you.
 Beth> ["or so we think"--how true]
 Myself> because it is here in this 'haven' where we can most easily
         be open with others.
 Paul> woops, that was to efk! (sorry)
 Myself> and that allows for getting close to them
 Beth> I have never been so closed or so open here
 EFK> Tell you something else.  I'm much more careful now.
 Peggy> sok paul, gotta check something all, adios
 Peggy - signed off -
 Paul> bye!
 Paul> about what, wf?
 Paul> (ef)
 EFK> "idle" flirting.
 Myself> true
 EFK> One of my favorite lines from Star Trek:
 Paul> I think idle flirting is fun.  Serious flirting might be
       something else, tho.
 EFK> Fool me once, shame on me.

 ** Peggy just joined CLE - WHY COME ON-LINE? (6 members now) **
 EFK> Fool me twice, Anyway...
 Peggy> just a quickie, going off line now all, take care and seeya
        another time
 EFK> Bye.
 Peggy> nite all and hugs
 Paul> night!
 Peggy> - signed off -
 Myself> quote runs like this - fool me once - shame on you - twice,
         shame on me.
 EFK> right.
 Paul> true.
 EFK> Gotta be more careful.  It's good for us.
 Paul> wanna flirt, ef? <grin>
 Myself> but it is also good to get to know folks better here
 EFK> Yes, flirting can be fun, and falling in love can be fun, but
      you have to decide what's valuable vs. what's just attractive.
 Myself> it helps break down those walls we refer to as prejudice.
 Myself> you cannot judge from appearances, or voice tone, or any of
         the usual things
 
 ** JOEY just joined CLE - WHY COME ON-LINE? (6 members now) **
 Myself> which people use to categorize others.
 EFK> What do you mean John?
 JOEY> Hello
 Connie> hi Joey!
 EFK> Hi Joey!
 Beth> [hi joey!]
 Myself> hi joey.
 Paul> hi there, joey.
 Myself> well like, lets say you meet this interesting person...
 JOEY> Sorry I'm late. Node was down.
 EFK> Node good.
 
 ** SCHONBERGER just joined CLE - WHY COME ON-LINE? (7 members now) **
 Myself> you develope a feel for him or her as the case may be..
 JOEY> Hi stever.
 Myself> and maybe even an image.
 Connie> hello Steve!
 JOEY> - signed off -
 Myself> but you don't look at the screen and say this person is big,
         small, chinese, black or whatever..
 
 ** JOEY just joined CLE - WHY COME ON-LINE? (7 members now) **
 Myself> people are just people!
 JOEY> grrrrrr
 Myself> nothing more or less.
 EFK> bzzzzzzzzzzzz
 Myself> and by the same token, you are also not being judged.
 Myself> this is one place where people can be accepted without the
         usual judgements.
 EFK> I understand all that, John, but if you're the kind of person to
      whom appearance isn't that important....
 EFK> then you're meeting someone's SOUL here.
 Connie> gotta run - seeya later, everyone!
 Connie> - signed off -
 Paul> bye, connie!
 JOEY> Nite, Conie
 EFK> There's something very strange here.
 Beth> Yes, ef, you've got a point there: soul. This medium is almost
       like telepathy.
 Myself> either way.  makes no real difference since you are
         contacting people
 EFK> It's so easy to be open.
 Steve> - signed off -
 Myself> whom you might or might not otherwise try to meet in the
         face to face type situation.
 
 ** tim just joined CLE - WHY COME ON-LINE? (6 members now) **
 Myself> <hi all you new arrivals>
 EFK> Hi Tim.
 Tim> Hello everyone
 JOEY> - signed off -
 Myself> yes, it is so easy to be open here that many first timers are
         truely amazed at the pace with which new and 'close' friends
         can be made.
 EFK> I walked right into that one.
 Tim> Si!
 
 ** SCHONBERGER just joined CLE - WHY COME ON-LINE? (6 members now) **
 Myself> indeed.
 Tim> (emphatic french)
 EFK> Rehi steve.
 Steve> back after uninet freezeup
 EFK> That's what I meant about being more careful now.
 Steve> (aaaarrrgh!)
 Myself> exactly.
 Tim> There's a certain safety behind the keyboard, if that's what u
      mean, myself
 Myself> steve==>weather is cold here too. <grin>
 EFK> That's what *you* think.
 Steve> hehehee john
 Myself> the feeling of safety is illusion at best tim.
 Tim> You have time to think out what u are saying
 Steve> im demonstrating for a local friend...  what a start, a 
        freezup...
 Beth> It is as if all the negative traits are stripped away from a
       person "on-line", and you are, in fact, looking at the "soul"
       ef mentioned.
 Paul> well, got to go, folks.  See you all later.
 EFK> Right, John.  It takes concerted effort not to fall into the
      trap.
 Myself> since you may find yourself telling more than you would have
         wanted to without realizing it.
 Myself> night paul
 Myself> thanx for dropping in
 EFK> Bye Paul. Nice meeting you.
 Steve> has tiglon been on tonight?
 Paul> nice meeting you, ef!
 Beth> Bye Paul
 EFK> Not yet.
 Tim> I just think that psychologically, thjere is a safety about not
      seeing the person you are talking with
 Myself> haven't seen her yet
 Paul> - signed off -
 Steve> she ussually on later, eh?
 EFK> Unless you want to, that is.
 Myself> there is tim, no doubt, but therein lies the potential for
         both good friendships and troublses
 Tim> boy, that came out a lot more garbled on the boundeback
 Beth> so how do you become more careful and avoid "the trap", ef?
 EFK> And a lot of hurt.
 Myself> <tim - sok, you got your point out>
 Beth> **brb**
 
 ** JOEY just joined CLE - WHY COME ON-LINE? (6 members now) **
 JOEY> grumble.....
 EFK> (A) don't flirt, (B) don't start what you can't finish.
 Myself> excellent advice
 EFK> Hi again, Joe.
 JOEY> Hi liz. What is the multiple choice?
 EFK> How to stay out of trouble on Delphi.
 Myself> not multiple choice
 Myself> two bits of advice.
 EFK> Multiple guess?
 JOEY> hmmm, could be..
 EFK> How do You stay out of trouble, joe <grin>?
 JOEY> Here lately, I don;t.
 Tim> Well, flirting here has its same hazards as in real life
 Myself> the best advice is to watch what kind of meanings can be
         implied by what you say.
 EFK> I'm too direct, I'm afraid.
 Myself> and then be careful about how you do to avoid
         mis-interpretation.
 Myself> not at all ef.
 Myself> your doing just fine. thank you.
 Beth> **back*
 Steve> hi again beth
 EFK> My husband's advice is don't meet the people face to face, but         he's prejudiced <grin>
 Myself> actually there is nothing wrong with flirting....
 Myself> to a point.
 EFK> What point?
 Myself> but defining that point is not always an easy task.
 EFK> One false step, and it's all over.
 Myself> basically, you have to be sure in yourself just what you want
         to do, how far to go, and
 Myself> how serious you want to get.  draw a line there and don't
         cross it.
 EFK> Some of us had to find that out the hard way.
 Tim> You have to be sensitive to how the other person is receiving
      the flirting,..
 Myself> most of us actually.
 Steve> what can you folks tell my friend who is here watching also
        about this stuff?
 EFK> Hooray.
 Tim> and that is what is difficult on-line when you have less clues
 Myself> true tim.
 Myself> steve==>> like anything in particular??
 Tim> They may be taking u more seriously than u intend
 Myself> that is true.
 JOEY> True, Tim.
 Tim> or less
 EFK> Yeah, but you can also be on the same wavelength.
 Steve> (sorry to interrupt serious discussion...have to keep demo
        $hort
 Myself> no problem steve..
 EFK> Well, you can't demonstrate send.
 EFK> Not working.
 JOEY> Right, Liz. grrrrr
 Steve> efk...  i noticed that...  thing seems to be buggy again
 Myself> there is a lot to be learned and experienced on-line....
 Tim> Send not working on whole system?
 Myself> in part anyway tim;
 EFK>  Joe: Thanks for the super mail.  VHS?
 Beth> I have learned so much about myself since I've been on-line; 
       and I think I have learned quiet a bit about human nature.
 JOEY> My part never works, John
 Myself> just be aware that the message you send to another in this
         medium...
 Myself> is not guaranteed to be the one they receive.
 EFK> What do you mean, My?
 Myself> in line with our previous comments......especially as
         regards how seriously they might take you.
 EFK> Oh, I thought you meant technical trouble.
 Tim> Yes, not having body language and facial language clues makes a
      difference
 Myself> no, just continuing along previous lines.
 Steve> well, gotta go now...nice seeing you aall once again (finally
        the system  works when i try to log on...)
 Tim> you just get text
 Myself> for example <here's where i start eating my feet>
 JOEY> Nite, Steve.
 Myself> nite steve
 JOEY> Yuk.
 Steve> - signed off -
 Myself> suppose I were to 'come on' to you ef, and was just
         interested in a little harmless fun...
 Myself> but you thought I meant something else and got either upset
         or started to take me more seriously than I had intended.
 EFK> Wouldn't you know before it went that far?
 Myself> that's what I mean about the message not being the same
         received as sent.
 Myself> maybe, maybe not.
 Tim> I guess you have to work harder at conveying meaning in words,
      then 
 EFK> Someone once sent me mail asking if I were married & did I want
      to flirt.
 Myself> it is amazing to me
 Tim> than if it was face to face
 EFK> I didn't answer, that's all.
 Beth> That happens off-line, too, Myself;  so I can imagine how much
       easier mixed signals could happen here.
 JOEY> ssshhhh, Liz
 Myself> how dense I can be when i think it is all so clear 'to me'.
 
 ** SASSY just joined CLE - WHY COME ON-LINE? (6 members now) **
 EFK> What'd I do?
 JOEY> You weren't supposed to tell anybody.
 JOEY> Hi Sassy.
 SASSY> HI
 EFK> It wasn't you, silly!
 Myself> hi sass
 EFK> Hi sass.
 Beth> Hi Sassy
 JOEY> It wasn't?
 EFK> no!
 JOEY> Shucks.
 EFK> You never asked!
 Myself> huh??
 EFK> <giggle>
 Beth> i did: huh??
 JOEY> ahem.
 Beth> i bid
 EFK> We're playing old Beatle records here.  It's WONDERFUL!
 JOEY> I am jealous, Liz.
 Myself> i stepped on an old beatle once.
 EFK> Keep offa my records!
 Myself> probably not the same as the ones ur listening too.
 Beth> makes an awful crunch, doesn't it, MYself?
 Myself> well, it had stepped on me first.
 Tim> well, mccartney ususally lets out a loud squeal
 SASSY> WHATS UP GOYS?
 JOEY> Not me.
 Beth> wonder if the bugs in delphi belong to the beatle family?
 Myself> we were just talking about being on-line and why we do it.
 SASSY> OPPS THAT SHOULD READ GUYS
 JOEY> Cockroach family.
 Myself> i doubt it very much beth.
 Myself> more likely related to gremlins.
 Beth> (smile) No doubt.
 
 ** Connie just joined CLE - WHY COME ON-LINE? (7 members now) **
 Tim> Well, I come on line to meet all these wonderful people,...
 Myself> hi connie - wlcm bck
 JOEY> rehi connie.
 Connie> Hi again everyone.
 Myself> <where are they? <grin> >
 Tim> so i can be depressed when I realize I'll probably never meet
      them in reallife
 Myself> ok
 Myself> to each his/her own
 Tim> (grin)
 EFK> If you say so, Tim.
 Beth> [hi connie!]
 Myself> actually, there is considerable probability that you will
         meet at least
 EFK> Rehi Connie.
 Myself> one on-line friend face to face in the for-seeable future.
 SASSY> NO WONDER YOU NEVER MEET ANYONE LIVING IN KANAS..
 Myself> right
 EFK> for see-able.  I like that.
 Tim> no one else lives in kansas, i think!
 JOEY> So
 Myself> but if you've seen the 'Wizard' you have met the people of
         kansas <ducking behind door>
 EFK> I fantasize a big Delphi party where we all get together.
 Tim> and logs onto delphi, anyway
 JOEY> Sometimes, you have better friends here than offline.
 Connie> EF, we have a poll question about such a possibility!
 Beth> Kansas;  the land of ahhs
 EFK> We'd probably never go home!
 Myself> true there joey
 SYLVIA> WELL I HAVE THE POOL AND SPA.. LETS PLAN ONE
 EFK> First night in this sig.  Will check it out.
 Tim> Anyone else here from Kansas anyway?
 Myself> ef==>>no doubt i spelled it wrong but sok.
 Myself> where u at sylvia?
 Tim> Where is everyone from?
 SYLVIA> NEAR LA
 EFK> NYC
 JOEY> Louisiana
 Connie> Jacksonville, Fl.
 Myself> i never heard of alta loma - where is it?
 SYLVIA> ABOUT 50 MILES EAST OF LA
 Tim> Well, I've definitely met at least one person on-line that..
 Myself> bet your belly is in good shape <grin>
 Tim> has made me consider scheduling a vaction to a faraway place
 JOEY> You too tim?
 EFK> My cousin Richard lives in Alta Loma.
 Myself> I have been to a faraway place and the next time i go there i
         refuse to
 SYLVIA> EYS  IT CAN FLIP QUARTERS.. TRY IT SOMETIME
 Myself> set up any more computer equipment so i can properly enjoy it
         all.
 JOEY> Talented stomach.
 Beth> so being on-line can follow one, eh?
 Connie> <no comment, john!>
 SYLVIA> SO COME TO ALTA LOMA AND WE'LL HAVE THE PARTY HALF 
         STARTED
 Myself> mine just sorta hangs there sylvia, but I'd be willing to
         watch a demo.
 Tim> And I've heard of several stories of people marrying after
      meeting on-line
 EFK> Not this year, Syl.
 EFK> The stories are pretty well documented.
 Myself> right, this year is out
 SYLVIA> OH WELL NO PARTY SPIRT HUH
 EFK> Going to Florida (yuk)
 JOEY> Spirit is there. Money is not.
 Myself> bad year for partying.
 EFK> No offense, Connie
 JOEY> Florida?
 Connie> why yuk, EF?
 EFK> Actually, I just didn't like Miami.
 EFK> Going to Orlando this time.
 JOEY> Oh, I hate Miami.
 EFK> Early November.
 Tim> Am I in heaven, or am i in miami?
 EFK> I hate it more.
 Connie> Miami isn't part of Florida anymore! <grin>
 Tim> (martin mull tune)
 Connie> Orlando is great!
 Myself> right
 EFK> Thanks Con!
 JOEY> I don't blame you Connie.
 JOEY> I spent a year in Miami one week.
 EFK> When you gotta go, you gotta go!
 Connie> you see, we were trying to finish this Cross Florida Barge
         Canal so we could make that part of the state an island!
         <grin>
 EFK> Great one Joe!
 EFK> Joey: 10
 JOEY> <bowing>
 Myself> joey: 7 1/2
 JOEY> 10? WOW. A record.
 EFK> From the Yugoslavian judge, Myself?
 JOEY> John, you shouldn't be so critical with your jokes!
 Myself> that wasn't me - that $##%%@! GREMLIN did it to me.
 EFK> Sure, sure.
 Myself> <sheepish grin>
 JOEY> Right, I have this bridge I need to sell.......
 EFK> Not buying.
 Myself> I can get you a good deal in poland
 JOEY> Watch it, John....
 EFK>  /watching
 JOEY> (grin)
 JOEY> Whatcha see?
 Myself> there is this real nice real estate where your bridge would
         fit nicely
 
 ** Tiggeroo just joined CLE - WHY COME ON-LINE? (8 members now) **
 JOEY> Hi Gayle.
 SYLVIA> WELL TIM IT APPEARS THAT THE EAST COAST PARTY WILL BE IN
         FLORIDA..  SHALL WE SET UP A WEST COAST ONE
 Connie> hi Gayle!
 Tiggeroo>  <sneaking in unnoticed late as usual>
 Beth> Hi Tiggeroo
 Tim> Hi Tiggy!
 EFK> Hi
 Tim> Ok, but i'm more midwest
 Tiggeroo> Hi Tim, JOEY, My, Connie!!, Beth and EFK
 Myself> how about we set up the west coast party in florida too, that
         way we can co-incide and meet everyone there.
 Tiggeroo> west coast party can be at *my* house
 Myself> <nod>
 EFK> <no nod>
 EFK> Not crazy about CA either.
 Tiggeroo> nothing *wrong* with CA
 EFK> We New Yorkers are very chauvinistic.
 SYLVIA> BUT I WAS PLNNING ON A COUPLE OF FRIENDS FROM ARGENTINA
         COMING
 Tim> When tiggeroo ?
 JOEY> California=long way
 Tiggeroo> but worth the drive Joey!
 EFK> CA = pink tofu.
 Tiggeroo> excuse me?
 JOEY> Drive? hehe
 JOEY> Pick me up at the airport.
 Tim> Yes, their names are Arge and Tina
 Myself> <groan>
 EFK> I'll pick u up anyplace you choose.
 Tiggeroo> sends arent working..
 EFK> No kidding!
 JOEY> Falling out of chair....
 Tiggeroo> efk--* youre that nice ?
 Myself> <u bet>
 SYLVIA> I WAS FROM N.Y. ONCE.. NEVER WENT BACK ONCE I GOT OUT
 Tiggeroo> i should go to new york one day soon
 EFK> Trying to appologize for CA putdown, not succeeding.
 Tim> Well, did they stamp your hand, sylvia?
 EFK> Just her passport.
 Tiggeroo> so, was the CO enlightening?
 EFK> Where in NY SYlvia?
 SYLVIA> was born in the land of the dead(n.y.)
 EFK> Did I die?
 Tim> Was? you mean it's over?
 Myself> no
 JOEY> Not yet, Liz.
 Tiggeroo> ok then IS the CO Enlightening?
 EFK>  /pinch
 JOEY> Yes, tig.
 Tiggeroo> who ya pinching EFK?
 Myself> hey, anyone with enough sense to get out of new york and stay
         there is ok by me <grin>
 SYLVIA> nearcause
 Tiggeroo> joey--* fill me in later ok!
 EFK> I don't know about enlightening, but it sure was agreeable.
 JOEY> Ok. Sounds good to me.
 Tiggeroo> about the CO i mean..parts I missed and all
 JOEY> Awww, heck.
 Tiggeroo> >> grin <<
 SYLVIA> opps data loss syrcause
 JOEY> There are some parts I miss, too.
 Tiggeroo> <reading letter>
 EFK> Syracause isn't like the real New York!
 Connie> but who's going to fill Joey in....on the parts he missed!?!
         <grin>
 EFK> I can see leaving there!
 Myself> NOT ME !!!
 EFK> You do it, Con.
 Tiggeroo> Only *I* can Connie...eat your heart out (hehehehehhehe
           sure Gaylee sure)
 Tim> i missed a lot of parts, too, but then..
 JOEY> It would take a long time.
 Connie> but then someone has to fill me in on the parts I missed!
 Beth> You suggested it, Connie!
 Tim> parts is parts!
 SYLVIA> my ex is from the bronx.. he's a good proof of the statement
         that no intelligent life exists in n.y.
 Myself> <hmmm>
 Tiggeroo> <taking pars order>
 Tiggeroo> er parts...
 JOEY>  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	<licking pencil point>
 EFK> I was pinching myself to see if I dies.
 Tiggeroo> My My Myself..hows it going hon?
 Myself> yes.
 EFK> Don't lick the pencil, Joe.  Not good for ya.
 JOEY> Pinch an inch?
 Connie> Tim, parts may be parts, but it's what you do with the parts
         that really count!
 EFK> Not telling.
 Beth> Lead, you know...
 EFK> Even graphite.  Not a good idea.
 Tim> Hey, I'm all in favor of doing things with parts!
 
 ** POPE just joined CLE - WHY COME ON-LINE? (9 members now) **
 EFK> Lick it metaphorically.
 Myself> i am so far behind beth, i couldn't lead if i knew where i
         was going.
 EFK> Hi John P.
 JOEY> <kneeling>
 Beth> You're not far behind!
 Myself> oh? where am I ?
 Beth> (ducking head, waiting for pun)
 POPE> sorry couldn't be here earlier, but wanted to say hi.
 Tim> Myself, go ahead, we're listening
 Myself> lo jp
 EFK> If you thought of the pun, Beth, it's too late to duck.
 Tim> and we're hearing 'lo jp'
 Tim> oh, wait a minute i think i decoded that as a greeting
 Tiggeroo> - signed off -
 EFK> Tim: -1
 Myself> <repeat> Tim> and we're hearing 'lo jp'
 Tim> hey, my statement really wasn't worh repeating
 JOEY> Tim, you're in trouble. -1, hmmm
 POPE> hi Myself...Tim..
 Translator> "Hello John Paul"
 SYLVIA> well i'm going back to the real world..have a hot date
         waiting in regular conf.
 Tim> thank u, translator
 EFK> Have a hot one.
 JOEY> Nite, Sassy.
 EFK> Or two.
 EFK> And have one for me.
 Myself> <maybe, maybe not> Tim> hey, my statement really wasn't worh
         repeating
 Tim> How come i get minus 1, anyway? I figured it out,...
 JOEY> You only have to ask, Liz.
 EFK> And she calls conf the *real* world!
 SYLVIA> - signed off -
 Tim> A little slow, sure, but..
 Myself> by sylvia - thanks for coming.
 EFK> ok already. I'm sooooooooo sorrrrrrrrryyyyyyyy.
 Tim> gimme a break, these messages have to make it all the way to
      Kansas!
 Myself> ef ==>>  sorry for what?
 EFK> Oh yes, 
      HELLLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOKKKKAAAAAANNNNNSSSSSAAAAAAASSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!
 Tim> efk, i forgive you
 EFK> tks
 Tim> was that simulated 50 baud, efk?
 EFK> Your messages have to make it all the way to NY too, you know!
 EFK> I'm only doing 300 b.
 Tim> Or maybe full-duplex-and-then-some
 Myself> I  enjoy a good 'full duplex'.
 Tim> Yeah, but they don't get jet lag going east
 Tim> that sounded kinky, myself
 EFK> No stop
 JOEY> John, kinky?
 JOEY> Never.
 Tim> are there any meals on the flight?

 Myself>  ** New group name "SATURDAY NIGHT 'FLIGHT'" selected **
 Tim> smoking or nonsmoking?
 Myself> non-smoking thank you.
 Tim> same here
 Myself> I have this thing about breathing.  Its good for my sex life.
 POPE> can't stay ... have a good week all. .....
 Tim> Just follow the arrows to the gate
 Beth> non-smoking
 JOEY> Princess couldn't make it, John?
 Myself> nite jp
 POPE> - signed off -
 Connie> goodnight jp! take care!
 Myself> she has been and gone joey
 Tim> hey, maybe i'll try that, myself!
 JOEY> Oh.
 Tim> my sex life could use a boost
 EFK> Smoking
 JOEY> Smoking
 EFK>  Kansas too far to boost.
 Tim> efk, all the way to the back, please
 Tim> you too, joey
 EFK> Safer there <grin>
 Tim> watch yourselves back there
 JOEY> Alright! Alone with Liz.
 Myself> now, where is the 'Captn'?
 Beth> That's true....put me in the back!
 EFK> You know, the tail section is the safest part of a plane in a
      crash.
 Myself> beth, hows about I take you there <wink>
 EFK> And they say smoking will shorten your life!!
 Beth> Yes, and from now on I'm going to beg for it.
 JOEY> Liz: 9
 Tim> Well, one is more likely to get lung cancer thatn to be in a
      plane wreck
 EFK> Beg?  Sounds kinky to me.
 Beth> Ok, Myself
 JOEY> I beg for it, but no luck.
 Beth> Beg to sit in the tail section, efk
 EFK> Yes, sit up and beg.
 Tim> So i'll take my chances, thank you very much
 Myself> right, that's the place for it <hahaha>
 Myself> in the 'tail' section
 Beth> Last time I flew, it was on Delta to Atlanta--and they put me
       in the tail section.  A non-smoker.  Most uncomfortable ride.
 Tim> groan
 Myself> <walking back with beth>
 Myself> exactly
 JOEY> Noisy Beth?
 Tim> Well, I really hate it when they strap me to the wing
 EFK> Actually I don't like sitting in the smoking section.  Too
      smoky.
 Myself> have i ever been to atlanta?
 Tim> i'm beginning to feel they don't like me
 Myself> hmmmmm
 EFK> I like you Tim.
 EFK> Even if you don't smoke.
 Myself> ur ok i guess tim
 Beth> Noisy!  There was some sort of crack and explosion.  The pilot
       came on and said, "Well, folks...no need to panic.  That sound
       was just air racing across the engines.  haha."
 Tim> thanks, efk.
 EFK> I've been to Atlanta.  Great airport!
 JOEY> Really comforted you, huh?
 Beth> Huge airport.  Seems larger than O'Hare.
 EFK> Pilots all talk like that.  They went to the Chuck Yaeger school
      of dictin.
 EFK> diction, that is.
 Beth> I agree!
 Myself> so, on the flight over from england, the plane lost an
         engine.
 Beth> NO!!
 EFK> Tom Wolfe says it best in The Right Stuff.
 Tim> efk went to the Chuck Yeager school of typing, i see (grin)
 Myself> the capn announced that we would be an hour late getting into
         new york.
 Beth>  I would have been sick.
 EFK> I would've retreated to the smoking sectin.
 Myself> a bit later another engine died and the capn announced that
         the delay would be two hours.
 Beth> I would have had a panic attack
 EFK> Is this a joke?
 JOEY> This a joke?
 Tim> uh oh, i think i've heard this
 EFK> Me too.
 Myself> when the third engine died, the capn announced that we would
        be four hours late.
 Tim> (bearing with it)
 Myself> then this italian guy next to me said...
 Myself> i hope the other one doesn't die or we'll be up here all day.
 Myself> <hiding under table>
 Beth> (giggle0
 JOEY> John doesn't like Italians.
 EFK> I've heard that one, but it's still funny.
 Beth> (that's so funny)
 JOEY> Ahhh, dirty movie coming on.
 EFK> He should've said "Martian?"
 Myself> clean it up, this is a family show.
 Beth> I've been watching Clint Eastwood
 Tim> and the funny thing is, the italian was right!
 EFK> What movie, Joe?
 JOEY> Hollywood Hot Tubs.
 EFK> Oh, you're kidding!
 JOEY> No. On Showtime.
 Myself> how many software engineers does it take to put up a ladder?
 EFK> How many?
 Beth> ?>>
 Myself> none.
 Tim> we're dying to know, myself
 EFK> Why?
 Myself> it's a hardware problem
 EFK> Good
 JOEY> Sounds like Delphi's explanation when I call complaining.
 Tim> How many zen buddhists does it take to change a light bulb?
 EFK> They obviously don't have any hardware engineers.
 JOEY> 4?
 Myself> how many?
 EFK> Two? One to change it and one not to change it?
 Beth> one to turn the bulb and three to turn the ladder?
 Tim> It takes ... never mind
 EFK> Yes?
 Tim> EFK wins the prize for tonite!
 EFK> How many psychiatrists does it take to change a lightbulb?
 Myself> zen we assign someone else to take care of the light bulbs is
         all.
 EFK> Only one, but the lightbulb has to want to change.
 Tim> Hmm.. let me analyuze why u said that.
 Beth> (giggle)
 JOEY> Good Liz.
 EFK> Old, but not bad.
 Beth> I've never heard it
 Tim> How many Californians does it atake to change a lightbulb? (now
      that gayle is gone)
 JOEY> I'm not that old, I guess.
 EFK> One to hold the tofu...
 Tim> It takes seven..
 Tim> One to change the bulb, and six to share the experience
 JOEY> hehehe
 EFK> Thank you for sharing that.
 Beth> How can you tell if an Iranian has kidney trouble?
 EFK> How?
 Tim> it's like , you know, my pleasure, efk
 Beth> By his rusty zipper
 EFK> Oh NO!
 JOEY> <checking zipper>
 Tim> ok, that's one way
 JOEY> Whew!
 Myself> so there was this jewish fellow on his knees praying....
 EFK> You're no Iranian Joe!
 EFK> and?
 JOEY> Hey, you're right, Liz.
 Myself> "God, I never asked you for anything, please this once...
 Myself> let me win the NY state lottery?"
 Myself> a week goes by and nothing.
 Myself> so he goes back and prays some more
 Myself> "God, I don't even care about the money, just let me win.
         I'll give the money to charity."
 Myself> <flashing lightning, thunder>
 Myself> ""Hymie""
 Tim> (waiting pateintely for punchline)
 Myself> "God, is that you?"
 Myself> ""Hymie, yes, I have tried to answer your prayer but you have
         to meet me half way""
 Myself> ""you have to buy a lottery ticket""
 EFK> <ha>
 JOEY> I have one.
 JOEY> Superman was telling Batman one day
 Tim> Is it over yet?
 Myself> keep it for your old age <grigggle>
 JOEY> I sure had a weird thing happen today.
 Tim> Oh, I get it, he has to buy one first (grin)
 JOEY> I was flying around Metropolis and saw Wonder Woman
 Myself> <give tim a woopee pie>
 JOEY> lying on her patio nude with her hip undulating
 JOEY> hips. in an inviting fashion, and I couldn't control myself
 JOEY> I swooped down on her
 Myself> <no one can>
 JOEY> Batman said "Ibet she was surprised"
 Tim> (these jokes are great at 300 baud)
 JOEY> Superman said "Not as surprised as the Invisible Man!"
 EFK> Funny!
 EFK> I have one.
 Myself> hahahahahahaha
 Tim> I'll give it a slight chuckle
 Tim> on a scale of one to guffaw
 Beth> (giggle)
 EFK> A Frenchman, a Japanese man and an American were facing a firing
      squad.
 EFK> As is customary, they were asked their last requests.
 EFK> The Frenchman said, I want to sing the Marseillaise.
 EFK> The Japanese man said, I want to give one more lecture on
      Japanese management.
 EFK> The American said Shoot me first, I don't want to live through
      another lecture on Japanese management!
 JOEY> hehehe
 Beth> (giggle)
 EFK> You had to be there.
 JOEY> Must have been a manager.
 EFK> You'd appreciate that, Joey.
 JOEY> I get lectured all the time.
 EFK> Not by me, I assure you.
 JOEY> No, not you.
 Myself> ok....
 Tim> I think I was there, maybe
 Tim> Ok, myself?
 Myself> never mind, I forgot how the punch line sould read.
 JOEY> Know what the height of laziness is?
 EFK> I'm almost here 3 hours.  Too much!  I should go.
 Myself> nite ef
 Myself> come again.
 JOEY> Adoption.
 Beth> Night ef
 EFK>  I'll wait for Joey to finish his joke.
 JOEY> Nite liz.
 JOEY> I DID.
 EFK> Pout.
 Myself> on a scale of 1 to 1
 Myself> -1
 JOEY> I need to go, too. Have to get up at 5.
 EFK> That's sad, Joey.
 Myself> nite joey
 Beth> Ouch!  That must be painful.
 Tim> i think adoption was the punchline
 JOEY> Very, so some people can go to a ball game.
 Connie> goodnight JOey and EFK
 EFK> Goodnight all.  I will definitely come again.
 EFK> Bye all.
 Tim> but i'm not sure on these things
 JOEY> But, I get a 4 day weekend next week.
 Tim> bye efk
 EFK> - signed off -
 Myself> and good night from nbc news.
 Beth> That should be nice.
 JOEY> Very, I hope.
 Beth> Goodnight Chet
 JOEY> Goodnight David.
 Myself> good night david
 Tim> Good night, dick
 JOEY> Nite all.
 Myself> <goodnight lucy>
 Beth> Goodnight America--you know, there should be a "Goodnight
       America"
 Tim> say goodnight dick
 Myself> goodnight dick
 JOEY> - signed off -
 Beth> would be a nice balance
 Tim> please one is enough, beth
 Myself> how about that, we have two pair
 Myself> beth, tim, connie and myself
 Tim> beats a flush, doesn't it?
 Beth> sure does
 Tim> two pair of jokers, myself?
 Myself> yeah, wanna play 'poker'  <ie: poke her> <grin>
 Tim> do these things always end in orgies (grin back)
 Connie> myself, you been reading 'Truly Tasteless Jokes' again?
 Myself> no, but it can be fun to make allusions etc.
 Beth> sure can
 Myself> sorry connie
 Myself> they were truely tasteless weren't they.
 Beth> my best jokes are not fit for this keyboard
 Tim> Let's hear them anyway, Beth
 Connie> actually they were a little tastier than usual, myself!
         <grin>
 Beth> I've heard them in nursing school, in the O.R.
 Myself> tell us anyway.. i can make to conference private.
 Beth> (I'd die of embarrassment)
 Tim> wait a minute folks be back in a sec
 Tim> back
 Myself> its 11:54 do u know what i am up to?
 Tim> getting some background on beth from whois
 Tim> to prepare myself for this
 Tim> okay, no we know all about you, go ahead, beth
 Beth> I just don't know if I can go through with it!  Ha
 Myself> do it do it
 Beth> Ok. You convinced me.
 Beth> Two drunk guys stopped on a bridge to go to the bathroom...
 Beth> the first one said,  "Boy, this water sure is cold!"
 Beth> The second one said,  "Deep, too."
 Tim> (oh god not this one)
 Tim> Yes, ever since I said that, everyone has used that as a joke!
 Tim> I really wasn't drunk that nite though
 Beth> Oh, well, I guess I am losing my touch!  I need to take another
       nursing job to hear the best jokes.
 Tim> no, on the contrary, it was a good joke
 Beth> I know a real oldie.
 Tim> ok, go ahead, beth
 Beth> My parents used to have a jokes for the john, and I found
       it...here goes..
 Beth> An astronaut landed on a lush, green planet and saw a beautiful
       girl stirring in a big cauldron
 Myself> <just waking up no doubt>
 Beth> and the astronaut said, "Hey, what are you doing, stirring in
       that big old pot?"
 Beth> The girl replied, "Making babies."
 Beth> The spaceman said, "That's not how we make babies on Earth!"
 Beth> The girl said,  "Oh?"  And the astronaut proceeded to tell her,
       to which the girl said, "Please demonstrate."
 Beth> The astronaut proceeded to demonstrate.
 Beth> Afterward, the girl said,  "Where's the baby?"
 Beth> The guy said, "OH, that takes about 9 months."
 Beth> The girl said, "Oh, why'd you quit stirring?"
 Beth> Can you believe MY PARENTS had such TRASH in their bathroom
       cabinet???!!!
 Tim> Unbelievable!
 Myself> i can't believe you repeated it here! <hahaha>
 Beth> Well, folks, on that terribly trashy note, I must say goodbye.
 Tim> But parents have been known to do such things
 Myself> night beth
 Myself> nite tim
 Myself> nite connie
 Connie> goodnight Beth and take care!
 Beth> Nite Connie, myself, tim
 Tim> nite beth!
 Beth> - signed off -
 Connie> Goodnight John and Tim.
 Connie> - signed off -
.el

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