A Breif History of the BBS!

Ten Forward Lounge
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A Brief History of BBS (Bulletin Board Systems)

1. Origins of BBS (Late 1970s)

  • The first BBS, called CBBS (Computerized Bulletin Board System), was created in 1978 by Ward Christensen and Randy Suess in Chicago. It was designed to mimic physical bulletin boards where users could leave and retrieve messages.
  • Users connected via dial-up modems, initially at speeds as slow as 300 baud.

2. Growth and Features (1980s)

  • BBSes exploded in popularity as personal computers like the Apple II, Commodore 64, and IBM PC became more common.
  • Key features included:
    • Message Boards: Organized “message bases” where users could discuss specific topics.
    • File Sharing: BBS sysops (system operators) hosted libraries of shareware, freeware, and drivers.
    • Door Games: Text-based multiplayer games like Legend of the Red Dragon (LORD), TradeWars 2002, and Barren Realms Elite were hugely popular.

3. FidoNet and Networking (Mid-1980s)

  • FidoNet, created in 1984 by Tom Jennings, enabled BBSes to connect and exchange messages and files. This allowed users from different BBSes to interact, creating a primitive global network.
  • Message bases like echomail worked like modern forums, with topics shared across multiple systems.

4. The Sense of Community

  • BBSes were often hyperlocal, forming tight-knit communities where users could meet like-minded people.
  • They were the original social media platforms, offering private messaging, group discussions, and even in-person meetups.

5. Transition to Telnet and the Internet (1990s)

  • As internet access grew, BBSes adapted by supporting Telnet, allowing users to connect without modems.
  • However, web-based platforms like AOL, Usenet, and later forums began to overshadow BBSes.

6. Decline and Legacy (Late 1990s and Beyond)

  • While traditional BBSes faded, their influence is clear in modern online communities. Forums, social media, and multiplayer online games owe much to the BBS era.
  • Retrocomputing enthusiasts still run BBSes today, accessible via Telnet, celebrating this pioneering chapter of digital history.

Cultural Impact and Nostalgia

  • BBSes were more than technology; they were communities built on shared interests and passion.
  • Games like LORD made logging into a BBS fun and addictive, while the ability to send messages and share files fostered collaboration and learning.

The BBS era was a fascinating precursor to today’s internet-driven world, showcasing how people could connect and communicate in an entirely new way.