New Vintage Computer Forum

["Erik Klein" <ekklein@pacbell.net>]

Hello,

I would like to announce a new message board that I have created in support
of the vintage computer community.

During the past couple of years I've been participating as a lurker on this
and other newsgroup as well as on several mailing lists.  I have made a few
observations that I felt needed addressing including:

-          the need for a better way to advertise items or help (wanted or
offered)

-          the ability to support off topic conversations along with
on-topic ones without burdening those not interested in one or the other

-          the ability to easily search archives for topics of interest

-          the ability to keep "threads" of discussion together

-          the ability to categorize these threads for easier research

With the above in mind I decided to experiment with a web based
bulletin/message board (a long way from my days with RBBS and WWIV).  Over
the past month or so I have changed my web hosting service for
www.vintage-computer.com in order to work with a hosting company that could
support the new forum I was considering.  Over this past weekend I finished
the initial phases of moving my site and configuring the boards.  The result
is now available for use at www.vintage-computer.com/vcforum.  A link is
also available from my www.vintage-computer.com front page.

There are two things that I would like to stress about the new forums.
First, I don't envision them as a threat to this news group or the community
that supports it.  I see it as another tool in our toolbox (or toy in our
toy chest) to enhance our enjoyment of our hobby.

Second, although I set up these forums I consider them to be "ours" in as
broad a sense as that is possible.  I am not only willing, but anxious to
have others participate in these forums as administrators, moderators and
contributors.  Volunteers are welcome and operators are standing by!

Hopefully if you are reading this you will see your way clear to popping
over for a visit and supporting this effort with whatever you are willing to
offer, be that participation, suggestions or criticism.  Again, this is our
community and I will do my best to make these forums reflect that.

Thank you and best regards,

Erik S. Klein

www.vintage-computer.com