GHOSTnet is an email and message network for BBSes, with a goal to stir up creativity and further enhance modern BBS experiences, focused on the future of BBSing and growing user activity.
In 2020, many returned to BBSing to escape social media, forming lifelong friendships. As life returned to "normal", we aim to prevent the decline of BBS activity (again). GHOSTnet wants to keep the community alive by bridging the gap between the old and new while fostering collaboration and non-toxic conversation.
We don't aim to replace networks like FsxNet or WWIVnet but to supplement them, growing the BBS community through innovation, fun, and unique conversation.
GHOSTNet allows sysops running WWIV or Talisman BBSes to host their own subs without needing special permission from a network admin/owner, as long as they follow the network rules. This gives sysops the freedom to create unique, private or public, message areas and topics custom taylored to meet the needs of a SysOps desired theme and atmosphere. Note: that while self-hosting / sub flexibility is a unique feature of WWIV or Talisman platforms, and is a powerful tool for those seeking to build and grow their BBS communities, a great line up of FTN message areas will be offered to non WWIV/Talisman platforms to also enjoy.
- Bridge WWIV network to FTNs for all BBS Software Platforms and their users.
- Cater to a broad audience, including a new generation of BBS users and topics of interst to them.
- Inspire SysOps, developers, artists, and users to grow the GhostNet BBS community.
- Encourage modern BBS features through mods, coding, and customization tips.
- Have fun and support one another without overlapping discussion topics found on other networks!
- Your BBS is capable of running an Fido or WWIV based network.
- Your BBS should be customized, not stock, unless: a. You're a developer b. Known contributor to the BBS communities engagement. c. Active SysOp supportive to those new, hub operator, ANSI artist, Net Admin.
- Your BBS must be up for at least 90 days.
- No BBS ads or messages set to events or auto-added.
- Be kind and promote free speech while avoiding illegal content and unecessary drama and conflict.
- No spam.
- WWIV and Talisman SysOps are encouraged to host relevant subs.
- SysOp Landing Page: News, testing, collaborative GHOSTnet creations. SysOps Only
- Content Creation and Events: Digital Meet Ups, Server Events, Scene Channel Promotion, Content Releases, Game and BBS events.
- The Doors: Game Servers, Support, How To's, Discussion, Announcements, Resets, and competitions.
- BBS Mods: collaboration, support, tips, announcements for BBS mods and scripting.
- Vintage Computing: Updates on old tech with new hardware/software.
- ANSI/ASCII Art: posting your Art, discussion, new pack releases, tutorials, feedback, No Ads.
- New Tech on BBS: Merging modern tech with BBSes.
- Hardware Discussions: Reviews and builds for servers, gaming, NAS, Media Servers, Micro-computing, HAM, etc.
- Beyond the PC Tech Talk: Ai, Robotics, SMART Homes/Tech, Home Security, A/V, EV, Energy, Aero Space, Communications, etc.
- Modern Gaming: Reviews and discussions on modern games.
- Geek Culture: Anime, comics, card/board games, SciFi,and hobbies more.
- Click Bait: We all use it, just accept it. YouTube-Twitch, TikTok, Ahem Social Media, and Brain Rot Humor.
- Promote Your Sub: Promote your channel or sub.
WWIVnet is a BBS-based network using WWIV’s message and network system, similar to FTN networks. Any sysop can create a message/topic and allow others to subscribe. WWIVnet fosters collaboration, free speech, and a customizable experience for BBS sysops and users.
One of GHOSTnet's unique features is the ability to bridge messages between WWIVnet and FTN-based networks using Talisman BBS. Talisman allows importing and exporting messages between these two systems, ensuring consistent communication across both network types. This seamless integration lets BBSes maintain the structure and benefits of WWIVnet while also participating in the larger FTN ecosystem, making it easier for sysops to manage and interact with users from both networks.
This bridging capability helps unify the BBS community, allowing for cross-network discussions without losing the unique strengths of either system.
- FTN and WWIVnet-based subs will have a "common" base for all
- Self-hosted subs may intially only be availible for WWIV and Talisman sysops
- Self-hosted subs may be added to the FTN on a case-by-case basis (it's a manual process right now)
To join GHOSTnet using WWIVnet (for WWIV and Talisman BBSes), check out:
Note: WWIVnet refers to the WWIV message system, not the specific WWIVnet network.
Custom network utulities have been written for GHOSTnet by @apamment (Apam). You can access them here.
Happy messaging on GHOSTnet! 🚀📬