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From: fbr@utastro.UUCP (Frank Ray)
Newsgroups: net.singles
Subject: the anonymous book
Message-ID: <1030@utastro.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 21-Feb-85 10:08:33 EST
Article-I.D.: utastro.1030
Posted: Thu Feb 21 10:08:33 1985
Date-Received: Tue, 26-Feb-85 08:24:52 EST
Distribution: net
Organization: U. Texas, Astronomy, Austin, TX
Lines: 27

One of the more interesting networks I have participated in lately is
the BMW Anonymous Book.  This is a list of phone numbers (without names), 
sorted by locality that any owner of a BMW (motorcycle) may obtain simply 
by registering with a central office. One may list the various aids 
to travellers that he/she is willing to provide: coffee, radius of help
(in case of breakdowns), conversation, camping space, tools, etc.  
One is required to be a member of the BMW Owners' Association, and
usually will be asked to show proof of same, even if riding a BMW.  
It seems to work.

The class of people contributing to the net seems high to me.  I wonder if
it might be possible to have such an anonymous book for network participants
who are travelling?  Certainly there are potential aids to travellers, or
things one could offer.

While I would not be willing to put someone up for the night, I would, for
example, be willing to offer aid in discovering Austin's better qualities,
a good place to eat, perhaps just a helping hand, or could play any of
a number of racquet games with those who carry their gear with them.  I've
often been on the road and wanted a squash game, and would have settled
for raquetball, but there was not time to find the players.

Participation (including mine) in the BMW Anonymous Book is strictly
voluntary, and there's a real feeling of comraderie when one sees the
number of souls willing to give a little.

fbr@utastro