Xref: utzoo comp.misc:3969 alt.bbs:177
Path: utzoo!hoptoad!amdcad!apple!rutgers!labrea!decwrl!megatest!palowoda
From: palowoda@megatest.UUCP (Bob Palowoda)
Newsgroups: comp.misc,alt.bbs
Subject: Re: Houston bbs's vs SW Bell - more
Message-ID: <949@megatest.UUCP>
Date: 31 Oct 88 10:08:51 GMT
References: <1947@uokmax.UUCP>
Distribution: usa
Organization: Megatest Corporation, San Jose, Ca
Lines: 36

> However, I think you should realize -- that's NOT how they claim to do it!  A
> business line is to charge people that make MONEY by using those phone lines.
> I assure you, my BBS doesn't make a dime for me -- indeed, I lose the bucks
> for the phone line.
> 
   
   I too run a bbs for non profit at a loss. But SW Bell is sucsessful
   and other local carriers adopt the structure it will give me
   the reason I need to write it off on the IRS. 

> Why charge it for a business when it's not?  Okay, if they're going to change
> the whole definition of a business line, that's one thing -- but that's only
> a fantasy that you've given us.  The truth us, they've defined BBS's as
> obviously being businesses for profit using the phone lines -- and in most
> cases, that's simply untrue.

  One of their points is that bbs are non-profit organizations, which
  they are charge commercial rates to these organizations. I don't think
  they have a leg to stand on from occured use, but there is other points
  (legal) to look at.
> 
> Mind you, there are systems that are pay and make a profit.  More power to
> Bell where those are concerned -- they are business; they should have
> business lines.  But to tell me that *I* am a business?  I'd say not.

    You are not a "business", you and your users are a non-profit organ.
    If you want to have fun start writeing your assembly-man and represenative
    to well define this. 

    ---Bob

-- 
 Bob Palowoda                               
 Work: {sun,decwrl,pyramid}!megatest!palowoda                           
 Home: {sun,pryamid}aeras!grinch!legends!fiver!palowoda                
 BBS:  (415)656-9386 2400/1200   Voice:(415)656-9384