Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!rutgers!apple!chuq
From: chuq@Apple.COM (Chuq Von Rospach)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.programmer
Subject: Re: Best Commercial BBS for Mac Programmers (WHICH?)
Message-ID: <31670@apple.Apple.COM>
Date: 25 May 89 23:26:00 GMT
References: <8905252306.AA02845@jade.berkeley.edu>
Organization: Life is just a Fantasy novel played for keeps
Lines: 50

>I have been looking for a good commercial BBS to subscribe to but would
>like some feedback from Mac programmers who have found valuable tools,
>utilities, advice and programming examples from their favorite board before
>dipping into my wallet.

>I am fairly familiar with CompuServe, but know very little about GEnie or
>MacNet. Information about cost/hour and rate changes during a 24-hour period
>would be much appreciated. Also, is AppleLink worth subscribing to?

I wrote about this for Mac Horizons a while back. You might want to check
for that issue in a library for details, but here's a quick summary:

o CompuServe: the biggest, almost to excess. Expensive, but if it exists for
  the Mac, it's up there. With compuserve Navigator and some restraint, you
  can definitely keep to a budget. Unless budget is your primary
  requirement, I'd go with CI$.

o GEnie: the next to biggest. It's not nearly as complete as CIS, especially
  vendor support. It doesn't have as much software in the libraries,
  although it's pretty complete. It's about half as expensive as CI$, but
  the interface is horrible and a pain to use. Ugly. Offends the senses.

o Delphi: the smallest of the services. Not terribly complete, but very
  little noise, either. Many of the developers are there, and it is possible
  sit and chat with them without a lot of hassle or interruption. The Sysop
  has recently resigned over differences with Delphi, so it's all a little
  murky now.

o Applelink: the official voice of Apple. Most of the stuff that is
  interesting here generally gets to CI$ or Genie sooner or later. Unless
  you sign up as an Apple Partner and want to get on AppleLink for support,
  I'd probably spend my money on CI$ first.

Recommendations: If you have the budget, you can live on CI$ for $75 a
month. You can live reasonably for $100, and if you want to budget $150, you
can do a lot of downloading and watch most of the forums with Navigator (you
can spend a *lot* more if you're a downloading freak. I'm usually between
$80 and $110, so I know these numbers can be done). If $75/month gives you
hives, sign up for Genie. As to the rest, it all depends on how much time
and money you want to spend. Either CI$ or Genie will serve most of your
needs most of your time, and anything else you do depends entirely on how
many systems you want to play with.


Chuq Von Rospach      =|=     Editor,OtherRealms     =|=     Member SFWA/ASFA
         chuq@apple.com   =|=  CI$: 73317,635  =|=  AppleLink: CHUQ
      [This is myself speaking. No company can control my thoughts.]

This is....The Voice....of USENET....in special English. 1300UTC on 11525.