On May 1, 1992...on an 8088 XT computer, that was received as a birthday present just weeks earlier...The Thunderbolt BBS first came online.

Running DOS 3.2, with 640K of RAM, with a 20 megabyte hard drive, a 1200
baud modem, a monochrome green monitor, with a 3.5" and a 5.25" floppy
drive, and running GT Power 15.50 -- I never dreamed it'd become what it
is today.

Each May, the BBS celebrates another year online. But, even though it was
not up continuously during that time...due to hardware, software, weather,
and other issues...the BBS has ended up being one of the last BBS's in Arkansas...and definitely the only Arkansas BBS now running Virtual
Advanced BBS Software.

A full history of the BBS can be found in the file TBHISTRY.ZIP -- which
can be downloaded from the Files Menu. You can also find the bulletin in
the System Bulletins area under the I)nformation Menu, under the text
bulletins category (option B on that menu).

I want to thank all the users and Sysops over the years, who have helped
make the BBS what it is today. A comprehensive bulletin of these users is
in the file named DONATION.ZIP -- containing the BBS's Donations Policy
(in short, they are VOLUNTARY...there is NO FEE to use the BBS (except for
long distance charges to your ISP))...and of course, a list of these users
who helped make the BBS what it is today.

Lastly, I would be remiss if I failed to note, In Memoriam, my late wife
and Co-Sysop, Janice E.H. Stout -- who passed away April 27, 2007...three
weeks shy of our 4th wedding anniversary. The BBS is lovingingly continued
in her memory...she did so much for the BBS, in proofreading bulletins, as
well as "being a challenge" in many of the doorgames, and overseeing the special message area for Ladies Only, The Beauty Shop. Not a day goes by
when I don't think of her.

Here's to hoping that The Thunderbolt BBS is around for a long time.

Daryl Stout, WX1DER, Sysop


Posted by VPost v1.7.081019

--- Virtual Advanced Ver 2 for DOS
# Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS (1:19/33)
* Origin: LiveWire BBS - Synchronet - LiveWireBBS.com (1:2320/100)