JIM MATTHEWS/Star Beacon

MIKE SUMMERS works on his computer bulletin board.

Teen on `Other Side'

Conneaut junior operates BBS

By STACEY HUNTLEY

CONNEAUT - Take a computer bulletin board system with an unlimited number of opportunities, add an awesome 16-year-old system operator (systems operator or sysop), and users to support it, and what is the result?

Nothing but a masterpiece BBS called The Other Side that is maintained by sysop
Mike Summers.

A bulletin board system (BBS) is software on someone's computer that allows
another person with a modem-equipped computer to link one another. Once
connected, the person with a modem can play games, download files for his or her
computer and take advantage of all the available options.

A system operator (sysop) is simply the person who runs and maintains the BBS.
The sysop's responsibilities include making sure the BBS is running smoothly,
that users are happy with what is available and help the user whenever possible.
Summers is a life-long Conneaut resident and junior at Conneaut High School.
Besides maintaining The Other Side BBS, Mike likes to cruise around town in his
black Sunbird. He is employed at Conneaut K-Mart and is a volunteer firefighter
for Conneaut's Station 4.

The Other Side (TOS) BBS is a result of Mike's fascination with computers. He
recalled being introduced to them when he was only 7 years old, adoring his
Commodore 64. "Ever since then it just kind of grew on me," he says with a
smile.

Now, nearly 10 years later, he is in full control of something he had originally
intended to be a way of communicating with a friend. The program he had been
using at that time wasn't suitable for his likings, so he added his custom screens
and personal touch.

Mike said the hardest part about starting his own BBS was finding a software to
use. He tried five different kinds before he could find one that fit his needs. After
many months of trying each, he decided Eternity v2.2 had some potential.

After that, Mike spent many hours and late nights constructing The Other Side
BBS. He said it was a very time consuming process, but well worth it. The main
reason for starting his own BBS was because he wanted to meet new people and
show off his computer's capabilities.

For those who are interested, Mike's computer in an IBM 586dx. It contains
133mhz and 24 meg of RAM. He also has a 33,600 baud modem that allows TOS
BBS to be possible.

All but one friend was supportive with his idea and gave him the encouragement
he needed. They were so interested in Mike's BBS that they even helped him
choose the name, The Other Side. His girlfriend complained he spent more time
with his computer than with her.

Finally on April 13, 1995, The Other Side BBS was "up" and "running". This
was a dream come true for Mike because he has installed and set up everything
himself. He also accomplished something that other teens his age would consider
impossible.

Mike was given a unique nickname by one of his users that fits him well. He
laughs and says, "Yeah, I'm the 'God of TOS'." The nickname started as a joke
when a friend was appointed temporary sysop while Mike was on vacation. He
says, "I left Conneaut as just 'Mike' and returned as the 'God of TOS', works for
me!"

TOS BBS had been online for a month and Mike was happy with the response.
His system was answering nearly 50 calls per day! This made The Other Side one
of the most popular BBSes in Ashtabula County until his hard drive crashed. He
then had to basically start all over and re-install everything. He was very
discouraged but didn't intend to give up that easily.

"The best part of being a sysop is getting to see how many new people I can
meet," Mike said. His big blue eyes opened wide and I could see the excitement
on his face as he tells me about a time he met a guy from Michigan. He said they
chatted for hours and became great friends. He also mentioned that a friend and
he met a girl from Philadelphia and they became good computer buddies, too.
I asked him if the Internet has affected The Other Side BBS. He kind of rolled his
eyes and said, "At first, no because not many people were interested in it
(Internet). Now that Conneaut has easy accessibility to the internet my BBS only
receives five or six calls per day."

Ironically, Mike supports his competitor because he uses the Internet about twice
a week. He says it helps him a lot with school along with finding files for TOS
BBS.

The Internet has caused a few changes for TOS BBS, but nothing to be alarmed
about. Mike decided since his system receives so few calls that he'd set hours that
it will be able to access. They are as follows: Monday through Thursday - 3 p.m.
to 10:30 pm and from Friday at 3 p.m. to Sunday at 10:30 p.m. (In other words
TOS is on-line 24 hours on weekends). sysop Mike wants everyone to know that
if TOS BBS's calls pick up then he will return to having it on-line 24 hours a day,
seven days a week.

Mike chuckled when I asked him if he had gained and experience from The Other
Side BBS and said, "Yeah, I've learned more than I thought I would, especially in
communications."

He also said it was amazing to see that you don't need the Internet to meet people
from all parts of the county.

"But," Mike says, "being a sysop isn't always fun," as he begins to grit his teeth.
"There are a lot of computer lock-ups and crashes that keep TOS BBS off-line for
days, as well as users whining about not having enough time," he says.

Mike, being the cool sysop he is, has eliminated the "time" problem by giving
each user four hours of on-line time. This is just one of the many elements that
make TOS BBS a great place to hang out. Another would be that it is free to
access (if it's not long distance from where you are calling) and to become a user
all you have to do is answer a few questions that only take five minutes.

The Other Side BBS also has many interesting files ready to be downloaded, on-
line games to play and many fascinating message bases. This BBS is a fun place
to spend time if you get bored with the Internet because it is a slight change of
pace and easy to use. After all, if you feel you're confused with the menus Mike
has constructed for TOS BBS just let him know. He would be more than happy to
explain it to you.

One of the most exciting on-line games at TOS is Legend of the Red Dragon
(L.O.R.D.). This is an adventure game that lets you fight enemies including other
users (a great way to get revenge). You will also be able to manage money, choose
your armor and weapons, visit an inn and even get married. It's a fun game
because not only are you playing against the computer but also other users.

Are you wondering how to connect to The Other Side BBS? It's simple. All you
need is a computer with a modem (baud speed doesn't matter), a communication
program (not an internet dial-up), an open mind and some patience.
The telephone number is (440) 593-4181.

Sysop Mike would like to remind everyone that it's totally free to access. When
was the last time you didn't have to pay to do something fun like this?

Still not convinced The Other Side BBS is a cool place to spend modeming? Give
it a call and see for yourself. . . You'll be glad you did, and Mike will too.

Huntley is a Conneaut High School junior who can dial up bulletin boards on her
own computer with her eyes closed.