
                        Becomming a System Operator
                        ---------------------------

                      By Brian Kellison - Air Time BBS



     There is alot of things to consider when becoming a System
     Operator (SYSOP) of a BBS. You have to think of a theme for
     the BBS you plan to run. Also you will need to search for
     software that will do what you want it to.

     When you decide to become a Sysop you must be ready to do lots of
     work. To get started, think of a theme for your BBS; then plan
     around that theme the items you want to carry on the BBS that
     will support your theme.

     Items will include files (programs) and messages, bulletins, games
     and maybe even networks for messages. Once these have been 
     planned out then sit down and determine the type of access you want 
     each user to have. Basically you will be planning out the security 
     levels, these are levels that your users will be assigned to.  These 
     security levels determine what each user can access and how long.

     In the security levels you must decide how much time each
     level is allowed per day and sometimes per time they are on
     the system. You will also need to determine which file areas
     and what file ratio that particular level will have.

     Then the next step is to set up which level will have what
     message bases (conferences) in some cases.  When you set these
     levels up you are controlling what outside people can do with
     your BBS.   Remember NEVER give someone but yourself the 
     highest level as this will cause problems, such as access to
     personal information, private messages and files.

     Once you have all of this information layed out then it's time
     to find the BBS software that will do just what you want it to.
     There are a lot of software for BBS's on the market but take your
     time and play around a little and try out the shareware versions
     before you sink your money into a BBS package and find out you
     do not like it.

     I myself have worked with over 30 different BBS packages and 
     finally settled on one but it took me over 3 years to do it.
     I am not saying it would take you this long, but remember the
     quickest way to make users very unhappy is to keep changing
     software constantly.

     Once you have decided on a BBS package then be sure to read
     all of the documentation on it carefully and review often to
     refresh your memory.  Most of today's questions are answered 
     right in the documentation.

     Now sit down and go to work and be sure to have fun doing it.
