A summary for those that haven’t been keeping up with this series:
I found a number of 5.25″ disks at a thrift store a number of years ago (we are talking late 1990s probably). I finally got around to acquiring a 5.25″ disk drive and extracting the contents a several years back. Since then, I have been occasionally posting the content here.
Based on the contents, at least some of these disks were apparently once owned by someone named Connie who used to run the “Close Encounters” Special Interest Group (SIG) on Delphi in the mid 1980s.
A description of this SIG was found in a document on one of the disks: “This SIG, known as ‘Close Encounters’, is a forum for the discussion of relationships that develop via computer services like the Source, CompuServe, and Delphi. Our primary emphasis is on the sexual aspects of those relationships.”
This service was text based and was accessed via whatever terminal program you used on your computer to dial in to Delphi’s servers. Many of these disks have forum messages, e-mails and chat session logs. All of this is pre-internet stuff and I don’t know if there are any archives in existence today of what was on Delphi in the 1980s. In any case, much of this stuff would have been private at the time and probably wouldn’t be in such archives even if they existed.
This post includes the contents of DM0123.DOC. This file is dated September 2nd, 1985. The first part is a couple of ‘whois’ commands which lists user information for the given username. The most interesting part to me is the fact that the hardware used by the user is usually part of their profile.
The rest of the file looks like an e-mail reading session with topics ranging from sex education to a new file library on Delphi and more.
===
DM0123.DOC
===
CONF>whois anticlub
NAME : RUSSELL J., JIM V.T., JACK M.
COMPUTERS : APPLE///plus {anticlub}
LOCATION : LOS ANGELES, CA
TERM-SOFT : MODEM 1200, IMAGEWRITER, TERM, ACCESS 3.
CONF>whois davros
There is no information on file for DAVROS.
From: YOSHI 20-JAN-1985 19:45
To: @MAILCALL
Subj: Sex Education
@MailCall'ers:
I believe that sex ed. should be a shared responsibility -
shared between the parents and the schools. Why both?
Because neither is equipped to deal with all aspects of sex
and sexuality. Why not the church? Well, certainly the
church can and will provide some info and guidance. But it
should only be allowed to do so for its own followers and/or
members. In no way should the church (and here I mean any
organized religious organization) be allowed to dictate what
others do, nor should they be allowed to influence anyone but
their own followers. Anyone has a right to influence their
own views by listening to what some religion says, but
religions have no right to influence those who choose not to
listen. But I'm here to discuss sex ed, not flame against
organized religions.
I think before I go further that I should say what I think
sex ed should include. I think we all will agree that kids
need to be taught the fundamentals of the biological aspects
of sex. I also doubt that anyone here will believe that such
knowledge will in any encourage them to have sex. But I also
think that kids need to be made aware of the issues of birth
control, intimacy, and responsibility.
I think that it is the job of the school to provide
information concerning the biological side of things. They
are probably best equipped to deal with the rapidly changing
medical world and the discoveries made therein. Also, let's
face it - how many of us can rattle off the hormones that
affect a woman's menstrual cycle, and which one does what and
in what order? I know I can't. But people who teach sex ed.
do know such things. Or they should, if they 're gonna teach
about them. Also, schools have access to charts, diagrams,
models, etc, that the average parent doesn't. And this can
really help kids see what is being talked about.
But the schools aren't really the place for kids to learn
moral values. I firmly believe that every person will develop
their own set of morals, but I doubt they will do it before
they start having sex. (I know that my own set was still
ill-formed when I started.) And that's part of what parents
are for - to teach children about the ideas of "right" and
"wrong" and how to make decisions about which is which.
And parents are also supposed to help prepare their kids
emotionally for what's in store for them. After all, sex is
a very powerful thing. And its influence is very strong. And
that can be scary for a kid if s/he doesn't have any idea of
what to expect. Parents are also there to help kids learn
about things like intimacy - what it is, why it is, and why it
matters.
Hopefully, kids will get a good view of sex and all that's
associated with it before they start trying it. And the
different viewpoints and values of those that teach them about
it will help them form their own values. It is unfortunate
that you (usually) have to try sex before you really
understand what's it's like - many people wind up getting
hurt that way (and hurting others). And some people never do
learn lots of things about sex because their first experiences
leave them hurt or scarred or frightened. But such is life.
We can only hope that by providing kids with as much
information as possible that they will make the right
decisions and not get hurt as badly as many of us did.
Well, thanx for listening to me.
Yoshi
P.S. - As we say in the UNIX world: "Comments welcome, flames
to /dev/null".
From: IDEL 20-JAN-1985 22:39
To: CABUYS
Subj: Close Encounters
Hi, Connie:
Wud you send me the password to the Close Encounters board?
Thanx,
>>>>IDEL/Greg
WC>
From: MBERGSTEIN 17-JAN-1985 21:24
To: CABUYS
Subj: REDSHAW
Hi Connie:
How are you? spoke to Amy at Redshwaw the other day and told
her about our idea. She thought it was good and would be
happy to work with us on it.
I am going to try and set this up in the Users Sharing Ideas
program which ARIAS is running this year. Redshaw will
provide the hardware including the necessary Async Modems.
Also spoke to Jackie Lewis who is running that for ARIAS and
she is going to provide us with 30 minutes. I thought we would
explain it and then I would send a message to you, projected
onto the overhead screen (we will have to keep it clean) and
then you could retrieve it and send me one. Please let me know
your thoughts on this and any other ideas you may have.
One thing bothers me - there is no control key on the Wang
2236 terminals. Do you know how to compensate for that?
Should we ask Delphi? Do you think Delphi would offer
discounts if we get a number of people to sign up? Please let
me know what you think.
By the way - is there a way for me to save this message so
that I can refer to it after you answer? Manual (as most)
is not very clear.
Look forward to hearing from you. Mike.
From: DEOGBURN 21-JAN-1985 00:46
To: GLENN,JOHNWG,CHUCKG,DAN,KIP,@SIGOPS
Subj: PROGRAM LIBRARY PRESENTATION (guide will follow in a
few days)
Proposed blueprints for PROGRAM LIBRARY (Upload/Download area)
Please refer to technical notes guide that follows.
Gentleman:
Below is a presentation of a proposed DELPHI product called
PROGRAM LIBRARY from several SIGOPs. We would greatly
appreciate your time in looking over our presentation, and we
remind you to feel free to ask any question you may have.
Once again, we ask that you follow along with the TECHINAL
NOTES GUIDE that follows this file.
Here is a sample run off PROGRAM LIBRARY with an explanation
of all commands, uses, as well as ERROR messages, etc.
**************************************************************
<sig-name or delphi area> PROGRAM LIBRARY (We will use IBM SIG
for our presentation herein.)
IBM-PROGRAM LIBRARY MENU:
CATALOG List of Programs
FEEDBACK Mail message to program owner
INFO Information on a program
SUBMIT Add/request program to/for library
TRANSFER Download, Xdown, or Copy program
EXIT Leave PROGRAM LIBRARY
HELP HELP with COMMANDS
IBM-PLIBRARY> (hidden MAINT for level 4 manager)
If CATALOG is selected or the RETURN Key is depressed then: 2
programs available:
Catalog
-------
# PROGRAM NAME SIZE DATE OWNER COMPUTER
MAKE
-- ------------------ ------ -------- ------------ -------
1 IBM CLOCK MODULE 9/9 01-JAN-85 DEOGBURN APPLE
2 TIC-TAC-TOE GAME 4/4 23-JAN-85 GLENN PIEP PIPER
3 EAMON GAME 22/22 27-JAN-85 KIP IBM-PC
PLIBRARY>(CATALOG,FEEDBACK,INFO,SUBMIT,TRANSFER,EXIT) 1 <cr>
(IF # or INFO selection is selected then:)
Information on program # (? for CATALOG) <===only if INFO
selection
1
PROGRAM NAME: IBM CLOCK MODULE
FOR THE, APPLE, COMPUTER
SIZE: 9/9 BLOCKS
DATE: 01-JAN-85
OWNER: DEOGBURN
DESCRIPTION: A ROUTINE FOR DISPLAYING THE TIME IN LOCATION 1,
59 ON THE
SCREEN AT ALL TIMES. 10 LINE MODULE MODIFIED FOR USE ON THE A
PPLE COMPUTER.
PLIBRARY>(CATALOG,FEEDBACK,INFO,SUBMIT,TRANSFER,EXIT)
IF SUBMIT is selected THEN:
(3) status levels (O)pen,(R)ead-only,and (P)rivate
If (O) user will be allowed to add direct to program library.
If (R) user's submitted program must pass review of the SIGOP
(Use MAINT)
If (P) user must enter a password to add direct to program lib
rary
PASSWORD: (if P status)
E...Invalid password!
E...More than 3 tries, please continue, your program
will be snet
to the SIGOP for review.
TRANSFER <upload mode> MENU:
COPY file from your workspace
UPLOAD file from your computer
XUP use XMODEM protocol
EXIT
HELP
TRANSFER <upload>: (MAINT may be entered here by leve
l 4 if desired)
If COPY THEN:
COPY from file? TEST.DAT
...file copied!
if '?' entered: Please enter the file name in
your workspace
that you would like to SUBMIT
.
(Same as COPY in WRITERS' CORNER)
IF UPLOAD THEN: (Same as UPLOAD in WRITERS' CORNER)
IF XUP THEN: (Same as XUP in WRITERS' CORNER)
at any rate, the following follows after file is COPIED,UPLOAD
ED, or XUPED.
Please enter CATALOG label:
Name of PROGRAM: IBM CLOCK MODULE '?' Enter name to place in
catalog
E...entry to long (20 cha
cter MAX.)
Computer MAKE: APPLE '?' Enter computer make yo
ur program is for.
E...entry to long (12 cha
cters MAX.)
Enter short DECRIPTION: This is a.....
(use TEXT-ENTER MODULE LIKE in INFO ARTICLE or MAIL to SIGOP)
a CONTROL-Z to end, or CONTROL-C to cancel!
(NOTE: System fills in DATE, SIZE, and catalog #)
PRLIBRARY>(CATALOG,FEEDBACK,INFO,SUBMIT,TRANSFER,EXIT)
Please use REVIEW in MAINT of IBM-PROGRAM LIBRAY for submitte
d program
by MEMBER: GLENN on: /TIME
[/TIME and hereon is SYSTEM TIME placed
by the system]
Thanks
Uncle Max
o REVIEW
1 program awaiting review (special Mask rou
tine over MAIL)
REVIEW
# From Date Subj
1 GLENN 01-JAN-85 CHESS Game
ACTION:<[A]dd;[R]eturn,[S]ave;[V]iew;[N]ext>: View 1 (Read 1
)
REVIEW #1
TO:DEOGBURN 01-JAN-85 23:02
FROM:GLENN
SUBJ: CHESS GAME
PROGRAM NAME: CHESS GAME
FOR THE, ATARI, COMPUTER
SIZE : 2/2 BLOCKS
DATE : 01-JAN-85
OWNER : GLENN
DESCRIPTION: A GAME CALLED CHESS FOR THE ATARI COMPUTER. 48K RE
QUIRED AS WELL
AS A JOYSTICK. IN EXECUTE LOAD FORM.
10 REM CHESS GAME
20 POKE 765,22
30 GRAPHICS 0
40 SETCOLOR 2,0,4
50 PRINT "CHESS GAME"
.
.
.
400 END
ACTION:<[A]dd;[R]eturn;[S]ave;[V]iew;[N]ext>: Add,Return,Save
o Add
Level 4 gets:
...Adding (uses REVIEW mail file as load file f
or library)
...Owner notified (sends below Dmail messag
e to owner)
TO:GLENN
FROM:DEOGBURN
SUBJ:REVIEW action on submitted program
Dear GLENN:
Your program: CHESS GAME submitted on: 01-JAN-85 was added to t
he IBM-PROGRAM
LIBRARY on:/TIME
Thank you for your program!
MEMBER,DEOGBURN, SIGOP for the IBM SIG.
o Save
Level 4 gets:
...Saving (uses FILE Future scheme like in MAIL
)
...Owner notified (sends below Dmail messag
e to owner)
TO:GLENN 01-JAN-85 23:02
FROM:DEOGBURN
SUBJ:REVIEW action on submitted program
Dear GLENN:
Your program: CHESS GAME submitted on: 01-JAN-85 was saved for
future use
of the IBM-PROGRAM LIBRARY on:/TIME.
Thank You for your program, and I will notify you again when fu
ther action
is taken on your program.
MEMBER,DEOGBURN,SIGOP for the IBM SIG.
o Remove
LEVEl 4 gets: ....User notified!
....Program has been returned to user!
....Review files updated
User Gets:
TOL:DARTHVADER
FRomOM:DEOGBURN
SUBJ:REVIEW action on Submitted program
DEAR DARTHVADER
Your program: <program-name> submitted on:<date> was returned t
o you
in a seperated mail message at:/TIME
READSON: File has to many .....
Thank you for your program, and please feel free to re-submit t
o other
areas of DELPHI by forwarding the returned program mail message
.
MEMBER, DEOGBURN ,SIGOP for the IBM SIG.
User Gets:
TO:DARTVADER
FROM:DEOGBURN
SUBJ: RETURNED sumitted program listing
*****RETURNED COPY OF YOUR SUBMITTED PROGRAM ?/DATE**********
end!
***************************************************************
********
This ends the PROGRAM LIBRARY presentation, we hope you found t
his
presentation of interest, please be reminded that it is not int
ended
to impose on the desingign teams of GVC, rather offer insight from
the
SIGOPs end. Please feel free to use any ideas presented here i
n any
project. You will note that many tasks in PROGRAM LIBRARY are
the
same or similiar to application modules presently on DELPHI. R
easons
include: Makes it easier for GVC staff to assembly, rather rwrit
ting
a new application, and because these modules were observed as t
he best
modules tha could handle such an application, further it was fe
lt that
these modules, with some enhancements in some tasks, yowere at it
s highteight.
Thank You
SIGOPS
UAP SUGGESTION GROUP
GVC STAFF
GENERAL DELPHI USERS
WC>
Sorry, there is a problem opening your file 0123.MAIU (=43).
<<read error="" 29="">>
WC> llist d, m0123.mail
I don't understand the term "LLIST D M0123.MAIL" in this
context.
WC> list dm0123.mai
From: FTF ESS,CABUYS,MONTE,TRINA,WEB,IVY,MARTI,JSARAS
Subj: ?
Its late.
And yet the phone rings
once again.
"Dinner. tomorrow!"
But I'm busy.
How about the next night?
"No. Tomorrow!"
But I can't.
And thats the end of that.
The hum of a dial tone.
But it doesn't end.
Later it rings again.
And then comes the mail.
"Why?"
And I don't have an answer.
How can I when I don't know the question!
Lately, it rings alot,
late at night when most are asleep
except for me
and all that is calls out
for that release.
Late at night,
when that silent phone
begins to ring and I know
it would be easier to not
answer - but I still do.
"Why?"
Well, why not thursday?
"I can't then."
Lunch Friday?
"Doctors appointment. Sorry!"
So why do you call at 1 am?
"I gotta go."
hum.......
"Lets go out to the hot tubs!"
Geez! its 2 am and they don't
stay open that late!
"Come over Saturday..."
Ok.
"Oh. I'm sick. Next week?"
Ok.
"My ex got married today!"
Gosh. how do you feel?
"Relieved I didn't have to go!"
Wow.
Don't you feel anything?
"Yeah. But only in private..."
"Why didn't you call?"
What!
To talk to your answering machine?
Gimme a break!
"But I always call back!"
Right. at 1 am.
From: DAVROS 20-JAN-1985 12:44
To: CABUYS
Subj: ACCESS TO THIS SIG
This SIG interests me. How do I go about obtaining fuller acce
ss?
From: ANTICLUB 20-JAN-1985 17:12
To: CABUYS
Subj: CURIOSITY
I JUST CAME ACCROSS THIS "FRIENDSHIP" THING ON THE NETWORK
AND I AM CURIOUS WHAT IT IS AND WHAT IT'S FOR AND HOW TO JOIN.
I AM A 36 YEAR OLD ARTIST AND I MANAGE AN "UNDERGROUND"
NIGHTCLUB IN L.A. A MEMBER OF PERFORMING ARTS NETWORK (PAN)
UNDER SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS. THANKS. JACK (ANTICLUB).
From: IDEL 20-JAN-1985 22:39
To: CABUYS
Subj: Close Encounters
Hi, Connie:
Wud you send me the password to the Close Encounters board?
Thanx,
>>>>IDEL/Greg
From: AVATAR 22-JAN-1985 00:08
To: @FUN
Subj: more foolishness
SHIFTING SANDS INSURANCE COMPANY
JERUSALEM
INTEROFFICE MEMO
To: Home Office, Jerusalem
From: Bethany Sub-office
Att: Regional Claims Manager
Re: Yehoshua Bar-Joseph
Death Claim/Nissan 33
Final Report
Dear Sir:
As you know, our office has been investigating the
life insurance claim presented by the widow of Joseph of
Nazareth, House of David (Mary, by name).
The details of the claim as first presented concern a
juvenile life policy on their son, Yehoshua, taken out in
Jerusalem some 33 years previous. Policy dates, coverage
amount and premium payments have all been verified by the
underwriting department of your good offices. Our office
is concerned only with verification of death and payment of
the claim.
The first report of the claim appeared to be a routine
matter of verifying the cause of death (crucifixion) and
then paying the amount of the policy. There were overtures
made by some (relative to a possible suicide), but I see no
point in raising this issue. The two-year clause for
denial based on this has expired. Secondly, our legal
department has pointed out, quite succinctly, that suicide
by crucifixion would be no small matter to prove.
The investigation uncovered a well-witnessed event,
including a statement by a Centurion who was an eyewitness
to the entire proceedings. He quoted the 'deceased' as
saying: "Now it is finished," at which time the Centurion
states that the insured expired. He has witnessed a number
of crucifixions and although he is not a physician his
testimony does carry weight.
Following this, the funeral proceedings were done with
some haste, due to the upcoming Sabbath. It was at this
point in the investigation that our adjuster began hearing
talk about the deceased raising himself from the dead.
Considering that Yehoshua had a substantial cult following,
the adjuster gave little import to this talk. In an
attempt to wrap up the investigation, he interviewed eleven
of the twelve close disciples. Their stories and
statements contained numerous contradictions, not the least
of which were statements to the effect that he died on the
date in question, followed by statements to the effect that
they had talked to the deceased three days later. It
appears that they have their chronology reversed. The
twelfth, by-the-bye, committed suicide about the time of
the Yehoshua crucifixion. There is a separate report
forthcoming on that matter and no payment will be made on
that claim.
Normally, we would have made payment at this juncture,
but the investigator asked for additional time. To be
blunt, he suspected a fraud. A number of reliable
witnesses began to talk, advising that there was no
question of having seen and talked with the deceased
*after* the alleged crucifixion.
Contact was then attempted with P. Pilate. The latter
refused to be interviewed, indicating that he had washed
his hands of the entire matter. We did write to him
subsequently raising anumber of points on what was recorded
by him officially. He refused to clear up any
discrepancies and merely wrote on the bottom of our letter,
"What I have written, I have written." We simply can't
push the issue with him any further due to his obvious
connections.
Finally, we were fortunate enough to obtain two
statements from well-known and respected citizens, who
report having supper with Yehoshua several days after the
alleged death. They were on their way to Emmaus at the
time. Both make excellent appearances as witnesses. Their
statements are enclosed for your perusal.
Also enclosed are the statements from the eleven
disciples. They are coherent, except for John's, and
despite their disagreements on a few minor points, they
establish one of two possibilities ( I cannot personally
see any others.) First, he was never crucified. In that
situation, we owe nothing. Secondly, he was crucified, and
then raised himself from the dead. The second possibility
is an absurdity but if it were so, I'm afraid we have a
legal problem of unique difficulty. I say this because we
took a statement from his mother, Mary.
She maintains that he was crucified and appeared to
her and his disciples three days later. Our adjuster,
after getting her to sign the statement, politely turned
her claim down. When she asked why, the adjuster pointed
out that the policy only pays in the event of death. As he
was packing his briefcase and preparing to leave, she very
shyly indicated that she had a question, and since he was
the policy expert, that perhaps he could answer it.
She then stated that Yehoshua had, in fact, died.
What she wanted to know was this: "Is there any exclusion
in the policy which says that the beneficiary will not be
paid if an insured is able to raise himself from the dead?"
The adjuster was quick enough mentally to say that
he would check it out with the home office and get back to
her. Here is our problem.
Suppose it happened the way his mother stated? If he
did in fact raise himself fromt he dead, what's to prevent
him from doing it a second time? If he does it again,
we'll have to pay again. Then? If he does it again, we'll
have to pay again. This policy is a guaranteed renewable,
non-cancellable contract.
We'd appreciate your advice on this, as things are not
shaping up well. I would make one suggestion if Mary
continues to push this claim. This is a bit too complicated
for our house attorney. Why not farm this out to Saul over
in Tarsus? He's as sharp as they come and can probably
delay this until it dies a natural death.
Warmest regards to all,
Caiaphas Bar-Annas
cba/cc/enclosures (11)
WC>
From: DAVROS 20-JAN-1985 12:44
To: CABUYS
Subj: ACCESS TO THIS SIG
This SIG interests me. How do I go about obtaining fuller acce
ss?
WC>
