NetNews Usenet Archive 1992 #27/NN_1992_27.iso/spool/comp/sys/apple2/24171

Internet Message Format | 1992-11-18 | 40.0 KB

Path: sparky!uunet!charon.amdahl.com!pacbell.com!sgiblab!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!uwm.edu!biosci!ucselx!crash!mdavis
From: [e-mail] (Morgan Davis)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.apple2
Subject: Re: BBS packages/replies
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
Date: 18 Nov 92 18:01:43 GMT
References: <[e-mail]> <[e-mail]>
Organization: CTS Network Services (crash, ctsnet), El Cajon, CA
Lines: 918

In <[e-mail]> [e-mail]
(Roy Barrett) writes:

>Morgan, ttyth, Proline costs $250, and I really don't see the point of it. Why
>don't you explain to me why it's so great.. ;) (I think it was $250)

It's $259.95.  Normally, I avoid answering questions like this because I can't
do my product justice without gushing about it, and when you gush about
your own product, people don't really believe you (which is sad, because
I only tell the truth).

So, what I will do is post the ProLine System Information file which is
written in a matter-of-fact tone, no heavy sales pitch.  Plus, I'll follow
up with a few letters I've received from ProLine users and owners over the
years.  Their words do it great justice.  My apologies to the net for
what surely will be a lengthy article.  Feel free to hit your cancel key
if you've read enough.

You might also want to read some reviews that were written about
ProLine. The most recent is this December's inCider/A+ which rates
ProLine as "top notch" and gives it a full five-star rating.  The now
discontinued II Sysops magazine ran a lengthy review in their final
issue (II Sysops chose to run ProLine as their support BBS, which is a
testament in itself). Apple2000 (a UK-based Apple II and Macintosh
publication with world-wide distribution) included an exceptionally
glowing review last year.

Over the years, various companies have selected ProLine as the BBS they
would run for customer support (with its Internet accessibility, it only
makes sense): Applied Engineering, Beagle Bros, Roger Wagner Publishing,
Resource-Central, Carolina Systems, Quality Computers, and others I've
probably forgotten.  Many user groups embrace ProLine as well, including
the Boston Computer Society and Washington Apple Pi.  Businesses and
user groups require professional and reliable software, because they're
providing a service.  A system that is buggy, crashes, or requires lots
of attention to keep it running is totally unacceptable.

Now, with that preface, here's the ProLine System Information file that
describes ProLine's features and abilities.  Following this are some
excellent letters and messages I've received that really give ProLine
the credit it deserves, in words that I can't say myself.

_____________________________________________________________________________

                            P  R  O  L  I  N  E
_____________________________________________________________________________

                      Communications Network Software
                         for the Apple II Computer

                 Copyright (C) 1984-1992 Morgan Davis Group
                            All Rights Reserved



What Is ProLine?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
     The ProLine BBS is a networked electronic-mail and conferencing
system.  It is the most sophisticated BBS ever created for the
Apple computer.  Fashioned after a UNIX system, it provides the most
flexible implementation available for networked mail, news, public
conferencing, file exchange, and private electronic mail.  But, don't
let the word "UNIX" scare you away. ProLine's sophistication puts a
friendly face on a powerful system.  It is well-suited for the first-
time sysop operator, yet the experienced operator never outgrows it.
     ProLine is infinitely expandable and personally customizable. Adding
a new command or feature is trivial, and well-documented. With automatic
task scheduling, your system is maintained with no intervention
required.  Installing ProLine is a painless 30 minute session.  Once it
is set up, your Apple IIe or IIGS can become a portal of information.
     At the heart of every ProLine system is ModemWorks, a
communications toolbox for creating modem-based applications.  The
powerful features and long-standing reliability of ModemWorks provides
ProLine with a solid foundation, easy to understand, effortless to
maintain and customize.

Networking
~~~~~~~~~~
     Whether your world consists of club members, classrooms, or
continents, ProLine brings people together.  No longer must your BBS
serve only a handful of callers in your neighborhood.  Networking, the
hallmark of modern bulletin board systems, is ProLine's finest
feature.  It gives you the ability to send messages, programs, and any
other kind of file to users on computers across town or around the
world.  Each day, megabytes of information are routinely exchanged
throughout the ProLine network using a transfer system that ensures
files are received perfectly.
     ProLines can talk to more than just themselves.  With electronic
"gateways", ProLine exchanges mail with other hosts, such as UNIX
computers.  This opens up an entire world of information sources, giving
ProLine users the ability to access a host of networks known
collectively as the "Internet". The Internet is host to online
discussions (called newsgroups) on an amazingly diverse range of
subjects--thousands of groups in all.  Through the Internet, ProLine can
even exchange mail with commercial information services such as
America Online, AppleLink, BIX, CompuServe and MCI Mail.
     Becoming part of the ProLine network is optional, but there are
many advantages to being networked.  Software can be distributed
directly over the network.  You have instant access to Apple
Computer, Inc., developer technical support, Claris Corporation, APDA
(Apple Programmers and Developers Association), third party software and
hardware companies, user groups, and full customer support for your
ProLine software.
     Network access is free; there is no charge for using the Internet.
The only expense you incur is your normal telephone bill.

Features
~~~~~~~~
     Each user of ProLine has a personal filing area in which to store
files. Users can set the security level for their areas in order to
allow sharing of files with other system members.
     Users have the option of interfacing with ProLine through a friendly
menu, or by using an extremely powerful command-line interface.
     ProLine includes terminal emulation and a variety of user-definable
terminal settings.  Over 20 standard terminals can be thoroughly
emulated on the host and remote ends (including ANSI, VT-220, VT-102,
VT-100 and others).  This makes ProLine available to users of all types
of computers, and allows total control from a remote location.
      Full accounting is maintained.  The system operator can adjust the
total minutes allotted per month to each user, number of inactive days
before automatic or manual removal, and an optional per-minute charge
for each member of the system. Users can get up-to-the-minute accounting
reports, and the operator can review detailed statistics about system
usage at any time, complete with bar charts.

Mail
~~~~
     Each ProLine member has a personal mailbox.  The size and number of
letters in a mailbox is limited only by the amount of free disk space.
ProLine allows users to send "carbon copies" and "blind carbon copies"
of a letter to multiple recipients, as well as forward private messages
to others.  Users can move messages from the mailbox to files, and can
send files from disk to another account, locally or remotely.  Binary
files can be mailed to users of the local system, or to distant ProLine
systems through the network.
     The ProLine mail system includes these and many other features:
     o  User-defined variables for shortcut typing
     o  Automatically generates return paths when answering network mail
     o  Attaches a personal "signature" file to the end of each message
     o  Distribution lists
     o  A smart router that supports Internet domains and smart-hosts
     o  Full Usenet news batching, unbatching and redistribution

Conferencing
~~~~~~~~~~~~
     The Conference System is the heart of ProLine.  Members discuss
topics of interest in organized public or private forums, called
conferences.  Within each conference are subtopics that further organize
conferences into related areas.  Users may join only the conferences and
topics that interest them.
     Conferences are governed by sysop-appointed moderators, in charge
of maintaining their areas to keep things running smoothly.  Moderators
can create public, private and read-only topics allowing selective
access to topics by system members.
     Upon entering the Conference System, the user is presented with a
summary of new messages in the topic areas subscribed to.  Each new
message can be shown by simply pressing RETURN.  The conference system
takes the user from one conference to the next in order to read the all
new messages.  Although the Conference System is designed to encourage
participation, it allows users to bulk-capture new messages for
those who call long distance or are on time schedules.
     Users can enter new messages (the size limited only by disk space)
or contributed to ongoing discussions.  When a message is added to a
full topic area, the Conference System automatically purges the oldest
message.  This makes running a large conferencing system completely
self-maintaining.  When messages are added to a networked conference,
copies are sent to remote systems through the network, so that
discussions can be freely exchanged with computer enthusiasts outside of
the local community.

Data Library
~~~~~~~~~~~~
     The ProLine Data Library provides powerful features with a logical
and friendly interface not found on any other system. Opening the Data
Library is just like walking into a real library.  Items are organized
by sections, making it easy to search for files you're interested in
based on title, filename, or keyword.  You can even list new items
posted since your last visit.
     Uploads can be cross-referenced with more than one section,
eliminating the need to post copies of a file to multiple areas in the
library.  The file is linked to a descriptive "card catalog" entry,
describing the file. To ensure that only legal and virus-free programs
are kept, new uploads are placed "on hold", inaccessible to callers,
until verified by the librarian.
     With a powerful full-screen library maintenance program, the Data
Library can be customized to the librarian's needs and requirements.

Online Editors
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
     Many areas of ProLine use the system's full-screen or line-oriented
text editors to make changes or corrections to letters and messages.
The editors can work with documents containing over 25,000 characters.
They feature search and replace, wordprocessor-like word wrap,
word-delete, line-cancel, insert and overstrike modes, cut and paste,
and other powerful editing capabilities.
     The editors also allow you to edit any text file in your area,
append a file from your area into the editor's buffer, insert and delete
lines, and undo mistakes.  These editors are used by all areas of the
system, locally and remotely, so users need only learn one set of
editing commands.

Command Shell
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
     Users have the choice of two worlds in which to interact with
ProLine. In one, the system appears to be an easy to use BBS with a menu
system for entering commands.  Under that pleasant exterior, however, is
an exceptionally powerful environment.  This environment is designed
after the UNIX C-Shell.
     The C-Shell supports shell variables, command aliases, and
executable shell scripts.  C-Shell scripts use IF-THEN-ELSE logic to
control command execution, access command line arguments, and can be
used in conjunction with other utilities to create impressive customized
shell applications.  Users can write their own scripts to personalize or
automate their online sessions.
     The shell also provides full directory protection settings for all areas
on the system so that the operator can assign public directories, or mark off
areas that have any combination of read, write, execute, or destroy
permissions for users.
     All the popular UNIX commands are supported with over 130 commands in
all, and more always coming.  Best of all, the operator can add new commands
from Applesoft programs -- no funny business with compilers or strange
installation software.  If you can write a BASIC program in Applesoft, you can
expand your ProLine system as you desire.  No assembly language expertise or a
degree in computer science is needed. You can even run existing BASIC programs
with very little modification (even those having complex array and string
handling--a limitation of other bulletin board systems for the Apple II).
     The C-Shell also includes these features:
     o  Each user has a customizable "login" script
     o  Output redirection to a printer or file
     o  Scrolling command line history
     o  Shell nesting
     o  ...and much more.

Even though ProLine is the most sophisticated BBS for the Apple, these
tools make it easier to operate and maintain than even the simplest
bulletin board systems.

The ProLine Reference Manual
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
     Such a thorough system warrants comprehensive documentation. This
is why ProLine comes with the ProLine Reference Manual, over 320 pages
in length.  The text of the manual is also stored online, and is
available to callers. Each manual section is clearly written and
formatted with exceptional detail.  ProLine can display all or any part
of the entire system manual to a dot-matrix printer with underlining and
pagination.  Or, the output can be generated in PostScript format for
high-quality printing on a laser printer.  Output can even be directed
into files for downloading and printing offline.

Other Features And Support
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
     ProLine is easy to install, and can be placed into any directory on
your hard disk.  It takes only a few minutes.
     ProLine can be operated entirely by remote control--you don't actually
have to be at the host computer to maintain it.  ProLine even allows the
system operator to enter into Applesoft BASIC for complete control from a
remote terminal.
     With networking, you're always in touch with experienced operators,
including Morgan Davis, author of ProLine. If that isn't enough, ProLine
operators contribute their own applications to the network.  You won't
find this quality support with any other BBS.  By purchasing ProLine,
you invest in a product that becomes increasingly more valuable, and as
a result, more rewarding.

System Requirements
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
     o  Apple IIe, Apple IIGS, or Mac LC w/IIe Card
     o  Hard disk
     o  Clock card (IIe only)
     o  800K 3.5" drive

     o  External modem and
          o  Super Serial card (or work-alikes), or
          o  Apple IIGS built-in port

     o  Or, internal Hayes-compatible modems such as
          o  Applied Engineering DataLink series
          o  Epic Technologies series.

     o  Optional hardware supported:
          o  High-speed modem
          o  AppleTalk network
          o  RAM disk
          o  Laser printer
          o  Dot matrix printer
          o  Joy stick

Ordering Information
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
     ProLine comes with:

     (1)  ProLine Reference Manual
     (1)  ProLine Tools Disk (800K)
     (2)  ProLine Data Disks (800K)
     (1)  Product Registration Card

     If you're interested in this powerful product, we strongly urge you
to call our ProLine for a live, out of the box demonstration.  Don't
hesitate to contact us if you require more details.  Call to place a
C.O.D. or purchase order.

Morgan Davis Group
10079 Nuerto Lane
Rancho San Diego
California 91977-7132

Customer Support:       +1 619/670-0563
FAX:                    +1 619/670-9643
24 Hour ProLine BBS:    +1 619/670-5379, 300-9600bps, V.32, V.42bis
                        (Call to find ProLine systems in your area)

_____________________________________________________________________________

             P  R  O  L  I  N  E    O  R  D  E  R    F  O  R  M
_____________________________________________________________________________


     Quantity  Description    Price      Total
     ~~~~~~~~  ~~~~~~~~~~~    ~~~~~~~    ~~~~~~~~~~
     ________  ProLine        $259.95    __________

     ________  ModemWorks*      89.95    __________

     ________  MD-BASIC*        89.95    __________
                                         ~~~~~~~~~~
                            Subtotal:    __________

          Californians add sales tax:    __________

      Shipping (2-day Priority Mail):    __________
   ($5 in USA & Canada, $15 overseas)    ~~~~~~~~~~

                        Amount Total:    __________


Computer:____________________ Modem:______________ Speed:_________


Name:_____________________________________________________________

Address:__________________________________________________________

City:_________________________________ State:______ ZIP:__________

Phone (Day):_______________________ (Eve):________________________


Make check or money order payable to:

        Morgan Davis Group
        10079 Nuerto Lane
        Rancho San Diego
        California 91977-7132


*  Those inclined to tinker and customize are urged to order the
optional ModemWorks and MD-BASIC packages with complete programming
documentation.  ModemWorks is the communications toolbox that drives
ProLine. MD-BASIC, a structured programming environment for developing
Applesoft programs, makes writing ProLine applications a breeze. These
products are optional, but extremely helpful when enhancing or
customizing ProLine.



______________________________________________

These are just a few letters from actual ProLine owners and users I've
received over the years . . .

------------------------------
From alz Thu Feb  2 22:34:45 1989
Date: Thu, 2 Feb 89 22:31:30 PST
From: alz (Al Zerm)
To: mdavis
Subject: question

     I must say that I am impressed with both your manual for Proline and for
Modemworks. The proline manual in particular is an admirable piece of
material. I cannot recall ever hearing another creator of apple host software
saying "there is more to running a successful message system than just good
software; the members on your system ultimately determine its value." This
knowledge does not yet seem to be in widespread practice, even today. It
shows a considerable amount of wisdom to have discussed it in your software
documentation.
     With this conversion, I am concluding three years of running GBBS pro.
I am welcoming a return to applesoft, ampersands, and prodos pathnames,
because I am thoroughly exhausted. I am tired of ACOS compilers and p-code
interpreters. I am tired of runtime systems with editors that will hang, with
memory management routines that overwrite the system time data from the clock
card, with string handling that freaks when you do too much of it at once,
with file i/o routines that still hang now and then at arbitrary points, with
binary message files and message i/o that even now is losing pieces of my
email with increasing frequency, and with a file i/o buffer that is only 128
bytes long. Both of the security breaches we've had in these 3 years have
been due to bugs which were in the acos.obj runtime system.
     Thank you for reading this far, and for relieving me from clever designs
trapped in bad implementations.

-Al

------------------------------
From pro-grouch!danield Tue May  2 19:33:26 1989
Date: Tue, 2 May 89 19:26:18 PDT
Ppath: pro-sol!mdavis
From: pro-grouch!danield (Daniel Davidson)
To: mdavis@pro-sol
Subject: Pro-grouch conection

Thanks again for helping get the connection from pro-sol set up.
One quick comment about ProLine. I don't think I have been so worked up
over a piece of software in ages! This is GREAT!!

Daniel

------------------------------
From jwolverton Wed May 10 07:44:56 1989
Date: Wed, 10 May 89 07:37:08 PDT
From: jwolverton (John Wolverton)
To: sysop
Subject: proline

Mr. Davis,

  I am soon to be a ProLine convert; having run a gbbs.pro system for the
Columbus Public School Systems and environs, we have now ordered ProLine and
would expect to receive it very shortly.  I am especially interested in the
networking capabilities of Proline.  I logged onto the Beagle board some time
ago and was very impressed with the POWER and scope of the Proline system.
  We ordered Proline through a purchase order from Columbus City Schools and
suspect that it may even be on its way to us by now.  We additionally ordered
Modemworks and manuals.
  We are very excited about stepping up in ranks with Proline and plan to
purchase a 9600 baud modem as well.

Thanks,
John Wolverton
Sysop - The Columbus Connection
Columbus, Ohio
[phone] (modem)
[phone] (voice)

------------------------------
From pro-beagle!ramalad Tue Aug 29 22:22:35 1989
Date: Tue, 29 Aug 89 21:54:09 PDT
Ppath: pro-sol!mdavis
From: [e-mail] (David Cooke)
To: mdavis@pro-sol
Subject: ProLine BBS Demos?

Hello,
        I have been on this board for merely two days and consider it to be
the most thorough and best made systems I've seen in the four years I've
been looking.  I try to explain this system to fellow telecommers and find
myself at a loss for words! (Yes, I'm serious!)  I used to run a bbs of my
own, but didn't like the GBBS programming.  I liked the language however.  So,
at the moment I'm writing my own bbs program using the ACOS language received
in GBBS "Pro".  This will take a period of a month or two month.  But, at the
moment, I am more interested in your program.  It seems to have everything
that I want and more!

-Dave Cooke-
-Ramalad Krad-

------------------------------
From jwolverton Fri Sep  1 12:08:12 1989
Date: Fri, 1 Sep 89 12:00:27 PDT
From: jwolverton (John Wolverton)
To: mdavis
Subject: networking

I am ready to go.  I've hooked into Pro-beagle and we've tested the system
exchanges and everything is going smoothly. Thanks for the wonderful program;
Proline.  I couldn't be happier with a bulletin board system.

   John

------------------------------
From mjr Sat Sep  2 08:38:30 1989
Date: Sat, 2 Sep 89 08:34:20 PDT
From: mjr (Michael J Richman)
To: sysop
Subject: ProLine

Morgan,
  I don't know if you get many people that tell you what a great job you do,
but I just wanted to say thanks for the great job that you have been doing in
running ProLine.  It really helps to keep me informed about up to date items in
the Apple world and I wanted you to know how much I really appreciate this
service that you are performing.  Thanks.  By the way, would you accept a
donation to the system.  If so, please just leave me your address and I will
be more than happy to make a small donation.  I realize that it isn't
required, but I would like to do something.  Thanks again.

                                                Mike Richman (mjr)

------------------------------
From dgair Thu Sep 14 23:54:55 1989
Date: Thu, 14 Sep 89 23:42:42 PDT
From: dgair (Dave Gair)
To: mdavis
Subject: Re: Pro-apa

Morgan...

Happiest kid on the block with his new "adult" toy !!
ProLine __IS__ the greatest!

AppleWorks Programmers' Association   ...Sharing the power to create
6531 Lexington Avenue, Los Angeles, CA  90038  [phone] (voice)
pro-apa 1-213-463-9289

------------------------------
CS-ID: #2029.proline/net@pro-sol 600 chars
Date: Thu, 14 Sep 89 00:38:34 PDT
From: [e-mail] (System Operator)
Organization: Applied Engineering, Inc.
Subject: Re: Maintenance
Comment: to #2221 by [e-mail]

I whole heartadly agree on that point!  I have on occasion had to go out
of town for 1 to 2 weeks and have not had any software related problems
with ProLine.  The one time that my clock messed up, I was able to call
the board from NJ, drop into BASIC and reset the clock.  I don't know of
any other BBS software than would allow me to do that.

Dale

(besides, I turned down offers from two other companies for FREE copies of
their BBS software and instead paid full price for ProLine)

------------------------------
From gjmc Sat Oct 14 20:44:41 1989
Date: Sat, 14 Oct 89 20:43:59 PDT
From: gjmc (Gary Mcclain)
To: sysop
Subject: Thanks

        Well ProFisHunt is on line and have had several callers. System
works great!  One of the best feelings in computing is the one's ya get
when you begin to realize that you bought the right software for the job
you wanted to do. I've had those feelings the last couple of weeks and
the more I get to know proline the better it gets. Ya done good! Thanks
gary mcclain.

------------------------------
From guest Sun Jan 21 13:21:28 1990
Date: Sun, 21 Jan 90 13:19:58 PST
From: guest (Pete McAleer)
To: sysop
Subject: Hi!

Hello, I would just like to drop you a note and say what a marvelous job
you have done with Pro-Line.  I can truly appreciate and respect the
time it takes, and money to run a BBS.  You are the kind of people who
keep the Apple II alive.  I plan on purchasing Pro-Line and running it
off a 7.5 mhz GS, 100 megs, 9600 baud modem.. in Calgary.

Thank you!

------------------------------
From pro-tcc!jb Sun Feb 18 13:32:50 1990
Date: Sun, 18 Feb 90 13:27:43 EST
Ppath: pro-sol!mdavis
From: [e-mail] (Joel Bressman)
To: pro-sol!mdavis
Subject: Re: Proline and our Phone Con on 2/15/90

Morgan,

Thanks for all your support. John has been more than helpful and I have been
messing around with Proline to try it out and all I can say is WOW!!!!. and
you only are around $200.00 for this package.

Joel

------------------------------
From pro-tcc!jb Tue Feb 20 00:02:32 1990
Date: Tue, 20 Feb 90 00:01:31 EST
Ppath: pro-sol!mdavis
From: [e-mail] (Joel Bressman)
To: mdavis@pro-sol
Subject: Pro-Grammar and Stuff

Morgan,

I will be putting the system up on Friday this week and I almost have
the map ready to go. Also again I wish to thank you for your help and
your support Proline is 100000 times better and easier to work with the
GBBS or others. Let me also say that Proline is a CUT above the rest.
If Lance of L&L Productions (GBBS) package could only do one tenth of
the  things that proline does I might have some more than just the TRASH
he is  currently selling. I am very (!!!!!) happy with my investment in
Proline. In fact it only took me about 45mins to customize the system
the way i want to be. I really like the way proline installs.

                                                     Very Respectfully
                                                      Joel Bressman
                                                      [e-mail]

------------------------------
From pro-tcc!jwolverton Mon Dec 25 14:23:28 1989
Date: Mon, 25 Dec 89 14:13:13 EST
Ppath: pro-sol!mdavis
From: [e-mail] (John Wolverton)
To: mdavis@pro-sol
Subject: Seasons Greetings

  Thank you for allowing me to operate one of the finest bbs's that I've ever
seen.  I love Proline and appreciate all your work to make it the quality
system that it is.

  John

------------------------------
From pro-tcc!kmsmallwood Thu Oct  4 21:05:07 1990
Date: Thu, 4 Oct 90 21:03:34 EDT
Ppath: pro-sol!mdavis
From: [e-mail] (Kevin M. Smallwood)
To: mdavis@pro-sol
Subject: Letter I sent to David Carson
Cc: jwolverton kmsmallwood

Morgan/John,

        Here is a copy of a letter I sent to David Carson in Odessa, TX. He
has been running a BBS since 1982 in Odessa.

David,

        I've been hunting and pecking through ProLine these days, and I
think you should too. Even though GBBS is a good program, ProLine offers
you *so much more power and flexibility. Plus, the support and sheer
network connectivity that you get makes it all worthwhile. Plus, it's an
INTELLIGENT system. There's no guesswork (like some of the net.segs for
gbbs) involved. The manuals tell you what do to, how to do it and who to
call if you can't. When I first ordered ProLine I was a bit discouraged
because I felt the manual was severely lacking.

[ We have since revised our manuals -- they are over 320 pages in length
and incorporate all the online cross-referenced manual entries as well.
--Morgan]

It turns out Morgan also puts the manuals on the disk, and you can cross
reference them via your bbs at any time. It also provides cross
references so you can be "completely" informed on your question.
        I've been a fan of "GBBS" since its beginning. However (not to
be cliche) I've made the choice of a new generation. I sold the rights
to EXfer and I'm devoting my efforts to ProLine and the advancement
thereof. I wish, in this letter, I could give you more of a taste as to
what ProLine can really do. My best suggestion to you is to BUY it - it
IS worth the money. Plus, with the networked sysop conference, you don't
miss a BEAT of what is happening around you. Even if you don't call the
support board, you can still get EVERY message that they are discussing
and even reply to them via the network. I've seen it in action Dave, and
I think you'd do your users a HUGE favor by making the switch. I ask
you, when was the last time Lance could deliver like that?
        Feel free to call me @ 719-540-9496 and I'll tell you more.

Sincerely,

Kevin M. Smallwood

Proline:kmsmallwood@pro-tcc
UUCP:crash!pro-tcc!kmsmallwood
Arpanet:crash!pro-tcc![e-mail]
Internet:[e-mail]

------------------------------
From trentc Sat Oct 27 00:19:16 1990
Date: Sat, 27 Oct 90 00:17:49 PDT
From: trentc (Trent Corney)
To: mdavis
Subject: Re: ProLine

Hi Morgan,

Thanks for the info! ProLine sounds great! I will drop the disks in the
mail first thing on monday. Thanks again. I cannot say enough about your
support, it is the best I have experienced.

Trent

------------------------------
From pnet01!pro-calgary!trentc Wed Dec 25 00:02:14 1991
Date: Tue, 24 Dec 91 22:49:57 MST
From: [e-mail] (Trent Corney)
To: [e-mail]
Subject: Holiday Greetings

Hi Morgan..

I would like to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy
New Year.

I can't begin to say thank you enough times for all of the help you have
provided to me with some of my problems, thank you very much.

I wish you all the best in the coming year!

Trent

------------------------------
From pro-desert!gregd Sun, 12 Jan 92 15:32:35 PST
Date: Sun, 12 Jan 92 15:32:35 PST
To: mdavis@pro-sol
Subject: ProLine

I would like to enter a general comment here.  I have had accounts on several
national systems, GEnie, Compuserve and AOL, and have never before found a
mail system that is as easy to use as the one that is found in Proline.  It
is easy to include items from mail or other text files and is just plain nice
to use.  I can't seem to get enough of it so I send mail to myself just so I
can play with it.  I am quickly becoming addicted to this program.  So
addicted in fact that my wife is already threatening to divorce me again.

[ My reply to Greg: There are mixed feelings among users of ProLines.
Those who are used to next-to-nothing (as far as features on commercial
information services) are overwhelmed by the power of ProLine.  They say
it is too complex to use.  Those who are annoyed by the lack of features
on commercial systems find ProLine to be a haven.  I fall into the
latter group.

To me, NOT being able to include (quote) messages I'm replying to, or
pull a file from my "workspace" into a letter, or just view a text file
while I'm composing a letter is very frustrating.  The lack of mail
composition tools that abounds on most systems is like having a word
processor that lets you enter text, but doesn't offer word wrap, tab
setting, search and replace or spell checking.  Sure, you can write
letters without those features, but its very frustrating.  Most users
can understand that line of thinking when you're talking about a word
processor, but a sufficiently equipped e-mail program is daunting until
they realize what they've been missing on other systems.  --Morgan ]

------------------------------
From pro-desert!gregd Mon Jan 20 20:58:42 1992
Date: Mon, 20 Jan 92 16:10:04 PST
From: pro-desert!gregd (System Administrator)
Subject: Re: Your own personal ProLine...
To: proline@pro-sol

In <[e-mail]>
[e-mail] (David Green, SysOp) writes:

>I've had my ProLine since July 13. If you have the equipment to run a
>ProLine already, or can afford to get it, I strongly urge you to do that.

ProLine has quickly become the best piece of software that I have
purchased for my IIgs.  I thoroughly enjoy the system and am constantly
amazed at how powerful it is.

>Having a personal ProLine gives you tremendous power. You can set it to send
>and receive exactly what you want from the Usenet. When you have e-mail you
>want delivered now, you use your personal ProLine to poll the personal
>ProLine at your best friend's site. When you want to use your personal
>ProLine, you sit down at your Apple II and use it. No busy signals. Ever.

Again, I couldn't agree more with David.  When you run your own board,
whether for personal use or as a BBS, you call the shots.  If I decide that
something is important enough to call during the day, it is my choice.  This
flexibility is wonderful and doesn't distract from the functionality at all.
I am close to convincing several of my close freinds to also purchase ProLine
so that we can start our own little mini-network in the Palm Springs area.

I find that it is much more convenient and cost effective to communicate with
the network through my Proline software than it is from an outside terminal
program calling another site.  Once I started up pro-desert, I began to
accomplish more in a shorter period of time.

I personally would like to see every Apple II owner with a hard drive and
Proline.  This could only insure the future of the Apple II.  ProLine is a
perfect example of the type of program that made the Apple II what it is.  I
wouldn't trade my Apple IIgs for any other computer on the market.

>Having a personal ProLine is a wonderful use for an Apple II that served you
>well once and still would if you gave it a new job. Personal ProLines can
>give new life to those computers you bought swearing "Apple II Forever." Even
>if you have something else now, that doesn't mean you can't use the IIs for
>something too. Personal ProLines are great Apple II jobs.

Well said, David!

------------------------------
From guest Mon Mar 23 09:49:51 1992
Date: Mon, 23 Mar 92 09:47:33 PST
From: guest (Richard Meeks)
To: mdavis
Subject: Great work!

Just called the 'master' to tell him his creation is PERFECT!

Morgan, I've never met you in person, but your software is fantastic. Keep
up the good work. If I had a hard disk for my AIIe, I'ld buy your software
to put on it, just to have it if nothing else! Thanks for making 'network
interfacing' such a nice, easy job!
                        Regards,

                        Richard Meeks
                        rmeeks@pro-amature

------------------------------
CS-ID: #5115.admin/proteam@pro-sol, 3142 chars
Date: 25 Mar 92 22:59:06 -0500
From: [e-mail] (Kee Hinckley)
Subject: Re: Mulit-Line ProDos BBS under Unix??  Why Bother?

In article <[e-mail]> you write:

>So your saying, run a Unix Box, with and Apple II Emulator, so you can run
>ProLine (a program that 'Imitates' Unix)?  Why bother?  If you are going
>to go the unix route, running Unix-like Apple II BBS software seems like a
>Waste. Why not just Use Unix?  Most of the parts of the Software that ProLine
>wuld make up, are already there.

Sure, Unix is Turing complete - you can do anything you want with it - and
if you want to do anything, you'll have to do a lot.

A Unix BBS doesn't run itself, it doesn't have on-line help, it doesn't have
automatic registration, it doesn't have automatic deletion of accounts, it
doesn't have automatic subscription to groups, it doesn't have a simple to
use line editor, it doesn't have builtin upload/download capabilities, data
libraries, mail stops, mail program with help, news reader with help...

Unix has all the abilities that a BBS needs, it doesn't have them integrated
and it doesn't have them all in place.  The thing I prize about Proline more
than anything is that I can just let it sit there and run itself.  I may not
log into the system for months on end - and it all just works.  If it didn't
do that, I wouldn't be able to run a BBS.  I've got four Unix machines on the
same desk as my Apple II and I can assure you I wouldn't dream of setting up
a BBS on any of them without major amounts of time.  Just setting up the
system protections right would take weeks.

Alfalfa Software, Inc.          |       Poste:  The EMail for Unix
[e-mail]              |       Send Anything... Anywhere
617/497-2922                    |       [e-mail]

------------------------------
CS-ID: #49236.apple/net@pro-sol, 1540 chars
Date: 7 Apr 92 23:02:12 GMT
From: [e-mail] (Jerry Guy (sysop))
Subject: Re: RE: NEWS RELEASE: MDG INTRODUCES PROLINE 2.0
Newsgroups: comp.sys.apple2
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
References: <[e-mail]>
Sender: [e-mail]
Organization: [Pro-finders], Guy's Computer Services, New Bern, NC 919/638-5973
Lines: 28

In <[e-mail]>
[e-mail] (Matthew McGehrin) writes:

>[ alot of stuff deleted ]
>
>> Pricing
>>
>> ProLine 2.0, $259.95 ($50 upgrade)
>
>I guess you do not want many new users in the proline community. Isnt
>$260 alot for a bbs program? Alot of new authors will go the gnh- route,
>since I woudlnt pay $260 for a software package.

$260.00 is an awful lot to pay for a system and the $195.00 I paid for it 3
years ago was a lot then. I still remember writing out that check and saying
ouch! It is the most usefull software package I have ever seen! I have a 286
PC clone a Mac SE a Prime mini computer and they all don't provide near the
utility, expandibility, support, and fun that my //e running Proline does.

Best software dollars I ever spent! and I've spent a lot over the years.. I'm
sure that others have had great luck with whatever BBS software they buy and
it would be interesting to compare notes and see who would recommend the
package they bought to others (and buy it themselves again).

These comments are in my expert opinion.

Jerry

------------------------------
From jriedy Mon Sep 21 23:31:41 1992
Date: Mon, 21 Sep 92 23:31:14 PDT
From: jriedy (John Riedy)
To: sysop
Subject: Thanks

I feel like a kid in a candy store.  Completed my first round trip
transmission on Internet.  This really does open up a whole new world of
information.  Looking forward to more and more exploration.  You are
providing a valuable service to the people in San Diego, just wanted to
show my appreciation.

This is a very well laid out board, with helpful, easy to understand, well
placed help screens.  Seems too many BBS's overlook the need for simple
basic instructions for new users.  Thanks for remembering the rookies.

John


________________________________

Again, those are actual letters from actual users (to steal a line from
David Letterman), but they're not the only glowing letters that came
across my screen.  ProLine has been available since 1985, so there were
many years in which I never bothered to archive such nice messages.
When ProLine became our flagship product, I thought it would be a good
idea to start saving these unsolicited testimonials for occasions just
like this.  Even still, I don't save every one.  This is a fairly
accurate representation of the attitude of ProLine owners.

Each ProLine system also comes with a ProLine.Survey file in which
the owner fills out a series of questions that beg for both positive
and negative comments, suggestions, and feedback.  If you're interested,
I'd be happy to send you a very LARGE file containing all the completed
surveys I've received (there are over a couple hundred).  I will not
post it to this group due to the size.

I hope this adequately explains why "ProLine is so great".

--Morgan Davis
  President, Morgan Davis Group