
                   Information on becoming an
                Authorized Advanced Gravis Nodes
                    Revised August 12th 1993


                        ABOUT GRAVIS
                        ------------

Since 1986 Advanced Gravis Computer Technology Ltd. has been
bringing the world the best in innovative computer peripherals.
From revolutionary top-rated Gravis JoySticks to the new Gravis
UltraSound, we have proven ourselves a world leader.

In January 1992, Gravis announced a new product which would
change the PC Sound card market forever, the Gravis
UltraSound (GUS).  This sophisticated 16 bit digital wave
table synthesis audio card started shipping in October 1992.

Like other Gravis products the GUS has been a huge success and
will soon be the new standard.  With this explosive acceptance
it is becoming increasingly necessary for Gravis to stay in
contact with users around the world.


                       HOW DOES IT WORK?
                       -----------------

To achieve mass distribution of information we are relying on
the power of computer Bulletin Boards and networks.  Both of
which have proven themselves in recent years as being able
to reach the largest audience the quickest.

Using these technologies we may now provide the opportunity for all
those interested in Gravis products to meet each other, talk, ask
questions, and share files.  Also there are many benefits by
bringing Gravis information closer to the user:

          Reduce the chance of misinformation
          Rapid distribution of updates
          Better product support
          Saves customers long distance calls to Burnaby, Canada
          Brings more traffic and higher status to your system
           when people find out you are an authorized Gravis site.

Using the same programs and protocols as FIDOnet, BBSes involved
will be able to send and receive message and files to and from any
and all other systems in the FIDOnet or SBCNET.  Many echo mail
conferences covering various subjects related to Gravis products
have been set up to carry messages on a country and global basis.
As needs grow, more of these will be introduced.


                    WHAT DO I NEED TO JOIN?
                    -----------------------

There are only a few 'MUST HAVE' requirements to become an
'Authorized Gravis Node'.  However, it is important that
you have a good understanding of how FidoNET and TICK
work with your system.  The following is a list of
requirements and assumptions that will be made of you.

   You MUST have a valid FidoNET or SBCNET address.  Nearly everyone
    who operates a BBS has access to FidoNET or SBCNET, which is why
    this was chosen.

   Working knowledge of TICK and HATCH.  You may file request the
    magic name TICK to get the latest version of TICK from
    1:153/978 or 13:900/3.

   Ability to call your host at least once per week to pick up
    any waiting mail and files.  There are currently 6 FidoNET
    hosts around the world and countless numbers of SBCNET hosts.
    There is a Gravis FidoNET host located in:

     Finland   - Espoo
     Australia - Victoria
     US        - Oregon
     US        - Texas
     Canada    - Ontario
     Canada    - British Columbia

   You MUST make all Gravis files and messages available to
    first time callers to your BBS.


                         HOW DO I JOIN?
                         --------------

To become an 'Authorized Node' you will need to fill out the
application form, GRAV-APP.TXT, and send it to me at 1:153/978 or
13:900/3. Please rename it to your NODE#.APP.  I would also like you
to send me, John Smith, a netmail message telling me a bit about
yourself, your BBS and why you would like to join.

You have seen many references to both FidoNET and SBCNET. Many of
you are already familar with FidoNET so I won't mention anything
about it other than it is the largest amateur computer network
in the world. The Sound Board Connection Network (SBCNET) is
another messaging and file network which specializes in (you'll never
guess <grin>), sound boards. Currently it contains over 11 Gravis
related message and file areas. Because of SBCNETs large content of
Gravis related areas, and its wide distribution of hosts and nodes
around the world we have made it an official carrier of the Gravis
areas. This is a plus for you and us. For those of you who can either
not contact one of our FidoNET hosts, or are unable to get a FidoNET
node number for whatever reason we can now offer you an alternative.
If you decide to become a Gravis node through SBCNET you will be
getting ALL of the current file areas and 3 out of the 6 message areas.


                         HOW WE WILL CHOOSE
                         ------------------

Not everyone who applies will necessarily become an authorized node.
We will only allow a certain number of nodes in a given area, thereby
keeping Gravis nodes semi-exclusive. We will NOT allow bulletin boards
that practice in the distribution of pornography or commercial software
to become nodes. Commercial or Pay BBS's are welcome to apply so long
as the Gravis file and message areas are made available to first time
callers.

Before becomming a node we will call your BBS and verify that the
information given was correct. If your BBS is busy we will attempt to
call your BBS three different times. If we still can not get online
we will send you a routed netmail message saying that we were unable
to verify your BBS because it was too busy, wrong number, whatever.

After we have verified your BBS you will be notified ASAP, either as
email on your BBS or via netmail of your acceptance or rejection. If
you are using FidoNET you will be told which host to poll. That host
will also be notified via netmail that you will be coming. If you are
on SBCNET you may request the areas from your current host. Once you
have the message and file areas working it is important that you post
a message in SBC.GRAVIS.NEWS to JOHN SMITH stating that you are setup
and ready to go. A few weeks after you are setup we may do a spot
check just to make sure everything is setup correctly. We may also
do periodic 6 month reviews of all nodes. So keep sharp <grin>.


                         HINTS & SUGGESTIONS
                         -------------------

1) You will find a file with this package called GRAVLOGO.TXT. This
   file contains various logo's which you may want to use on your
   BBS in menus, zip files, upon logon, etc... I would also like
   to hear from anyone who would not mine drawing up some more
   logos, as I'm not a great artist <g>

2) After becomming an authorized node you may wish to get all the
   files we have previously sent out over the networks. Simply
   send me a pre-formatted 120Mb (307.5ft/93.7m) QIC-40 tape along
   with postage to mail it back to you. I will ONLY do this for
   authorized nodes.

3) I do encourage all nodes to keep all the files that I hatch through
   the network. If you are running short on space and need to
   delete some files I ask that you keep the Gravis files for AT LEAST
   one month preferably two.

4) It may be cheaper/easier for you to connect to SBCNET than it would
   be to connect to FidoNET. You may download SBC-KIT.ZIP from our system
   for more information.

