____ _ _ _ _ / ___| _ __ ___ ___| |_ _ __ _ _ _ __ ___ | \ | | ___| |_ \___ \| '_ \ / _ \/ __| __| '__| | | | '_ ` _ \| \| |/ _ \ __| ___) | |_) | __/ (__| |_| | | |_| | | | | | | |\ | __/ |_ |____/| .__/ \___|\___|\__|_| \__,_|_| |_| |_|_| \_|\___|\__| |_| 404: Not Found? We are the full spectrum. ========================================================================== SpectrumNet -- FidoNet Technology Network Zone 404 | Domain: spectrum | Est. March 7, 2026 Hub: BBS PEPSICOLA -- Pensacola, FL https://cultofjames.org ========================================================================== INTRODUCTION -------------------------------------------------------------------------- SpectrumNet is an independent FidoNet Technology Network (FTN) built by and for LGBTQIA+ people, neurodivergent people, and allies. It exists to provide safe, affirming spaces for community discussion across bulletin board systems worldwide. The network carries echo areas covering queer identity, transgender experience, autism and neurodivergence, creative arts, gaming, tech, and general community chat. All are welcome to join and participate respectfully. Zone 404 was chosen deliberately: in internet culture, "404" means "not found" -- a fitting number for communities that have been erased, excluded, or told they don't exist. "Spectrum" represents the full range of human identity and experience. Together: what was not found is here, in full. HISTORY & LINEAGE -------------------------------------------------------------------------- SpectrumNet is not the first network to serve the transgender and queer BBS community. We acknowledge and honor the networks that came before: * GenderNet (est. ~1984) -- The first known transgender BBS, launched in California. By 1985 it handled over 3,000 calls per month, providing a lifeline for an isolated community in the pre-internet era. * TransGenderNet / TGNet (est. ~1988) -- An independent FTN othernet hosted at Feminet BBS in the Monterey Bay, CA area. TGNet linked transgender-focused BBSes internationally with echo conferences including TRANSGENDER, TRANSITION, NEW_WOMEN, NEW_MEN, POLIGEND (politics of gender), PARTNERS, DRESS*UP, D&S_FORUM, and TGNSYSOP. Feminet closed in 1996; TGNet continued briefly under co-admins Kymberleigh Richards (Cross Connections BBS, publisher of Cross-Talk magazine) and Russ Goodale (The Room Next Door BBS, Seattle) before going offline around 1997 as the wider internet displaced BBS culture. * GENDER echo (FidoNet backbone) -- A transgender-focused echo that ran on the main FidoNet network, reaching systems that did not carry the independent TGNet. These networks existed at a time when being openly transgender online required extraordinary courage. Many users connected at 1200 or 2400 baud over long-distance phone calls, paying by the minute, because these BBSes were the only places they could be themselves. No intact archive of TGNet is known to survive -- a reminder that queer digital history is fragile and must be actively preserved. SOURCES ------- [1] Dame-Griff, Avery. "The Two Revolutions: A History of the Transgender Internet." NYU Press, 2023. https://averydame.net/?page_id=961 [2] Queer Digital History Project. "TGNet BBS Network Map." https://queerdigital.com/tgnmap/ [3] Digital Transgender Archive. "Cross-Talk: The Gender Community's News & Information Monthly." (Sept 1988 - Nov 1996) https://www.digitaltransgenderarchive.net/col/8623hx72q [4] Queer Digital History Project. "Feminet." https://queerdigital.com/items/show/8 [5] Transgender Map. "Historic transgender online resources." https://www.transgendermap.com/guidance/resources/websites/historic/ [6] "Petticoat Junction" newsletter, V.2 N.1, 1992. (TGNet echo area list, cited via Dame-Griff) [7] Shefski, William J. "Free Electronic Networks." 1994. (TGNet echo area list + Feminet description) SpectrumNet carries this legacy forward into the modern BBS revival, expanding the scope to include the full LGBTQIA+ community and neurodivergent communities. Where TGNet had 9 echo areas, SpectrumNet launches with 18, reflecting decades of evolving language and understanding about gender, sexuality, and neurotype. GOALS -------------------------------------------------------------------------- * Provide safe, affirming FTN echo areas for LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent communities * Connect BBS operators who want to offer inclusive content to their users * Preserve the tradition of community-run, decentralized communication networks * Honor and continue the legacy of early queer BBS networks * Grow to 50+ connected systems internationally VALUES & CONDUCT -------------------------------------------------------------------------- SpectrumNet is a safe space. The following principles are non-negotiable: 1. RESPECT IDENTITY. Use people's stated names and pronouns. Do not debate whether someone's identity is valid. This is not optional. 2. NO HATE. Racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, antisemitism, islamophobia, and other forms of bigotry will result in immediate removal from the network. 3. GOOD FAITH. Engage in discussion honestly. "Just asking questions" as a vehicle for hostility is not tolerated. Curiosity is welcome; bad faith is not. 4. PRIVACY. Do not share anyone's personal information, deadnames, or details about their transition, diagnosis, or identity without their explicit consent. Outing someone is grounds for immediate removal. SpectrumNet is a handles-only network -- real names are never published in nodelists, systems lists, or echo areas. See the PRIVACY POLICY section below for full details. 5. CONTENT WARNINGS. When discussing potentially distressing topics (self-harm, abuse, medical procedures, etc.), use a content warning in the subject line: "CW: [topic]". 6. NO ILLEGAL CONTENT. Do not post anything illegal under US federal law. This includes but is not limited to CSAM, credible threats of violence, and doxxing. 7. SYSOP RESPONSIBILITY. Member sysops are expected to moderate their own systems in alignment with these values. A sysop who permits hate speech on their local system may be disconnected from the network. Moderation is handled by the SpectrumNet hub sysop. Disputes should be directed to 404_SYSOP_ADMIN or via netmail to 404:1/1. PRIVACY POLICY -------------------------------------------------------------------------- SpectrumNet serves communities whose members may face real-world harm if their identities are exposed. Privacy is not a convenience -- it is a safety measure. This policy reflects that reality. HANDLES ONLY. All network activity uses handles (aliases) exclusively. Real names never appear in echomail, nodelists, systems lists, info packs, or any other public-facing network document. Sysops are listed by handle only. Users post under whatever name they choose. REAL NAMES REQUIRED ON APPLICATION. Sysop applicants must provide their real name on the application form. This is collected solely for accountability and is kept confidential by the hub sysop. WHEN REAL NAMES MAY BE DISCLOSED. Real name information will only be disclosed in response to: * A valid legal request (subpoena, court order, or law enforcement inquiry) related to credible threats of violence against network users or other criminal activity. That is the only circumstance. Real names will NOT be disclosed for: * Network disputes or drama * Requests from other sysops * Requests from other FTN networks * Curiosity or "verification" by third parties DATA MINIMIZATION. The hub retains only what is necessary to operate the network: handle, BBS address, FTN address, contact email, and the confidential real name. No logs of message content are kept at the hub beyond what exists in the normal JAM message bases. SYSOP RESPONSIBILITY. Member sysops must extend the same privacy protections to their users. Do not require real names for BBS access to SpectrumNet echo areas. Do not share user information with third parties. If you have privacy concerns about joining, contact the hub sysop via encrypted email or private netmail to discuss accommodations. ECHO AREAS -- MESSAGE CONFERENCES -------------------------------------------------------------------------- SpectrumNet carries 18 message echo areas. All use the 404_ prefix (zone number, per FTN convention). All areas are echomail (Type 2+). COMMUNITY & IDENTITY ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 404_CHAT General chat -- anything and everything. The main hangout. No specific topic required. 404_TRANS Transgender experience, transition, coming out, passing, voice training, legal name changes, HRT, surgery, and everything in between. 404_QUEER Broader LGBTQIA+ discussion -- sexuality, identity, community, culture, relationships. 404_POLY_ENM Polyamory, ethical non-monogamy, relationship structures, communication, boundaries. 404_PRIDE_CULTURE Pride events, queer history, culture, media, books, film, music, art. 404_SAFE_SPACE Venting, support, and solidarity. A space to be heard without judgment. Content warnings encouraged. NEURODIVERGENCE ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 404_AUTISM Autistic experience, diagnosis, self-advocacy, acceptance, and community. 404_NEURODIVERGENT General neurodivergence -- broader ND topics that cross diagnostic boundaries. 404_SENSORY_STIMS Sensory processing, stim recommendations, sensory overload strategies, comfort items. 404_UNMASKING The experience of masking and unmasking -- burnout, late diagnosis, learning to be yourself. 404_ADHD ADHD experience, coping strategies, medication, executive function, time blindness. INTERESTS ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 404_ANSI ANSI and ASCII art -- share your creations, discuss techniques, tools (PabloDraw, Moebius, TheDraw), art packs, and the BBS art scene. 404_CREATIVE_ARTS Writing, visual art, music, crafts, poetry, zines, creative projects of all kinds. 404_GAMING Video games, tabletop, RPGs, board games, retro gaming, game development. 404_TECH_TALK Technology, programming, hardware, BBS software, networking, open source, retrocomputing. 404_HISTORY SpectrumNet "Today in History" -- daily automated posts highlighting historical events relevant to LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent communities. ADMINISTRATION ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 404_SYSOP_ADMIN Network administration, sysop discussion, technical support, policy discussion. Sysops only. 404_TEST Network testing. Post a message with subject "TEST" to receive an automated reply confirming your connection and showing routing information. TECHNICAL DETAILS -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Network: SpectrumNet Zone: 404 Domain: spectrum Protocol: BinkP (FidoNet Technology, Type 2+ packets) Hub Address: 404:1/1 Hub BBS: BBS PEPSICOLA Hub Sysop: RAI BinkP Host: bbs.cultofjames.org BinkP Port: 24554 Node assignment is sequential: 404:1/2, 404:1/3, etc. Additional nets (404:2/x, 404:3/x) may be created as the network grows. SUPPORTED SOFTWARE ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Any BBS software with FTN/BinkP support should work. Confirmed: - Mystic BBS (recommended -- native BinkP + echomail processing) - Synchronet (with BinkIT) - ENiGMA 1/2 - SBBS + BinkD - Any system with BinkD or compatible mailer MYSTIC BBS QUICK SETUP ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Add echomail address: Networking -> Addresses Address: 404:1/X (your assigned node number) Domain: spectrum 2. Add echomail node: Networking -> Echomail Nodes Description: SpectrumNet Hub Address: 404:1/1 Domain: spectrum BinkP Host: bbs.cultofjames.org BinkP Port: 24554 Session Type: BinkP Export Type: Crash Uplink: Yes Session Pass: (assigned on approval) PKT Pass: (assigned on approval) AreaFix Pass: (assigned on approval) Route Info: 404:* 3. After connecting, send netmail to 404:1/1 with: To: AreaFix Subject: (your AreaFix password) Body: %ALL This subscribes you to all echo areas. 4. Run mutil with ImportEchoMail and ExportEchoMail configured for your SpectrumNet address. Poll the hub on your preferred schedule (hourly recommended). OTHER SOFTWARE ----------------------------------------------------------------------- For non-Mystic setups, configure BinkD to poll bbs.cultofjames.org on port 24554 with your assigned session password. Configure your mail tosser (HPT, Husky, GoldED, etc.) with your 404:1/X address and the echo area tags listed above. If you need help configuring your specific software, post in 404_SYSOP_ADMIN or send netmail to 404:1/1. MEMBERSHIP -------------------------------------------------------------------------- SpectrumNet is open to any BBS sysop who: * Agrees to the values and conduct policy above * Operates a BBS accessible via telnet, SSH, or dialup * Can establish BinkP connectivity to the hub * Will actively moderate their local system in line with network values There is no membership fee. This is a community project. To apply, fill out the application form below and send it to RAI via one of these methods: * Email: spectrumnet@cultofjames.org * Netmail: 404:1/1 (if you already have FTN connectivity via another network) * Telnet: bbs.cultofjames.org port 2023 (leave feedback to sysop after logging in) APPLICATION FORM -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Please copy, fill out, and send to spectrumnet@cultofjames.org: Fields marked with * are REQUIRED. Applications missing required fields or without agreement checkboxes marked will be returned. SYSOP INFORMATION ----------------- * Handle/Alias .....: (used in all network listings) * Real Name ........: (CONFIDENTIAL -- see Privacy Policy) Location .........: (city/state or country -- as specific as you are comfortable with) Email Address ....: BBS INFORMATION --------------- * BBS Name .........: BBS Software .....: Operating System .: Telnet Address ...: Telnet Port ......: SSH Address ......: (if available) Website URL ......: (if available) FTN CONNECTIVITY ---------------- * BinkP Address ....: (hostname or IP) BinkP Port .......: (default 24554) Static IP ........: Yes / No Preferred Password: (8 chars max, used for Session/PKT/AreaFix) Traffic Type .....: Crash / Hold Mail Tosser ......: (e.g., Mystic mutil, BinkD+HPT, etc.) OTHER FTN MEMBERSHIPS --------------------- List any other FTN networks you are a member of (helps us understand your setup and avoid address conflicts): AGREEMENT (REQUIRED -- mark all checkboxes with [X] to apply) --------- [ ] I have read and agree to the SpectrumNet values and conduct policy. [ ] I have read and agree to the SpectrumNet privacy policy. [ ] I understand that my real name is collected for accountability only and will not be published or shared except as described in the privacy policy. [ ] I understand that violating the conduct policy may result in removal from the network. [ ] I will actively moderate my BBS in line with SpectrumNet values and extend privacy protections to my users. NOTES -------------------------------------------------------------------------- * Passwords are 8 characters maximum (FTN protocol limitation). The same password is used for BinkP session, PKT, and AreaFix/FileFix unless you request otherwise. * "Crash" means your system will send mail immediately when it is generated. "Hold" means mail is held until the hub polls you. Most systems should use Crash. * The hub polls all connected systems hourly. You may also configure your system to poll the hub more frequently if desired. * New nodes receive all 18 echo areas by default. You may unsubscribe from individual areas via AreaFix if you don't want to carry them all. * The 404_TEST area includes an automated reply bot. After connecting, post a message with subject "TEST" to verify your routing is working correctly. You will receive an automated reply showing your message's path through the network. * SpectrumNet does not currently carry file echoes. This may change as the network grows. ========================================================================== SpectrumNet -- Zone 404 404: Not Found? We are the full spectrum. Hub: BBS PEPSICOLA | bbs.cultofjames.org | Pensacola, FL Sysop: RAI Est. March 7, 2026 In memory of GenderNet, TransGenderNet, and every queer BBS that came before. The line is unbroken. ==========================================================================