"TRNSDEMO is the complete formerly shareware now freeware version of the
Transcendence BBS v.2.4.01 by Wayne Watson (dated Feb. 19, 1994). If
you are ever thinking of setting up a BBS (a tremendous amount of
work--BBS SysOps are the saints of the computer world in my opinion!)
this program would be well worth your investigation. It works on any
ST-TT with at least one meg of RAM (2.5 meg of RAM and TOS 1.4 or better
is better, of course). The program and support files require at least
20 meg of Hard Drive space as well. Note, this archive's name implies
that this file is a demo. It is NOT. It's the full-blown version
released by the author. Thanks! (Send him money anyway!).
527K."
From the preface of this freeware version:
The Transcendence BBS package was originally conceived by David
Brown in 1986. He began researching BBS programs, how they work, and
how they don't work. At this time he did not know the first thing
about computer programming (His first computer was a 520ST, in Oct.
1985). He began teaching himself how to write this type of software by
programming online "door" software.
In mid 1987 He began work on the "STark" BBS program. Soon he was
joined by Jason Dickens. They worked on the program for about 2 years,
and due to some problems, had to terminate their joint-effort. For a
one year period he was without the source code to the STark BBS
program. Since BBS programming was his work away from work, He started
a new one. This program was entitled "STairway" (it was never
completed). He then obtained the source code to STark, and used the
two programs to create what is now "Transcendence."
Soon after starting on Transcendence, he asked me to help re-
write many of the old STark routines. I began work on the File Areas
and wrote the transfer protocols along with many other support modules
for the BBS.
Since David and I started working together, we haven't stopped to
take a breath. The program has gone through massive rewrites and
modifications. The current program is beyond what we ever thought we
could do. We feel that we have succeeded in creating the most
flexible, powerful, user-friendly, and sysop-friendly BBS system ever.
Our sysops seem to agree.
In January, 1993, David decided to get out of development of
Transcendence and asked me to take over marketing, selling, updating
and supporting the program. I will miss the times that we spent
working together. David has taught me a lot about programming
telecommunications software and other things. It was a very good
partnership. Although we keep in touch, it will not be the same. I
wish David the best of luck in all his efforts and in life. Thanks
David for so much!
I wish you luck in your adventures as a Sysop and hope that
Transcendence will make your experience a pleasant one.
Wayne Watson