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AN INTRODUCTION TO OCNET - THE ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN NETWORK

Contents

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What is OCNet?

OCNet is a network of BBS conferences for Orthodox Christians that was started by Fr George Masters and Frank Crispell in California, USA. It is now linked to the FamilyNet BBS network and distributed around the world using Fido Technology and the Internet.

Any BBS that uses Fido-compatible mailers can link to it, and mail packets are available via the Internet using FTP. We would like to see Orthodox parishes, seminaries and monasteries setting up their own BBSs, and linking into this network. If you are a member of an Orthodox parish, or if there is a monastery and seminary nearby, please inform them about this, and encourage them to participate.

If you want to start your own BBS, all you need is a computer, a modem and a phone line. Parishes, schools, seminaries etc could easily start a BBS using an office computer, and run the BBS after office hours. Individuals can do the same thing. See How to start your own BBS for more details. FamilyNet is a general BBS network, and has several other echoes (conferences) that may be of interest apart from the Orthodox ones. It uses Zone 8 for mail exchange. Mail is also available via Planet Connect in the USA, and by ftp from ftp.fmlynet.org.

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OCNet Conferences

Here is a list of the OCNet conferences, from the FamilyNet echolist. The OC_ORTHODOX conference is the main and most general discussion forum for Orthodox Christianity, and we would like to encourage as many BBSs as possible to carry it and make it available to their users. It is for discussion of the Orthodox Christian Faith by both Orthodox and non-Orthodox.

Orthodox - OC_ORTHODOX

General discussions on the Orthodox Christian faith and Orthodox Churches. This is the main OCNet discussion conference, and has the widest range of discussion. Orthodox news and articles may be posted here, and questions about any aspects of the Orthodox Christian faith. You can also subscribe to this conference by e-mail mailing list.

Orthodox Penfriends - OC_PENPALS

This is for members of the Orthodox Christian Penfriends Club, or for people who would like to become members. You can also subscribe to this conference by e-mail mailing list.

Orthodox Bible - OC_BIBLE

Bible discussions from an Orthodox point of view. This is for discussions of anything to do with the Bible, or the readings for a particular Sunday or feast. This conference is only available on dial-up BBSs, and not by e-mail mailing list.

Orthodox Books - OC_BOOKS

Book discussions from an Orthodox point of view. It is for posting reviews of Orthodox books, or books that mention or deal with Orthodoxy, or discussion of books and literature as they relate to Orthodoxy.

Orthodox Common - OC_COMMON

Common conference for general discussions between users of BBSs carrying Orthodox conferences. This is for messages that would be off topic in the more specific conferences and is primarily for making personal contact with others

Religion - OC_RELIGION

Discussion of religions generally; members of all religious bodies are welcome to participate, and to discuss or explain their religion, and ask questions about other religions. This conference is now gated to an e-mail mailing list, and there is more information on the religion page.

Orthodox Network Administration - OC_ADMIN

Administration of Orthodox network OCNet, which is operating as part of FamilyNet. All sysops who carry any OCNet conferences should link to this one as well

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Subscribing by mailing list

You can subscribe to the OC_ORTHODOX and OC_PENPALS conferences by e-mail mailing list. At the moment the other conferences are only available via dial-up BBSs.

Joining and leaving the e-mail lists
Subscribe to OC_ORTHODOX Unsubscribe from OC_ORTHODOX
Subscribe to OC_PENPALS Unsubscribe from OC_PENPALS
Subscribe to OC_RELIGION Unsubscribe from OC_RELIGION

Clicking on the appropriate button above should open up your mail reader with an empty e-mail message. Dont write anything, just send it. You should receive a confirmation message, which you should reply to, and you will then receive instructions on how to participate.

If you have any difficulty in subscribing or unsubscribing, send an e-mail message to:

Bob Hoffman

to explain the problem When you are subscribed, you can send a message to the conference by sending it to:

[email protected]

You may also log in to the FamilyNet Headquarters BBS right from your web browser:

http://www.family-bbs.net/

When you do this, you will get to the BBS log in screen. Register as a new user if it is your first call, then click on "Join conferences". Wait for the list to display (it is quite long), then scroll down and click on the conferences you want to join (all the OCNet conferences are available - you will see them preceded by OC). Then scroll to the end of the list, and click to join. You will then get a list of the conferences you have joined (don't worry - they won't send mail to your e-mail in-box!) Yuo may then read and reply to messages and enter new ones.

You may also Telnet to the following FamilyNet BBSs:

  1. FamilyNet HQ
  2. Servant of the Lord

Then you should be able to log in as if you had dialled in to the BBS.

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Contacts and links

If anyone would like to know more about this, and how they can connect to these conferences, please contact me at one of the addresses below:

FamilyNet: 8:7903/10
Fidonet: 5:7106/20
E-mail:

More information is also available on the following Web pages:

Starting your own BBS

If you would like to start your own BBS, you can find more information and resources on the following Web pages:

The Sysop's Corner has a lot of information, useful links and downloadable software for sysops (BBS system operators) and potential sysops.

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| Home page | Index | St Nicholas | Society | Mission | Links | Parish | OCNet |
Maintained by
Steve Hayes
Started: 1998-08-26
Updated: 2001-08-02