Information on the Capital Area SysOps Association  (CASA)
                            October 1992
 
     The Capital Area SysOps Association,  better  known  as  CASA,  was
formed  in  1986  for the purpose of bringing Washington area SysOps and
interested individuals together.  CASA  is  a  social  organization  and
support group of computer hobbyists and professionals that meets monthly
for  a  technical  interchange,  which includes new ways to approach old
issues many SysOps (and SysOp wannabe's) face.  Comprising more than 100
active members, CASA is an international organization now spanning North
America,  Europe  and Asia.  CASA does not attempt to regulate SysOps or
police bulletin boards,  but  it  is  strongly  opposed  to  illegal  or
unethical acts taking place on or connected to a BBS.
 
     CASA members gather on the second Saturday of each month for  a  3-
hour  luncheon  meeting, rotating meeting locations between Maryland and
northern  Virginia.   A  monthly  CASA  meeting  usually   consists   of
introductions  of members,  guests and visitors,  announcements,  and an
Open Forum discussion giving area SysOps an opportunity  to  broach  new
ideas,  concepts,  hardware/software queries and other topics with their
peers.  After lunch and general socializing,  the latter portion of  the
meeting  is  usually  devoted to a prominent guest speaker with whom the
CASA SysOps have expressed an interest in hearing.  Dress is casual  and
the  atmosphere  of  the  meetings  is  always  entertaining and upbeat,
topical,  lively  and  informative,   often  provocative  and  sometimes
controversial.
 
     In  addition  to  the  monthly  meetings,  CASA  provides a monthly
newsletter mailed to all members,  offers free access  to  the  official
CASA  Members  Conference  on  the  Virginia  Connection  BBS,  and  has
arrangements with several companies and shareware  authors  who  provide
member  discounts on selected products.  CASA members also offer support
to each other  in  time  of  need.  Guest  speakers  occasionally  bring
substantive  door  prizes  or  give  special discounts to members at the
meetings.  Although geared predominantly to SysOps,  CASA  meetings  are
open  to individuals interested in issues relating to SysOps.  This is a
wonderful opportunity for BBS enthusiasts to put a face with the name of
the SysOp who runs some of your favorite boards!
 
     CASA membership fees include a one-time initiation fee of $10, plus
annual dues of $6 (prorated from the month you join to the  end  of  the
year.)  CASA believes in the "try-before-your-buy" concept; visitors are
welcome to attend their first meeting without obligation to join  to see
whether CASA is the right group for them.
 
     For  further information about CASA,  we encourage you to do any of
the following:  (1) Call The Virginia Connection  BBS  (CASA's  official
board) at 703-648-1841 and post a message or download CASA.ZIP; (2) call
and  post  a message on any BBS which identifies itself as a CASA Member
Board (as shown in their BBS Welcome screens or in  Focke's  list);  (3)
voice call Rod Renner (CASA President) at 301-622-2042; or (4) write to:
 
                    Capital Area SysOps Association
                    P.O. Box 2963
                    Merrifield, VA  22116-2963
 
     The announcement of any upcoming CASA meeting  including  location,
date (second Saturday),  time, place, guest speaker and main topic, will
usually be posted about one week  in  advance  of  the  meeting  on  The
Virginia Connection, in the SysOp Conferences carried on RelayNet (RIME)
and MetroLink, and other selected boards in the Washington DC area.