Dear SysOp, Thank you for your interest in becoming a an Approved BBS of the Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP). We are a group of Shareware authors who are working to improve the image of Shareware as high quality software. We take the "ASP" mark as a symbol of distinction, and work zealously to maintain the highest possible standards for the benefit of all our members. Because of that commitment to quality, your BBS will be subjected to evaluation. Admission to ASP is by no means automatic: you must demonstrate that your BBS meets ASP standards; and you must guarantee that, if you are accepted, it will maintain that high standard Here is a brief explanation of the files you have just received, a look at what ASP is all about, and how your application will be processed. ========= THE FILES ========= This file, APPLIC.TXT, contains all of the information you will need to become an ASP Approved BBS. APPLIC.FRM is an application form. Detailed instructions for filling it out and submitting it are here in APPLIC.TXT. Although the instructions in this document are complete, you will need to refer to the "BBS Standards". BBS Standards are detailed in STANDARD.TXT. BBS-OMB.TXT, BBS-BLTS.TXT and SHAREW.TXT are suggested texts for use in constructing the required bulletins for your BBS. NOTE: BBS-OMB MUST be listed verbatum. BYLAW5.TXT gives the current by laws of the ASP. BBSLOGO.TXT is an ANSI logo for your BBS. CIS.TXT relates information about ASPs activities on CompuServe. ================ WHAT IS THE ASP? ================ The ASP is an association for shareware authors with the general goals of educating shareware authors and distributors and the public, setting standards, sharing resources and information among members. ============= THE MECHANICS ============= How long will it take to become get approved? That's the question we hear most often. The answer? Well, it depends. Two to three weeks is typical, but if your system is difficult to get access to, there are questions, or there are changes that need to be made to your system, it could take longer. Your application must go through several steps. Here's what happens: The ASP Executive Director ("ED") receives your application and checks it for completeness. I know YOU wouldn't do this, but believe it or not, some folks don't read the application directions carefully enough and fail to send in what is required. Funny, huh? Some of them leave out their phone number. Others forget the check. When that happens, the ED has to send you a letter, then you have to go back over all the instructions and apply again. Once your application is complete, the ED sends sends your application to the BBS Membership Committee Chairman ("BBSMC"). The BBSMC reviews your app to make sure there are no obvious problems. And places a call to your BBS. There are two common hang-ups at this point (1) Your system has not been setup for the BBSMC to perform the evaluation (You should set this up while filling in your application). Or (2) During the review process commercial software (most notably games) or commercial software documentation (in violation of copyrights) are found on your system. If your app fails to clear this first hurdle, you will hear from the BBSMC. They will work with you to bring your BBS into compliance. Once it meets ASP standards, a full check out of your system will be performed to insure compliance with standards. If you are approved a message will be left on your BBS, in the membership and public sections of the ASP Forum on CIS, and you will receive a full membership package in the mail shortly thereafter. If your BBS does not meet ASP standards, and you refuse to bring it in line with the standards, you will be refused approval. If you disagree with the action of the BBSMC, you may appeal directly to the Board of Directors, by writing to the Executive Director (address below). When you start feeling frustrated about the delays (and if you're like most SysOps, you probably will!), keep one thing in mind: with the exception of the "ED", this entire process, beginning to end, is run by volunteers -- volunteer Shareware folk, just like you, who have myriad demands on their time. ====================== HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? ====================== When you apply, you will send in a check (or sign away your credit card) for $40. If a check is used, it must be in US dollars drawn on a USA bank. That amount covers your first years' dues. New members would get the benefits of High Option membership through March 31 of their second year to see what the services are like. After the first year, dues depend on the services you want: Standard Level: The dues for this level are based on basic services and set the dues as low as possible while covering the cost attributable to that member. Annually dues are $25 ($35 for BBS outside the USA, Canada and Mexico because of higher postage costs). Gives the member a subscription to ASPects, access to the CIS ASPFORUM member sections, the right to use the ASP name as a BBS member and listing in the ASP on disk and printed catalogs. They will not receive the monthly catalog disk and will appear in the Group Mailing as a separate category. {There are two types of mailings you might receive, which many ASP authors participate in on a voluntary basis. This can amount to quite a few programs, so if you do not want to handle disks by mail make sure you circle the appropriate block on the APPLIC.FRM. 1. There is a Group Mailing which combines several disks from various authors into one package mailed monthly. NOTE: This ASP-sponsered service is not funded, required or guaranteed by the ASP itself, but of the authors who choose to participate. 2. There are disks sent to you directly by authors who prefer to mail independently.} High Level: Provides more services and intended to be at a level where the dues cover general ASP services like the Executive Director's Office, lobbying, etc. Dues are set at $75. These members are supporting the ASPs activities and partake in additional services including catalog disks mailed monthly and printed catalogs and being offered as a separate option to authors on the ASP Group Mailing service. For each new service offered by the ASP the BoD will need to decide if it applies to all BBS members or just full members. The usual criteria used shall involve cost to the ASP. Each BBS member will have to choose which level they want at each membership billing. For changes at the main billing, services would shift effective April 1. At any time, a member can switch from basic to full services by paying the difference in dues in full. The change will be effective as soon as the ED can process it. ======================== WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO JOIN? ======================== Membership is open to all SysOps of BBSs and On Line services which distribute programs which are currently marketed and supported as shareware, who agree to abide by standards adopted by the association, and whose membership, in the judgment of the BBS Membership Committee, will not be detrimental to the goals or reputation of the ASP. (Don't be confused by the ASP jargon: an ASP Approved BBS is an Associate Member of ASP) =============== HOW DO I APPLY? =============== You must follow these instructions, precisely, in order. (Please! Follow the instructions! If your application is returned it only adds to the delay and the confusion....) A: Read the rest of this document. B: Follow the instructions in this document to answer all the questions in APPLIC.FRM. Fill out the APPLIC.FRM application form in print. We MUST have a printed copy of the file called APPLIC.FRM, properly completed, in order to process your application. C: If you have extra information about your system, ie brochures, magazine reviews, etc. Send those too! It is your opportunity to show off your best side. D: Add the user information in your application to your BBS Users file, so the BBSMC can check out your BBS. E: Add the necessary Bulletins to your system, and make any other changes necessary for approval. Remember, that all the files can be included now, EXCEPT the ASP Approved Logo. F: Put ALL of the following into one package: 1) A signed and dated printout of the file APPLIC.FRM 2) Additional information. 3) Either: A) A check for $40, in U.S. dollars, drawn on a U.S. bank; or, B) The completed credit card charge authorization located at the end of APPLIC.FRM Note that $20 of the $40 fee will be refunded if your application is not accepted; $20 is a non-refundable processing fee. G: Mail the package to: Executive Director Association of Shareware Professionals 545 Grover Road Muskegon, MI 49442-9427 =========================== =========================== HEEEEERE'S THE INSTRUCTIONS =========================== =========================== At this point, you should take a look at the file APPLIC.FRM, and follow along as we step you through the form. These instructions are very important, and must be followed precisely. If you screw up, you'll delay processing of your application by days -- possibly weeks! =============== THE APPLICATION =============== Wherever you see an underline in the application form, your answer must fit within the defined bounds. Set your word processor or text editor to "Overstrike" the underlines! If you go outside the confines of each field, your answer WILL BE TRUNCATED TO FIT. Fill in your name, address, etc. If you have access to CompuServe, we strongly urge you to note your CompuServe PPN. number; we will try to contact you through CompuServe whenever possible, and you should check your CompuServe mail every few days while your application is being processed. ================ HOW TO GET HELP! ================ If you have questions about your application, please contact the ASP Executive Director on CompuServe at 72050,1433. If you do not have access to CompuServe, try the U.S. Mail: Executive Director Association of Shareware Professionals 545 Grover Road Muskegon, MI 49442-9427 Or Call: {616}788-5131 (Voice) Thanks! We all look forward to seeing your application.... Charles P. Schell IV BBS Membership Committee Chairman December 12, 1991