Information on becoming an
                      Authorized Advanced Gravis Nodes
                         Revised February 16th 1993


                              ABOUT GRAVIS
                              ------------

      Since 1986 Advanced Gravis Computer Technology Ltd. has been
      bringing the world the best in innovative computer peripherals.
      From revolutionary top-rated Gravis JoySticks to the new Gravis
      UltraSound, we have proven ourselves a world leader.

      In January 1992, Gravis announced a new product which would
      change the PC Sound card market forever, the Gravis
      UltraSound (GUS).  This sophisticated 16 bit digital wave
      table synthesis audio card started shipping in October 1992.

      Like other Gravis products the GUS has been a huge success and
      will soon be the new standard.  With this explosive acceptance
      it is becoming increasingly necessary for Gravis to stay in
      contact with users around the world.


                             HOW DOES IT WORK?
                             -----------------

      To achieve mass distribution of information we are relying on
      the power of computer Bulletin Boards and networks.  Both of
      which have proven themselves in recent years as being able
      to reach the largest audience the quickest.

      Using these technologies we may now provide the opportunity for all
      those interested in Gravis products to meet each other, talk, ask
      questions, and share files.  Also there are many benefits by
      bringing Gravis information closer to the user:

               þ Reduce the chance of misinformation
               þ Timely updates
               þ Better product support
               þ Saves customers long distance calls to Western Canada
               þ Brings more traffic and higher status to your system
                 when people find out you are an authorized Gravis site.

      Using the same programs and protocols as FIDOnet, BBSes involved
      will be able to send and receive message and files to and from any
      and all other systems in the FIDOnet.  Many echo mail conferences
      covering various subjects related to Gravis products have been set
      up to carry messages on a country and global basis.  As needs grow,
      more of these will be introduced.


                          WHAT DO I NEED TO JOIN?
                          -----------------------

      There are only a few 'MUST HAVE' requirements to become an
      'Authorized Gravis Node'.  However, it is important that
      you have a good understanding of how FidoNET and TICK
      work with your system.  The following is a list of
      requirements and assumptions that will be made of you.

        þ You MUST have a FidoNET address.  Nearly everyone who operates
          a BBS has access to FidoNET, which is why this was chosen.

        þ Working knowledge of TICK and HATCH.  You may FREQ the magic
          name TICK to get the latest version of TICK from 1:153/978.

        þ Ability to call us at least once per week to pick up any
          waiting mail and files.  To keep cost down we provide
          high speed V32bis access.  Expect 1-5Mb per week of files
          and messages except when a new release is available.


                               HOW DO I JOIN?
                               --------------

      To become an 'Authorized Node' you will need to fill out the
      application form, GRAV-APP.TXT, and send it to me at 1:153/978.
      Please rename it to your NODE#.APP.  I would also like you to
      send me, John Smith, a netmail message telling me a bit about
      yourself, your BBS and why you would like to join.

      I will be going through all the applications the first week of
      March.  It will take about a week to sort through all of them
      and come up with a list of possible candidates.  I will then
      be making an announcement letting everyone know who we choose
      for the first 20 nodes.


                               HOW WE WILL CHOOSE
                               ------------------

      Not everyone who applies will necessarily become an authorized node.
      We will be starting with a maximum of 20 nodes around the world.
      Currently our BBS is only 2 lines and I don't think it can handle
      any more nodes.  In the future we will be adding some dedicated
      mail lines.  This new number will be reflected in a future NODEDIFF.
      What I will do for the time being is between the hours of 1am and 3am
      PST the BBS will be shut down for MAIL ONLY.  This means there will
      be NO user logons, only mail system calls will be accepted.

      Here is a rough break down of the regions we are looking at and how many
      nodes we would like in each.

           WESTERN CANADA  1       WESTERN US      3
           CENTRAL CANADA  2       CENTRAL US      3
           EASTERN CANADA  2       EASTERN US      4
           EUROPE          4       AUSTRALLIA      1

      For now we will be the only HUB.  I don't plan to start GRAVIS NET.  At
      least not yet :-).