There are a number of networks of Computer Bulletin Board Systems on the planet. (There are also specific-use standalone BBS's, such as for user support by computer peripheral manufacturers, etc.)

Such a networked system is the local one in Grand Forks, by the overblown name of Compuglobal Hypermeganet BBS. This system is linked to Fidonet, a world-wide system of BBS's which exist for the primary purpose of fostering discussion in a variety of discussion groups, or "fidoechoes." They are called "echoes" because every comment made in such a discussion area by anyone on any BBS is "echoed" all over the coverage area of that "echo" by the network. So that a comment made in the WORLDTLD echo by a user in Australia, for instance, finds its way onto the WORLDTLK discussion area on every BBS on the planet which has chosen to carry that echo, within a few days.

Fidonet discussion is often confused with Internet Chat, although it is completely different. With Chat lines, you only see comments entered while you are connected, through your service provider, to that chat line. Thus, if someone says something significant, (very rare in chat lines) only the people reading their screens at that moment ever see it. In a Fidonet echo, although it takes longer to get there, every comment made by anyone stays on every BBS it goes to for some weeks or months - plenty of time for it to be found by those who care to read it, and/or comment on it. Thus, an ongoing, and often reasonably intelligent, discussion takes place in Fidonet on a variety of subjects.

Another difference is that chat lines almost always allow aliases, or "handles." People hiding behind aliases seldom think things out much before saying anything. Thus the conversation in chat lines is generally pretty inane - they were originally called "CB chat lines," and the comparison is a good one.

Fidonet BBS's also generally offer Files Areas - places from which you can download various text and software files into  your computer for perusal or use offline. They also offer offline reading, so that you can download message packets containing updates of the discussion areas you've found of interest, so you don't have to tie up your phone line while you read the latest in HOMESCHL, WORLDTLK, ALTMED, or X-FILES.

Oh - did I mention the best thing about Fidonet? Access to the BBS's is free - they're hobby systems, generally put there mostly for the benefit of the system operator and a few supporters. Donations are encouraged in various ways, but the average donation runs $20 - $30 a year, and users are encouraged to participate whether they donate or not. So you might want to fire up a Terminal Program and check it out.