I hang out on CompuServe.

CompuServe's finally getting a presence on the Web. CompuServe Home Page In fact (and of course) that's how I got here. I started bouncing the Web from work, but they aren't about to let me set up my own home page. What disasterous thing might I bring down on the company if I happen to say something bad in my page?

I got started working in HTML once CompuServe started work on allowing members to set up their home pages. I was allowed into the test phase of this project because of what I do while I hang out on CompuServe.

I'm one of those folks termed as a Sysop.

What that means on CompuServe:

I'm associated with a forum or group of forums (In my case, The PetsForum Group, Inc. forums which include PFCats, PFDogs, PFHorse, PFVet, FishNet, PFVenA and PFVenB) (for those of you totally unfamiliar with CompuServe and Forums, I've written up a short bit on What is a forum?)

What a sysop does on the forum they are associated with varies widely. Some basic "job descriptions" I'm familiar with (since I've done them at one time or another) (and yes, I know I'm over simplifying, this isn't suppsosed to be a novel).

• Section Leader - usually means someone who is assigned to watch over a section or sections of a forum. What they do is:
  • Read the messages posted in that section.
  • If a message thread topic doesn't match its subject anymore, modify the subject from that point forward in the thread.
  • If a message thread topic doesn't even match the section's topic anymore, move the thread from that point forward over to a section that is set up for that topic. (Tough call many times).
  • If a discussion starts straying into flame territory, talk to the participants and try to get them to chill out or take it else where. (Some forums are strict, other lienent on this point).
  • Holler for their boss when things get really out of hand.
  
  
• Librarian - usually means someone who is assigned to watch over a library or libraries.
  • Scan all executable uploads for Viruses.
  • Check all text uploads for format.
  • If the contents of the file would be a better fit under a different library subject, move the file to that library.
  • Check on what files haven't been downloaded in a long time and schedule them to be erased.
  
  
• Technical Support Staff. (In this case Technical Support means helping people with the technical issues concerning their communications with compuserve. With a variety of navigation programs available and a variety of hardware platforms folks may be running them on, this can be a very interesting job)

  • Provide Primary Technical Support to users attempting to use your assigned forum.

  • Provide backup Technical Support for all other PetsForum Group Forums. (Providing coverage when the primary Tech Support Staffer cannot get to the questions due to illness or absence).

  • Read and answer technical support questions in at minimum sections 0 (Sysop), 1 (Using this forum) and the forum chat section and following up on messages either posted, forwarded, or pointed out to you in other sections.

  • Read and participate in discussions happening in the Technical Support section.

  • Become familiar with the various tasks assigned to other PetsForum Group staff and become familiar with the sysop commands necessary to accomplish those tasks so as to be able to help out when new staff members are hired and have questions.

  • Be available for How To conference Conference support alternating months with other technical support staffers. Upon request (minimum one week in advance) provide Support at any PetsForum Group conference where it is needed.

  • Perform other Technical Support tasks as assigned by the Technical Support Manager as your own life/schedule allows. It is expected that if a deadline is given you will respond within 24 hours as to whether you can meet that schedule or not. If no schedule is given, its is expected that you will respond within 24 hours defining when you expect to be able to complete the assigned task.

  • Every Six months, provide a review of your last six months, and expectations for the next six months. Part of this review is to tell management how they are doing so that they can improve.

e-mail).

As I mentioned earlier, CIS is getting a presence on the Web, so here is a listing of some other CIS folks (mostly Sysops of various types) and the forums they are associated with. CIS Folks on the Web...