After everything was returned, I went through it -
realizing that except for a high-end 17" monitor, most of
it had become worthless due to its age. It was a bit
surreal having outdated equipment in such well-preserved
condition. A couple small items (like a pair of full-size
stereo headphones and a Compaq branded pair of PC
speakers) weren't even mine in the first place. I guess
they got mixed up with my stuff while it was all stored
away.
A few years ago, I found out about a video documentary
called the "BBS Documentary Project", and pre-ordered it
over the Internet. When it arrived, I eagerly viewed the
multi-DVD set. It brought back many good memories of the
now bygone BBS era, and even had some historical
information in it that I never knew before. The other
thing I found very interesting, though, was the interview
with another BBS Sysop (of an Apple // based BBS) who
went through an FBI raid almost exactly like mine. Not
only that, but looking at an online list of old bulletin
board systems, I noticed MANY had notes beside them about
going offline due to a police seizure or raid of some
sort. Apparently, this was a more common occurance than I
ever realized before!
Oh, and there's one last story I'd like to relate. About
2 years ago, I was out of work and looking for a new job
in the I.T. field. I responded to a want-ad seeking
computer support staff for Florissant Valley Community
College. After submitting a resume, filling out a lengthy
application form (which duplicated much of the info on my
resume), and going through at least 2 in-person
interviews (including a team interview), it looked like I
was going to be made an offer. (Needless to say, after
10+ months of unemployment, this was quite exciting!) I
was even unofficially told that I had the job, but just
needed to wait a little while for everything to be put
into writing. Next thing I knew, I received a phone call,
informing me that "things had changed" and they had to
examine "new informaton that came to light" about my
employment. Yep - someone had read my personal web site
and become concerned about the BBS incident. That SAME
AFTERNOON, I received a rejection letter in the mail.
For a while after this, I removed the portion of my web
site discussing my BBS, afraid of any other negative
attention it might bring during my job search. But now,
I've decided the right thing to do is to put it all back.
Too many people ask me what ever happened to the bulletin
board, or only heard partial stories and half-truths.
Furthermore, I find it ironic and interesting that of all
places, an institution of higher learning would be the
ONLY one to take issue with an incident like this, where
no charges were ever filed and all of my equipment (and
even software!) was returned to me. (Further adding to
this irony, I attended school in the St. Louis Community
College's system in the early 90's.) Interpret this as
you will.