PaintNet (New Zealand)
PaintNet was a free computer-based paintball communications network originating in Auckland, New Zealand. Documented in 1995, it connected dial-up bulletin-board systems and distributed paintball discussions through the OtherNet.PaintNet area on Usenet. The network was operated by members of the Auckland paintball team Kamo Karzi.[1]
History
PaintNet was described by Kamo Karzi member Rob Maddox in the article “Using the Net to Catch New Players”, published in Australian Paintballer in late 1995.[1]
Maddox stated that PaintNet was run by several members of Kamo Karzi with the aim of promoting paintball as a recreational and competitive activity. Its users included members of numerous Auckland teams, occasional players and people seeking introductory information about the sport.[1]
At the time of the article, nine bulletin-board systems regularly received PaintNet messages. Material from the network was also posted nightly to the OtherNet.PaintNet area on Usenet.[1]
Services
PaintNet carried:
- general discussion between players;
- tactical discussions;
- technical advice and equipment information;
- team messages;
- forthcoming event listings; and
- advertising for paintball equipment and games.[1]
Access to the network was free, including for businesses and individuals advertising paintball products or events. Users required a computer and modem and could incur telephone toll charges when connecting to a bulletin-board system outside their local calling area.[1]
Mordor BBS in Auckland was one of the systems providing access to PaintNet. Maddox was listed as the contact for Mordor BBS and invited other bulletin-board operators, field operators and magazine staff in New Zealand, Australia and elsewhere to carry the network.[1]
PaintNet was a bulletin-board and message-distribution network rather than a World Wide Web site. It was separate from the commercial bulletin-board and website services operated by Paintball Express.
Inter-BBS tournament
PaintNet organised an InterBBS four-player stock-class tournament for members of the network. The event was assisted by other members of Kamo Karzi, players from the Saints, new players and Commando One field operator Rob Tapper.[1]
The tournament was won by the team representing Mordor BBS. Its players were listed as Psyg, Allison, Hobbit and Wolf. Maddox reported that the response to the tournament encouraged plans for another event.[1]
See also
References
- Rob Maddox, “Using the Net to Catch New Players”, Australian Paintballer, December 1995–February 1996, p. 22. Describes PaintNet’s operation, content, participating bulletin boards, Usenet distribution, Mordor BBS and the InterBBS stock-class tournament.