Watauga Democrat
Boone, North Carolina
November 22, 1993    Front Page

On Dasher, on Zmodem and . . . Batch?

By Jeff R. Phillips
Democrat Staff Writer

"On Dasher, on Dancer, on ZMODEM and BATCH..." Huh ...? ZMODEM? BATCH??

It was only a matter of time. Now Santa has gone high tech, or maybe high tech has gone Santa.

Either way, if your computer has a modem with a baud(not to be confused with"bald") rate between 1,200 and 2,400, you can dial into a direct line to the "North Pole" and chat with the chubby old elf in the red and white suit

So says Seigler West, who operates the Pioneer BBS (Bulletin Board System) from his home in Boone. To speak directly with Santa, he said, select from the "Main Menu" and enter (Z), but first you must call the BBS at 265-2659 between midnight and 9 p.m.

From 9 p.m. until midnight the number is programed for voice, or regular telephone conversation, West said.

Once you reach the program, you will be asked several questions including your name, (N)ew user?, password (your choice), and a few other simple questions and you will be ready to enter the "Chat with Santa" program.

If you get confused or need help, you can enter (P)age SysOp and West will assist you by showing you what to do, he said.

There is no charge for calling Santa unless the 265 prefix is a long distance call or unless the call lasts longer than a total of 35 minutes.

West said the service is for anyone to use as often as he/she wants. West, who is disabled, said that he "fiddles all the time" with computers.

A printed script of the conversation between the child and Santa also is available at no charge. Simply leave a message in the main board conference stating your name, address and the approximate time of the call to Santa.

History of the Town of
Santa Claus, Indiana
The naming of the town of Santa Claus, Indiana.