As a former -- eight consecutive years running my Hotline server -- and current -- back up and running again -- Hotline admin, I can tell you first hand that the Hotline server/client software suite is not a BBS in the truest sense of the word.
Yes, Hotline has similar functionality as a BBS, but it is not a true PC-ANSI graphics based system. Furthermore, you cannot connect to a Hotline server using a typical dial-up modem connection, which sets true BBSes apart.
In our modern day, BBSes also now have the ability to be accessed via the telnet protocol. Not so with Hotline. It uses its own proprietary protocol, which is why you need a Hotline client of some type to connect to it. In contrast, anyone with a telnet client/terminal app installed on their system can access any BBS around the world.
BTW, I have been running my Macintosh-based BBS on and off since early 1994. It is up and running again as well. Check out its official home page at the URL in my signature.
You can likewise telnet there using telnet armageddonbbs.com or telnet 202.128.4.177
Enjoy a blast into the past and become a regular!
