Forum 66

Forum 66 was a prominent early online forum and community, primarily active during the late 1980s and early 1990s. It was accessible through dial-up bulletin board systems (BBSs) using a modem. Forum 66 served as a virtual gathering place for individuals interested in a variety of topics, ranging from computer hardware and software to science fiction, fantasy, and general discussions.

Unlike modern internet forums, Forum 66, and BBSs in general, operated on a smaller scale, typically hosted by individuals or small groups on personal computers. Users would connect directly to the host system via a telephone line.

Key features of Forum 66 would have included message boards (also known as conferences or areas), file sharing (allowing users to upload and download software, text files, and other digital content), and private messaging capabilities between users. The exact content and features varied based on the specific sysop (system operator) who ran the BBS.

Forum 66 is significant as an early example of online community building and pre-dates the widespread adoption of the World Wide Web. It represented a precursor to modern social media platforms and online forums, shaping the way people interacted and shared information online. The name likely held a specific meaning for the sysop and regular users, contributing to the community's unique identity. The rise of the internet and graphical web browsers eventually led to the decline of BBSs like Forum 66.