In the early days of the Internet, people conversed, and got to know each other, using "bulletin board systems", which were computers that other computers could "dial in" to over telephone connections, using modems and "bbs software".

Users who dialed in could post a text message and read the messages posted by others. There were many such bulletin boards; it was a "grass roots" phenomenon. Anywo with a computer and the necessary software and hardware (modem, telephone connection) could set up a bbs and invite others to converse with him and with each other. There was no advertising, no money was involved, and no spam. People treated each other just as they would if meeting face to face.