AHOY!
(That's how Alexander Graham Bell used to answer his phone. For some reason, it never caught on...)
This is the very first issue of 2600. We will, on this page, explain our motives and what the goals are which we hope to achieve with this publication.
The idea for 2600 was born in 1983. We saw a tremendous need for some form of communication between those who truly appreciate the concept of communication: technological enthusiasts. Of course, others have different ways of describing such people these range from words like "hacker" or "phreaker" to stronger terms such as "criminal" or "anarchist." Our purpose is not to pass judgment. 2600 exists to provide information and ideas to individuals who live for both. All of the items contained on these pages are provided for informational purposes only. 2600 assumes no responsibility for any uses which this information may be put to.
Of course, a lot has changed since our first days. WarGames came out. And then The 414 gang got caught. Suddenly everyone was talking about phreakers and hackers. And while there were some that sort of jumped into the limelight, others were a bit more cautious. In fact, some were quite upset. Sure, the publicity was fun. But what would be the cost?
Well, time has passed and the cost has been high. Phreakers and hackers have been forced into virtual isolation. Raids by the FBI have become almost commonplace. The one magazine that was geared towards phone phreaks (TAP) mysteriously disappeared at the height of the crisis, sparking rumors that they, too, had been raided. However, in November, the magazine resurfaced, with an explanation that a fire had destroyed part of their mailing list. (Incidentally, if your name was one of the ones that was lost, you can claim the issues you are entitled to by sending TAP a copy of their mailing label or a canceled check.)
And then there was the legendary computer bulletin board known as OSUNY . Enthusiasts from all across the country called up this board and left messages ranging from the latest in Sprint codes to how to crash an RSTS/E system to what to do once you've finally gained access to AUTOVON. Within a week after being mentioned in Newsweek, OSUNY was disconnected. Word has it that they are still in existence somewhere, but by invitation only. A truly smart move, if that is the case.
Many hackers were keeping a low profile even before the October raids. When the FBI confiscated equipment from 15 sites across the country on the 12th and 13th of the month (sponsored by a grant from the folks at GTE), many of our contacts were lost because they feared the consequences of continuing. Two organizations, the Inner Circle and PHALSE, were deeply affected by the raids. The latter group (whose initials signify "Phreakers, Hackers, and Laundromat Service Employees") is still in contact with us on occasion and has promised to contribute many articles devoted to just what was really going on.
So it seems that the events of 1983 have conspired to actually strengthen the resolve of hackers and phreakers across the country to put out this monthly newsletter. We hope you will help us continue by subscribing, spreading the word among your friends, and of course contributing articles and information. Since we are non-profit, it really doesn't matter to us if you Xerox your copy and send it to someone else - all we ask is that you let us know so that we can have a rough idea of how many people we're reaching.
2600 has several sections, some of which will appear every month, others on an irregular basis. On this, the front page, and on page two, you will always find informative full-length features on relevant subjects. Future topics include: "A Guide to Long-Distance Telephone Services and Their Vulnerabilities", "DEC and Their Many Mistakes", "Phreaking in the Sixties", and "Tracing Methods Used by the Law", as well as any late-breaking items. "FLASH" appears on page 3 and provides a roundup of timely news items written from a technological enthusiast's perspective. Page 4 is used for a variety of things - interesting stories from the past, schemes and plots that just might work, and feedback from subscribers. The last two pages of 2600 are comprised of data. Just what sort of data, we cannot say. However, if it is something that you are looking for, then you will probably recognize it.
The three holes on each page serve a purpose. We suggest that you obtain a loose-leaf book so that you can neatly file every issue of 2600 you receive.
Many thanks to those of you who subscribed without even seeing an issue. A word of advice, though: don't do it again or you'll probably get ripped off! We'd also like to thank those who took advantage of our free issue offer. If interested in subscribing, the rates and address can be found at the top of this page.
Welcome to 2600. Turn the page and become a part of our unique world.