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Through POPnet, teen-agers can have a chat by computer
By Jeanie R. Wakeland, Staff Writer

WALNUT CREEK - When Frank Orem came up with the idea of POPnet, he thought the prime attraction of his local call-in computer network would be its games. Instead, he's become the owner of a social network for computer-owning teen-agers.

Home computer owners with a modem dial in, give a password and gain access to games, electronic bulletin boards, and most popularly, open channels. Up to 15 users can chat on the open screen. Using nicknames or handles," subscribers in Concord, Walnut Creek, and San Ramon may communicate with each other, or with those as far away as Oregon, New York and Iowa.

POPNET SUBSCRIBERS from left, Chris Crook ("Dex"), Christine Zimmerman ("Tora"), Chris Weiss ("Dave") and Peter Orem ("Robb") laugh at an onscreen comment from another subscriber known as "Sorceress".

"In effect," said Orem, "the open line is like CB (citizen's band) radio before it got crowded."

Seventy-five percent of Orem's 250 subscribers are under 18, Oren said. "They'd really rather just visit than play games. When they need an alternate to things to say, they play games. They chatter by the hour."

POPnet's mostly male, mostly teen-age audience can send messages to each other, type in song lyrics, offer an autobiography and even consult with an adult teacher, known as "Teacher T," on school nights.

Chris Crook, 18, of Walnut Creek has been a subscriber for a year. Using the handle of "Dex", he spend as much as seven hours a day chatting with people using names like Wonko the Sane, Crustaceo Mutoid, Dust Wizard and Copy Cat. If he gets tired of talking, he can join Fuzzball, Lamborghini, Maid Marion and Dr. Pinch in a game of poker. No cash is passed -- just an electronic tally of winnings. "I sit down with my cans of Coke, turn on my stereo with the remote control and talk," said Crook. "It's easier than voice and it's the ultimate way to plan a party."

POPnetters type in their messages in a rapidfire shorthand. "BRB" means "Be right back." "IDK" is "I don't know." With eight open channels, experienced POPnetters may have several conversations going at once. "After about seven it's hard to keep track of what you're doing," Crook said.

According to co-owner Judy Orem, "It's a safe way of meeting people. You can get your say in without dealing with interactions you get face-to-face."

It's easier to hide behind your handle and say weird things," Crook said. Christine Zimmerman, 16, Concord, has been a subscriber since July. Known as "Tora" online, she once asked a boy out on a date through POPnet. "I never would have done it in person."

Many members do meet face-to-face. This summer a group gathered each week at a Walnut Creek pizza restaurant. Chris met 19-year-old Chris Weiss of Walnut Creek on POPnet. The two have become good friends.

"We're either talking to each other on POPnet or driving around together in a car we bought," said Crook.

What do they talk about? "Jokes, cars, parties, and women," Crook said. Orem doesn't monitor private lines, but if the jokes get too dirty on the open channel, he may yank the offender's password and call him at home to warn against it.

Subscribers have been known to concoct elaborate fantasies on the tube.

"One guy was making up things to tell a cop if you get pulled over," said Weiss, known as "Dave" after the character in the television show "Moonlighting." "We also made up our own religion."

"One time they all pretended they were watching a movie together," said Judy Orem. "They'd say 'Shhh!', 'Pass the popcorn' or 'Sit down! I can't see!'"

There have even been fantasy "marriages" between members, acted out before an audience of computer-linked friends. Zimmerman is currently "married" to a boy nicknamed "Jet Black," who, not coincidentally, is her boyfriend.

POPnet is a relatively simple computer setup. The hardware is one Intel central processing until with 15 available hookups called modems. (For computer aficionados, it's a 640K CPU with a 10 megabyte hard disc. The 15 modems are 1,200 baud.) Subscribing to POPnet costs a one-time $10 fee plus 50 to 70 cents an hour. (Rates depend on time of day.)

The software, or programming, includes the games, message boards and open channels developed by Orem and his son Peter, 17.

A former systems analyst manager for BART, Frank Orem began POPnet when Peter Orem broke one computer in an attempt to upgrade it. Orem bought a new computer, but then a friend repaired the original unit.

"I got the idea that if we had two units, we could talk to each other," he said. Together father and son developed some computer games that used two terminals. But, rather than marketing the games--since software is easily copied without royalty payment--Orem decided to set up a network for users to call in.

Setting up the network, said Orem, has been a profitable small business. The systems are designed to attract a maximum of 400 subscribers living within a local, toll-free calling area. He is now selling the 15- and 23-modem systems for up to $13,500. In addition to the Walnut Creek network, systems are now set up in San Ramon and Maryland. A fourth system is scheduled to open in Berkeley-El Cerrito by the end of the year.

Orem said that parents generally approve of their children using POPnet--"as long as they don't tie up the phone lines. Some of the kids have to get their own phone lines.

"One dad told me he doesn't mind paying the POPnet fee because now is son is talking to people, not just playing games with a machine."