AHOY! (January, 1984)
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(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. War Games 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 cancelled 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 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.

Welcome to 2600. Turn the page and become a part of our unique world.