Comment by 01100011

This is obviously a MUD and not really the same thing, but I can't help think of Citadel BBSes after reading the description.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citadel_(software)

Funny this is maintained by folks at UW. The PNW had quite a robust BBS scene back in the 80s. Not exactly surprising that tech flourished with such inclement weather.