LovlyNet
Modern Echo & File Sharing — UTF-8 Native
An FTN built for bulletin board systems that have moved beyond legacy code pages. Echo and file area sharing, markdown in messages, and enriched media exchange — using Fidonet technology as the backbone, not a limitation.
What is LovlyNet?
LovlyNet is a Fidonet Technology Network designed from the ground up for modern bulletin board systems. Where traditional FTN networks are constrained by 7-bit ASCII and legacy code page assumptions, LovlyNet requires full UTF-8 support — enabling the exchange of the full Unicode character set across every connected node.
We use the established FTN ecosystem (BinkP transport, packed message bundles, echo and file areas) as a proven distribution backbone, while extending it with a modern content layer: markdown formatting, alternate style codes, and an experimental spirit that welcomes nodes who want to push what a message network can do.
LovlyNet is the home network of BinktermPHP and ships with it by default — but any compliant BBS software is welcome.
Subj: Welcome to LovlyNet | Area: LVLY_CHAT
Echo Area Sharing
Distributed message boards propagated across all network nodes using standard FTN echomail. Topics flow from hub to leaf automatically, keeping every connected system in sync.
File Area Distribution
Binary file distribution via FTN file echoes. Share software, documents, and media across member systems using the same proven backbone that has delivered files since the Fidonet era.
Markdown in Messages
Echo and netmail messages may use Markdown formatting. Compliant BBS software renders headings, bold, italics, code blocks, and lists — giving messages genuine visual structure.
Beyond CP437
The classic IBM character set topped out at 256 glyphs. LovlyNet requires UTF-8 across every node, so whether you're writing in Cyrillic, using accented characters, or sending emoji, your message gets through intact.
Netmail
Private messaging between nodes on the network. Netmail on LovlyNet carries the same UTF-8 and formatting guarantees as echo areas.
Experimental Layer
LovlyNet actively encourages experimentation. Member nodes are welcome — and invited — to participate in trials of new features, alternate style codes, and extensions to the message format.
Network Requirements
All member nodes must meet the following baseline requirements.
UTF-8 Compatibility — Your BBS software should be able to send and receive UTF-8 messages without loss or corruption.
Markdown & Style Code Acceptance — Systems must accept and pass through Markdown formatting and alternate style codes in both echo and netmail, even if the local software renders them as plain text. Stripping or corrupting formatting tags is not permitted.
Openness to Experiments — LovlyNet is a living network. Member nodes agree to receive and forward experimental message content and extended features as the network evolves. Nodes need not implement every experiment, but must not reject or mangle content they do not yet understand.
Participation Welcome — Nodes are actively encouraged to help shape experiments, propose new features, and contribute to the direction of the network. LovlyNet is a collaborative effort, not a top-down hierarchy.
Join LovlyNet
Ready to connect your BBS to LovlyNet? Whether you're running BinktermPHP or another compliant FTN mailer, we'd love to have you. Submit an application and we'll assign you a node number.