This is a silly question.
- What kind of software/hardware is used for those phone-chat/party-lines?
- How would I go about setting up a server that can work as an online answering service?
I posted these questions here since I am not sure which user group would be appropriate for this kind of question.
[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: You came to the right place ... there is no such thing as a 'silly question', just a question that someone needs an answer for. What you want for the first question is known as a 'phone bridge'. It is specifically designed equipment used to properly handle telephone conference calls. Someone who may be able to give you more advice on these devices is a fellow who has been and and off this group for many years. John Higdon may be able to tell you how to build or buy such a device, and he may know something about your second question as well. Sorry, I have not chatted with John in a few years now, and do not have any valid email address for him. Last I heard he was in the San Jose/San Francisco area. I am sure you could Google and find him. Good luck with your search! PAT]