One of my first "wow" experiences was pre-web, using WWIV boards. Two friends moved to Louisiana, I was searching for a local BBS for them down there so that we could email through the WWIV system at local call rates. Found one by emailing the first person I saw in a Trek group with that area code.

That person gave me the numbers of some local BBSes that would work. And then asked me if, based on my area, if I knew someone in particular local to me she'd met at a nearby convention. Where she had JUST MET my two friends who moved down there. The person she asked about was my college mentor.