Imagine reporting a complex story and -- without leaving your desk and without playing telephone tag -- quickly finding dozens of informed sources all eager to speak with you.

Journalism fantasy? Hardly. Commercial services like CompuServe or The Well, not to mention thousands of free private services, allow reporters to tap the worldwide network of people who gather on-line to exchange information, argue, or simply chat.

What's available on computer bulletin board systems? Among other things, on-the-scene reports from Willapa Retreat Center, an "Earth-based community" in Washington state, on a board run by Greenpeace (the computer number is 415-512-9108); listings of the best bed-and-breakfasts in Munich, discourses on wetlands protection, and discussions on how and whether to end an office affair on CompuServe's Travel, Legal, and Human Sexuality forums; anything from tax information to reviews of last night's Grateful Dead show, courtesy of The Well; and freewheeling debates on abortion, Supreme Court nominations, religion, and just about anything else on private boards everywhere (try The Dean's Office, 201-279-7048).

"Usually, within less than twenty-four hours you can find the answer or the kind of person you're looking for simply by posting a message within a relevant, special-interest forum," says Judith Broadhurst, a free-lance writer based in Santa Cruz, California, who frequents some of the more than 250 forums on CompuServe.

Broadhurst's experience is typical. Last June, when two New Jersey reporters working on a story about disabled journalists posted messages on CompuServe's JForum -- a bulletin board where reporters and writers exchange gossip, tips, and sources -- more than two dozen people responded with leads and information.

So, how to join in the conversation out there in "cyberspace"? All it takes is a computer, preferably equipped with a hard drive on which to capture messages; a modem that can operate at least 1,200 baud (a measure of speed) for greatest efficiency; and the software to run it.

For beginners the mass-market commercial services are a good way to start. The services very in content and cost -- some charge a flat monthly fee; others charge hourly rates, averaging from about $ 5 to $ 15 per hour -- but each has conferences or forums where like-minded folks can post and receive messages, files, and even software that is distributed on-line. Most purvey some sort of news report, generally gathered from the wire services; many provide on-line access to research databases.

Company attitudes toward reporters vary. The Well (for information, call 415-332-4335) and CompuServe (800-848-8199) welcome journalists and say many reporters already are on-line. Executives at Prodigy (800-776-3449) say that journalists are welcome to scan their bulletin boards for story ideas, but warn that posting questions could violate company policies against commercial use of the service. Other commercial services include GEnie (800-638-9636) and America On-line (800-827-6364).

Private boards offer additional riches. Often connected by voluntary networks that feed messages across the United States and Canada, and to all of Europe and Asia, private boards are run by individuals and organizations. Phone numbers can be found through local computer shops and clubs, and are posted on almost every commercial and private board. Journalists are free to join the fray.

"You are most welcome," says the system operator, or Sysop, of a San Francisco bulletin board that provides information and mutual support to people with AIDS (415-626-1246). "This board attracts a variety of callers, many of whom are writers."

On-line journalists should adhere to on-line etiquette, however. First and foremost, that means checking with the commercial service and/or its Sysop to see if your reportorial presence is wanted. Second, always identify yourself as a reporter. Third, do not use quotes and anecdotes that you have picked up by reading general conference conversation without asking permission of the senders. Finally, stay aware that you will be talking mostly with white, educated, well-off men.

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