Use the posted "back-doors"

Also, go through search engines - google, MSN, and Yahoo are waging a major battle.

Denied connections (particularly Yahoo) earn a website lower "status"....if a "clone" is at the mudcat switch they are more likely to let you through. (A donation to Max does not hurt)

Also, if the "clones" are only letting in "their friends" (bandwidth restrictions) then (IF you are a PC)
1. Go to Start
2. Go to Run
3. Unplug modem - let sit for 30 seconds
4. Plug in modem
5. Type in (without quotes) WINIPCFG
6. Select Release All
7. Select Renewal All
8. Check that your numbers have changed
9. Repeat until numbers change
10. Connect through a University open-line (read news-groups)or post google search for nodes.

Sincerely,
Gargoyle