Source : Free On-Line Dictionary of Computing

system operator
     
         (Always abbreviated to "sysop") /sis'op/ A term
        used in the {BBS} world for the operator of a bulletin-board
        system (who is usually also the owner).
     
        A common neophyte mistake on {FidoNet} is to address a message
        to "sysop" in an international {echo}, thus sending it to
        hundreds of sysops around the world.
     
        Contrast: {system administrator}.
     
        (1999-10-20)