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Silicon Times Report Issue 0901
*---== STReport International Online Magazine ==---*
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
"The Original 16/32bit Online Magazine"
from
STR Publishing
""""""""""""""
January 02, 1993 No.9.01
==========================================================================
STReport International Online Magazine
Post Office Box 6672
Jacksonville, Florida
32205 ~ 6672
R.F. Mariano
Publisher - Editor
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_____________________________________________________________________
> 01/02/93 STR 901 "The Original * Independent * Online Magazine!"
""""""""""""""""
- The Editor's Desk - CPU Report - PORTFOLIO NEWS
- MEMORY LANE - ATARI STUDY - CONCIERGE=ST WORKS
- PEOPLE ARE TALKING - CONNECT INFO! - FORBES REVISITED
- TRUE INSIGHT - STR MAILCALL - STR Confidential
-* STR CONFIDENTIAL YEAR IN REVIEW *-
-* A LOOK AT THE FUTURE *-
-* ITS JANUARY'93 -> FALCON030 - WHERE? *-
==========================================================================
STReport International Online Magazine
The Original * Independent * Online Magazine
-* FEATURING WEEKLY *-
"Accurate UP-TO-DATE News and Information"
Current Events, Original Articles, Tips, Rumors, and Information
Hardware - Software - Corporate - R & D - Imports
==========================================================================
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in the Fido/NEST/Atari F-Net Mail Network. You may also call our BBS
direct at 904-786-4176, and enjoy the excitement of exchanging information
relative to all computers, worldwide, through the use of excellent
International Networking Systems. SysOps, worldwide, are quite welcome to
join the STReport International Conferences. The Crossnet Code is #34813,
and the "Lead Node" is # 350. All BBS systems are welcome and invited to
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=============
* ATARI EDITION *
=============
COMPUSERVE WILL PRESENT $15.00 WORTH OF COMPLIMENTARY ONLINE TIME
to the Readers of;
ST REPORT INTERNATIONAL ONLINE MAGAZINE
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
"The Original 16/32bit Online Magazine"
NEW USERS; SIGN UP TODAY!
CALL: 1-800-848-8199 .. Ask for operator 198
You will receive your complimentary time
and
be online in no time at all!
WHAT'S NEW IN THE ATARI FORUMS (January 02)
NEW IN ATARI VENDORS FORUM (GO ATARIVEN)!
CODEHEAD provides a new patch to upgrade Warp 9 to version 3.74, the
latest free update for Warp 9 with Extend-O-Save, the first modular
screensaver for Atari computers. This archive contains everything you
need to update from v3.73 to v3.74. (Previous updates are available in
this same library for earlier versions.) See the file W9374U.LZH in
Library 16, CodeHead Tech.
GRAPHIC FILES...
A number of new graphic images are available for download from the Atari
Arts Forum (GO ATARIARTS). Check out the following files:
(Filename)(Lib)(Description)
ALIEN1.LZH 9 CEL animation from Ralph Bakshi's "Wizards"
BBOOP.LZH 9 Betty Boop digitized sequence (from P.D. footage)
BIRD.LZH 9 Gangly bird hops along swaying its neck (3D)
CAN.LZH 9 A license plate is peeled from a cola can.
CLOWN.LZH 9 Rotating 3D clowns head
DOMINO.LZH 9 rendered dominos knocking each other down.
GLOBE.LZH 9 rendered animation of the world spinning
MARVIN.LZH 9 Marvin the Martian (w/o ACME disintegrator)
PTERO.LZH 10 Flying 3D pterodactyl (good example of 3D cartoon
ROBOTR.LZH 10 Transforming semi gets out of a traffic jam.
PLAY ASTEROIDS BY MODEM!
Download file RAYOID.LZH from LIBRARY 2 of the Atari Arts Forum (GO
ATARIARTS) for a three-in-one package of games. Includes a game similar
to Asteroids with great sounds (DMA sound supported). Action and
strategy. Documentation in English and French.
UPDATE TO VENDOR.DAT
Download file VENDOR.DAT from LIBRARY 6 of the Atari Productivity Forum
(GO ATARIPRO). This file contains an update to the Atari Vendors
database. Includes names, addresses, phone numbers, product info, and CIS
UserIDs for developers and vendors of Atari products. Please see
VENDOR.ARC in the same library for the viewer PRG/ACC and documentation.
NATIONAL ATARI BBS LISTING
Download file ACBBS.TXT from LIBRARY 2 of the Atari Productivity Forum (GO
ATARIPRO) for Atari Classics magazine's Atari 8-bit/ST National BBS
listing.
PRINT PORTFOLIO TEXT SIDEWAYS...
Download file PDSW.ZIP from LIBRARY 3 of the Atari Portfolio Forum (GO
APORTFOLIO) for a great little Public Domain Dos utility will print text
sideways from your Portfolio. Small - about 1k in size and great for
preadsheets!
OR PRINT IN TWO COLUMNS...
Download file 2COL.ZIP from LIBRARY 5 of the Atari Portfolio Forum (GO
APORTFOLIO) for a DOS application program (which works on the Portfolio)
that will format and print documents in two columns.
THE ATARI PORTFOLIO FORUM ON COMPUSERVE
HAS BEEN DESIGNATED AN
OFFICIAL SUPPORT SITE BY ATARI CORPORATION
"GO APORTFOLIO TO ACCESS THE ATARI PORTFOLIO FORUM"
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
> From the Editor's Desk "Saying it like it is!"
""""""""""""""""""""""
This is our special end of the year issue, its big.. but rest assured
its definitely gonna be entertaining. I sincerely hope you enjoy perusing
its various features. I, like most other Atari fanatics, am genuinely
concerned over the lack of activity on Atari's part and in particular, the
lack of candid, straight forward information. Perhaps in the new year we
will be witness to an improvement in this area.
In the last three weeks, there has been a furor over a few customer
complaints about my other enterprise ABCO Computers. There is really
nothing to say other than those people doing business with ABCO will be
satisfied. Our goal is not to alienate customers.. its to satisfy them.
At this time, please allow me to remind those who seem so confused about
the relationship between ABCO and STReport and its staff. There is none.
I may be an owner of ABCO, but that will have no bearing on STReport nor
has it ever. Why? Because thats the way it has been since day one. It
would have been simple to accept any type of influence as the norm... but
that simply has never happened and never will as it would have meant
giving someone an undue amount of influence over this magazine.
Additionally, as with any publication, adverts are the responsiblity of
the advertiser not the publication.
The bottom line in the Atari arena is really simple; Had there been
copious product flow, there would have been more action than any number of
dealers could've handled. As it stands now, we have a number of dealers
out there involved the worst cut-throat sessions I've ever seen in five
years. It seems to bear true the old adage of the pond drying up and the
big fish trying to gobble up the little fish. Sad but very true.
In the coming weeks, things will begin to straighten out as the
economy get more healthy with each passing day. As such, the marketplace
will begin to re-vitalize. Atari, like the rest of us, has got to get off
its dead rump and start to perform!
Ralph @ STReport International Online Magazine
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
STReport's Staff DEDICATED TO SERVING YOU!
""""""""""""""""
Publisher - Editor
""""""""""""""""""
Ralph F. Mariano
PC DIVISION AMIGA DIVISION MAC DIVISION
----------- -------------- ------------
Roger D. Stevens Charles Hill R. ALBRITTON
STReport Staff Editors:
"""""""""""""""""""""""
Lloyd E. Pulley Sr. Dana P. Jacobson Michael Arthur
Lucien Oppler Brad Martin Judith Hamner
John Szczepanik Dan Stidham Joseph Mirando
Steve Spivey Doyle C. Helms
Contributing Correspondents:
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Michael Lee Richard Covert John Deegan
Brian Converse Oliver Steinmeier Tim Holt
Andrew Learner Norman Boucher Harry Steele
Ben Hamilton Neil Bradley Eric Jerue
Ron Deal Robert Dean Ed Westhusing
James Nolan Vernon W. Smith Bruno Puglia
Clemens Chin
IMPORTANT NOTICE
""""""""""""""""
Please, submit letters to the editor, articles, reviews, etc...
via E-Mail to:
Compuserve.................... 70007,4454
Delphi........................ RMARIANO
BIX........................... RMARIANO
FIDONET....................... 112/35
FNET.......................... NODE 350
NEST.......................... 90:21/350.0
GEnie......................... ST-REPORT
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
STR'S "BELIEVE IT? OR.. WHAT?"
<>###############################<>
"There is no comparison! The Atari Falcon
is far superior to the PC platform."
Sam Tramiel, 08/92
"My new office, which has a better view than my old one, is so far
quite satisfactory. And Richard Miller is in my old office. The
Forbes article was a mish-mash and misconstrued article full of half
truths. We are anxiously awaiting the release of the Atari Falcon to
bring us back to the forefront. The article has given us some laughs,
but otherwise has not affected us."
Sam Tramiel, 08/92
"As I said before, all marketing announcements will be made at
Duesseldorf. I will not comment on future models of the Falcon.
WE ARE TALKING TODAY ABOUT A MACHINE.....
WHICH WILL BE SHIPPING NEXT WEEK."
Sam Tramiel, 08/92
"I've just returned from Asia, where I saw the first Atari Falcon
production coming off the lines. Let's hope this new offering will
make it in North America. I know that the specs are great."
Sam Tramiel, 08/92
"We have not yet even given the machine to the FCC. And we are only
applying for Class B approval. According to our "experts", it should
pass Class B."
Sam Tramiel, 08/92
"...... We are not working for Wall Street but to
make money for our shareholders and only think long term."
Sam Tramiel, 11/92
psssst.
FYI.... The Shareholder's equity is fine.... NOT!
The Stock is hovering around $1.12
CHRISTMAS '92 has COME and GONE...
FALCONS ....anyone?
By the Way.... Does the Falcon work well
with any of the SLM Laser Printers?? NOT!
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
> ONLINE WEEKLY STReport OnLine The wires are a hummin'!
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
PEOPLE... ARE TALKING
=====================
On CompuServe
-------------
compiled by Joe Mirando
Well folks, another year has now crawled past and is now little more
than a memory. The new year, being only three days old hasn't unfolded
enough to give us any idea of what it may bring. We are currently "stuck"
between the past year and the future year. As is always the case, between
what was and what will be lies hope.
This may sound strange coming from an STReport editor, but this IS a
time for hope! The FALCON030 is an outstanding machine. All the poor wee
beastie needs is to be released (according to Atari, the release is being
held up by licencing SNAFUs related to software that they wish to bundle
with the FALCON). STReport has always held the FALCON030, and in fact,
ALL ATARI computers in very high regard. Once the FALCON is released, I
hope to see a renewed faith in ATARI computers.
On a less than happy note, this week's column will be shorter than
normal. My modem has at long last given up the electronic ghost. I'm now
back to using the first modem I ever purchased: an old 300 baud jobber.
Boy, I remember the day I first used this thing... I thought it was the
fastest piece of hardware going. Ah, technologies ability to outpace
itself whenever it wants to. Truly amazing.
Add to that the fact that I'm just getting over the nastiest bout of
the flu I've had in a while, and I guess you could say that I'm glad that
old '92 is over.
Well, let's get on with the show...
From The Atari Productivity Forum
=================================
You must have heard the phrase about every cloud having a silver lining?
Albert Dayes of Atari Explorer Magazine points out something rather
interesting:
"One thing I've noticed we haven't been attacked by viruses like they
have been on other platforms. I remember someone brought a virus into
the MAC lab at school during finals week. The entire network was down
for about 3 days which was great for all of those who waited to the
last minute to type their term papers.
I was very happy to have a virus free Atari. <grin> In the past there
has been strong interest in virus protection programs but it seems to
have stopped. I heard that they have some real nasty viruses in
Europe that haven't made it hear yet."
Sysop Bob Retelle tells Albert:
"That's one of the things I've been extremely surprised at, in my
years of observing the Atari world... there is a tremendous potential
for destructive viruses, and yet we've never really seen anything that
even comes close to the destruction that happens on other platforms.
I keep hearing about the "link viruses" from Europe, and how nasty
they are, but has *anyone* here ever actually seen one..?
Even though the Atari world seems to be extremely fragmented, there
still is enough communication between the US and the various European
communities that we surely would have been "infected" by now.. it's
been years, and so far nothing.
And even in the area of floppy disk boot viruses.. I've been infected
with the "Key" virus, and I know that many other people have been
too.. but.. has anyone ever seen the "second" half of that virus..?
The one that "triggers" the nasty stuff..? As far as I know, no one
has...
Very interesting, and very odd... I don't think it's because the
programmers in the Atari world are any more "ethical" than in any other
arena, nor is it that they're not as clever.."
Dazzz Smith jumps in and adds:
"There are Link viri on the ST, but not very many, and not very
widespread that is why any decent virus checker includes an option to
check for a link virus, the use of a rom based operating system
certainly was the one major feature of the ST that put a lot of virus
writers off and confined them to a bootsector virus which is now
easily detectable.
I spoke to Richard Karsmakers some years ago when he first included an
option to check for link viri and he said he put it in because he had
been sent 2 link viri on a disk, up until then he hadn't considered
looking for them. So they do exist, but not in any great quantity as
far as I can tell."
Sysop Bob Retelle tells Dazzz:
"I'm still amazed that those link viruses haven't spread... since
they can be passed on by downloading files (as opposed to boot sector
viruses where either a physical disk must be passed, or an "image"
archive of the disk has to be transferred)..
Just think of the number of files that are transmitted around the
world on UseNet, not to mention all the ones uploaded to large
national archives like CompuServe... the potential for an "epidemic"
is almost staggering.. and yet we haven't seen it..
Don't get me wrong... I'm extremely relieved that we haven't had the
kinds of problems other platforms have..!"
Does anybody other than me find the specter (not to be confused with
spectre ;-) of all these different viruses (viri?) to be frightening? I
mean, heck, what if someone uploads a virus-bearing file to an On-Line
service like Compuserve? Steve Gould wonders the same thing and asks Bob
Retelle about it:
"You sysop guys must run anti-virus software on any uploads before
releasing them, so the chances of Atari users picking up a link virus
from any CIS downloads must be pretty small. Well I hope they are
pretty small! Please reassure me!"
Bob Retelle reassures Steve (and me):
"Yes.. all uploads are thoroughly checked before we release them into
the public libraries... (that's one reason it might take a day or two
for them to show up after being uploaded).
We in the Atari world really have been pretty lucky not to be hit by
the kinds of destructive viruses that are floating around on other
platforms..
I went to help pick up the month's copies of the Michigan Atari
Magazine (the forerunner of Atari Interface magazine) one time, and
the office at the printer's was all torn up.. it turned out that a
client had brought in a document on a Macintosh disk to be printed,
and it had a virus on it.. it had completely destroyed the printer's
hard drive, and he was in the painful process of trying to recover
whatever he could.. It was a rather sobering object lesson..."
Steve thanks Bob and relays an anecdote:
"'Phew thanks Bob, I hoped you were going to say that!
In my meager two years Atari experience I've only seen about half a
dozen viri (or is it viruses?) All have been boot sector and been of
the annoying rather than destructive kind.
I remember reading a thread elsewhere (sorry, can't remember where),
that was discussing the instances of viruses on CIS. Only one event
was cited where a file got onto the system unchecked and remained
there for an hour or so before being discovered.
With the volume of files handled on CIS I guess this shows how
successfully viruses CAN be contained if you follow proper procedures.
One other thing about viruses that is harder to deal with are the
misconceptions of the ignorant. At work I have heard quite senior IT
staff discussing the banning of connections to external bulletin
boards because of the 'virus threat'. The sad thing is they do not
consider the mechanisms involved. As far as they're concerned, as soon
as you log onto a BBS a virus could leap down the phone, over the
network, and onto a mainframe - even if you're only reading messages!
Ho hum!"
Well, since its anecdote time, Bob Retelle tells us about that famous
italian painter... Mike... Mike... oh, heck, you know who I mean:
"Heh.. I ran into a lot of that "virus panic" last spring when the
Michelangelo virus media event took place..
We had people worried that all our VAXes were going to be destroyed on
the 12th of March..
Interestingly enough, when we scanned all the PCs in the building (the
first time they'd ALL been scanned as far as I know), we didn't find
ANY viruses, let along Michelangelo.
But the media sure had a circus with it..!"
From the Atari ST Arts Forum
============================
Jim Linton asks:
"I wonder if anyone can help me find a game called Midi Maze? It is
rather old but I'd like to find a copy."
Albert Dayes, that busy guy from Atari Explorer Magazine, tells Jim:
"I don't know if it still being distributed I doubt it. You might
try your Atari dealer and see if they can find a used one for you.
Also there is supposed to be a MIDI-MAZE II floating around but I
haven't seen it myself."
Helpful as ever, Sysop Bob Retelle tells Jim:
"Hi Jim... we've got the Shareware version, MIDI MAZE II here in our
libraries:
[73167,2611] Lib: 2 MIDIMZ.APP/Bin Bytes: 332800, Count: 43,
13-May-91
Last:13-Dec-92
Title : Midi Maze ][ German Shareware
Keywords: MIDIMAZE MIDIMAZE-2 MIDIMAZE-II MIDI MAZE II SHAREWARE
This self-extracting LHarc file contains a SHAREWARE version of
Midi-Maze! "Midi Maze ][" is a German import with most of the features
of the original Xanth game, and several improvements! Includes
translated and improved doc's. Format a disk single-sided/10-sectors
and extract this to it for a complete bootable disk. Aloha, from the
Happy Hacker! (Tim)
Note that it's a self extracting file.. download it with the name
MIDIMZ.APP and double click on it.. it'll uncompress into the full
game with folders."
Rick Meredith tells Bob:
"You may want to point out that Midimaze II does not support single
player games."
Pat Augustine posts:
"Surprisingly enough, when I was at WAACE, I noticed that Barefoot
Software had several original Midi Maze games for sale. You might want
to try them, especially if the Shareware Sequel isn't to your liking
(no 1-player mode, for example)."
From the Atari Vendors Forum
============================
To Warp or not to Warp. That is the question. Warp 9, that is. To tell
you the truth, as a former user of TurboST, Quick ST, and now, Warp 9, I
can tell anyone who asks: "BUY IT! ITS THE BEST THERE IS!" And what
about the new TOS version (2.06)? How much trouble is it to get it into a
pre-STe machine? Robert Aries asks Charles F. Johnson of CodeHead
Technologies:
"I'm considering getting Warp 9 and the TEC for my ancient 520ST (1986
vintage). My first question, whether it would fit along with my EARCO
memory upgrade board, was answered by searching for and reading
TEC.TXT. I need to know one other thing: What happens to TOS 1.0? I
imagine that the roms stay where they are, right? Is there an easy
way to switch back if I need to? The reason I ask is that I have a
lot of GFA Basic 2.0 programs that I'm pretty sure would break under
the newer TOS."
Charles, being the nice guy that he is, jumps in quickly and tells Robert:
"When you install the TEC, you have the option of wiring up a switch
that will let you toggle between TOS 1.0 and 2.06. A word of caution,
though; the switch does require a fair bit of soldering, and should
only be done by an authorized technician. If you have any further
questions you should consider calling our office at 213-386-5735 and
talking to John, who's had much more experience with the installation
of TECs than I have."
John Damiano of Transierra jumps in and tells us:
"I have done three of them and you do need to be comfortable with
wiring/soldering. You also need a small tipped iron and some small
dia. solder. All of mine worked fine and its wonderful to be able to
go back to 1.0 or 1.2 when you need to do so...I would not recommend
doing it any other way really. This is for Robert..I know you already
know all this :)"
From the Atari Portfolio Forum
==============================
Does anyone remember the first time they heard the term 'connectivity'? I
do! It was just before I bought my Portfolio. Someone was talking about
how hard it was to transfer information between their Macintosh and an IBM
style laptop. There were several others around who all mentioned their
favorite methods. I don't remember much of that conversation today, but I
wish I did. Bill Seitz asks:
"Is there software for the Mac that handles the various PIM data from
the Portfolio? I'd use it primarily for backup. Also, is there
something equivalent for HyperList?"
Hugh Campbell tells Bill:
"I use the outliner program MORE II with HyperList files on the Mac.
It takes a little experimentation but it works pretty well..."
BJ Gleason, a sysop who believes that "A program a day keeps no one away",
tells Bill:
"There is a version of the Portfolio software for the MAC... you
might want to contact computer books or DIP in england... their
addresses are in the PORT.FAQ file in lib 1..."
On the subject of "what ELSE can I use this program for", Miles Taub tells
us:
"I recently purchased Hyperlist for the Port and am very impressed
with it. However, I'm sure there are tons of very clever uses for it
that I'm unaware of. Would anyone like to submit some suggestions?"
STReport Portfolio Editor and Sysop Judy Hamner tells Miles:
"Hyperlist is great for taking notes or any type of data organizing.
I've used it several times to take notes at seminars. I always took
notes in outline format in college so it was a natural use for me.
I've used outlines for everything from to-do lists to vacation
planning."
Sysop Marty Mankins tells Miles:
"Well, it makes a great outliner. Plus, I use it to track articles I
write for my newsletter. It's more than just a database. And more
than an outliner."
Don Thomas, Atari's Portfolio guru, tells Miles:
"Hyperlist is perfect for any situation where there are lots of
components to make a whole. For instance, inventories of products in
which you might also want to easily organize the components required
to build them... and the raw materials to make those components.
Possibly, legs of a trip or the composition of smaller projects to
complete a larger one (making a movie, building a house, etc.)"
Well folks, that's it for this week. Let's hope that this year brings
to us the knowledge that we were right all along: Atari computers really
are the best all-around value in computers. And that our complaints and
comments about the way they have (or haven't) been promoted have actually
helped to turn a dismal situation around.
So tune in next week (same time, same station) and listen in on what
they are saying when...
PEOPLE ARE TALKING
_____________________________________________________________
> Serious Overviews STR Spotlight "...What's Atari waiting for?"
===============================
Reprint from 1992
"The more things change the more they remain the same!"
ATARI - A STUDY IN ITSELF!
==========================
by Ed Krimen
I've been an Atari ST user for 3-1/2 years. I started out with a
1040ST, color monitor, and 9-pin printer. I bought it for writing for
school with the intention to do telecommunications and drawing later. 6
months later, I bought a modem and it hasn't been the same since. I now
have a 4meg STe, NEC Multisync 3D, Quantum 105meg hard drive with ICD host
adaptor in an ICD case, and a Supra 2400 modem. But, enough with the
sappy introduction....
I'm really not sure what's going on in the world of Atari. I look
to the on-line magazines, ST Informer, and now AtariUser for info, plus
various networks. The networks provide the user's point of view. The
magazines are also effective information because they try to explain
what's going on behind the scenes. I have the strange feeling that Atari
is like a circus behind the scenes. On the surface, it seems like any
other corporation: the people who answer phones at Customer and Technical
Support are very friendly and responsive. Yes, Atari has returned my
calls.
On the other hand, its actions demonstrate the amateurism that the
magazines don't necessarily express explicitly. Sure, we have MegaSTe's
shipping. TT's are Trickling in, Too. STe's are in abundance. Research
and Development is alive and well; we have an ST Notebook in the wings
with an ST Pad (STylus) close behind -- or so they say. Software seems to
be picking up too, especially with Goldleaf importing high-end
applications from Europe, ISD and SoftLogik updating their fantastic
programs. The situation seems to be pretty rosy....
...but it isn't. Why do I know the situation the way it is? Because
I try to keep up to date in the Atari world. I make an effort to do so.
The problem is that the non-Atari users don't and shouldn't have to make
the effort to know what's going on. Why should they know what's going on?
Well, I would think that Atari wants to sell a lot of computers, and
people aren't going to buy something they don't know exists. Actually, I
sometimes wonder if Atari's goal is to sell computers. I've heard stories
that their production plants only produce a small fraction of what they're
capable of producing.
So what's Atari waiting for? _Christmas_? Perhaps. But it's
not Christmas of this year, or next year, of the following year. My
guess is that its Christmas of 1995 or later, if ever. As with all
corporations, Atari has their "plan." They're going to wait and wait and
wait until the time is right to push their computers. The vast
majority of people out there don't know what they'd use a computer
for, so why try to sell them one now? Computers must get smaller,
cheaper, and more powerful. The interface must be easier, without a
bulky keyboard. Speech recognition is a ways off, but apparently,
handwriting recognition is closer than we think, or so they tell us.
These easy-to-use interfaces are necessary so that the masses will at
least begin to feel comfortable with computers.
This is where the ST Pad (or STylus) comes in. Its simple-to-use,
pen-input interface could be the answer that would get more people to buy
computers. There's still the problem for what they're going to use it.
Writing notes, memos, forms-perhaps, but not with a $2,000 computer.
Eventually, though, the price will come down, thanks to Atari's low-cost
production.
However, when you hear about pen-based computers and interfaces,
you hear about Go Corp. and sometimes Window's pen-interface. But you
wouldn't hear about Atari and its STylus, even though it was shown at
CeBit, one of the largest computer fairs in the world, in Germany where
Atari has a strong presence. (Actually, I don't even think Atari should
have showed it. It's not ready to be shipped, so why show it? We don't
want to see something that we can't have for several months.)
The same thing can be said for the Portfolio. Recently, HP
introduced a palmtop which included Lotus-123 built-in. It looks very
similar to the Portfolio, but it got much more press than the Portfolio.
NBC even did a lengthy segment of the HP on their Nightly News, giving HP
credit for inventing the palmtop. Certainly Atari didn't invent the
palmtop (DIP of the U.K. designed the Portfolio and Poquet has their own
palmtop), but they could have milked a little more of the credit for it.
This is Atari's responsibility and no one else's. HP was at best third
with a palmtop on the market, with Atari and Poquet coming out with one at
similar times. If one was to get exposure for his product, he doesn't sit
on his duff. The press in general isn't like '60 Minutes' where they
actively investigate the stories. The stories in the ordinary press must
be given to them, and then they may investigate to find more information,
or just use what was given to them.
This is the press release's function. They should be packed with
more information than the press can use. And preferably without a lot of
spelling errors like the glossy MegaSTe and TT brochures. The beauty
about press releases is that they're far cheaper than commercials. The
press will distribute the information for you to the masses in the form of
news. I'm sure this is what HP did when they released their palmtop; they
sent information to NBC, which then featured it in a long news story on
their Nightly News.
I majored in telecommunications (video production), not public
relations, in school. Atari doesn't need me telling them what to do
(maybe they do). I'd hope they'd have professionals who've been working
for a few years in the field knowing how to promote the computers (maybe
they don't).
What Atari needs is enthusiasm. The company is hardly representative
of its users. Look what happens when you get a few enthusiastic,
successful users in there: Bob Brodie, Bill Rehbock, and others who have
actually known what an Atari computer is and can do before they worked for
the company. Atari needs employees who just don't work for them, but
employees who know the value of and love Atari computers. They need
employees who want to see the computer survive and succeed. Look at
users on GEnie, Usenet, Fidonet, Fnet and Freenet. Look at Atari user
groups! Atari would not be here today if it wasn't for those users and
user groups supporting the Atari computers.
I've used everything from MS-DOS to Windows to the Macintosh IIfx
and always prefer using the ST. I often wonder why the ST doesn't have
support like the other computers do. There are a variety of reasons, and
piracy isn't one of them. I'm absolutely NOT condoning piracy, but
there's a lot more piracy in the MS-DOS and Mac market, and you don't see
them struggling. The main issue is that there isn't enough of a user
base for a Microsoft or other large company to invest in the relatively
small ST user base. If Atari users want more third-party support, the
user base must increase.
The way to increase the user base is simple from the user viewpoint:
(1) tell a great deal of people about the power and affordability of the
ST computers and (2) get the computers to them. Atari users have been
telling Atari Corp. for years that the company must advertise. This is
not news, and Atari apparently doesn't listen; if you do listen, Atari,
lets here from you. In "Ogilvy On Advertising," a virtual bible on
advertising, David Ogilvy of Ogilvy and Mather, one of the leading
advertising agencies in the world, says in chapter 16, "What should you do
in times of recession, when you need every penny to sustain your earnings?
Stop advertising?" "If you stop advertising a brand which is still in
its introductory phase, you will probably kill it -- forever. Studies of
the last six recessions have demonstrated that companies which do not cut
back their advertising budgets achieve greater increases in profit than
companies which do cut back." Moreover, in chapter 9, he states, "You
cannot rely on *short-term* advertising to turn the tide of hostile public
opinion in your favor, to boost the price of your stock, or put a halo
around your reputation." "Most corporate campaigns are short-lived
because they don't start with any clear objective, and because research
is not used to track their progress." Finally, he says, "Corporate
advertising can improve the morale of your employees; who wants to work
for an outfit that nobody has ever heard of? It can also make it easier
to recruit better people, at all levels."
As I stated, the second part of the issue is getting computers to
the people who want them, and if Atari does indeed advertise, then people
WILL want them. Mass market is the key here. You must make it very easy
for the common person to obtain an Atari computer. Since there is a lack
of dealers in the US from which to buy an Atari computer, mass merchandis-
ers are the answer. Now, which computers should they stock? I think the
STe and MegaSTe should be stocked by the mass merchandisers. Yes, I know
the dealers don't like to hear that, but with a lack of dealers, this is
the only way to get a lot of computers to a lot of people.
The STe and MegaSTe are the home and business computers,
respectively. The MegaSTe MUST get out to the public in large numbers
because it's such a powerful machine at a good price, whereas the STe is
the perfect machine for the home. I DO NOT think however that the dealers
should be ignored. How about giving the greater discount to dealers
instead of the mass merchandisers? Therefore, the dealers could have the
benefit of having the lower price and attracting more customers. The TT
MUST be sold to none other than the authorized dealers because it requires
dealer support, which the STe and MegaSTe do not. Moreover, the dealer
network should be developed to include a larger number of better-informed
dealers. I am saddened to say that there are a lot of dealers who don't
know what they're selling and couldn't help a TT user in need. If I'm
going to buy something for $2,000 or more, I had better get good answers
to my questions, and I shouldn't have to look any further than the person
who sold it to me. If the person can't answer my questions, then they
shouldn't be selling the product; it's that simple.
In this age of inexpensive modems and computers, there's absolutely
NO reason why Atari cannot better support its dealers either through a
dealer specific BBS or roundtable on GEnie. Furthermore, with the mass
market shipments of computers, there should be included in the box a list
of authorized Atari dealers in the US. I don't mean a complete list of
places that sell the Lynx and Portfolio, but a list that only has dealers
that carry STe/MegaSTe-related products. If I buy an ST computer, I don't
want to know where I can get a Lynx and Portfolio. The list should be a
master list of all the dealers in the US -- not a regional list, because
we all know how things get messed up and before you know it, people in
Florida will get a list of dealers in California, and that's not the way
it should be. This list should also be constantly updated. When one
buys a computer, they shouldn't receive a list that's a year old; of
course, recently updated lists would be available from Customer Relations,
and this fact must be mentioned on the list. Finally, I think that a free
Atari magazine subscription would be quite beneficial and a necessity to
the new user.
Here's a relevant anecdote: I consulted a new ST user for the past
few months. He had just bought a used 1040ST and wanted some help with
it because he didn't know how to use it. One of the first questions he
asked me was if Atari was still in business. Another question he asked
was if Commodore and Atari were one company. It certainly seems that way
sometimes, doesn't it? Too bad Atari's stock isn't where Commodore's is.
He is an example of a person on the outside, just coming into the inside.
He was totally oblivious to the Atari world, knowing nothing about the
company or the computer; he only bought the computer because it has MIDI
ports and he was going to write his own MIDI software using ST Basic.
(AAK!!) He didn't even know how to program, but was willing to learn.
Take this test: try to go a week without touching or using your Atari
computer(or just imagine doing that). Observe all the news Atari gets in
the mass media. Go to your local bookstore. Read the newspaper. Watch
TV. Hear no Atari, see no Atari. Pretty pitiful, isn't it? Well, this
is what the common person gets exposed to. They don't know about Atari,
if it's dead or alive, if it still makes arcade games <grin>, or what.
This is completely Atari's fault, despite the incredible, tremendous ef-
fort of the users, user groups, and people like Donald Thomas who want to
spread the word.
If Atari wants to become a big player, and I don't see why they
shouldn't want to play with the big boys, they're going to have to sell a
lot of computers and impress a lot of people. Their appearance at CEPS
was very commendable and impressive, but a high-end niche isn't going to
solve the problem. The high-end market demands a lot of support, and
Atari and its developers are in no position to provide that kind of
support yet. To impress and to get into a situation that can provide
support the high-end market needs, Atari must sell computers. That's the
bottom line. To sell computers, people must know about them. And right
now, people don't know about Atari computers. People can't and will not
buy what they don't know about.
I don't know what difference my prose will make, but I hope it does
indeed make a difference. What I've said has been said before many times
by many people. If you would like to reach me, I just got a shiny, new
GEnie account: E.KRIMEN. I welcome all praises and flames. <grin>
EDITOR NOTE:
Ed sent in this essay in response to our request for reader opinions and
views concerning the future of Atari and what may be done to help.
Hats off to Ed for a fine piece of work!
____________________________________________________
> CIS IN HONG KONG STR InfoFile CIS Expands to Hong Kong
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
COMPUSERVE EXPANDS NETWORK PRESENCE TO HONG KONG
================================================
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Dec. 21, 1992 -- CompuServe Incorporated has extended
high-quality network access to the Pacific Rim with the installation of a
local access point in Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong node will be utilized by corporate customers of
CompuServe's value-added network services and members of the company's
online information service.
The newly-installed point of presence, CompuServe's first in the
Pacific Rim, will support asynchronous dial access up to 9,600 bits per
second, and X.25 service for CompuServe network customers.
"Installation of the node in Hong Kong complements our goal of
providing easy, economical access for our customers from a variety of
locations worldwide," said Greg Moore, CompuServe director of network
marketing.
CompuServe has installed local access points in 16 major cities in
Europe, Asia and Canada. Overall, the CompuServe network is accessible
from more than 90 countries via CompuServe-installed points-of-presence or
gateway networks.
CompuServe Incorporated provides frame relay, wide and local area
networking services, business information services and software to major
corporations and government agencies worldwide.
CompuServe also provides databases and services to meet both business
and personal interests to more than 1.1 million personal computer owners
worldwide through the CompuServe Information Service. CompuServe is an
H&R Block company.
__________________________________________________________
> Announcing CONNECT! STR InfoFile A New Telecomputing Magazine
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Announcing......
CONNECT -- A New Telecomputing Magazine
=======================================
Subscribe to CONNECT Now and Save!
----------------------------------
For a limited time, Pegasus Press is offering dramatically discounted
subscription rates on its new magazine, CONNECT. Covering the major
commercial online services, Internet/Usenet and bulletin board system
networks, CONNECT focuses on telecommunications from a user's perspective.
The first bi-monthly issue of CONNECT will be available in March, 1993.
Issue after issue, CONNECT shows you how to get the most from the
commercial online services you're using -- CompuServe, Delphi, America
Online, Prodigy, GEnie and BIX. With columnists on staff to cover these
services in depth, you'll find CONNECT a valuable resource.
CONNECT also shows you what "free" networks like Internet have to offer.
Every issue of CONNECT contains Internet coverage that helps you find your
way around the biggest network in the world.
But CONNECT doesn't stop there. BBS callers also receive a wealth of
information from each issue. All varieties of computer platforms are
covered in the pages of CONNECT, as are the many different types of
bulletin board software and services found on these computers. Articles
spotlighting BBSes in specific cities or similar categories (such as
medical BBSes or handicapped-related systems) appear regularly.
Finally, each issue contains platform-specific columns highlighting
programs available online for IBM and Macintosh users. Of course, you'll
also find hardware and software reviews in CONNECT. From high speed
modems and LAN-based BBS systems to shareware terminal programs, we cover
it all.
Until February 28th, 1993, you have the opportunity to get a year's
subscription to CONNECT for only $12. That's a 53 percent savings off the
cover price! On March 1st, 1993, the normal subscription price of $18 per
year goes into effect. This offer is available only to US addresses.
Don't delay. Send in your subscription form, or call (313) 973-8825 with
your VISA or MasterCard ready, and get CONNECTed today!
Also, please fill out the questionnaire and return it with your
subscription form. Your answers will help us better cover the topics in
which you are most interested.
CONNECT Discount Subscription Form
----------------------------------
[ ] Yes, sign me up for a year of CONNECT (6 issues) at $12. Send my
issues to the US address listed below.
[ ] I don't have a US address, but sign me up for CONNECT at
rate below:
[ ] $30 Canada/Mexico (surface)
[ ] $36 Foreign (surface)
Name: _____________________________________________
Address: __________________________________________
City/State: _______________________________________
ZIP: ________ - _____ Country: ___________________
Phone: (______) ________ - ____________
Where can we reach you online? __________________________
___________________________________________________
[ ] Please charge my credit card
[ ] VISA [ ] MasterCard
Card #: ______________________________________
Expiration Date: _____________________________
Signature: ___________________________________
Make checks or money orders payable to Pegasus Press. To take advantage of
the special discount rate, subscriptions must be to US addresses and
postmarked on or before February 28, 1993.
Return this form to: Pegasus Press
CONNECT Discount Offer
3487 Braeburn Circle
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
CONNECT Subscriber Questionnaire
1) Are you male or female? ___ Male ___ Female
2) What is your age? ______ years
3) What is your income?
___ $0-$19,999 ___ $20,000-$29,999 ___ $30,000-$39,999
___ $40,000-$49,999 ___ $50,000 or more
4) What telecommunication services do you use (mark all that apply)?
___ GEnie ___ CompuServe ___ America Online
___ Prodigy ___ Delphi ___ BIX
___ PC Pursuit ___ Internet ___ Bulletin Boards
___ Other
5) Do you use your computer for ___ Business or ___ Personal use?
6) How many people use your computer? ______ person(s)
7) What system(s) do you own?
___ IBM or compatible ___ Macintosh
___ UNIX-based system ___ Amiga
___ Atari ST ___ Apple II/e/gs
___ Commodore 64/128 ___ Atari XL/XE
___ Other
8) How long have you owned a computer? ______ years
9) What level of computer user would you say you are?
___ Beginner ___ Intermediate ___ Advanced
10) I own: Will buy:
____ ____ A 300-2400 bps modem
____ ____ A high speed modem (9600 bps or higher)
____ ____ A FAXmodem
____ ____ A hard drive
____ ____ A removable hard drive
____ ____ A tape backup
____ ____ A CD-ROM Drive
____ ____ A memory upgrade
____ ____ Another computer
11) If you run a BBS, please fill out the following:
BBS Name: _____________________ Number(s): _______________________
BBS Software Being Used: _________________________________________
Network address(es) if any: ______________________________________
12) Comments: ________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Advertise Your BBS in CONNECT!
CONNECT is a new magazine focusing on telecommunications from a user's
perspective, showing how to get the most from the places you call. The
first bi-monthly issue of CONNECT will be available in March, 1993.
Deadline to get your BBS advertised in the premier issue of CONNECT is
January 31, 1993.
Issue after issue, CONNECT shows you how to get the most from the
commercial online services you're using -- CompuServe, Delphi, America
Online, Prodigy, GEnie and BIX. With columnists on staff to cover these
services in depth, you'll find CONNECT a valuable resource.
But CONNECT doesn't stop there. BBS callers also receive a wealth of
information from each issue. All varieties of computer platforms are
covered in the pages of CONNECT, as are the many different types of
bulletin board software and services found on these computers. Articles
spotlighting BBSes in specific cities or similar categories (such as
medical BBSes or handicapped-related systems) appear regularly.
Signing up your BBS is very simple and inexpensive. CONNECT offers a
choice of a one-line entry or a service ad, giving you blocks of 280
characters, to promote your BBS.
For more information, and a copy of the BBS advertising form, please
contact Patricia Snyder-Rayl at 3487 Braeburn Circle, Ann Arbor, MI
48108, phone 313-973-8825, or via CIS (70007,4640), Delphi and GEnie
(unicornpub) or Internet (pegasus@grex.ann-arbor.mi.us).
***********************************************************************
IMPORTANT NOTICE!
=================
STReport International Online Magazine is available every week in the
ST Advantage on DELPHI. STReport readers are invited to join DELPHI and
become a part of the friendly community of Atari enthusiasts there.
SIGNING UP WITH DELPHI
======================
Using a personal computer and modem, members worldwide access
DELPHI services via a local phone call
JOIN -- DELPHI
--------------
Via modem, dial up DELPHI at 1-800-695-4002
then...
When connected, press RETURN once or twice
and...
At Password: type STREPORT and press RETURN.
DELPHI's Basic Plan offers access for only $6.00 per hour, for any
baud rate. The $5.95 monthly fee includes your first hour online.
For more information, call: DELPHI Member Services at 1-800-544-4005
DELPHI is a service of General Videotex Corporation of Cambridge, MA.
Try DELPHI for $1 an hour!
For a limited time, you can become a trial member of DELPHI, and
receive 5 hours of evening and weekend access during this month for only
$5. If you're not satisfied, simply cancel your account before the end of
the calendar month with no further obligation. If you keep your account
active, you will automatically be enrolled in DELPHI's 10/4 Basic Plan,
where you can use up to 4 weekend and evening hours a month for a minimum
$10 monthly charge, with additional hours available at $3.96. But hurry,
this special trial offer will expire soon! To take advantage of this
limited offer, use your modem to dial 1-800-365-4636. Press <RET> once
or twice. When you get the Password: prompt, type IP26 and press <RET>
again. Then, just answer the questions and within a day or two, you'll
officially be a member of DELPHI!
TOP TEN DOWNLOADS (12/30/92)
PHOTOCHROME 3.0
AEO_SE2.LZH
MADONNA IN PHOTOCHROME
STREPORT 8.51
PREMIUM MAH JONGG
PCSVIEW3.LZH
SPC-3375 1.7
MARKIE POST
ICD HOST ADAPTOR SOFTWARE
GIF TO RAW CONVERTER
All of the above files can be found in the RECENT ARRIVALS database for at
least one week after the posting of this list. Please Note that in the
case of online magazines, only the most current issue in the database at
the time of this compilation is considered for the Top 10 list. Also, for
all files, a submission is eligible for the Top 10 list for only four
weeks after its original uploading.
DELPHI- It's getting better all the time!
***********************************************************************
> THE FORBES ARTICLE STR Spotlight The ACTUAL, COMPLETE Forbes Article
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Re-print for reflection on the past year's more memorable events.
The following is a reprint of an article appearing in FORBES,
issue dated:
AUGUST 3, 1992
ctsy of Drew Reid Kerr
GEnie: D.KERR1 - DELPHI: DRKERR - CompuServe: 70372,3036
There have been no alterations in the text nor any additions.
Reprinted by permission of FORBES magazine, August 3, 1992.
(c) Forbes, Inc., 1992
CHEAP DIDN'T SELL
=================
Computer game maker Atari Corp. is in trouble again,
a prime example of the dangers of pinching pennies
on everything from marketing to expense accounts
by Dyan Machan
Only a decade ago Atari Corp., the Sunnyvale, Calif.-based computer
company, ranked just behind Coca Cola in name recognition. At its peak a
cash machine that was owned by Warner Communications, Atari employed
10,000 people worldwide; sales were over $2 billion. But a flood of
poor-quality computer games sent sales into a tailspin in 1983, and Atari
lost $500 million.
Warner sold the struggling company in 1984 to Jack Tramiel at the
bargain price of $240 million in promissory notes. Tramiel built sales
back up to just under $500 million a year by 1987. But today things are
unraveling again.
Sales were a meager $258 million last year, and falling.
First-quarter 1992 losses were a staggering $14 million on $44 million in
sales, and company sources say second-quarter results, due out in late
July, will be far worse. Twenty-seven executives have either resigned or
been fired in the past 30 months. Atari stock traded at 16 in 1987, but
now bumps along at 1 5/8.
What happened? Tramiel made a common mistake. He tried to duplicate a
past success under very different market conditions.
Tramiel's earlier triumph was at Commodore International, where he
undercut the competition with cheap computers and spent next to nothing on
marketing, promotion or overhead. The cheap strategy worked beautifully.
Commodore's stock market value surged, putting Tramiel in The Forbes Four
Hundred in 1987, although by then he had been pushed out of the firm and
had sold his stake in Commodore.
Could he repeat the trick with Atari? When Tramiel bought the game
maker, he appointed his oldest son, Sam, now 42, as Atari's president and
chief executive officer. Together the emphasized cheap computers over
videogames -- in retrospect a terrible mistake in a world that was rapidly
filling up with inexpensive computers.
In 1985, Jack Tramiel rolled out Atari's new ST personal computers, an
inexpensive line made in Taiwan. Atari launched the ST line in Europe,
where Tramiel had contacts from his Commodore days and where there were
plenty of companies to write software. Off to a good start, Atari made a
profit of $44 million on $493 million sales in 1987.
The good times didn't last very long. Miffed that Atari gave away
prepackaged software with sales of its machines, European software
producers stopped writing programs for the ST series. Another Tramiel
blunder, because in the computer industry software sells the hardware.
Then Dell Computer, Leading Edge and Packard Bell began selling their
inexpensive computers in Europe.
Last year Atari's European sales collapsed to $209 million, from $342
million in 1990. Meanwhile, Apple and Commodore were locking up shelf
space and dealer loyalty in the U.S. market. And since the Atari ST
didn't use the DOS operating system, software makers weren't much
interested in writing new ST programs. Consequently, U.S. computer sales
never amounted to much.
To provide Atari with distribution outlets, Tramiel bought money
losing Federated Group, a southern California consumer electronics chain,
for $67 million in 1987. He put his youngest son, Garry, then in his
mid-20s, in charge of Federated. Garry wasn't up to the job. A year
after Tramiel bought Federated Group, the chain lost $124 million and
Atari shut the doors.
In videogames, Tramiel held back the introduction of the 7800
Prosystem for 18 months, opting instead to take the lower-cost route of
updating an older system that couldn't compete with the more powerful
Nintendo Entertainment System. When Atari finally did roll out the Model
7800 in 1986, it spent just a little over $300,000 promoting it. Nintendo
and Sega were spending $15 million apiece promoting theirs. Nintendo now
has an 80% market share.
Unable to compete against Nintendo in the marketplace, the Tramiels
sued Nintendo for antitrust violations. Last April a jury sided with
Nintendo.
In 1989 Atari blew another opportunity to knock Nintendo off its
perch. Atari's portable videogame, the Lynx, had color graphics and was
superior to Nintendo's black-and-white, more basic, portable Gameboy u
nit.
But Lynx could run only four or five games, the result of cutting Atari's
software development to the bone. Nintendo's Gameboy could run more than
80 games.
Even after cutting Lynx's price to $99 from $179 to get closer to
Gameboy's $89, Atari again went the cheap route and spent virtually
nothing on national advertising. Result: Today Gameboy has 81% of the
market and is sold in 16,000 outlets. That compares to 3% for Lynx,
available in fewer than 3,000 stores.
The Tramiels seems to enjoy competing against each other to save
pennies. Example: In a confidential memo to Sam Tramiel, computer games
president Michael Katz, who has since left, complained how Garry Tramiel
refused to allow him to spend $54 to air-freight two cartridges he needed
for an important presentation to a big client. Atari employees say father
Jack personally checks expense reports to make sure that restaurant tips
don't exceed 15%.
When Atari lost the Nintendo suit, Jack Tramiel took day-to-day
charge of the company away from son Sam. Sam has moved out of his fancy
corner office into ordinary space, next to purchasing.
Two new Atari products are due out in the next 12 months: the Falcon
030, a souped-up ST computer; and the Jaguar, the next-generation
videogame console. But industry sources say that to launch both products
with the promotion needed to give them a real chance would cost some $40
million. That's about all the cash Atari has on hand, and the company
needs $24 million a year just to meet its operating overhead.
One Atari official who spoke to FORBES on the condition that he
remain anonymous, sums up the company's problem this way: "The Tramiels
are not stupid. But their formula for success worked only once. They are
not adaptable people." Not a good trait in any business, especially
computers.
****
One of our many readers says it all...
from the FNET
Conf : STReport Online
Msg# : 21395/21400 Lines: 9 Read: 1
Sent : Aug 06, 1992 at 7:16 PM
To : All
From : Chris B. Herting at Fnet Node 556-Suitland-MD
Subj : Atari.
Yes, it has been quite a while since I posted SEVERAL messages
criticizing Atari. Right after my messages were published in STR, I
received many responses supporting my views. I also received messages
telling me I was unfair. Atari can do no wrong. Something STR has been
hearing for sometime. Now I think everyone has seen the proof, everyone
has read the Forbes article. STR was RIGHT all along, and I was right to
speak out. It is about time people start seeing the light, and the ones
who haven't start telling the truth. Atari should NOW explain their
actions.. TRUTHFULLY.
_________________________________________________________________
> TRUE INSIGHT STR FOCUS! Timely Observations......
"""""""""""""""""""""""
ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
OF
COMPUTING
AND
ONLINE ACTIVITY
by Joseph Turner
We are very fortunate, those of us engaging in computing and online
activity. Whether we are a local computer club member, member of an
online service, shareware user or author, or manager of a forum in a major
online network, all of our lives are enriched. We have access to people
and information locally, nationally, even worldwide.
Our lives can be immensely enriched by the resources at our disposal.
Being enriched is not all that is involved, hopefully. We can be
enriching, too. This article addresses some ethical considerations
relating to various personal, club and online activities, and how we might
not only be enriched, but be enriching also. To ourselves and to others.
Three of the most important resources to me are my local computer
club, the Mid-Florida Atari Computer Club, Local BBS systems, and Delphi,
an online service accessible internationally. All three play an important
part in my ability to enjoy my computing hobby, and each offers it's own
particular benefits. Each also deserves a certain level of commitment on
my part, too. All of us can benefit in our own way from whatever
resources we choose to use, and we all can be a benefit to each other, to
our computing/online lifestyle, if we choose. Let's look at some ways
this can happen.
A local computer club is something we all should be active in if
possible, be it large or small. A computer club can give us a local file
library, fellowship with others of similar interest, opportunity to check
out a program or hardware we may be considering. We can share experience
and skill allowing all to benefit. Being a member of a computer club is
more than just paying dues and showing up to meetings, though.
Most clubs will have elected or appointed officers, things need to be
done, hopefully volunteering and a sense of service will prevail. Some
folks will donate time, others may donate certain materials or talent.
The President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer aren't the only
ones that should be doing something, they need support and encouragement
from the membership at large.
Fund raising is one matter in which some ethical concerns arise. If
the club raises funds by getting contributions for library disks, a
librarian shouldn't enrich his own personal library for free, while other
members donate for access to the library. A member should not "split" the
cost with another member for the same library disk, that only hurts the
club. If two benefit from the club library, two contributions should be
made. In no case should anyone take advantage of position or otherwise
unfairly benefit from any club activity unless the leadership and
membership of the club approves and knows of such benefit. Fair is fair,
if someone uses position to gain advantages at no cost that membership at
large is expected to pay for, such advantage ought to be known to all and
be exercised with a sense of propriety.
Club members should try to give as well as get, writing articles for
newsletters, showing a demonstration, serving in fund-raising and
computer show activities are all ways practically any club member can be
enriching, and enriched, too.
Local BBS systems are another important resource. Message bases and
games doors are great, but most BBS's have file areas. Those PD disks you
got from BRE or files from an online service can be of use to others, too.
In my case, being a member of over two dozen BBS systems, I can and do
share files both ways. It's also nice, if you're able and a local SysOp
needs you, to be a SigOp or assistant. Even a word of appreciation once
in a while is great. Most of the time, the BBS is financed and supported
by the SysOp's money, not yours. The one who pays for your enjoyment
deserves your respect.
Major online services are another important resource. Here I will
speak specifically from personal experience. And, this experience will
relate to local club membership, and local BBS membership too.
I'm a member of Delphi online, am in most of the computer conferences
and have used many of the system's resources. Most active in the ST
Advantage conference, I see Delphi as the hub of my computing activity.
Delphi provides files and information I use as CoSysop of a local IBM
BBS, files and information I contribute to my local club, and files and
information for my own personal use. However, Delphi, most specifically
the ST Advantage conference, is not merely a resource I take from. That
would be counterproductive.
Several local BBS systems have provided numerous files <.MOD files>
which I submitted to the ST Advantage conference. The PC conference, the
ST conference, the Mac conference, and the Amiga conference have all
provided material for other online activities. My local computer club,
several local BBS systems and several people have benefited from Delphi,
and vice versa, Delphi has benefitted from local resources. Here are some
examples of what I'm talking about:
1) The PC area on Delphi has been of benefit to several local IBM
systems. Business is business, I've recruited membership for
Delphi, and found items to include in the databases on Delphi.
2) Numerous sources locally have provided .MOD files for the ST
Advantage conference. I want the ST area to be prosperous, and
getting good files for them helps achieve this end. The ST area
has provided a variety of files and information of benefit to
myself and others locally.
3) My local computer club library receives regular contributions of
material, most from the ST area on Delphi. Of course, I do not
provide so much that there is no incentive for members to also
join Delphi, rather, I expect it. It's foolish if I provide so
much stuff to my local club that all anyone wants to do is just
wait for the next stack of floppies, the proper thing is to
provide a responsible amount of support for the Club, and for
folks to join in the fun and all of us prosper together. No
Online Service, Club, or BBS is likely to prosper if the only
user's around are leeches wanting a handout!
4) The BBS I CoSysop has been a major source of files for Delphi in
the form of .MOD files. The PC area on Delphi was very useful in
getting an initial stock of new doors games and some BBS programs
to examine when the BBS was in it's initial stages. If I see a
message from someone wanting such and such a file, yes, straight
to Delphi I go to search the databases, be it ST, PC, Mac or
whatever.
It is all a matter of balance, of give and take. All give and no take
leaves an empty space; all take and no give does the same. The primary
ethical consideration, as relates to my own computing activity, is to be
fair, and to be as benefitting as benefitted. Then, hopefully, we're all
happy. I've heard some people, when I mention the idea that it's a
responsibility for a user, of a online service or BBS, to support the
service, say something to the tune of "You pay for Delphi, you don't owe
them anything, they owe you!" Wrong. Whether a local SysOp pays for the
local BBS, or I pay for access to an online service, I'm responsible to
support the service! The money the SysOp or I pay takes care of equipment,
phone lines and other infrastructure, the service part, that's where give
and take comes in, that's the lifeblood of the whole kit 'n caboodle I'm
talking about, the blood's gotta flow for things to stay warm and alive,
and that balance needs to be there, no matter how good a heart ya have, it
won't last long of more comes in than goes out or vice versa!
___________________________________________________________________
> NVN WANTS YOU! STR InfoFile Another Network Supports Atari!
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""
National Videotext Network (NVN) has recently added an Atari ST Forum
to it's growing lists of available services. The Atari ST Forum is going
through its final "construction" phases and will be available to NVN
members by mid-December 1992. U.S. Videotel, founded in 1986, is an
electronic information and interactive services provider. The U.S.
Videotel Network launched in March of 1989, and provided electronic
information services to the Texas market.
"The nationwide launch of the National Videotex Network, which
provides on-line data and information exchange services began on May
1, 1992." The future of NVN will be one which continues to remain
sensitive and responsive to market needs. Additional services and advances
in electronic information will continue to be added, to provide unique and
interesting services on an on-going basis.
NVN service offerings can be broken into three categories: Basic,
Premium, and Premium Plus.
Basic Services
--------------
Most of the Basic services are available 24 hours a day with no
connect time charges beyond the basic membership fee. However, a select
group have functions for which transaction fees are charged. Basic
services are accessible through a flat rate charge of $5.95 per month.
Premium Services
----------------
For Premium services, Members pay connect charges for the amount of
time spent in a particular service. Premium services are accessible Monday
through Friday for a connect time charge of $9.00/hour from 8 am to 6 pm,
and $6.00/hour from 6 pm to 8 am; and on Saturday and Sunday for a connect
time charge of $6.00 all day (6 pm Friday til 8 am Monday), central time
zone.
Premium Plus Services
---------------------
Premium Plus services are subject to the same type of connect time
charge as Premium services. However, a surcharge is also added to the
connect time for these services.
You can join NVN one of two ways. By voice phone 1-800-336-9096
(Client Services) or via modem phone 1-800-336-9092. You will be issued
an Account # (usually within 24 hours) and will be allowed to access
National Videotex Network.
***********************************************************************
:HOW TO GET YOUR OWN GENIE ACCOUNT:
_________________________________
To sign up for GEnie service:
Set your communications software to Half Duplex (or Local Echo)
Call: (with modem) 800-638-8369.
Upon connection type HHH (RETURN after that).
Wait for the U#= prompt.
Type: XTX99587,CPUREPT then, hit RETURN.
GEnie costs only $4.95 a month for unlimited evening and
weekend access to more than 100 services including
electronic mail, online encyclopedia, shopping, news,
entertainment, single-player games, and bulletin boards
on leisure and professional subjects. With many other
services, including the biggest collection of files to
download and the best online games, for only $6 per
hour.
MONEY BACK GUARANTEE! Any time during your first month
of membership if you are not completely satisfied, just
ask for your $4.95 back.
GEnie Announcements (FREE)
1. GEnie Prime Time Rate Drop Becomes Permanent Jan. 1, 1993.....*RATES
2. Game UPGRADES and DEMOS are available in......................SCORPIA
3. Give The Gift Of Online Time .. GEnie Gift Certificates.....GENIESTORE
4. Check out the end-of-the-year business credit report.......TRWPROFILES
5. ONLINE COURSES in your future. REGISTER TODAY................CALC
6. Club Rates cut the cost of Winter '93 Tournament play in....BACKGAMMON
7. Worldwide Discounts at 12,000 Hotels available through....TRAVELSOURCE
8. 1992 Amiga Review/Top 100 Files in The 5-MINUTE Weekend News..STARSHIP
9. SEX, LOVE, Baseball & Weapons -- Calendars at.................PHARMACY
10. HURRY - join up, grab this game before it's too late..........SOFTCLUB
11. Explore Santa's Grotto in the adult space fantasy.............FED
12. Nominate NOW for the very first Lamp movie awards over at.....SHOWBIZ
13. Get help for PC Aladdin in Real-Time in.....................PCALADDIN
14. Find Out Which Home Office Products Were Tops in 1992.........HOSB
15. Come get the new FILE OF THE WEEK in........................MAINFRAME
Welcome ****** ******** ** ** **
To the ** ** ** ** **
GEnie ****** ** ST ** ** **
ATARI ** ** Roundtable ** ** **
****** ** ** ** **
*** ** ***
The Official Online Resource of Atari Corporation *** ** ***
Happy Holidays from the Atari Roundtable and GEnie!
Darlah's Holiday Treat of the Month [page 475;9] is PHNXDEMO.LZH from
LEXICOR2. This is the DEMO version of the Phoenix object render program
from Lexicor Software. The LZH file also includes SPC & GIF sample files.
This is a "must have" program for all ATARI computers. Phoenix supports
different light sources, 3 different cameras, texture and image mapping:
SPC, GIF & TGA are supported. This program renders FAST!
============================================================
The next Dateline Atari! with Bob Brodie will be held on
Friday, Jan. 8th, 1993 at 10:00 pm EST. Please join us then
============================================================
The Atari ST RoundTable proudly presents The Independent Association of
Atari Developers (IAAD) RTC, Wednesday, January 13, 10pm EST. The IAAD
Board and many of its members will be on hand to share their experiences
in the marketplace. Find out about the trials, tribulations, and joys of
developing for your favorite computer! Ask about current and future
products! Meet the folks who bring your computer to life with software
and hardware enhancements! Attending for the IAAD:
Dorothy Brumleve of D.A. Brumleve, President of the IAAD, Nathan Potechin
of DMC Publishing, Chet Walters, WizWorks!, Jim Allen of FAST Technology,
Nevin Shalit of Step Ahead Software Inc., Doug Wheeler of ICD Inc., John
Eidsvoog of CodeHead Technologies, Chris Roberts of Dragonware, John
Trautschold of Missionware, David Fletcher of Ditek, Craig Harvey of
Clear Thinking, Bob Luneski of Oregon Research Associates, John Cole and
Lee Seiler of Lexicor, David Beckemeyer of Beckemeyer Development Tools,
Mark O'Bryan of Paradigm Software Products, John 'Hutch' Hutchinson of
Fair Dinkum Technologies, Greg Kopchak of It's All Relative and more...
Regular Open Conference every Wednesday night, 10PM EDT, 7PM PDT
DTP conference every Monday at 10PM eastern in room 3.
GEnie Information copyright (C) 1991 by General Electric
Information Services/GEnie, reprinted by permission
***********************************************************************
> Time for a Change? STR Feature Is there a difference to be made?
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
THE ORDER OF THINGS FOR 1993
============================
by Bruno D. Puglia
For some time now, the order of things is that STReport and Ralph
Mariano make references and comments about ATARI, and sometimes people,
from a given frame of reference. Others outside STReport do the same
thing except STReport and Ralph is the target. After all is over, the
megabytes end up in archive files; what difference does it really make?
None of these people, or ATARI, is going to change the order of doing what
they do. Whatever ATARI, STReport, Ralph, or anyone else said, or did not
say, word-wise, nothing is really going to change in 1993. What will be,
will be. The order of things is generally fixed, so we continue to
follow our own order and keep reading the comments in the online magazines
or we just space bar them. Some people will get quite involved over this
and that; and others could care less because in the long run, it makes
very little difference to them.
The important thing is that the battle continue with some aspect of
professional point of view, whatever point of view they take. The
readers are entitled to at least that much. Wordy half truths or
misleading statements by any party will not sway most of us one way or the
other. For the most part, we read between the lines anyway.
As readers, we can make very little difference to the overall picture
with regard to the order of things. It appears that as a writer, none of
the comments have made much of a difference either. There is nothing wrong
about a writing style which is from a negative frame of reference or
slant.
If someone wants a Falcon because they feel ATARI is the way to go,
they will wait until they can buy it. For others, they may have problems
with a monitor or keyboard and/or just decide to get a deal on this or
that. They may even post the old ATARI for sale or go to a local auction.
The pictures painted by words, by anyone, including ATARI, are null and
void for the most part.
Aside from not being able to get your ATARI repaired easily, the 2nd
and 3rd party people are the backbone for ATARI Users. The bad guys are
also part of that backbone. Negative or not, they keep ATARI alive, and
that, after all, is the important issue.
The Tit for Tat antics are just that; and the Tit for Tat leaves no
winners. And, at best, it ends up as only Tit for Tat. The wish list for
1993 then, is that ATARI do its thing and sees fit to change their order
of things and becomes a major force in the computer world, including the
USA. Perhaps only this would give others so much good stuff to write
about that the Tit for Tat could revolve around all the good stuff rather
then this person or that person.
As for me, I'm cheap; and as long as the ATARI keeps going and my old
Tulins hard driving, I'll stay right where I am. My real hopes are that
ATARI does not end up like SWTPC. If you have to ask what SWTPC is, then
you'll know why I don't want ATARI to go the same route as SWTPC. Oddly
enough it was about 1985 when SWTPC when down the tubes.
Each of us, we will take 1993 in the order of things, and knowing
that, all I have to say is :
_
_ , _ __ _ , //
' ) / ' ) ) ' ) / //
/--/ __. _ _ , , / / _ , , , / / _ __. __ ''
/ (_(_(_/_)_/_)_(_/_ / (_(<_(_(_/_ (__/_(<_(_(_/ (_ o
/ / / //
' ' ' (/
To ALL, from Bruno !
________________________________________________________________
> VERY INTERESTING! STR Spotlight Something 'funny' is going on here!
"""""""""""""""""
NOTICE: THIS MESSAGE RECENTLY APPEARED;
--------------------------------------
The editors of STReport ask that if you or anyone you know has a
copy of the mentioned "call to arms" letter sent "en masse" on
GEnie in the ST RT, please forward a copy of it to them.
------/snipped from c.s.a.st 02JAN92/--->
From: jhenders@jonh.wimsey.bc.ca (John Henders)
Subject: Re:STReport???
Message-ID: <H.eg.wgo5n4n7hdk@jonh.wimsey.bc.ca>
Date: Fri, 01 Jan 1993 12:52:36 -0800
References: <C06tno.Hxv@ucunix.san.uc.edu>
Distribution: world
Organization: One of these days for sure
Lines: 18
X-News: HERMES MMAIL 1.10
Rev. Dec 15 1992 MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
Interesting letter to be sent around at just this time. Atari's usual
"shoot the messanger" strategy in action. If it's such an awful thing to
have a free flag for commercial purposes on GEnie, how come most of the
free flag holders are commercial developers?
As with the latest letter in Znet which was published just after STReport
dared print a reveiw of Comdex by an ordinary attendee who had the
audacity to say it wasn't a wonderful show, it seems Atari will stop at
nothing to silence ST Report. If this was sent to all attendees of the
Atari roundtable, this means the letter was tacitly approved by Darlah,
the roundtable sysop, as that is the only way the author could get this
dropped in every attendees mailbox.
--
"If Rush fans were braindead, why are there so Bruce Bufalini
many people posting to alt.music.rush?" PSU a
-------------------/snip snip -------->
PLEASE.... forward a copy of the referenced message, STReport is
_very interested_ in obtaining a copy.
_______________________________________________________________
> DynaCADD 2D STR InfoFile "...a high-level 2D design package.."
""""""""""""""""""""""""
DITEK LAUNCHES DYNACADD 2D
==========================
Ditek launches DynaCADD 2D, a high-level 2D design package for the
Atari toretail for only US $289.00
Contact:Frank Staples, Ditek International, (416) 479-1990
Ditek International announced DynaCADD 2D for the Atari ST and TT030
computers. The package includes both versions and is now available. The
Atari Falcon version will be available in January 1993. DynaCADD 2D is
the 2D portion of Ditek's powerful 2D/3D Computer Aided Design and
Drafting solution that has been in the market for the past two years.
According to Oren Asher, President of Ditek, DynaCADD 2D will fill a
specific market niche, "what we offer is a feature-rich, 2D design
environment for under $300 that competes with, has more features and is
much easier to use than anything out there. A significant portion of the
market designs primarily in 2D. What these designers want is easy to use,
high-level 2D functionality at the most reasonable price."
"DynaCADD 2D offers the exact same comprehensive 2D functionality as
our full 2D/3D version. Not one single 2D capability has been omitted.
This new product typifies our sensitivity to the market and is being
offered in response to many requests. If a designer only requires our 2D
functionality for the meantime, we are more than willing to make it
available. One can always take advantage of the 3D capabilities offerred
in our other version later on", said Asher.
Features such as online help, context-sensitive documentation and a
well organized and intuitive graphical interface make DynaCADD 2D
extremely easy to learn and use. DynaCADD 2D accurately sends all or any
portion of any drawing at any scale, including best fit, to all popular
pen plotters, dot matrix printers, laser printers, PostScript printers or
disk files. A MAKEPLOT utility is included to create or change any
plotter driver. A full Vector Font Editor is included to create new or
edit existing characters or fonts.
Ditek's head office is located at;
Ditek International
2800 John Street, Unit 15
Markham,Ontario
Canada L3R 0E2
Tel: (416) 479-1990, Fax: (416) 479-1882.
______________________________________________________________________
> CMC EXPANDS STR InfoFile The Computer Musician Coalition (CMC)....
""""""""""""""""""""""""
** NEWS FLASH - A GEnie EXCLUSIVE **
Immediate Release
to All GEnie Music Enthusiasts
January 1, 1993
CMC EXPANDS -
OPENING ITS DOORS TO ALL INDEPENDENT MUSICIANS WORLD-WIDE
The Computer Musician Coalition (CMC), an international, artist-driven
collaboration, dedicated to the success of electronic musicians
world-wide, announces the formation of a new division, the Creative
Musicians Coalition (CMC), dedicated to the success of all independent
musicians including the non-electronic bread.
CMC's success in the electronic arena has proved that there is a waiting,
desiring, and enthusiastic audience for new music world-wide. CMC, because
of its successes, is now able and capable to expand its offerings to
include both electronic and non-electronic music. Therefore, effective
immediately, CMC will accept original music submissions from all
independent musicians including music solely acoustic, solely electronic,
electronic/acoustic mixes, vocals, meditation, and the spoken word.
CMC's magazine AFTERTOUCH - New Music Discoveries, also originally
electronic music based, will broaden to include new music from independent
artists in both arenas. Additionally, all CMC memberships including:
Connoisseur, Artist, Dealer, Radio Station, and Vendor will expand to
accommodate both categories.
Ron Wallace, president of CMC, states, "I am amazed at the enormous
acceptance by the general public for new music. It has always been my
dream for the success of the independent musician, and I feel now the
window of opportunity is wide open. It's time for all independent
musicians to unite and get out of their basements for the world to enjoy.
I offer each of them a dream-come-true and encourage their support in all
CMC endeavors."
For more information about CMC memberships, music submission procedures,
and a free copy of AFTERTOUCH - New Music Discoveries write or call:
Ron Wallace
Creative Musicians Coalition
Computer Musician Coalition
1024 W. Willcox Ave.
Peoria, IL 61604
Phone: (309) 685-4843
FAX: (309) 685-4878
Or Email: S.GARRIGUS (On GEnie)
_________________________________________________________________
> A LOOK AT THE FUTURE STR Feature Good Reading!
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
The Crystal Ball - 1993 Predictions
===================================
by Merlin L. Hanson
Compiled by:
Lloyd E. Pulley, Sr.
Senior Staff Editor
What does all of the following predictions have to do with the ST, Atari
or even computers? Not a thing. I found them amusing and hope that you
do to.
All the posts are from the Jerry Pournelle RoundTable on Genie and have
been re-printed with the permission of the author, Merlin L. Hanson
----------------
In June, a story will gain currency that Bill Clinton is the father of
a child by a mid-level chicken plucker at one of the big Little Rock
plants. Clinton denies the story, saying "I never met the woman".
In July, the National Enquirer prints a photo copy of a check from
Clinton to the woman, said by the Enquirer to be for child support.
Clinton clarifies his earlier comment, saying, "I mean we were never
introduced. I guess maybe I might have seen her around town someplace."
In August, a reporter for the Enquirer attempts to retrieve a Clinton
fingernail clipping to use for genetic matching. Special Prosecuter
Lawrence Walsh brings suit against the reporter for theft of government
property. While the reporter is being flown to Washington for
questioning, a wild SAM missile under test at a secret armory in
Atlanta goes wild, unfortunately accidentally hitting the plane.
Clinton sends Al Gore to represent him at the reporter's funeral. The
press, overcome by this touching display of humanity, suggests that
Clinton should be given the Nobel Peace Prize.
In September it is revealed that the woman was a scullery maid in the
"Little White House" in Little Rock during an early Clinton term.
Clinton clarifies his earlier position by saying "She told me she was
'fixed'. This woman has no sense of ethics whatsoever. She will stoop
to anything." Special Prosecuter Lawrence Walsh indicts the woman on a
charge of lying to a future Democratic president.
----------------
April 1, 1992 Washington D.C.
Stung by allegations from the American Bar Association that the Clinton
administration had been taken over by 'tekkies', the administration
acted today.
The troubles started in February when it was disclosed that the
Secretary of Energy, Hazel O'Leary, although an attorney, had actually
taken the first semester of a physics sequence in high school. This was
followed by rumors from undisclosed sources that O'Leary had a merit
badge in fuse changing from her days as an Eagle Scoutess.
The crisis was fueled by revelations in late February that Secretary of
Agriculture, Mike Espy, had first hand knowledge that there was 'some
kind of biological process' involved in the production of milk.
The beleagured administration was hit again in March when ABA president
Milton Feldman announced that the Surgeon General, Dr. Desmondino
Forfour had no training in the practice of law. "How can you expect
these people to administer a department when they don't even know the
fundamentals of tort ligature?", Feldman said. Forfour, one of the few
women allowed to be a priestess shaman in her native Botsowanaland was
appointed to the office in late January.
Today, Press Secretary Bubba Lordosis announced that Harvard Law School
had waived the usual requirement that incoming students have a high
school diploma and will admit Forfour to a special 'fast track' course
and should have her law degree by the end on the current quarter.
Highly place sources had speculated that there was going to be action
on this persistent problem when the Dean of Harvard Law School, Morris
Spiegelburger, was awarded a land grant for the state of Nebraska
earlier this week. Lordosis categorically denied that there was any
quid pro quo involved in the grant, saying "Dean Speiegelburger is a
fine American. If he doesn't deserve Nebraska, who does?".
----------------
March 17, 1993 Hollywood, California
Oprah Winfrey, threatened with a lawsuit by the producers of Opti Slim
Fast for defamation of product, will reveal that Opti Slim Fast
actually does work.
The illusion that Winfrey has put on weight was caused by the fact that
she has been pregnant for the last three years, according to a press
release slated for publication today. "Stedman and I had a little too
much of the bubbly one night and decided to consumate the marriage a
few days early", Winfrey said.
----------------
August 13, 1993 Hollywood, Calif.
Special prosecuter Lawrence Walsh announced today that he is bringing
charges against former Austrian strongman Arnold Schwarzenegger of
being a Nazi.
When it was pointed out that Schwarzenegger was born after the end of
World War II, Walsh said "These right-wingers are like pond scum. They
must be eradicated. It is a well known fact that old Joe Kennedy was a
Nazi sympathizer. Do you think it's just a coincidence that
Schwarzenegger married Kennedy's granddaughter?" Charges against the
great grandchild of Kennedy were reported to be 'on hold' for the time
being.
----------------
February 1, 1993 New York City
The H. Ross Perot late evening talk show debuted last night barely in
time to be included in the February sweeps weeks. Perot said the main
reason he took on the assignment is to keep in touch with his
volunteers. "You know, my volunteers are the salt of the earth, God
bless 'em". Meanwhile, rumors were circulating in Washington the
Special Prosecuter Lawrence Walsh was investing allegations that
Perot's 'volunteers' were being paid less than the minimum wage.
Perots first guest was Bill Gates, wunderkind of the computer operating
system business (an operating system is the software that provides an
interface between a human being (the operator) and the hardware). Gates
and Perot talked of 'nerds in the nineties'. Gates described a
resurgence in the phenomenon of so called 'nerds' displaying impressive
slide rules in an ostentatious fashion. The Japanese are believed to
have a scientific calculator under development that is disguised as a
slide rule, complete with a rigid leather case and swivel and hook for
attachment to a belt loop.
Perot's second guest was rock star Prince. He regaled the audience with
anecdotes resulting from an experience when he wore rouge into a
biker's bar in Newark. "From now on, just false eyelashes and a little
blush is enough for places like that", he said.
The glut of late night talk shows is not actually worsened by the Perot
show since he took over Whoopi Goldberg's old slot. Ms. Goldberg starts
her new job as CEO at General Motors next Monday.
----------------
Predictions:
Delta Burke's TV show will fail and she will become a theme park.
----------------
Nov 17,1993 Tokyo, Japan
Panasonic, one of the leading manufacturers of television sets demons-
trated their new "feelyvision" adaptor yesterday.
A lightweight feelyvision module rests in the lap of the viewer and can
create the sensations of warmth, or an agitation varying from what is
described as a mild squirming to a violent 'thrusting'. The module is
controlled via infra-red signals (much like a conventional remote
control) from a specially modified Panasonic television set.
The FCC has not yet approved a standard method of encoding feelyvision
TV signals in the United States and early units are expected to work
only with rental video tapes which are not subject to government
standards. Asked whether those tapes would be mostly X rated, the
Panasonic representative simply responded with an inscrutable smile.
----------------
May 4, 1993 Washington D.C.
Consumer activist Ralph Nader and Special Prosecuter Lawrence Walsh
announced that they are forming a pro bono law firm to assist the
impoverished in the inner cities.
The firm will be financed by community action grants and the funds from
recent settlements by the two principals. In the first case, Nader
successfully represented a recluse, Herman Bodkin, who sued Exxon in
the loss of his pet muskrat in the aftermath of the Exxon Valdez
grounding. Bodkin was awarded $5 million for pain and suffering and
loss of consort. "Old Herman has never been the same since his favorite
pet sheep wandered off, the loss of the muskrat too drove him to
despair", a neighbor testified.
The other suit was won by Walsh in a case in which also, oddly enough,
Exxon was the defendant. In this case, Exxon paid $7 million to settle
a case were they illegally dismissed a ships' master after he was found
drinking on duty by the Coast Guard. In an unrelated story, Exxon
announced that the price of gasoline in California was being increased
by seven cents a gallon (see Business Section).
Special Prosecutor Walsh said he will stay on as a consultant to the
government in several pending cases. He reported that he has almost
finished taking depositions in a case wherein it is alleged that ex-
president Ronald Reagan allowed his wife Nancy, to eat free at state
dinners despite the fact she was not a representative of the United
States or any foreign government. "Its an open and shut case of
nepotism", Walsh said by telephone from his home in the Bahamas.
----------------
August 18,1993 Washington DC
Press Secretary Jethro Bodine announced yesterday that first child
Chelsea Rodham-Clnton will attend the Maryknoll Country Day School in
nearby Alexandria Virginia. "There are some lovely public schools here
in Washington that we would love to have Chelsea attend", Ms. Rodham
said, "but we really want her to have more ethnic diversity in her
little school mates than there is here." "Most of the children in
public school are Americans", she we nt on. "The terrible events in
Bosnia and Herzogovinia show how important it is that we all have
cultural diversity".
Maryknoll Country Day School is reported to have large numbers of
students from Switzerland and England.
----------------
April 23, 1993 Washington, DC
It was a flap reminiscent of the early Reagan era. The Reagan adminis-
tration was ridiculed when it declared catsup a vegetable. It was an
eerily prescient event; the Clinton administration yesterday declared
chicken gizzards an edible protein fit for human consumption. On
Friday, the Department of Agriculture added chicken gizzards to the
list of recommended sources of protein for school lunches.
Press Secretary Buford Gillis defended the action, saying "the Clintons
consider gizzards a real treat. They save them for special occasions
such as Christmas. There's nothing better than a mess of chicken
gizzards for a Sunday dinner after a morning spell of studying the
Bible."
At the press conference Gillis passed out copies of one of Hillary
Rodhams' favorite recipes; for gizzards aux lapin au poivre apres
eglise (gizzards with rabbit and pepper for after church). "I used to
make this for the girls at Wellseley, the president's wife said, "and
they just loved it". "Chelsea and I sometimes get together in the
kitchen and make them as a surprise for Bill", she went on. "I do so
love being a mommy and precious moments like that".
"And Chelsea's little schoolmates think they're simply scrumptious",
she added.
----------------
March 7,1993 Los Angeles
Doctors believe they have some new insights into how Dick Clark,
perrenially youthful host of music programs stayed so young.
Clark, who was born in 1929, died Monday at age 64 of hardening of the
arteries. When cosmetician Fifi LaRue was preparing the body for
viewing, she notice a row of very tiny stitches totally encircling
Clarks' lower neck. Puzzled, she asked for help.
Los Angeles county forensic pathologist Stanley Feigenbaum was called
in. After examining the body, Feigenbaum said "The guy that did this
was a real artist". My wife, she could use a few tucks and lifts, you
know what I mean? Her, with this guy, I could trust."
Doctor Feigenbaum estimated that the most recent head transplant took
place about 1983.
----------------
January 27,1993 Washington DC
President Bill Clinton, stung by charges that he has not appointed
enough women to his cabinet, announced today that he will appoint Jane
Fonda to head the Department of Happiness. This will be the 47th
cabinet level appointment Clinton has made.
"Surely the signers of the Declaration of Independence didn't mean it
as simply an empty phrase when they spoke of the 'pursuit of
happiness'", Clinton said when making the announcement. Clinton, who
has never hid the fact that his marriage was troubled several years
ago, explained "When I would come home, all tuckered out after a hard
day of governen' and all that, I would have trouble doing my husbandly
duties, if you know what I mean". "I would read Sophocles for an hour
or two to unwind and then me an' Hillary would pop a tape of Barbarella
into the VCR and the next thing you know, I was ready for anything.
Never did see the end of the movie to see how it turned out"
In an unrelated story CNN said it will broadcast an eight hour retros-
pective on Saturday, "Clinton, the early years" which will be shown at
8:00 AM and repeated at 4:00 PM and midnight (EST). Since the president
has only been in office for one week, material would seem to be in
short supply. Staffers at CNN say they have 23 hours of Clinton jogging
which they can draw on and two hours of Clinton looking sincere and
concerned. "I'm not sure we can fit it all in", Sue Ellen Hatfield-
McCoy said.
----------------
April 9, 1993 Columbus, Ohio
The city fathers of Columbus, Ohio, stung by the lack of political
correctness in their name have decided to rename the city. There has
recently been a groundswell of criticism of Christopher Columbus,
namesake of the city of Columbus, because of atrocities committed by
him and his crew of explorers.
Mayor Herman Bodkin, 64, said the city will be renamed Tiffany Ohio in
honor of a young woman he met at a good government meeting in New
Orleans. WHen asked what part the young lady played in the proceedings,
mayor Bodkin would only say "She was in New Orleans because of the
meeting. Let's just let it go at that, OK?".
________________________________________________________________
> A GUEST EDITORIAL STR Feature "1992 was not the "Year of Atari"...
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
RINGING OUT THE OLD, RINGING IN THE NEW
WILL 1993 BE "OUR" YEAR?
by Dana P. Jacobson
1992 was not the "Year of Atari" as we had all heard and
anticipated. In fact, the past few years haven't really come too close to
achieving that "goal." I'm tempted to wish that for 1993, but I'm really
getting sick of that line! What will be, will be for all of us; all that
we can do is hope and strive to make things happen positively in this
coming new year.
While we at STReport have always strived to be as informative as
possible for our readers, we have, at times, failed to do so according to
_my_ expectations. There have been times when we could have done better;
hopefully that will change in 1993. This year, for STReport, things are
winding down on a less than positive note. Controversies surrounding our
stance on various topics has certainly not been "enjoyable" for our
readers.
The ongoing problems with ABCO cannot, unfortunately, be resolved
within these pages. As much as I personally would have liked to cover
this issue here so that matters could be publicly resolved, I fear that
_some_ would view that attempt as less than complete and/or a biased one.
Some of these same people believe that STReport and ABCO are non-separate
entities (they are not the same) and wouldn't be able to distinguish an
STReport's view from an ABCO one. I doubt that _any_ online magazine, or
print one for that matter, would be able to cover this particular concern
without having numerous complaints of non-depth or biased reporting. This
is unfortunate, as I have suggested in the past that a non-biased
publication investigate and report the findings, if it were possible,
objectively. The best that I can provide our readers at the present is
that I have discussed this matter with Ralph Mariano because I am
genuinely concerned for his customers' problems _and_ for Ralph's
business. Ralph has expressed to me that he is indeed concerned that he
hasn't been able to satisfy some of his customers' orders as quickly as
he'd like. He is doing all that is humanly possible to fulfill his
obligations as quickly as possible. Whether or not that's good enough for
all concerned, I cannot say. I hope to learn that all involved are
satisfied in an expeditious manner.
Another less than positive 1992-ending note is the latest news that
Senior Editor Lloyd Pulley has resigned from STReport, effective in a few
short days. Lloyd's contributions in STReport and online as senior editor
have always been informative and enjoyable, at least for most of us. He
may have ruffled more than a few feathers in the past, but his goals have
been to inform and raise a few eyebrows, regardless of the possibility
that by doing so he'd be taken to task. We'll miss Lloyd, as his shoes
will be difficult to fill. Best of luck, Lloyd, for a prosperous and
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
1992 didn't bring us any new products from Atari. It was hoped that
the Falcon would be available in the U.S. before the end of the year, but
it just didn't happen. Perhaps 1993 will not only provide us with the
Falcon030, but also a new lineage of Falcon computers. Current Atari
users have been made well aware of the abilities of the Falcon030; it's
time for the rest of the world to also learn. One wish for 1993 is that
Atari does follow through on its marketing and production plans; and that
they manage to exceed everyone's expectations.
1992 has not been a good year for much of the Atari userbase,
including users, dealers, developers, and publications. Atari users are
dwindling as support has decreased. Dealers have altered their support to
include non-Atari machines and peripherals to survive. Developers, for
the most part, has maintained an even keel. Although there has been no
marked increase or decrease in numbers, developers are still concerned
over the future of the Atari market. Many, to survive, have expanded
their product line to support other platforms. Atari- specific magazines
have not flourished. Many are having financial problems in this dwindling
market. 1993 will probably be the year to determine the fate of many of
our small, but exceptional magazine publishers. I would guess that more
will take similar steps to survive as has Unicorn Publications, publishers
of Atari Interface Magazine, to branch out into a different market with
their new magazine, "Connect". Even Atari's own publication, Atari
Explorer, is facing difficult times. Certainly, we all hope that our
limited sources of print information will once again take a turn for the
better in this coming year.
Atari shows in 1992 managed to once again be successful. Although
there were a few changes in the show schedule from previous years, the
"major" shows continued to be a great source of information, products, and
enjoyment. Even some of the smaller shows have become a regular tradition
and hopefully all of these shows will flourish in '93 and years to come.
It's difficult to determine the successes or failures of STReport
this past year. While we have endeavored to continue to provide the
"other side of the coin", there have been difficult times because of our
determination in not being a "mouthpiece" for Atari Corporation. Our
editorial stance is one that has not made us popular at all times; and it
has created some "enemies" over the years, unfortunately. But, we
continue to do our best to point out problems as well as the great things
that are occurring in our small "world" of Atari. My wish for the new
year is that we at STReport can improve our relations with those at Atari
so that information between us will be helpful to our readers. Open
lines between everyone is really necessary in our ever-decreasing circle.
We will continue to cover the major events as they occur, whether
they be shows, online events, new products, interesting ideas - whatever.
These are the things that our readers are most concerned about, as they
are for us as well. Hopefully, now that the "political season" is behind
us <<grin>>, we can leave the politics to the politicians; and not let
them have an influence on our daily Atari lives.
What will 1993 bring? It's anybody's guess, really. I'm hoping for
a positive and fulfilling year for everyone. I hope that there will be
plenty of new things for STReport to relate to you, our readers. We will
strive to report on them as they develop to keep us all informed. This,
ultimately, has always been our goal.
I hope to learn quickly in '93 that Falcons will flourish in the
U.S., and that all Atari supporters will once again have something to crow
about (pun intended). I also hope that our lives improve in general, as
times have been tough for everyone these days. The beginning of a new
year always seems to bring about a new hope. To all of you, a sincere
Happy New Year!
_____________________________________________________________
> STR Letters to the Editor "...a place for the readers to be heard"
"""""""""""""""""""""""""
STR LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
"""""""""""""""""""""""""
Verbatim as received in EMail
-----------------------------
Item 3764764 92/12/29 22:06
From: WALLY.W Walter S. Wilson
To: BOB-BRODIE Robert G. Brodie
DARLAH Darlah J. Potechin, Atari RTs
D.A.BRUMLEVE Dorothy A. Brumleve
FEEDBACK GEnie Feedback
ST.REPORT Ralph F. Mariano
Sub: ST Report
29 December 1992
TO: Bob Brodie, Atari Corporation
Dorothy Brumleve, President - IAAD
GEnie FEEDBACK
Darlah Potechin, Atari ST RT
Members of the GEnie Atari ST RT
STReport
RE: STReport - My vote of no confidence (my opinions as well)
FM: Walter S. Wilson (WALLY.W)
History: ST Report (Silicon Times Report) is an electronically
distributed weekly E-Mag.
The Publisher/Editor is Ralph Mariano; who also owns ABCO Computer
Electronics "Full Line Dealer & Mass Storage" [1]. ABCO runs an
average 8,677 byte advertisement in each ST Report issue (this
constitutes an average of five to seven percent of ST Report).
ST Report has historically editorialized (reported) from the, "Atari
is trying to pull a fast-one" point of view, and has a record of
stretched facts, contradictions, and bullying folks who disagree or
take issue with things they print. DoubleSpeak is ST Report's
native tongue when pressed on most issues.
Onward: Recently, I've made myself aware of all the major
complaints against ABCO Computer Electronics (also known as ABCO
Computer Consultants). There are many, in fact, nearly as many as
were lodged against Zephyr/etc.
Recently, I've seen STR (ST Report) writers ("editors") harassing
the Atari ST RT sysops and others who might call them on the carpet
for numerous issues.
Issues such as...
STR's Non-accountability to its reader base
STR's extremely lop-sided reporting of Atari-related items
STR's apparent agenda concerning Atari and Atari supporters
ABCO's "FREE" advertising in a pay area on GEnie via STR
Valid complaints about non-delivery of products from ABCO
STR's "quiet" stance in this issue concerning ABCO
The obvious conflict of interest concerning STR, Mr. Mariano,
and ABCO
STR's unwillingness to actually report items that are public
domain (FCC item regarding Class B for the Falcon030) [2]
STR's vindictiveness towards people who point out these things
ST Report's Publisher/Editor has an area on GEnie that is for
letters to the editor of STR. Many issues of great concern are
being touched on in this Topic, yet the Publisher/Editor doesn't
address a single item.
This same Publisher/Editor (who owns ABCO), has a bad rating with
the Better Business Bureau in his home state, has many very
unsatisfied customers, has a FREE FLAG on GEnie in the ST RT, gets
free advertising for his company under the guise of an E-mag in a
GEnie pay area, and is completely aloof concerning any of these
complaints.
It appears to me and others in the Atari community that Mr. Mariano
is not "supporting" anything in the Atari community - except gossip
and bad business practices.
To add to this debacle, his senior writer ("editor") is akin to the
"front line" in his GEnie defense squad, and nothing posted
regarding Mr. Mariano gets past Mr. Pulley (either with his
"official" STR stance or his "my own opinion" stance).
It's gotten this ridiculous... In the ST Aladdin RT Mr. Pulley
states as a fact that he _is_ leaving STR after the first of the
year. Then in the Atari ST RT he and another STR writer ("editor")
quibble over the fact that he said, "may be", and really hasn't made
his mind up. This is just the beginning of the doublespeak in these
issues. Who are we to believe; the ST Aladdin RT Lloyd Pulley, or
the Atari ST RT Lloyd Pulley?
STR writers ("editors") continue to harangue Atari Corporation and
Atari users in general over this Falcon FCC Class B approval. This
is after these writers were told where the information was (that the
FCC had the information - which makes it public domain). They (STR
staff) are still trying to convince the world that Atari is trying
to hide something...in the face of publicly available information to
the contrary.
Thanks to Lloyd Pulley, posting under both his own "personal
opinion" and his "official STR opinion" we've seen this incredibly
drawn out harassment over "interpreting the rules" in the ST RT.
Simply because he didn't like the fact that his objectionable
message got deleted...now he's on this personal vendetta to police
us all to death to make his point.
I remember when STR covered the Zephyr computer store's questionable
business dealings. They did in in their best hybrid 20/20-National
Enquirer fashion, and pulled absolutely no punches. Now ABCO is
involved in the very same type of questionable business dealings,
and still graces the pages of STR with no (I repeat, NO) scathing
editorializing... As a matter of fact, hardly a peep at all.
Obviously ABCO is receiving some sort of favoritism due to the
relationship it has with the Publisher/Editor of STR. This is
hardly an "independent" publication we are talking about...hardly a
credible source for unbiased information. This is an obvious
conflict of interest.
Even further back (and on several subsequent occassions) I can
remember STR's scathing stance on mail-order places, and how they
hurt real dealers. If ABCO is advertising in an E-mag that I
receive in Sitka, Alaska, and they offer me ways of ordering through
the mail...doesn't that make ABCO a mail order outfit also? These
contradictions are rampant in STR's colorful history.
What I have the biggest heartache with is this: These people have
free reign in the ST RT. They have free flags, and this gives them
unlimited online resources to continue this kind of abusive
activity...and apparently Atari Corporation and GEnie and the ST RT
approve since they (STR and its staff) are allowed to do all this
and still maintain free flags without being accountable to any of us
for what they do, say, sell, advertise, etc.
Sincerely,
Walter S. Wilson
[1] STR No.8.50, December 18, 1992 under dealer listings
[2] STR No.8.51, December 26, 1992 STReport Confidential
Class 'B' Certification Aye -Nay?
The author retains all rights to this letter. It may be used freely
provided it remains intact and unedited in its complete form.
=END=
Dear Mr. Wilson;
STReport is, in fact and practice, totally accountable to its readers
and will respond to any responsible question asked of us relative to our
publication's content. We cannot however, allow ourselves to be 'led or
baited' into _defending_ any editorial opinion as they are just that;
opinions, coming from either myself or one of our guest editors.
As for the ABCO situation, you are seeing only one side of the coin.
You have unfortunately, decided to take a stand, render a judgement and at
the same time, offer an opinion without full knowledge of all the _facts_.
On the advice of counsel, I am not at liberty to discuss the business
affairs of ABCO Computers. ABCO will satisfy all customer orders and
inquiries. In regards to the adverts that appear in STReport, we reserve
the right to decide whose ads and at what times they appear in our
publication. You make mention of the Zephyr reports in STReport, to be
factual, all that was presented (over a year ago) were a few posts in
STR750 from the ST RT and a reply in STR803 from Bill Yerger at Zephyr.
In regard to your insinuations and accusations relative to the
editorial content of STReport, you widely allude to actions of "double
speak, contradictions, stretched facts and bullying tactics" in our
editorials concerning Atari and its performance. It is indeed sad to see
your perception so one sided. In the past few weeks Atari itself has
proven this to be their "hat" to wear, not ours. As an example, I
respectfully point out the 32 bit advert flyer and statements made during
certain online conferences where Atari asserted their new machine being a
32bit computer. When in fact, its _now known_ it is _not_. To continue,
a recent message posted by the parties involved with Game Works would
indicate the 'rule book' about "bullying" was apparently written by
Atari's management.
As for our correspondents and editors "harassing" Atari RT Sysops,
please allow me to point out that _never_ has any of our editors,
correspondents or readers for that matter, ever engaged Nathan and
Darlah's sysops in any "harassing contest". The true facts are that
certain of Nathan and Darlah's sysops have been actively involved in an
obvious ongoing campaign of badgering, baiting and intimidation. If
anything, its the other way 'round.
In addressing your specific list;
The fact that this is here being read by you and our readers answers
your indication that STReport is not accountable to our readers. We are
and we respect the premise of accountability to our readers.
"Lopsided" is a neat one sided way of saying we present the "other
side" of the picture, as a reader, you and any of our other readers can
obtain the fluff, wowie-zowie and company viewpoint from a number of other
online and hard copy publications including Atari's own online
publication. Because we present the flip side of the coin d
oesn't mean
its "lop-sided" at all. But, we respect your opinion and will do better
to make sure our presentations continue to present the facts.
STReport does indeed have an agenda. The agenda is plain and simple
we refuse to present the glowing, warm fuzzy nonsense. STReport will
continue to present the stark facts of reality relating to Atari, its
performance, management and products. One fact is the current Atari
market is decimated, in shambles and when its reported as such its
upsetting.. almost as upsetting as the price of Atari stock.. 1.12.
The ABCO matter has been addressed but to add... All matters
concerning ABCO are under the advisement of counsel. Your representations
relative to ABCO have been duly noted.
Conflict of interest? Hardley correct. STReport and ABCO might have
some of the same principals. They are however, two entirely seperate
entities. Additionally, L. E. Pulley has nothing whatsoever to do with
ABCO nor do any of the other STReport contributors, correspondants or
editors.
The true agendas of anyone's viewpoint is a moot question in most
cases, but when personalities and _personal attacks_ are allowed to
flourish in an online service's RT, it becomes readily apparent that a
real and sinister agenda is indeed part of the overall picture. Its sad
to see, but its painfully obvious that the activities taking place in
Nathan and Darlah's RT on GEnie are occurring with their apparent
encouragement and approval. It almost appears as if the RT is totally
'out of control' or simply depending upon controversy, witch hunts and
embattlements to keep activity up.
You make mention of the FCC matter... please be advised all the steps
to obtain a complete and accurate listing of Class B certifications issued
to Atari, Atari Corp. and Atari Microdevices are being pursued. So far,
the _only_ recent certification issued is for the TT030 and that
certification is: EBAtt030 (this ID should be on every Class B TT sold in
the USA). Its for a class B certification of the TT issued to the, now
closed, Atari office in Texas. Our investigative process is and has been
faithfully taken to the highest levels of the FCC. They too, are very
interested in why, if the number has been issued, there's no record of it
so far and why the company is seemingly reluctant to reveal the class B
certification number they say they have for the Falcon. After all, its
the law that it be placed on each and every unit sold in the USA.
We will if asked, produce a listing of all certificates issued to
Atari for the last 12 months. At this time, there is no listing available
relative to the Falcon, Falcon030 or anything even close to such. The
inquiry is ongoing however, and as soon as all avenues of research are
completed, the final results will be made known. As of this issue,
STReport still has not been able to verify the existence of a class B
certification for the Falcon. To add to our efforts we include the
telephone number to FCC BBS, where any user may call and obtain
certification info; 1-301-725-1072. Additionally, since the TT has Class
B certification, it would be nice to know if any Class B TTs were ever
produced and sold. Speaking of class B, does anyone own a class B SLM 804
or SLM 605?
In closing, it must be made clear that STReport's following a process
of verification on the FCC matter is an honest and serious undertaking.
If its perceived STReport is questioning the accuracy of the assertion by
Atari's reps that the Falcon is FCC certified Class B, its an accurate
perception in as much as we would like it verified. STReport has asked
publicly a number of times from those who seem to have the "Certification
Number" to make the number known. This has not happened. Not from Atari
or any of the others who "claim" to have "verified" its existence. We
still await the number. After all, its revelation can only serve to put
this matter to rest and to allow the proper verification of all the facts
pertaining to this matter. Mr. Wilson, I thank you for your taking the
time to post to us.
Ralph @ STReport International Online Magazine
___________________________________________________________________
> STReport CONFIDENTIAL "Rumors Tidbits Predictions Observations Tips"
"""""""""""""""""""""
Looking at some of our more "notable" efforts....... of course,
there'll still be those who blindly swear we made it all up! How many
remember the ever popular Crystal Ball? Was it wrong? NOPE! Its all
come to be true!!
From STR # 7.23 06/07/91 This was our "BEST"!
------------------------
STR Crystal Ball BIG SHAKEUP IS AFOOT!
----------------
RE-ALIGNMENT - LAYOFFS - BELT TIGHTENING
CONSOLIDATION
"THE IDES OF MARCH IN JUNE?!?"
The CRYSTAL BALL is glowing WHITE HOT! Could it be true?
Is there going to be anywhere between a 30-50% layoffs?
IS... "HE BACK IN CHARGE?"
Is there really going to be a consolidation of subsidiaries?
Are there to be DEMOTIONS, TITLE CHANGES, MORE WORK-NO RAISES?
Second Generation TT030 "The Real Thing" @ 01/01/92 >FALCON<
No "TAMALES OR MAPLE LEAVES" just one big bag of tricks?
"DOWN UNDER" being throttled back?
What do you mean; YOU DON'T LIKE RIDDLES!
How about; "TV STARS FINISH LAST!"
Yo Adrian! We ain't talkin' about the Johnny Carson show!
For the whole story ..... stay tuned!!
From STR # 8.01 01/03/92 Boing! Its not real folks......
------------------------
Mr. Supersnoop has been buzzing all 'round the west coast during the
past two weeks. Most of what he found were indications of an "obvious
and strong rebirth of Atari." He was told by one dealer in the SF Bay
area;
"The product flow has been greatly enhanced." "The selection of
computers available would satisfy even the most demanding customer."
"Dealers are once again becoming abundant nationwide and are well
stocked." "The bundles (package deals) of software and hardware are
moving quite well", he heard from a number of satisfied dealers. He also
noted that while he was testing a new program on a brand spanking new
class B TT, the TV across the room was carrying a NEW, never seen before,
highly animated Atari advertisement for the "Atari Family of Fine
Computers" where they emphasized "A computer for every budget!" Hmmm..
that was on a National Network TV channel! He gleefully noticed.
As the ad proceeded, a loud bell began ringing in the background. Our
snoop dutifully struggled to turn the TV sound down. As he reached for
the control... he woke to the familiar sound of his trusty old alarm
clock. Well.. some people do have "nice dreams"! Let's, all of us, hope
this dream comes to pass.
From STR # 8.02 01/10/92 Conservation?
------------------------
Seems the "IDES" are restless and its not even March yet. Well CES
happened and where was Atari? In an off the main drag one night stop for
cocktails and fruit cups for Lynx folks. Apple made a big deal here with
a speech delivered by their 'main man'. One rumor heard all over the
place was that Atari might be 'for sale'. There is another US magazine
in the makings, seems there was a split-off from a familiar existing
newspaper style magazine.
Hmmm, seems there may be some real infighting about to occur over the
recently vacated responsibilities of Greg Pratt's. Rumor also has it that
there are less than 120 employees with Atari worlwide. On the humorous
side, it seems the crayons "melted" so that deal will be further delayed,
but then who cares? Its a situation whose time has come and gone. How
many authorized dealers left in the USA? Ziggy sez less than 20!
From STR # 8.04 01/24/92 Check the Dates Folks....
------------------------
Falcons & Sparrows! Avian Paradise. Deep Throat tells us its rumored
the STT040 (FALCON) is a real "muscle machine" of the upcoming future for
Atarians. Its mentioned there will be either a "Cube or Tower" available
for Falconers with the Tower having eight bays. 24 bit color will be the
order of the day as will a full 32bit bus IO. Its also rumored Ethernet
will be included and it will have multiple VME slots 3-6-1u types
accepted. A Floptical Drive (Insight) is alleged to appear in one of the
bays. A 1 gig Hard Disk is rumored to become available too. Its also
rumored Sparrow lovers are to see a less costly version of the TT040 in
either the Wedding Cake or Pizza Box style Cabinet.
From STR # 8.08 02/21/92 Another Usergroup is disillusioned
------------------------
Of note, from the LCACE newsletter, listed in the minutes of the
General Meeting posted in their February, 1992 issue, it states;
"All bills have been paid for the Computerfest, Hybrid Arts still has
yet to pay the club the $425.00 it owes from the Computerfest. This is
the only bad debt from the show. The Club is still short the TT system
promised us by Atari. It may never be delivered. Larry has said that
Bob Brodie has talked of LCACE doing another show at the same location in
July or August of 1992. We shall have to receive the TT and resolve other
issues prior to discussing a future show. There was a lengthy post mortem
of the Computerfest. It seems everybody had something to say about the
show both positive and negative."
Why? Why must so successful a show be marred by the obvious "dropping
of the ball" at Atari? Who were the key liaison personnel involved
in organizing the show. Perhaps, by this time next week, "Mr.
Usergroups" can make sure LCACE, a very active Usergroup, is taken
care of and satisfied.
Atari, as related elsewhere in this issue, is about to go to trial in
a matter involving Nintendo over the video game business. Although the
particulars of the trial, charges and counter charges are rather
involved, the point Atari is making is very clear and well understood.
Atari is depicting a monopoly and freeze-out in the game market put
together by Nintendo. In this case, Atari has our full support and
blessings. Trust busting should be a number one priority for a large
number of US corporations who are being strangled by offshore big bux
interests. The very economic life of the USA is being steadily drained
away by these interests. Kudos to Atari for bringing this serious matter
to a front burner for the nation to see. The offshore cartels have all
but destroyed the US steel industry and many others are on the verge of
extinction due to the "economic war" waged against the USA. This
particular trial demands close observation as it will certainly set a
precedent for seeking relief on the part of many other, long suffering, US
corporations.
From STR # 8.10 03/06/92 The Rumor Mill is flirting again...
------------------------
The (Sparrow & Falcon)(68030-68040) are rumored to be announced
sometime in the second quarter. Atari Corp is very tight lipped when
asked about performance stats, but the word is these machines are hot! In
fact, most "learned ears" say they will sport true SCSI ports and not
ASCSI ports. Hopefully the new products will be ready to ship soon after
their initial showing. Rumor also has it that a few Books have already,
or are about to ship. Good news sure feels nice. In addition, the ABC
line of clones are being given serious attention and could possibly be
enhanced and priced competitively. 1040STe units seem to be in very short
supply, while the MSTE units are doing very well.
From STR # 8.14 04/03/92 Some people have more problems......
------------------------
Lexicor has determined and confirmed that it's former distributor and
product manufacturer is making and selling PIRATE copies of Lexicor's
software products. If you have purchased any Lexicor products from RIO
COMPUTERS we suggest that you make the following tests to see if you may
have purchased a PIRATED program.
Re: Leonard's conference. To me, he sounded like Ollie North at a Senate
Investigation. He didn't really say anything about anything, and didn't
tell anyone anything that we already don't know. There were many
references to Email replies to some of the questions, I guess he just
didn't want to devulge any information.
From STR # 8.15 04/10/92 Look who's climbing up on the stage!
------------------------
From:
The San Jose Mercury News, Thursday April 2, 1992:
ATARI DELAYS 4TH QUARTER REPORT
===============================
Troubled Atari Corp., the Sunnyvale manufacturer of personal computers
and game hardware, said Wednesday it has notified the Securities and
Exchange Commission it will delay reporting results for its fiscal 1991
fourth quarter, which ended Dec. 31. By law, the company had until March
31 to report the results or file formal documents with the SEC extending
the filing date. A spokesman for the SEC in San Francisco said Atari is
technically in violation of securities laws even if it has filed for the
extension, but that enforcement action is unlikely if the company releases
its figures "within a day or two." Companies that seek such an extension
often do so in order to renegotiate terms with lenders and other creditors
before releasing unfavorable results. Atari earned $1.6 million on $49.2
million in revenues in its third 1991 quarter. Atari's chief financial
officer refused to accept a reporter's calls, saying through a secretary
that results would be available "within a couple of days." Atari's shares
closed unchanged at $2.75 in American Stock Exchange trading Wednesday.
From:
The San Jose Mercury News, Saturday, April 4, 1992
ATARI LOSES $4.4 MILLION ON SHARPLY LOWER SALES
===============================================
Late Friday, troubled Atari Corp. reported a loss of $4.4 million for
its fourth quarter on sharply lower revenues. The 8-cents-per-share loss
for the Sunnyvale maker of personal computers and video-game hardware came
on revenues of $96.2 million. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 1990, the
company made a profit of $8.8 million, or 15 cents per share, on revenues
of $151.9 million. The 1990 quarter's profit figure, though, included
$28.8 million in extraordinary credits. The 1991 quarter included a $2
million credit for debenture repurchases. The company cut its operating
loss for the 1991 fourth quarter to $9.4 million from $22.2 million in the
1990 quarter. For the year, sales dropped to $258 million from $411.5
million [Ouch! -GW] in 1990. Net income for the year was $25.6 million,
compared with $14.9 million for 1990. But the 1991 figure includes a gain
of $40.9 million on the sale of the company's manufacturing plant in
Taiwan. And the 1990 profit included $35.7 million in extraordinary
gains. The operating loss for 1991 was $18.7 million, compared with a
loss of $25.2 million in 1990. Buying back debentures helped the company
cut interest expense, which fell from $4.1 million in 1990 to $287,000 in
1991. In a statement, Atari President Sam Tramiel said, "The company has
restructured its overhead and is focusing on the improvement of its
balance sheet and the development of new products." On Wednesday, the
company notified the Securities and Exchange Commission that it would
delay reporting results for the fourth quarter.
From STR # 8.17 04/24/92 The Revolving Door is Healthy!
------------------------
Recent developments have found Gary Weiner, Intn'l Sales has left
Atari. His old office, beneath JT's has been dubbed the "office of
death", has once again fulfilled its ominous reputation as being the last
stop at Atari. Also... Atari's Explorer Magazine and ZNET online will
undertake a joint effort in producing an online newsletter. According to
our sources, the current editor of Explorer will oversee the operation.
Ron Kovacs will assume the duties of editor of the new online newsletter.
Frequency of publication is expected to be bi-weekly.
From STR # 8.18 05/01/92 It Don't Come Easy........
------------------------
Courtesy San Jose Mercury News
05/01/92 14:47:38
Atari Corp. was unsuccessful in its antitrust suit against Nintendo of
America. The jury found in favor of Nintendo. The jury did however, find
that Nintendo did have monopoly power in the videogame market but that
Nintendo did not monopolize that market. The jury was also unable to
reach a decision on two other points regarding monopolization and
restraint of trade. During the 10 week trial, Nintendo claimed it had
only engaged in vigorous competition and that its exclusive had legitamate
business justifications.
From STR # 8.20 05/15/92 A Real Loss......
------------------------
In what can only be termed a surprising move, one of our Atari
observers reports of a rumor that Atari Explorer's base of operations may
be moved from Astoria, N.Y. to Sunnyvale, CA.. If such a move were to
occur, it was also stated that its highly successful Publisher/Editor John
B. Jainschigg, would not be part of the move.
From STR # 8.21 05/22/92 Let the Users be Heard!
------------------------
The results are in! The questions were simple yet unsettling to
some. But the answers are real as was the participation on CIS and all
the other services, along with both the private and public networks. Also
included were write in replies from Usergroups.
Th results are as follows......
1139 REPLIES WERE RECIEVED, THE BREAKDOWN IN % IS AS FOLLOWS:
QUESTION
1 - Would you prefer a single case (1040 style) unit or a Mega ST/TT
style unit with detached keyboard? (pick one or the other only)
**** RESULTS ATTACHED: 11%
""""""" DETACHED: 89%
2 - If price were a consideration, how much more would you spend for
a detached keyboard:
A- $50.00 or less
B- $100.00 (approx)
C- $150.00 (or if price is no object)
**** RESULTS A - 30%
""""""" B - 65%
C - 05%
3 - Would you prefer (or be satisfied) with a connector that allowed
you to plug in a detached keyboard such as that used on the Mega
or TT style computers (the keyboard being an extra cost item)?
**** RESULTS YES - 65%
""""""" NO - 35%
From STR # 8.23 06/05/92 More "Downsizing"??
------------------------
According to our sources, Alan Pratt, the guru of Multi-Tos, worked
his last day at Atari today. Pratt long known for his programming
prowess, has accepted a positon with Taligent, the joint venture between
Apple and IBM. Ken Badertscher is slated to assume Pratt's duties with
Multi-Tos. Recent changes at Atari have shown some merit in planning for
the future. Congratulations to James Grunke! James Grunke has assumed
all of Don Mandel's responsibilities.
Atari has reduced the size of the staff at Atari Germany comparable to
that of Atari Canada. Atari Germany, long the bulwark of Atari in Europe,
undersent the size reduction due to undisclosed reasons.
From STR # 8.24 06/12/92 A little "in house jazz"....
------------------------
A number of "loans" appeared in the company report..
Name Amt. Owed Int. Rate
---- --------- --------
Robert Gleadow $300,000.- 12%
Eli Kenan $151,000.- 12%
August Liguori $ 45,000.- 12%
Richard Miller $145,000.- 10% (unsecured loan)
Gregory A. Pratt $125,000.- 10%
Alwin Stumpf $795,000.- 10% & 12% (2 unsecured loans)
Paul Welch $115,000.- 12%
Year Ending Dec. 31st, 1990
Samuel W.L. Chin $130,000.- 10% (unsecured)
Eli Kenan paid back $134,000 & Atari wrote off $17,000.
Steven M. Kawalick $290,000.- 10% (unsecured)
August Liguori $ 85,000.-
(borrowed another $43,000 @ 10% unsecured this year
and paid back $3,000.-)
Richard Miller Hasn't paid back any of the money he borrowed in
1989, but there are no new loans to him.
Gregory A. Pratt $ 10,000.- (hasn't paid back previous loan. New
loan is unsecured at 10% interest)
Alwin Stumpf Hasn't paid anything on his 1989 loan
Paul Welch Hasn't paid anything on his 1989 loan
Year Ending Dec. 31st, 1991
Samuel W.L. Chin $ 88,000.- Paid back $42,000 of what he borrowed.
Robert Gleadow His note was cancelled & related stock reacquired
by the company.
Steven M. Kawalick Paid $10,000.- of the $290,000.- he borrowed
August Liguori Borrowed another $11,000.- unsecured at 7% and paid
back $111,000.- on previous loan.
Richard Miller Paid nothing on his loan
Gregory A. Pratt Paid $25,000 on his loan and now owes $110,000.
Alwin Stumpf Paid nothing on his $795,000 loan
Paul Welch His note was cancelled & related stock reacquired
by the company
Unless otherwise noted, all of the loans were secured.
At the bottom of page six of the Notice of Shareholders' Meeting had this
note:
"In November 1991, the Company repurchased 75,000 options to purchase
75,000 shares of stock from Gregory Pratt, a Director of the Company for
$1.00 per share for a total price of $75,000. Mr. Pratt has resigned as a
Director and employee of the Company in January 1992, at which time he
transferred to the company 63,150 shares. Shares transferred together
with the $75,000 were used to repay Mr. Pratt's indebtedness to the
Company of approximately $135,000."
From STR # 8.26 06/26/92 Oh please... tell me ....
------------------------
Bob Brodie posts; " It's obvious to me that my time for onlines has
dramatically diminished. So I want YOU to help me decide what networks I
need to be on. Right now, I have accounts on GEnie, the FNET, CIS, and
Delphi. It's my opinion that I'm being unfair by having those accounts if
I'm not going to be online there. So this is your chance to guide my
decision about what networks I should be on. I'll be tracking my e-mail
in the next month closely on all of these services, looking to see where
the most activity is. My guess is that it will end up being GEnie and the
FNET. But I don't want to guess! Please send me your feedback on where
you'd like to see me online to the following addresses:
GEnie: BOB-BRODIE CompuServe: 70007,3240 Delphi: BOBBRO
FNET: Bob Brodie at Node 319
Here we go again folks, let's see I'll try and do this is my very best
"Walter Winchell" voice....
Dateline! New York; Word has it the Atari Notebook is on a trip back
to the drawing boards... seems somebody decided it needs to be backlit and
go faster... Also, a number of the notebooks that reached the US shores
arrived DOA. Time for some serious adjustments. On the International
Scene.. the word is; FSM GDOS is up for a serious rewrite. Appears
certain code in the program must go and new "just as good or better"
code implanted! Word just in; the "Falcon" ie., the new 16mhz 030 single
piece machine will debut on time but that full mass distribution may not
be seen until the middle of the first quarter of '93. It appears there
is a 'log-jam' on the acquisition of the "special chips" needed to
complete these new machines. On to the west coast.. in Sunnyvale some
astonishing changes are a foot.. according to our snoop... the changes are
only for the good of Atari and its future. Online activities are being
curtailed in certain areas due to recent embarrassments. This reporter
was told "we'll not hear about the changes as such.. they'll just happen
....quietly. Personnel changes are also expected.
From STR # 8.29 07/17/92 There goes that _door_ again!
------------------------
According to our sources, Larry Segal and Dana Plotkin are no longer
part of the LYNX division in Lombard IL. The Lynx, a highly successful
handheld game machine is one of Atari's best selling products. Also its
reported the operation of the Lynx division will be brought back to
Sunnyvale and placed under the capable guidance of B. Stollar. At the
same time the Lynx story was breaking for us, another of our sources
informed us of Ron Smith's coming on board at Atari. Smith, whose
marketing and management skills expertise are very desirable at Atari, is
reported to have a one year contract (non-interference). Lotsa luck to
you Mr. Smith!
From STR # 8.31 07/24/92 Its _STILL_ at it!
------------------------
When is the constant flow of bright young minds going to stop zipping
through Atari's grasp. It never ceases to amaze this reporter when
another of the Bright young stars in the computing industry disappears
from the halls of Atari. Mike Groh has now joined that long, long
procession of bright young men who have spent what amounts to a vacation
time in Sunnyvale. Why can't Atari hold onto the bright minds? Why is it
that those who have the ideas and the drive soon bite the bullet? Tough
questions all.. Forbes said 27 left in a short time. Now, make it 28. No
wait, we forgot about John Jainschigg make it 29. Uh oh, now there's
Gary Rodgers he is also gone.. make it 30. <sigh> Oddly enough Atari's
head honchos seemed to be quite upset about the Forbes article but not the
way most would imagine. It appears they were more "tight-jawed" about the
office changing remarks than they were over the criticisms of the company
and its lackluster performance. In fact, our snoop sez the ruckus raised
over the remarks about Sam's "NEW office" was "quite a scene and lasted
all day long." Ah yes.. kill a leak and watch a flood. Only from
graduates of business 101 and a half.
From STR # 8.33 08/14/92 Let the "TRUTH" be known!
------------------------
This issue contains the fabled "Forbes Article" and the online
conferences about the Falcon, its release etc., where Sam made all the
glowing and wonderful assertions that are now a matter of the old, "Ho
Hum" record.
From STR # 8.34 08/21/92 Genuine reactions to Atari & the Falcon
------------------------
This past weekend, (08/14/92) in Hartford Connecticut, there was a
meeting prior to the actual AtariFest. It was for dealers only. In
attendance were the pride of Atari as far as top quality dealers were
concerned. When Ron Smith, the new marketing guru for Atari made it known
that this Christmas would also be a bleak affair product wise, the dealers
could stand no more. They let Smith and Brodie boisterously know, in no
uncertain terms, of their outrage and intentions for the future as far as
Atari was concerned. One dealer, who shall remain unnamed, claimed it was
"business as usual" with the old "hooray for us and the hell with you"
attitude in full blossom again. Our reporter, (in attendance), was
informed by at least four dealers that they were going to sell what was on
hand and then that would be it. One other dealer was overheard saying he
had been "had" for the last time by Atari's hype.
Another dealer said of the Falcon; "Its a 1040STe on STEROIDS!". He
embellished further; he would be "hard pressed to present this machine in
a serious environment... say alongside a TT030 and a MSTe." He did point
out; "though the machine has impressive specs, its appearance is the pits.
Serious computerists seek out units with a separate keyboard and expansion
slots. I don't see this machine making any inroads into the business or
commercial computing community."
The general opinion after the meeting's close was if Atari didn't get
these machines out and in quantity before the end of the year it was all
over. The same dealer said; "Of the twenty some odd full service dealers
around the USA, they'll all be gone before long if things don't change and
change fast."
From STR 8.35 08/28/92 Let the 'bias' come through.....
----------------------
This issue carried the now everlasting, Satirical Translation of Sam
Tramiel's online conference. In the same issue was an excellent, in-depth
report of the wonders of the Falcon being shown at Dusseldorf 1992 August
21-23, 1992. What did we hear about/ You guessed it the satire was torn
apart by.... agian you guessed it the same "crew". But not a word about
the excellent coverage afforded Atari and its Falcon. Oh well, so what
else is new?
From STR # 8.37 09/11/92 Here we go _again_!
------------------------
About the FCC.... Class B for the Falcon, an excerpt from the online
conference hosted by GEnie's ST RT with B. Rehbock on Sept. 09, 1992.
<[Chris C.] C.CASSADAY> In Sam's RTC, he mentioned that he was hoping for
a home voice-mail type system to be developed for the Falcon030. Is
Atari, itself, developing any new applications of this nature to help
'get the ball rolling', so-to-speak? Also, is it safe to say that the
Falcon 030 is 'class B certified'?
<B.REHBOCK> The F030 has passed all of the Class-B tests; we are waiting
for the actual government paperwork so that we can ship consumer
machines with labels. (That why the late Oct. timeframe.)
From STR # 8.38 09/18/92 Plenty of "dirty laundry" for everyone...
------------------------
The following item appeared in our issue, as a result we received
three "dare you" type letters from various west coast concerns.
Interesting? Rest assured the follow-up is in the works and _will_ be
published.
"According to our highly confidential and reliable sources, a major
west coast developer may be under investigation by the authorities. Its
further reported that according to our reporter's sources, the alleged
investigation involves missing imported merchandise, a local dealer's
involvement and other improprieties allegedly concerning consigned and/or
loaned computer and printing equipment. Additionally, its reported the
dollar amounts are alleged to be close to thirty thousand and are possibly
expected to climb significantly as a result of the investigation."
From STR # 8.40 10/02/92 More of that good old, downsizing..
------------------------
Atari, in an ongoing effort to create better efficiency and better
communications among its various divisions and departments, has closed
down its facilties in both Lombard, a suburb of Chicago Il., a game
development facility with 20 employees and Dallas, Tx., Atari Microsystems
an R&D facility with 40 employees. Atari maintains that the employees of
these facilities may move to Sunnyvale along with the facilities thus,
ensuring that no positions will be lost if everyone agrees to move.
Additionally, its been reported the Taiwanese facility, an interface
operation with Atari's subcontractors has laid off 12 people as certian of
this facility's functions will be assumed by Sunnyvale and Atari's Hong
Kong office.
Bill Rehbock will be attending WAACE and along with him will be a few
Falcons for everyone to see and use! As funds are tight and Atari is
being extremely careful in how they proceed with the new machine, Its
great news to see they have decided to attend the show. See you all at
WAACE!
From STR # 8.41 10/16/92 Another one bites the dust....
------------------------
Ken Badertscher, a long time enthusiastic Atari employee, has left
Atari for greener pastures. Ken, noted for his work with the TOS group
and other outstanding software accomplishments, left after a 'marathon'
session of weeks of long hours to bring the Falcon Tos to reality.
From STR # 8.42 10/23/92 There's NO dust left!
------------------------
The latest victims of Atari's infamous "Revolving Door" are Bernie
Stollar who was going to revolutionize and upgrade Atari's communicative
skills. Bernie, originally from the Village Voice in NYC, has departed
from the hallowed halls of Atari after only a short stay.
Then comes Alwin Stumph the newly appointed head of Atari Europe. The
various Atari subsidiaries in Europe were consolidated under Stumph's
Atari Germany. Stumph, long regarded as _the_ main thrust behind Atari's
successes in Europe leaves shortly after it was revealed the construction
costs of the new German facilities were just shy of ten million dollars.
While unavailable for comment, it is rumored his departure may be linked
to the now obvious "late delivery dates" of the new Atari Falcons
earmarked for Europe.
In a precedent setting "real time" environment, the ST RT on GEnie
held an online conference originating at the GEIS Head Office in the Far
East's jewel of the Orient, Hong Kong. A first for GEnie, the novelty
conference was enjoyed by all in attendance. (approx 15 users) A number
of prices were made mention of in relation to USA prices, ie., 4mb STe
$150.00 US ea., Lynx games are $4.00 US ea., Not bad, considering the
exchange rates, but.. when one adds in the air fare etc..
From STR # 8.43 10/30/92 Is there really hope?
------------------------
Contrary to the "populist" beliefs, Atari Corp. is really quite strong
financially speaking. Everybody seems to have forgotten the "Tramiel
Trust". Jack Tramiel a very wealthy businessman before he purchased
Atari, never really invested the bulk of the family fortune into Atari.
Time/Warner financed the entire deal at the time of purchase. Therefore,
it would stand to reason that a substantial infusion of capital will occur
when it is deemed necessary by Jack Tramiel. "Atari will have marketshare
in 1993" it has been heard said in 'certain circles'.
Rumored personel changes, being heard of for the last three weeks,
were brought to the attention of Ron Kovacs, Atari Explorer Online editor.
When efforts were made to verify the rumors with AEO's editor, the replies
from Kovacs were inconclusive as he would neither confirm nor deny the
various "rumored" changes being made. Subsequent calls to Atari also
provided no solid information relative to the rumored changes as we were
told; "as of yet, no solid decisions have been made."
From STR # 8.44 11/06/92 Strange way to win friends....
------------------------
Its been reported the developers are being asked to pay for the
privilege of setting up in Atari's Comdex display. According to our
resources, this is finally not the case at all. It seems that, at one
time in the recent past, it was discussed at Atari and that certain
developers were indeed asked to pay while others were not. Apparently in
the long run, the entire concept was scrapped as a disgracefully bad idea.
Therefore, in the interest of quelling a bad rumor, we are pleased to
report that barring a change of heart, there is no basis in fact to the
story that Atari is charging developers for a work space in their Comdex
Area.
Rumors are flying about indicating Gary Tramiel may have been named
the new head of Atari North America. Tramiel, once the head of the ill
fated Federated Stores Acquisition where Atari reported losses in the
millions, could not be reached for comment.
From STR # 8.45 11/13/92 Its not only happening in the States...
------------------------
The German PC weekly "PC Woche" (newsletter aimed at professional
PC/Unix users, published by IDG Publications, a US company) this week
reported some information relative to Alwin Stumpf departing from Atari
Germany. They report that alleged rumors imply Stumpf left due to a
dramatic difference of opinion and perspective between his and those of
Jack Tramiel regarding the future of Atari. According to PC Woche the
"Tramiel Clan" strongly favors the further development of a PC line (and
wants to use a large majority of the available R&D money for this
purpose), while Stumpf mainly wanted to concentrate on the 680x0 market
and video games.
Editor Note; This item which surfaced last week overseas, appears to fly
in the face of everything we have ever heard from Atari. In fact, it
borders on the ridiculous. However, its been presented to give the reader
an opportunity to see for themselves the wide diversity of rumors flying
about worldwide, due to the obvious scarcity of solid information coming
forth from Atari "themselves". At a time when its most needed to keep the
"troops smiling".... the silence is almost deafening. How about it Mr.
Communications?
PowerDos and PowerNet whose distribution rights and support were with
Dragonware, have been sold by the programmer to ViewTouch Corporation.
All support, programming and general information questions for PowerDos
and PowerNet should be directed to either Gene Mosier at 503-344-7990 or
Christopher Latham at PowerPoint Software 503-479-6635.
From STR # 8.46 11/20/92 The Revolving Door Spins again!
------------------------
Hailed as the "Marketing Guru" Atari needed, Ron Smith recently joined
Atari to put the marketing scheme in its proper perspective. It is
rumored he left under a condition many have encountered in the past... he
wanted to spend money to market product. Smith formally from Wang, as
was Don Mandell, also became a beneficiary of the now infamous, Atari
California "Paid Vacation"... a large but still somewhat exclusive
executive club. No replacement has been announced.
From STR # 8.47 11/27/92 Portfolio gets juiced!
------------------------
Seems the Crystal Ball is glowing white hot again... and in the middle
of the rumor box in the ball are the words COMB LIQUIDATORS. Seems there
was a rumored surplus of Portfolios so.... well we all know what Comb
does best..
From STR # 8.48 12/04/92 So long to a good friend
------------------------
The German Atari magazine ATARI JOURNAL has been discontinued. The
January 1993 issue, scheduled for December 11, 1992, will be the last
issue.
In a message posted in the German MausNet,.. ATARI JOURNAL's
editor-in-chief Christian Strasheim yesterday officially confirmed rumors
that ATARI JOURNAL will be discontinued due to the situation on the Atari
market ATARI JOURNAL started in June 1989 under the name ATARI PD JOURNAL
and was renamed ATARI JOURNAL in September 1991. In 41 issues ATARI (PD)
JOURNAL has covered events on the Atari market in Germany, Europe, and
overseas. Instead of addressing solely the experts, programmers, and
freaks we successfully produced a magazine for almost everybody. The
number of Atari users not only in Germany dimished in the last few months,
and although several new products and upgrades continue to be released the
distributors and developers were forced to reduce the amount of money
available for advertisement.
From STR # 8.49 12/11/92 A tad too, too late to help.
------------------------
Once again, the rumor mill is alive and well.. Seems Leonard had a
number of Atari's Tos Development team members miffed (6 or so).. or so
they say... A certain in-house member of that team made a stern complaint
to Sam and now Leonard is in charge of the Jaguar Project. "Now then when
did you want that Jaguar??"
According to certain people the Falcon is FCC Certified. Ok, if such
is the case, then why did a another publication carry the following line
in their Comdex Report;
"..... the FCC were fended off by big stickers under each Falcon:
FOR DISPLAY PURPOSES ONLY--AWAITING FCC APPROVAL."
Its easy to _say_they're certified, give the numbers out. The same
numbers the FCC issues, the numbers that must be posted on a conspicuous
label on each machine. After all, IF they're certified Class B, then the
numbers have been issued. Numbers please....
From STR # 8.50 12/18/92 The "great performance" haunts....
------------------------
Its been rumored the dealer who made his misgivings known at a recent
New England Show, is once again prepared to keep his word about the timely
arrival of new equipment. "Its once again Christmas and guess what??? NO
PRODUCT!" It was made mention that more will be said after the holiday.
Kesmai, authors of Air Warrior on GEnie, announced today they will not
be supporting Atari Computers (or monochrome Macs) in future versions of
the very popular online game, Air Warrior. No customers and no support
from Atari were specifically mentioned. Amiga, however, is still being
supported. There's also a special SVGA version that should hit the stores
any day now.
From STR # 8.51 12/26/92 You don't play with the man with the whiskers!
------------------------
After the story became known about the TT030 rumored being "approved"
as Class 'B' but the version was not placed in production, many have asked
what are the numbers for the Falcon030? Its a very simple question; "What
is the number the FCC issued for Class B certification for the Falcon030
and on what date was is issued? Having this information at hand can do a
great deal of good in dispelling the the rumor that there "may not" have
been a number issued when it was clearly stated by Atari that the
Falcon030 was Class B certified. Being able to pass the standards set for
class B in an outside facility is not the same thing as being issued the
actual Certificate of Class B acceptance. So please, what's the number
and when was it issued?
Rumor has it that True Type Fonts will also be supported by Atari's
new "standard" Speedo G-Dos. While its not a verified story its been
corroborated with a number of other Atarians and its a good idea whose
time has come.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
STReport's "EDITORIAL CARTOON"
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
> A "Quotable Quote" "... A SIGN OF THE TIMES...."
"""""""""""""""""
"When people proffer criticisms of Atari, its because they
are sincerely responsive enough to survey the ecumenical
predicament and offer a conducive critique and commentary.
Unfortunately, there are those in this shrinking community who
obdurately insist upon confronting this concept with a defensive,
truculent stance.
Its lamentable to see these types only understand the
antediluvian concept of "Us & Them". Sadly, they persist in
attempting to create antagonistic stiuations and circumstances
upon which they conspicuously flourish."
.....R.F. Mariano
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> ABCO SPECIALS! STR InfoFile * 1992 HOLIDAY Prices! MORE Products! *
""""""""""""""""""""""""""" ------------------------------------
** EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY! **
NOTICE: ABCO will BEAT OR MATCH * ANY *
Advertised or Invoiced price * WE WILL NOT BE UNDERSOLD!
ABCO COMPUTER CONSULTANTS
=========================
P.O. Box 6672 Jacksonville, Florida 32236-6672
Est. 1985
_________________________________________
Voice: 904-783-3319 10 AM - 4 PM EDT
BBS: 904-786-4176 12-24-96 HST
FAX: 904-783-3319 12 PM - 6 AM EDT
_________________________________________
HARD DISK SYSTEMS & DESIGNS TO FIT EVERY BUDGET
_________________________________________
All systems are complete and ready to use, included at NO EXTRA COST
are clock/calendar and cooling blower(s).
*-ALL ABCO HARD DISK SYSTEMS ARE FULLY EXPANDABLE-*
(you are NOT limited to two drives)
- Available for all Platforms -
-* ICD LINK & ADSCSI PLUS HOST ADAPTERS USED EXCLUSIVELY *-
WE PAY SHIPPING & INSURANCE!!! >UPS!<
(Prepaid Orders - Cont. USA)
*_*_*_*
*** NEW!!! ULTRA MODERN "SUPER STYLE" ABCOFILE CASE ***
DELUXE 2 bay Cabinet W/65w Auto PS & Blower $119.00
<<<Coming Soon! ABCO Mini-Tower>>>
Case & ICD LINK or ADSCSI PLUS Host [Hard Disk Ready] $259.95
-STAND ALONE PRODUCTS-
Model Description Autopark Price
==================================================
SGN4951 51Mb Y CALL!
SQN1096 85mb Y CALL!
SQN2055 130mb Y CALL!
SQN1296 213mb Y CALL!
SQN4055 340mb Y CALL!
==================================================
Standard "Shoebox Cabinet style is also available
Call for pricing applicable to IBM - MAC - AMIGA
IDE - SCSI - ESDI
MODERN TOWER CABINETS AVAILABLE Call for Info!
PLEASE NOTE: The above is partial listing only!
Many other configurations available.
20mb - 3.5gb
NOTICE - NOTICE - NOTICE - NOTICE
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
SPECIAL PURCHASE! * 83mb - 1345mb * Hard Disk Mechanisms
Call for SUPER PRICING!! Limited Time Only!!
IDEAL FOR USE IN: IBM - MAC - AMIGA!
FULLY ASSEMBLED SCSI DRIVES w/o ICD LINK Available
ADD $35.00 for 4 BAY SUPER CABINET w/250+w PS
EXOTIC TOWER CABINETS AVAILABLE Call for Info!
PLEASE NOTE: The above is partial listing only!
FAST TECHNOLOGY ACCELERATOR UPGRADES AVAILABLE & INSTALLED
*****
>> ABCO proudly offers: ATARI PRODUCTS <<
MAC PRODUCTS - AMIGA PRODUCTS - PC PRODUCTS
Call for ABCO's * HIGHLY COMPETITIVE PRICING! *
ABCO COMPUTER SYSTEMS * STILL THE BEST VALUE!
*****
If you don't see what you want listed here, call us.
Odds are, we either have it or, can get it for you!
* GUARANTEED * AT THE BEST POSSIBLE PRICE! *
"WE SERVICE WHAT WE SELL"
****** SPECIAL - SPECIAL ******
* SYQUEST 44MB (#555) >> ABCOFILE "44" & "88" *
* REMOVABLE MEDIA DRIVES *
--->> LIMITED TIME SPECIAL! NOW ONLY 44MB $ CALL! <<---
SCSI port READY 88MB $ CALL!
with
ICD Link add 80.00
COMPLETELY ASSEMBLED AND READY TO RUN!
ONE Cart Included!
44mb CARTS: $ 69.50
88mb CARTS: $ 109.50
44mb MECH ONLY: $ 319.95
88mb MECH ONLY: $ 419.95
****** SPECIAL - SPECIAL ******
* TWIN SYQUEST 44MB REMOVABLE MEDIA DRIVES ... PROGRAMMER'S DELIGHT *
SPECIALLY PRICED ** $ CALL! **
Includes: * TWO * cartridges!
* SYQUEST 44MB REMOVABLE MEDIA DRIVE AND HARD DRIVE COMBINATIONS *
- Syquest 44 Model [555] and the following hard drives -
** 50mb SQG51S $ CALL! 105mb SQG105S $ CALL! **
Or, YOUR choice of Hard Disk Mechanism!
LOWBOY - STANDARD - DUAL BLOWER CABINETS
CUSTOM CONFIGURATIONS AVAILABLE
Listed above are a sampling of the systems available.
Prices also reflect various cabinet/power supply configurations
(over sixty configurations are available, flexibility is unlimited)
* IBM/MSDOS - AMIGA - ATARI - APPLE/MACINTOSH *
ALL UNITS COMPATIBLE WITH --> SUPERCHARGER - AT/PC SPEED - GCR
LARGER units are available - (Custom Configurations)
*** --> COMPLETE IBM CLONE SYSTEMS AVAILABLE! <-- ***
CUSTOM BUILT TO YOUR SPECS!
CALL FOR PRICING & AVAILABILITY
386/486 25 MHZ - 33Mhz - 50Mhz - 66Mhz
From $839.95
*>> NO REPACKS OR REFURBS USED! <<*
Atari SLM 804, SLM 804PCV Laser Toner Kits
Memorex 2108, 5287
Oasys Laserpro 5287, 5308, Express 830, Express Series II
Silver Express, Gold Express
** $41.95 shipping Included **
Atari SLM 605 Laser Toner Kits
AT&T 593, CAF Laser, DSI Laser, DTP Systems, Epson EPL-6000
Facit P6060, Fontx Syslaser, Harris3M 2006, M-Tally MT905
Microtek Turbo PS, OAS Laserpro Executive, Packard Bell 9500
TEC LB 1305, Toshiba PageLaser 6
** $41.95 shipping included **
(TWO Toner Carts Incl.)
Panasonic Laser Toner Kits
Panasonic KX -P 400 series, Panafax UF-750 Facsimile
** $41.95 shipping included **
-- ALL TONER KITS * IN STOCK * --
* Toner Starter Kits-$62.95 *
* Replacement (804) Drums-$187.95 *
ABCO is PROUD to announce the acquisition of
the exclusive U.S.A. distribution rights for
** Bitblit Software's ///Turbo Board BBS. **
This fine Atari ST BBS system software and
user support is available through ABCO to all
Turbo customers in the USA. Call for current
pricing.
ALL POWER SUPPLIES UL APPROVED
Now Available
BUSINESSES, - LEASE TO OWN WITH AT&T -
-* 12 month FULL Guarantee *-
(A FULL YEAR of COVERAGE)
WE PAY SHIPPING & INSURANCE! >UPS!<
(Prepaid Orders - Cont. USA)
QUANTITY & USERGROUP DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE!
_________________________________________
DEALERS and DISTRIBUTORS WANTED!
please, call for details
COD ORDERS, Personal and Company Checks accepted.
ORDER YOUR NEW UNIT TODAY!
CALL: 1-904-783-3319
Customer Orders & Service
10am - 6pm EDT
TUES. TO SAT.
ABCO is EXPANDING!! CALL FOR INFORMATION!
SEND FOR YOUR NEW ABCO CATALOG TODAY!
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STReport International Online Magazine
-* [S]ilicon [T]imes [R]eport *-
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STR Online! "YOUR INDEPENDENT NEWS SOURCE" January 02, 1993
Since 1987 copyright (c) 1987-92 All Rights Reserved No.9.01
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Views, Opinions and Articles Presented herein are not necessarily those of
the editors/staff of STReport International Online Magazine. Permission
to reprint articles is hereby granted, unless otherwise noted. Reprints
must, without exception, include the name of the publication, date, issue
number and the author's name . STReport and/or portions therein may not
be edited in any way without prior written permission. STReport, at the
time of publication, is believed reasonably accurate. STReport, its staff
and contributors are not and cannot be held responsible for the use or
misuse of information contained herein or the results obtained therefrom.
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