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Syndicate ZMagazine Issue 122
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*=*=*=*= Syndicate ZMagazine Issue #122 September 7, 1988 =*=*=*=*
*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=* HOT Atari News and Reviews =*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*
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-----------------| American Publishing Enterprises, Inc |----------------
-----------------| Post Office Box 74 |----------------
-----------------| Middlesex, New Jersey 08846-0074 |----------------
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PUBLISHER GENERAL MANAGER ZMag EDITOR ASSISTANT EDITOR
Ron Kovacs R. F. Mariano John Deegan Carlos Hernandez
=========================================================================
Available on: * CompuServe * GEnie * Delphi * The Source * F-Net *
=========================================================================
Copyright (c) 1988 APEInc, SPC -- All Rights Reserved --
=*= TABLE OF CONTENTS =*=
*> ZMag Newswire / Editors Desk *> Oasis BBS Update by Glenda Stocks
*> ZMag Archives / April 1987 *> Press Releases
*> ST Transformer Update *> ZMag Public Domain Shelf
_________________________________________________________________________
ZMAG NEWSWIRE/Editors Desk
Compiled by the Staff, John Deegan
DIAMOND UPDATE
DIAMOND looking better all the time, will be shown at the Glendale Show,
and so will the -ST JR- (the GOS remake, formerly presented by Merrill
Ward, but no longer). Also, Merrill Ward will be marketing DIAMOND...and
WON'T be Merrill Ward anymore. They are relocating from Palm Springs CA
to Washington DC, and will be called USA MEDIA.
Alan Reeve, DIAMOND programmer (in college in Illinois!) is even hopeful
about ATARI packing DIAMOND in it's final CART form in with new XE's and
XEGS systems....
Diamond is planned to include a PAINT, WORD PROCESSOR which is said to be
more like the TIMEWORKS package for the ST (top rated desk-top publisher!
Interestingly, Alan says that he had abandoned the DIAMOND project last
winter, but after John Nagy wrote about it again in April (in CSHOPPER
and in ZMAG) he got such a good and immediate reaction, he went back to
work on it, with bigger hopes and grander goals.
MID-MICHIGAN UPDATE
We use this space to publically ask the staff of MAM to fill us in on what
the current 6 month plans. As editorialized here a few weeks ago, we
stated that there appeared to be less and less user group news and
articles. With the support of 8-9 local users groups, it seems to us at
ZMAG that more interest should be given to local reporting then the
current style used. How about it?
NEW ADDITION
We are happy to announce the addition of Carlos Hernandez to the staff of
ZMagazine. Carlos will take on the function of Assistant Editor.
We are also happy to announce the promotion of Ralph Mariano to General
Manager of APEInc. Ralph we now manage all three present publications.
LABOR DAY TELETHON
Although not Atari related, we encourage our readers to donate what-ever
you can to the Muscular Destrophy Association. Call 1-800-FIGHT MD
_________________________________________________________________________
OASIS BBS UPDATE
by Glenda Stocks
No one else will tell you all about OASIS, so I will. $25.00 will get
you 3 DS/SD diskettes with 6 sides of info, including two drive sample BBS
with 23 modules working in it. All new docs written by me, each mod is
also given separately with its own docs. There are 22 main menu options
that each sysop decides what to offer from them. Totally flexible,
customizable.
Every main menu option's letter can be picked by sysop. The following
features can be executed from any of the 22 main menu options:
o User lister o Caller log
o Sysop created menu o Add a BBS number module
o User poll o Trivia game
o User stat lister o Survey game
o RLE movies o BBS daily stat lister
o Download base o User ul/dl ratio lister
o Eliza game
All of the above could be on one single sysop created menu. The download
base program allows sysop to name and create his own subdirectories (or
use no subdirs at all) and offers user ability to search files by the
following criteria from a simple small menu:
o Filename o Language
o Type o User level
o Date o Files per page displayed
o Categories to include or not in search (search all)
o New files since last logon
DL base automatically displays 40 or 80 columns from one module. Eight
msg bases that can be created first and allow msgs to be any size and
compact at logoff.
For ML programmers OASIS IV has added many new equates and built in BBS
routines just for programmers to write modules for OASIS. The following
modules need to, or can be written, of course I cannot write them all, as
I am working on other programming projects, including OASIS V.
o Automatic board backup at set times
o Automatic msg base exchange (networking)
o Upload module to get correct file extensions from users
o Any game module
o Password application procedure
o Logon sequence
o Logoff sequence
o Download base with file descriptions
o Ymodem batch file transfer
o Modem call answering sequence
o Waitscreen stat lister for sysop waitcall screen
o Various sysop online utils including other DOS functions
These are just some ideas of what can be done, based on the equates
provided and sample modules already in use. Added to that will be
OASIS.PAL which will allow offline debugging of modules. Also, I will be
revising the current 30 modules (8 of which are required to run OASIS IV
and they total 10,054 bytes = 78 single density sectors of your system
disk, which means all other modules are optional, and the BBS can
otherwise run completely without any other modules needed to be online...
important for small system operators), the source code to each revised
module will be posted.
There are three OASIS support boards, which will be beefed up as I revise
modules, to provide plenty of access to support.
XBN-I 617-767-0760
PC PURSUITABLE MABOS node.
XBN-II 508-580-8722
XBN-III 508-559-6844.
Other Oasis Features:
o Eight msg bases that can be created first and allow msgs to be any size
and compact at logoff.
o Eight random mini messages at main menu prompt, great for BBS ads.
o Various methods of user security levels including many within modules
that can be controlled by sysop.
You can have a totally open BBS and still support special group in a
secure way.
More Features:
o Online sysop term program including 1k XMODEM/CRC protocol, and text
capture.
o User support for VT52 (for ST) and ANSI (for IBM/PC) graphics
o Mini menu
o No-apply PW module
o Users can write your trivia, surveys and polls and run them on your
BBS
o Msg bases can already be exchanged among oasis boards
o Fmail can already be sent on oasis boards
o Arcview of files online will show ALFcrunch also
o Online GLU.COM sysop module
o Jump to DOS and use all internal SpartaDos functions online
o Validate users online
o UL/DL ratio, and ability to allow free DLS from a certain drive, great
for Zmags or user groups to get files not counted against their ratio.
o 300 baud lockout and user level lockout options
o Modules can be only up to 5632 bytes = 44 single density sectors
o Not a limitation but rather a restriction that demands tight program
code as opposed to loose and sloppy code, and also insures the
continuance of the OASIS theme of big system power on small system
storage.
o DLBase is a prime example of the power than can be packed into a small
module.
o 98% of all OASIS menus and modules and the message base reading
functions are all HOT KEYED
o Users do not have to WAIT for menus to finish displaying or messages
to finish printing. Users just hit the key they want and the BBS
interupts what it was doing and executes the option selected.
o Modules written by me include sysop alterable functions, not just text
prompts. There are actual program functions that can be determined by
the sysop without his having to be a programmer in such languages as
basic, ML, or action.
o Sysop can control HOW a module works and customize how it interacts
with his system's drive partitions.
OASIS modules are not use as is, but rather sysop modifiable. You also
are not restricted as to where modules are kept on your system, nor where
their support files are kept. CONTROL-C can be used almost everywhere on
menus and modules to abort functions, also CONTROL-S and any key to resume
is available throughout the BBS. Also, the more prompt can be continued
with any keypress, not limited to just return. Yes and no questions can
be answered NO with any key other than [Y]. Downloads can be sent and
arcviewed in the message bases.
Modem and BBS configuration is setup according to two codes that your
modem sends to the software. Multiple options are provided to assist you
in configuring your modem to send one of these two codes. Instructions
help you to run a test mode to find which standard setup your modem fits.
Some of the standard equipment that have options are:
o AVATEX NON/HC, 850 o P:R
o MIO o ATR
Any modem/interface combination can produce one of the two codes. Once
you find your config, your BBS runs perfect, meaning that it resets
immediately on all dropped carriers everywhere on the system including
such trouble spots as: during logon, during uploads and downloads, while
reading messages, while within a running module, at the main menu,
everywhere you are assured of system security by fast reset, within 2
seconds or less, so no one can logon as someone else after a dropped
carrier. Also you can issue any modem commands to your modem at the
waitscreen and at logoff, great for the multi-featured smart modems.
Almost any modem and interface combo can be configured to run OASIS, even
the SX212 can run it DIRECT CONNECT! with no interface required!
The theme of OASIS IV and will be for OASIS V, is small system storage
CAN run big system features. Small tightly coded external and optional
modules, allow larger systems to add more. Easy to setup and well written
docs that leave all to your imagination and the sample BBS allow current
sysops to go online immediately, customize as they learn the BBS, and then
redo their own BBS from scratch, totally customized to look and do what
they want.
Low and reasonable price of $25.00 and ample support from three support
boards all run from the same household insure timely postings of new
modules on all 3 boards at the same time, and the ability to get help if
a line is busy.
PC Pursuit access is available from one board. OASIS strives not to be
like any other BBS, does not consider itself 'behind' any other BBS, but
rather OASIS is a powerhouse BBS, packed with behind the scenes practical
sysop power for small system owners.
OASIS can run on an XE-Game system, SX212 modem direct connect, and XF551
DD/DS drive. OASIS is filled with user convenient amenities, like HOTKEY,
control-C abort, and pause/resume capabilities throughout. Also simple and
straight forward use of msg bases and download bases, that means that user
use your BBS to its fullest without the need for help files, or much
fumbling around and getting discouraged.
Note: Just thought it was worth mentioning that OASIS helped in preparing
this text for re-print in ZMag, it [OASIS IV] gives the user the power to
format his screen.
_________________________________________________________________________
ZMAG ARCHIVES (Reprinted by Request)
SIG*ATARI CONFERENCE April 11, 1987 @ 3:00 PM EDT
Edited transcript by: SYSOP*Mike Schoenbach [76703,4363]
-THE FUTURE OF ATARI 8-BIT PUBLISHING-
Moderated by: SYSOP*Dick Brudzynski [76703,2011]
Guest Speakers:
Charlie Jackson [76703,1052] ANTIC Publishing
Patrick Bass [76703,1052] ANTIC Publishing
Jack P. Durre' [75046,476] ATARI Journal
Charlie Bachand [73765,646] ANALOG Computing
Clayton Walnum [72337,13] ANALOG Computing
John Jainschigg [73637,230] ATARI Explorer
Tom R. Halfhill [74025,1062] COMPUTE! Publications
Copyright (C) 1987 CompuServe Incorporated All Rights Reserved
(SYSOP dick) <Swinging Gavel> BANG! Ok, protocol for todays meeting: if
you have a question or comment type ? or !. I'll keep a running list of
names and call on each in turn. When you're finished with your question
or comment type GA (for Go Ahead). I'm not going to formally introduce
everybody -- it'd take 15 minutes. We're here today to talk about the
future of Atari Publishing and we have the CREAM of the industry today!
Does anybody have a short opening statement they'd like to make?
(John @ Explorer) I think there *is* a future for Atari Publishing
because, apparently as we've all seen in the past few months of stock
issues, rising prices and new product announcements, there is apparently
a future for Atari itself.
(SYSOP dick) It's been a long time since we've heard death of Atari rumors!
(NORM) ANTIC, ANALOG, EXPLORER, COMPUTE---I USE ATARIS IN THE CLASSROOM
YET I see very little serious educational programs, utilities, articles in
your magazines. I keep searching and hoping!! Any...???
(John @ Explorer) ANALOG, Antic, ourselves, and I believe the other
magazines have made a concerted effort in the past six months to increase
coverage of educational issues ... quite frankly, however I think my
colleagues will agree with me that educational software particularly
software based in a coherent curriculum -- that is consistent educational
software of some real value is exceedingly difficult to track down. There
is a real subculture and not a highly structured one, that teachers are
using as a resourc for Atari-related educational tools...but the
situation isn't pretty What, if I may ask, are your personal goals as an
educator in using Atari computers?
(NORM) Merci,John! Word processing in composition writing, electronic
workbook, modem communication in for lang. fun programs to add zip to the
classroom teaching/learning.
(Clay @ ANALOG) I think that what John was trying to say is that we all
look to our mailbox for the content of the magazine. Few people have the
skills in both teaching and programming/writing to come up with publishable
educational software or articles. We get lots of pseudo-educational
programs -- the same old math drills and such that were cliches 5 years
ago. I would say to Norm that, if he has something in mind and can present
it in a publishable form, ANALOG will be happy to send him a contract.
(Tom R. Halfhill) I think Clay has made the point I wanted to make. The
material that magazines publish is largely determined by the material
which is submitted. If Atari users wish to see more coverage in a certain
area, or more coverage in general, they should submit more material to the
magazines.
(SYSOP Dick) As an 8-bit user, I've grown concerned about the fact that
many of my favorite 8-bit magazines have been having 16-bit babies. Does
the birth of these new magazines signal a diminishing level of support.
(Clay @ ANALOG) Dick, Dick, Dick... I can't believe people are still
asking that question. ANALOG computing (the mag) is our bread and butter!
There's no way in the world that we're going to let it slide in favor of
ST-Log. We _are_ very excited by the possibilities offered us with a new
computer and a new magazine. How could we not be? But as long as there's
8-bit computers out there, there'll be ANALOG Computing and I think you
can see that the quality of the magazine hasn't slipped (we're a little
late, but we're catching up!)
(Tom/Rhett (COMPUTE!) Magazine support depends on reader interest. When a
magazine notices that readership is declining, and submissions are
declining, then it must decide if the current level of support should be
maintained. At COMPUTE!, we receive user group newsletters from Atari
clubs all over the country, and have noticed that a major issue in Atari
user groups today is the fear of declining support for the 8-bit Ataris.
Newsletter editors complain of a lack of 8-bit articles submitted, and of
a lack of attendance. If a magazine perceives the same drop in interest,
naturally it will evaluate its coverage. Atari 8-bit users should maintain
their interest in reading the magazines and submitting programs to help
guarantee continued support.
(John @ Explorer) I don't perceive a falling off of interest in 8-bit
material as my colleagues have suggested; but what I *have* noticed is a
very drastic and upsetting falling-off of advertising support for 8-bit
product. Being real for a second, it's advertising -- i.e. the marketplace
that determines the market, and ultimately weighs on the content of a
magazine. Those of us who, like Explorer, have not brought out separate
16-bit subunits or books, but who support both machines in our pages, are
striving to maintain a balance reflecting readership while that balance is
continually thrown off by revenue analysis.
(Erik @ Kyan) Well...seems everybody is calling the ST mags 'subunits' and
'babies' but to me, they seem a lot better than the mags they broke free
from and feature a lot more professional material, not assuming the reader
is a total beginner.... (START for instance).
(Erik @ Kyan) oopps not that START...
(BARTENDER) THE FUTURE OF 8 BIT SEEMS DIM TO ME AS AN 8 BIT USER...
(Erik @ Kyan) assumes reader as a beginner but that start has more
power-user/programmer geared articles, sorry guyys GA
(BARTENDER) AS EVEN MY REGULAR ISSUE OF ANTIC SEEMS TO OVERRUN WITH ST
STUFF. I HAVE TO READ MY MAG CLOSELY TO BE SURE I DONT TRY TO LOAD AN ST
FILE FROM THE DISK I JUST BOUGHT FOR MY 8 BIT I RETAIL ATARI PRODUCTS AND
ANTIC IS NO LONGER ONE OF THOSE AS SALES FELL SHARPLY AFTER THE ...
(Charlie @ ANTIC) I agree that the backbone of the editorial sections of
a magazine are governed by it's mailbox, but it's also governed by it's
wallet. When I joined ANTIC 3-4 years ago, we had 7 members producing
Antic (writers editors and programmers) today, there are three people
doing the same job (and at that, we're also helping with Antic's OTHER
mags.) Two days ago, we had an in-office discussion about the ST vs. 8-bit.
The problem was trying to identify the FUTURE 8-bit market. -Who,- we
pondered, -was going to buy an 8-bit machine when the 16-bits could do so
much more, yet don't cost that much more.- Apparently, hardware & s/w
manufactureers feel likewise, did ANYONE see 8-bit products at WCCF or
Hannover?
(CRAIG) I HAVE A 8-BIT AND I LIKE TO ADD THAT THE POEPLE ARE THE ONES YOU
MAKE YOUR MONEY OFF SO WITH THE PRICE OF 120 FOR THE XE/XL YOU CAN SEE
...WHAT COMPUTER POEPLE WILL BUY THANK YOU.
(Clay @ ANALOG) I don't see that the 8-bit audience, in general, is
falling... But the point was previously made, and I agree, that 8-bit
software support and thus advertising $$$ ARE falling off. I think all
the publishers here will agree that there's two main reasons why we
include a small amount of ST related material in our -8-bit- magazines.
The first is because we truly believe that most 8-bit users are interested
in the 16-bit computers and would like to be kept informed. Secondly --
and this gets back to the fall of 8-bit software support -- putting St
articles in the magazine attracts more advertising $$$$ and a magazine
MUST have that income. I think the major challenge the 8-bit magazines
face now, as far as content goes, is finding original, unused ideas. How
many times can you publish an article on how to redefine character sets?
(Mark @ Supra) Ok, responding to the problem of advertising dollars
falling off, the market is fast shrinking. The amount of time to develope
a good product, write docs, get addvertising going is a long time, anywhere
from 3 months (if you are luckey) to a year. So we as a manufacturer in
deciding on new products to do must look a year ahead at the market. At
this time we are taking the point of view that we can not afford to produce
a new product strickly for the 8 bit market, but rather if we can move a
product over to the 8 bit line, then it will be moved over. Case in point
is our sub 200 2400 baud modem, it would have never been developed for the
8 bit line, but since it is an easy matter to move it over it will be
produced. Also in talking to software offers, piracy is a main concern,
plus the shrinking market.
(Jack @ JOURNAL) Devil's Advocate position for a sec...I believe that the
8-bit... user begins to perceive his market as -disappearing- due, in part,
to the -splitting off- of the mags, and this tends to be made more obvious
to the advertiser, into a narrowing circle. Do the 8-bit users out there
really still _care_, or do they feel that it's only a -matter of time-
before they either move -up- or -out-? I know that at the local users
group level, we have discussed the division of the group, several times,
and each time, the 8-bit people want to REMAIN as a part of the _larger_
group. Perhaps some of the publications have created their own petard,
in making what was originally believed (and may, eventually prove to be)
a WISE decision.
(ROBIN) HELLO. THIS IS A QUESTION FOR ALL THE MAGS.. I'M A NEW MEMBER TO
ATARI*SIG AND HAVE BEEN READING UP ON ALL THE MESSAGES ..... I'M WONDERING
WHY WE NEVER SEE ANYTHING ABOUT THIS SIG SYSOPS IN THE MAGS??? ...
(Tom/Rhett (COMPUTE!) ANTIC made a good point about the future of the 8-
bits. We have thought the same thing. If eight-bit coverage seems to be
dropping off, I think there are a few reasons First, the ST mags can
provide better coverage because they have the advantage of a bound-in (or
optional) disk. This allows larger programs, and programs which are written
in good compiled languages Also, we noticed a decrease in quantity and
quality of Atari articles soon after the ST came out. Both the articles
submitted to us and to other magazines (sorry, guys, just being honest) I
think this is due to a migration of the best 8-bit programmers to the ST
and Amiga...
(Tom/Rhett (COMPUTE!) The best programmers will always gravitate to the
hotest, latest machines. The 8-bit market also lost some very good
programmers to the C-64, Mac, and other computers that sold better or were
more attractive to programmers for various reasons.
(Bill C.) Well, since Atari is supposedly making so much money on the
sales of 130XE's and other 8 bit hardware, (including sales to me, guys).
I wish, no, DEMAND, that they get into the ring on this software
availablilty problem. If they would push what they sell with the
publishers, we wouldn't be in such bad straits. As a loyal Atari user, I
expect this kind of support on their part, especially if they want to
continue to get my bucks!!!!!!!!
(John @ Explorer) Well, first off, to answer Bill, Atari *is* in the ring
on this software availability thing. Virtually the only truly substantial
8-bit product I've seen has been coming, hook or crook, off the assembly
lines at Atari -- this is excepting the slow but steady trickle of quality
software from a number of super-loyal software houses that have stuck by
the machines. But the real point I'd like to make is I think we -- all of
us -- are perhaps suffering from a failure of the imagination here. As
Bill says, Atari *is* selling a whole lot of 8-bit machines, and is
continuing formal support for the hardware the operating system,
peripherals and software -- all of the magazines here probably represent
a combined subscriber base of something on the order of 300,000 to half a
million, with lots of overlap -- but there are millions and millions of
8-bit machines out there. As a whole the 8-bit side of the industry, and
that includes Atari, seems to be able to sell to these people, but not to
reach them on a consistent basis it's extremely puzzling to us.
(Bill C.) I don't want Atari to publish. I want them to push other
publishers to port...
(JOHN NAGY) Our club, CHAOS, has seen the same migration of users to
ST, most 8-bit users..
(Bill C.) Stuff over to the 8 bit ataris... Sorry.
(JOHN NAGY) have seemed to accept the idea that they are all ST owners
that havent gotten one yet. this isnt really necessary but the atari
company and all of us following behind have sort of allowed the 8-bit to
lose any focus as a viable machine there is a real reason to use an 8,
and not to get an ST other than just becuse it is cheap, there are many
things (games not being the least of them) that the 8 can do fine. WE
NEED TO PUSH THE 8 as a real machine at the retail, or else we see it fall
out of notice. Too many beleive that the 8 is even out of production!.
(BARTENDER) THE GENERAL TONE SEMMS TO REFLECT A CHANGE IN ATTITUDE BY ATARI
SUPPORTERS TOWARDS THE ST LINE. YET THE ATARI 8 BIT COMPUTER IS BY FAR THE
BEST DOLLAR INVESTMENT IN THE COMPUTER MARKET. MOST REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE
AVAILABLE FOR LESS THAN $5.00 EA BAR A FEW SPECIAL.. ITEMS AND THE WEALTH
OF ALREADY EXISTING SOFTWARE AND MANY YEARS OF PAST ISSUES OF MANY
PUBLICATIONS MAKE THIS COMPUTER TRUELY A LANDMARK IN 8 BIT HISTORY. HOW
ARE WE AS EXPERIENCED PROGRAMMERS TO EXPECT A 13 YEAR OLD NEW USER TO EVEN
BEGIN PROGRAMING WHEN WE USE A ZERO PAGE LARGER THAN THE COMPUTER WE
LEARNED ON?
(SYSOP dick) I've noticed the steady growth of on-line publishing by the
magazines and newsletters. Antic at CIS, Analog at Delphi, ZMAG
everywhere! Even Omni and Playboy. Does this signal a decline in the value
of the printed word? A new way to serve readers? what does the shift to
online publishing mean I'd appreciate any thoughts from the mags and
newsletters on the shift to online publishing.
(Charlie @ ANTIC) (Ooops! Theme change...)...
(SYSOP dick) Not necessarily, Charlie. I want your thoughts on ANYTHING!
(Charlie @ ANTIC) Agreed, there's been a change in attitude but in a
different way. In a recent ANTIC ONLINE survey, we found that the largest
chunk of users want BUSINESS software and prefer Product Reviews and New
Product announcements to type-in programs. (At the CompuServe booth at
WCCF virtually EVERYONE I spoke with wanted to learn about computer
business applications...only a handful asked about programming SIGS
(forums). There are only a handful of RELIABLE business application
programs for the 8-bit. So as ST prices continue to plummet and software
lists and catalogs grow thicker and heavier, WHO is going to buy tomorrow's
8-bit machines? ... Personally I love my 800 (if not for it, I'd not get
a paycheck) but it looks like the tides are shifting.
(Joe T.) First... for all the publishers: Why is it that the programs for
most other machines have well written graphics, text, etc. but when they
are changed to Atari, they only look slightly better than the original
Pong game? It looks as if they are thinking -we'll just make a quick
version for the Atari machines just to keep those few subscriptions- ...
(Ripp) Piracy is a major contributor to that!
(Joe T.) I understand about piracy, but a lot of the type in programs that
include (a picture on how it will look on different machines shows that
not much effort was put into the Atari versions.
(THOMAS E. REED) Having suffered through a girlfriend with a Radio Shack
Color Comp... both of which, thank the Lord, are now gone. I was suprised
by the tremendous advertising support for the CoCo magazines from local
dealers. Why not that same kind of support for Atari mags? Also... Since
so many users are upgrading their machines with extra memory, how about
some discussion of Atari upgrades in the magazines? Lots of people love
their 8-bits. Mine does everything I need in a computer, and I don't see
a reason to change.
(SYSOP dick) Clay==> (Maybe you can give us an idea why Analog went online
and Tom/Rhett can give us an idea why COMPUTE hasn't gone online)
(Clay @ ANALOG) Well, I wasn't at ANALOG when the original TCS went on-
line but the reason, I'm sure was that it gave people an alternative to a
disk subscription. It's a lot nice to be able to download those specific
programs you're interested in, than to put up the cash for a disk sub. We
moved to Delphi because supporting the TCS became an overwhelming task
(over 2000 subscribers on the TCS), plus we needed the extra disk space
Delphi could provide. Once we had the programs on-line, it was only
logical to port the text files over from the typesetter and put them on-
ine, too. Now a change of subject.... I wanted to say before that 8-bit
users have one sure way to protect their future -- and that is to BUY!
Buy software, buy hardware, buy magazines. As long as there's money to
be made, the computer will be supported. We have to feed our kids, too
Though we love our work, we have to bring home a paycheck.
(John @ Explorer) Answering a few questions: as to the issue of how
magazines tend to support 8-bit systems with type-in stuff ported from
other machines, the gentleman who spoke was absolutely right in his
estimation of the mental process in most cases...however there are
notable exceptions -- Family Computing, for example, where I used to be
Sr. Tech. Editor, had an in-house programming staff that were all rabid
Atari programmers, so even though there was little interest in editorial
coverage of the machines, per se, we always made sure that Atari 8-bits
were covered with the best stuff we could put together...On the subject
of -online editions,- we're looking at a wholly new definition of the
concept of magazines. What started as an -efficiency measure- -- something
to render better service to current subscribers and readers, mostly, has
turned into something quite different. Online editions are a new, more
fluid medium than print can ever be.
(JOHN NAGY) Printed mags are NOT dead, but they COST a lot to make.
Onlines, like ZMAG can get out fast with the costs of production being
taken over by the readers this lets one try ones hand at publishing
without the huge risks of advertising needed to pay for the big
investment in printing and distribution. I do feel that magazines can't
be replaced, as there can be no better way to be able to skip through an
article or see what might be there for you ... onlines make you wait
through all the stuff you DONT want to get to the part you DO. But the
mix we have been gettting recently has improved both means of publishing.
(Ron [ZMAG]) John is correct in everything he stated. We produce an issue
each week with the intention of providing information about printed mags,
CIS, and the information services for our readers. We have 100+ bbs systems
carrying each issue. Many of which use the information for thier local
user group newsletters. John Nagy has been one the few who has provided
information with the purpose of user group usage. We can get news out
faster, but cannot provide the space printed forms do.
(jpp) At first there were general purpose computer mags then there were
special purpose mags then came the IBM and general purpose and IBM became
the same new users won't find out about ATARI and I suppose most of your
readers already have ataris. why not start real general coverage mag
leave the program listings for your online unless they are generally
applicable also the 8 bits are cheap and should be good hacks would like
to see hardware hacking articles.
(Mark @ Supra) Responding to online magazines and bbs... The whole idea
of what a bbs is and how it works needs some new thinking. The biggest
thing I see is that the term programs and the bbs service need to
compliment each other, rather ie.. menus, I hate having to have the same
info sent time and time again. I know that several services are working
on this, but before bbsing can become useful for the general populas some
user interfacing needs to be redone.
(Tom/Rhett (COMPUTE!) We'd like to answer two earlier questions that seemed
to be aimed at COMPUTE!:
1 -- The quality of programs translated to the Atari;
2 -- COMPUTE! online.
First, it is easier to write a good, original program that takes advantage
of the Atari's features if you start on the Atari. It's harder to translate
a good program on another computer to the Atari. Also, it's a deadline
problem, writing programs for many different machines. We also find it
difficult to find enough good programmers for our needs. (In fact, we have
had an opening for an Editorial Programmer for several months now, if
anyone wants to apply.)
As for the online question -- we have considered this for a couple of
years but there always seem to be projects of higher priority to carry
out first for example, we wanted to start our various disk services and
the ST magazine. There are only so many new projects we can handle per
year. Especially since it is so hard to find new staff people that meet
our qualifications. We've hired four new people just in the past few weeks
and still have seven openings we can't fill. This limits our ability to
start new projects that require a lot of planning, thought, and manpower.
(Charlie @ ANTIC) Compared to it's pen-and-ink counterpart, online
publishing is in it's infancy (ANTIC ONLINE went live just a few yrs. ago
in '84). The snags and glitches which tend to make online mags. appear
-user hostile- at times, are being corrected. In AOL, we've added -Direct
Access- pages for people who (don't like menus, highlighted new features,
and working to make the whole schmeer easier to use QUESTION: What are
the most important things an online mag. should provide?
(Charles @ ANALOG) As an answer to jpp's question about putting all
listing on-line and removing them from the magazines, I feel that this is
entirely unfeasable to do for two reasons. The listings one finds while
scanning through the pages of any computer magazine -- while not always
being of interest to everyone-- are there for a reason other than typing
in. They are there to also read and learn from. You might not want the
whole program but there just might be a few lines of code that you can
and will use. Another reason has to do with the first time user without
a lot of money. That kid next door who buys a few magazines each and
every month from his paper route money usually can't afford a disk
subscription or the on-line connect charges for download time that the
services charge. He is perfectly willing to type in these programs and
many do so (as I can tell by the phone calls we get each month about
typing errors.)
(BARTENDER) I HAVE ONE QUESTION LEFT FOR ALL THE MAGS WHERE IS THE
STUFF YOU GUYS READ TO ALLOW PEOPLE LIKE STEVEN KITCHEN TO LEARN TO WRITE
SOFTWARE AS REFINED AS HIS ARE?
(SYSOP dick) Time for another -sense of the CO-...we've been on for
some time now and ...
(John @ Explorer) Tristram Shandy, by Lawrence Sterne.
(SYSOP dick) the I've learned much. Do we wish to continue with the
formal CO or just adjourn for informal....
(BARTENDER) A MONTHLY ARTICLE ON PROGRAMMING TECHNIQUE
(SYSOP dick) I want to thank everybody who participated today......
especially the mags and newsletters without your support most of us
(especially me) would still be playing games..exclusively. I suspect
there's a lot more love than money in Atari publishing...and we aof
respect and gratitude for your support. I'd also like to thank Mike and
Bill for their hard work in getting you all together. I'm going out right
now and pick up extra issues and disks of all my favorite Atari
publications. Thanks fellows, you've been super!
(SYSOP dick) <Swinging gavel> Adjourned!
_________________________________________________________________________
PRESS RELEASES
A Day At The Races
This notice is to introduce you to a new software release for the Atari ST
line of microcomputers.
After three years of research and development we are proud to announce
-A Day at the Races-. It was designed and written by Marshall Lake and
Piet Francke and is being distributed by TEAM Software.
-A Day at the Races- is a simulation of the horse race track environment.
Much more than the horse race itself, this simulation allows you to buy
and sell horses, choose jockeys, and of course wager on races. Each horse
and jockey have their own distinct attributes and abilities which affect
the outcome of each race. Just like at a real track it is up to you to
discern which abilities each horse and jockey possess and to attempt to
pick the probable winner of the race. It is as close to the real world
of horse racing as you can get without going to the track. The actual
horse race itself is presented in exciting, nail-biting real time.
Dynamic data base files are kept for the horses and the jockeys. For the
handicapper, all the various statistical items (including horses' past
performances) are maintained to assist in an intelligent wager, horse
purchase, or jockey selection. -A Day at the Races- is a multi or single
player game.
This program will be available by October 15, 1988.
TEAM Software
P. O. Box 7332
Washington, D. C. 20044
(703) 533-2132
(603) 679-1211
WPCORP OFFERS SPECIAL TO ATARI USER GROUPS
As part of a special product promotion, WordPerfect Corporation is
currently offering WordPerfect for the Atari at a reduced price to members
of Atari user groups until September 15.
The promotion will allow members of Atari user groups throughout the U.S.
to purchase WordPerfect for the Atari for $155, a savings of $174 from the
list price of $329. User group members must show proof of Atari users
group membership to be eligible for the special offer.
Todd Ashman, director of WPCorp's Atari Products division, sees the
promotion as a way to make WordPerfect available to dedicated Atari users
at a more affordable price. -The product has been available for one year,
- said Ashman, -but we wanted to give Atari users an added incentive to
purchase the product this summer. We have a quality product and want as
many Atari users as possible to try it.-
All Atari WordPerfect orders qualifying for the special price must be
accompanied by a WPCorp users group purchase agreement, available from
WPCorp. Interested users groups can call (800) 321-4566 or (801) 227-5900
to request the users group purchase agreement. The purchase agreement
should then be submitted directly to WPCorp Atari Orders at 288 West
Center Street, Orem, UT 84057.
WordPerfect for the Atari, which runs on the 520, 1040, and Mega ST,
normally lists for $329. For more information about WordPerfect for the
Atari or the users group promotion, call (801) 225-5000.
Contact: Rebecca Mortensen - Todd Ashman.
_________________________________________________________________________
ST Transformer Update
by Darek Mihocka
Latest ST Xformer News, File Transfer Service, and
Using the ST with Atari 810 and 1050 disk drives!!
--------------------------------------------------
Users of the ST Xformer II emulator are familiar with methods of
transfering 8 bit software to the ST. Using modems, null modem cables,
and 5 1/4- ST drives (with the Xformer File Xfer Program), it is possible
to transfer over files and most boot disks for use with the emulator.
I am pleased to announce the development of an interface for the ST, that
allows 8 bit peripherals like the 810, 1050 and XF551 disk drives to
connect directly to the 520/1040/Mega ST. Other devices, like the 850
interface, modems, and printers can also be connected. Everything just
plugs in, so no warranties have to be voided.
Using a new version of ST Xformer II not yet released, it is possible to
boot directly from these drives, thus allowing copy-protected commercial
software to run under the emulator, and eliminating the hassles of the
other methods. Now run Text Wizard, B/Graph, Visicalc, APX and Antic disks
and many more. This opens new doors to the world of 8 bit emulation. Also,
the new Xformer II runs on 512K, something the regular Xformer II can't do.
But that's not all! Users of the ST who are not particularly interested
in emulation because they still parts of an 8 bit system will also find
this useful. This interface allows for file transfers between the 8 bit
drives and the 3 1/2- drives, thus allowing easy movement of files back
and forth without the need of null modem cables or the 850 interface.
So if you have a 520ST with a single disk drive, and were considering
buying another drive, consider getting the less expensive 1050 or XF551
drives instead of an ST drive.
Users who do not own an 8 bit disk drive, but who can still borrow one
for a few days and get their hands on their user group's 8 bit library of
disks, will be able to copy them to the ST in as little time as it takes
to copy the disks normally.
Although I do not plan to develop this feature unless there is specific
demand, it is possible to reverse roles and allow the Atari 400/800
computers to access the ST as a virtual disk drive, thus allowing, for
example, a BBS running on an Atari 800 to access a 520ST as a large
RAMdisk.
I will produce the interface, and sell it for about $20 to $30. One of
the reasons that kept me from developing this earlier is that I originally
wanted the emulator to remain software-only. It will remain this way for
users without access to 8 bit peripherals, but for those users who have
access to both systems, this is a low cost add-on to increase their
enjoyment of their ST.
At this time, I am unable to predict how long it will take make this
available to all ST users. Hopefully only a few months. Right now the
biggest stumbling block is finding those 13 pin 8 bit serial I/O
connectors, which seem to be very scarce. Dealers and distributors
interested in carrying this product should contact me by voice.
Anyone interested in buying one, please phone or write, so that I will
know how many interfaces to initially produce.
File transfer service
---------------------
Any Xformer users who are finding it difficult to port software over,
either due to a lack of a modem or null modem cable, should phone me
about arranging to send me their disks to copy over to the 3 1/2- format.
With my prototype interface, I can copy hundreds of disks a day, and all
I require is that you pay for the postage and disks.
I would be especially interested in obtaining a large database of public
domain 8 bit software (a user group library?).
Other Xformer news
------------------
Other improvements are being made to the Xformer. I am working out the
details of the full speed emulator, which is now on the horizon. However,
I feel that I will prevent me from devoting further time to the Apple and
C64 emulators, which have been pretty neglected so far, so I will be
making the entire source code to ST Xformer II available. It is written
in Laser C, so only Laser C users will be able modify it unless they
convert it to another language first. Any developers interested in further
improving the Apple and Commodore emulators will then be able to do so.
Sometime later in September, I will be putting up the Xformer support BBS,
to allow modem users without access to Compuserve, Delphi, or Genie to
call and download the latest emulator and 8 bit files. The number will be
the same as the current voice number, and operate from around midnight to
6am EST/EDT.
Finally, if you are a user of ST Xformer II and have not yet registered
your copy, please do so by sending your name, mailing address, phone, and
a $20 money order. You will receive a manual and an updated version of
the software and 8 bit files. Please indicate whether you want the regular
double sided version of Xformer II, or the 512K single sided version of
Xformer Junior.
The address is:
Darek Mihocka
310-D Bluevale St. N.
Waterloo, Ontario N2J 4G3
CANADA
In the US, remember that postage for Canada is about 5 cents more. The
Xformer hotline, voice, and soon by modem, is (519)-747-0386.
Other sources of ST Xformer 2.10:
Compuserve - go to the ATARIDEV SIG and enter DL 5 (the Xformer
download library)
Delphi - go the ST LOG SIG by typing -gr st- at the main menu.
Enter the libraries with the -da- command.
Genie - go to the Atari ST roundtable by typing -m 475;3- and
download files #7651 thru #7654.
and, various ST bulletin boards across the country.
_________________________________________________________________________
ZMAG PUBLIC DOMAIN SHELF
by Ron Kovacs
The following listing is presented Ctsy of CompuServe Atari 8 SIG. This
new column will spotlight files, news, and other information pertaining to
Public Domain Software.
This week we focus on Rassilon. He has been writing software for a few
years and makes it available on CompuServe Exclusively. We have not
approached this person for an interview, but have listed his software
which is currently available.
BLOCKS.DCM
Keywords: RASSILON COMPACTED BLOCK PUZZLE DISK
RASSILON'S BLOCK PUZZLE DISK! COMPACTED WITH DISK COMMUNICATOR V3.2 THESE
ARE NOT EASY PUZZLES, BUT I HAVE LEFT MY LOWEST SCORES ON THE DISK. SEE IF
YOU CAN BEAT THEM!
(c) Rassilon Software For Exclusive SIG*ATARI use ONLY!!!
BLOCKS.OBJ
Keywords: RASSILON BLOCK PUZZLE BINARY FILE
A BLOCK PUZZLE from Rassilon See if you can solve the puzzle. This is put
here for the exclusive use of ATARI8 users only. Do not release this
program to the public domain.
DANCE.DCM
Keywords: RASSILON SQUARE DANCE CHECKERS PUZZLE COMPACTED DISK
EASY GAME FROM RASSILON. SEE IF YOU CAN DO THE CHECKER SQUARE DANCE. A
COMPACTED DISK USING DISK COMMUNICATOR V3.2. AS USUAL, A SELF-CONTAINED
DISK.
EXCHNG.OBJ
Keywords: RASSILON EXCHANGE BINARY LOAD PUZZLE
ANOTHER PUZZLE FROM RASSILON. SEE THE DOC FILE FOR COMPETE INSTRUCTIONS.
'EXCHNG.DOC'
FF.DOC
FF.OBJ
Keywords: RASSILON BINARY GAME FOUR BY FOUR SQUARE 4X4
ANOTHER MIND BENDING GAME FROM RASSILON SEE IF YOU CAN PLACE ALL THE
SQUARES WITHIN THE GRID. ADJACENT SIDES MUST HAVE THE SAME COLOR. SEE
'FF.DOC' FOR COMPLETE INSTRUCTIONS. FOR THE EXCLUSIVE USE OF SIG*ATARI
USERS ONLY. NOT FOR PLACEMENT ON ANY OTHER BOARDS.
(c) RASSILON SOFTWARE 1988
KB29.OBJ
Keywords: RASSILON KELB MONOCHROME
THIS IS THE KELB GAME FILE MODIFIED FOR MONOCHROME MONITORS AS REQUESTED BY
BLAQ [76046,1756]. JUST REPLACE THE KELB FILE ON THE UNCOMPACTED DISK WITH
THIS FILE. ALL COPYRIGHTS STILL APPLY. ENJOY! RASSILON 29999 STOP:END
NITES.DCM
Keywords: RASSILON SIX 6 KNIGHTS PUZZLE COMPACTED DISK
ANOTHER GAME FROM THE DEVIOUS MIND OF RASSILON. THIS ONE IS THE CALLED
-THE SIX KNIGHTS PUZZLE- THIS IS A COMPACTED DISK USING THE DISK
COMMUNICATOR V3.2
PAIRS.DOC
PAIRS.OBJ
Keywords: RASSILON PUZZLE PAIRS BINARY LOAD
STILL ANOTHER PUZZLE FROM RASSILON. THIS ONE IS REAL EASY. (FOR THOSE WHO
COMPLAIN THAT MY PUZZLE ARE TOO HARD, eh Maui Don?) SEE THE DOC FILE
'PAIRS.DOC' FOR COMPLETE INSTRUCTIONS.
POSPUZ.DCM
Keywords: RASSILON POSITION PUZZLES SIX DIFFERENT COMPACTED DISK
YOU DIDN'T ASK FOR MORE AND THE SYSOPS DIDN'T LET YOU HAVE MORE, BUT
RASSILON NOW GIVES TO YOU 6 MORE PUZZLES. THESE ARE WHAT GAME THEORISTS
CALL POSITION PUZZLES. DISK COMMUNICATOR V3.2 COMPACTED DISK. DOC FILES ARE
INCLUDED. ENJOY!!!
SQUAD1.DCM
SQUAD2.DCM
Keywords: RASSILON INFANTRY SQUAD COMPACTED DISK 800XL 130XE MACHINES ONLY
RASSILON -INFANTRY SQUAD- DISK 1 COMPACTED WITH DISK COMMUNICATOR V3.2
THIS ONE CONTAINS THE GAME AND THE SCENARIO EDITOR. RUNS ON 800XL/130XE
MACHINES ONLY!!! (c) Rassilon Software For SIG*ATARI use ONLY!!!
PLAY COMBAT THE RASSILON WAY. I HAVE INCLUDED AN EDITOR SO THAT YOU CAN
DRAW YOUR OWN BATTLEFIELDS. ENJOY!
TENPIN.XMO
Keywords: RASSILON TENPIN
TEN*PIN ALLEY BY RASSILON. SET SPIN & POWER BY STICK FORWARD & BACK THEN
PRESS FIRE. MOVE RELEASE MARKERS BY STICK RIGHT & LEFT THEN PRESS FIRE.
RELEASE BALL BY PRESSING FIRE W/ STICK CENTERED. MAX POWER OF 5 IS A
STRAIGHT BALL WITH LOTS OF PIN ACTION. MAX SPIN OF +OR- 3 IS A REAL HOOK.
+ AND - SPIN FOR LEFT OR RIGHT HOOK. MIX COMBINATIONS OF SPIN AND POWER TO
PICK UP THOSE SPARES. THIS IS NOT EASY TO MASTER. JUST LIKE BOWLING, IT IS
HARD TO BOWL A 300 GAME.
TENPN2.BXE
Keywords: RASSILON TENPIN ALLEY BASIC XE VERSION 2
TENPIN ALLEY WITH A FEW ADDITIONS YOU NOW HAVE THREE LEVELS OF DIFFICULTY
POWER AND SPIN CONTOLS HAVE BEEN SIMPLIFIED. OTHERWISE, THE GAME REMAINS
THE SAME.
TKDOC.DCM
Keywords: RASSILON TAUZ KELB DOCUMENTATION COMPACTED DISK SIDE TWO
THIS IS SIDE 2 (OR DISK 2) OF THE TAUZ/KELB GAME SET. UNCOMPACT WITH
DISKCOM 3.2, AND BOOT THE DISK TO READ DOCUMENTATION FOR THE GAMES. PLEASE
NOTE THE COPYRIGHT NOTICE AND LIMITATIONS NOTED IN THE DOCS! THESE FILES
ARE FOR <PERSONAL> USE BY SIG*ATARI MEMBERS ONLY!! (C) 1988 RASSILON
SOFTWARE 29999 STOP: END
TKOBJ.DCM
Keywords: RASSILON TAUZ KELB OBJECT GAME FILES COMPACTED DISK SIDE ONE
THIS IS SIDE 1 (OR DISK 1) OF THE TAUZ/KELB GAME SET. NO MORE ADAPTATIONS
OF 'OLD' GAMES. TIME FOR SOMETHING NEW! HERE ARE 2 STRATEGY BASED BOARD
GAMES, UNLIKE ANY YOU'VE SEEN BEFORE. UNCOMPACT THIS FILE WITH DISKCOM 3.2
TO CREATE A BOOT DISK WHICH WILL RUN THE GAMES. MAKE <SURE> YOU ALSO GET
TKDOC.DCM IN THIS LIBRARY TO READ DOCUMENTATION.
TZ19.OBJ
Keywords: RASSILON TAUZ V 1.9 MONOCHROME BLAQ
THIS IS TAUZ FOR MONOCHROME MONITORS THIS WAS REQUESTED BY BLAQ 76046,1756
REPLACE THE TAUZ FILE ON THE UNCOMPACTED DISK ALL COPYRIGHT REQUESTS APPLY.
ENJOY RASSILON 29999 STOP:END
CONECT.DOC
CONECT.XMO
Keywords: RASSILON BASIC XE BASICXE CONNECT TWO PLAYER STRATEGY GAME
A TWO PLAYER GAME OF STRATEGY SIMILIAR TO THE CHINESE GAME OF -GO-. THIS
ONE REQUIRES THE OSS BASIC XE CART AND EXTENSIONS 4.1 LOADED. I AM WORKING
ON A VERSION THAT ALLOWS YOU TO PLAY THE COMPUTER. IF YOU LIKE THIS VERSION
AND WANT TO SEE THE COMPUTER VERSION ALSO, DROP ME EMAIL AT 70057,674. THIS
ONE IS NOT AS EASY AS IT FIRST APPEARS.
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SYNDICATE ZMAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 7, 1988 ISSUE #122 (c)1988 APEInc.
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