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Z*NET Online Magazine Issue 239
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Volume 5, Number 3 Z*NET ONLINE January 19, 1990
Issue #239 ------------
(½) 1990 by Rovac Industries, Inc.
Post Office Box 59
Middlesex, New Jersey 08846
BBS - (201) 968-8148 3/12/24
CompuServe Mail - 71777,2140 GEnie Mail - ZNET-ONLINE
=======================================================================
Editor: Ron Kovacs
Editor: John Nagy
ISSUE #239 TABLE OF CONTENTS
---------- -----------------
- THIS WEEK
New file format on GEnie for online magazines....Ron Kovacs
- Z*NET NEWSWIRE
Power Pack Update, STE, and more...........................
- NAMM IN PROGRESS
Eric Clapton and Cream in Concert!................John Nagy
- Z*NET INDUSTRY NEWSWIRE
Ashton Tate, Commodore, and more....................Z*Staff
- ST STACK
PD and Shareware Update.........................Alice Amore
- PD PUB
PD Wrap-up.......................................Mark Quinn
- CHAOS STRIKES BACK
A First Look?...................................Al Cummings
- LINE NOISE
Messages from the Z*Net BBS................................
- RUN A BETTER BBS
Tips and Traps...................................Regan Weed
- REVOLUTIONARY CALENDAR
January thru February..........................Ctsy Artisan
- REVOLUTION RESULTS
Open letter to 20/20........................Patrick McShane
- Z*NET BBS LIST
The first 100 of 1990............................Ron Kovacs
* THIS WEEK
-----------> January 19, 1990
----------------
by Ron Kovacs, Editor
Thanks to our readers for the input and positive remarks received this
week. Your comments are appreciated along with your ideas. If you have
suggestions or commentary, leave us some mail on the services and the
Z*Net BBS.
GEnie readers who have requested the ARC version uploaded, there is an
update: Darlah Pine, GEnie SysOp told Z*Net in a send that GEnie's ST
RT is currently only accepting one file format for the online magazines.
Last week we uploaded both versions. If you have a preference over the
LZH version currently being accepted, please leave mail to DARLAH on
GEnie requesting a change to this policy. CompuServe is currently
accepting both file formats. Stay tuned for the latest, since duplicate
files are sure to become an issue.
The REVOLUTION continues this week with the schedule for the rest of
January and February. We also reprint a letter sent to 20/20 by Patrick
McShane of the PCS School for Advanced Learning.
Next week a full report on NAMM and more!
* Z*NET NEWSWIRE
----------------> ATARI NEWS FIRST
----------------
ATARI ENTERTAINS NINTENDO:
Visitors to the NINTENDO reception at the January Consumer Electronics
Show (CES) were surprised to be entertained by ATARI! Food, drink, and
music were offered to all, and it was an Atari ST that ran part of the
MIDI synthesized music for the evening. Try THAT on a GAMEBOY.
POWER PACK UPDATE:
Due to a shortage of 520 ST machines, the planned POWER PACK offering of
a bundled ST and a slew of startup software might be postponed, altered
to include a different model, or cancelled. No decisions have been
announced, but reports out of Sunnyvale say that the warehouse report of
many thousand machines in stock was the basis of the plan, but what the
warehouse hadn't reported at first was that most of the machines being
held were DEFECTIVE. Shippable units number more in the hundreds,
hardly enough to mount a special sales campaign. At least this should
help squelch rumors and grumblings that have abounded since the STE
became available almost world-wide EXCEPT in the USA... no Atari is NOT
holding the STE back in America in order to push off the "overstock" of
"old" machines.
STE IN FCC HANDS AGAIN:
The STE is said to be back in the hands of the FCC, having had yet
another new shield designed and installed. This one is expected to pass
the emissions tests and allow the STE to make its U.S. debut within
perhaps 60 days. With luck.
NEW SYSOP:
*** JAN. 19 *** Ctsy CompuServe AtariPro SIG
Please join us in welcoming John Knight to the sysop staff of the Atari
Forums! John will be supporting the Atari PORTFOLIO online. John is a
39 year old sales manager for a major entertainment company. His first
computer was a Radio Shack Model 2 many, many years ago. If he wasn't
the first person in the U.S. to own an Atari PORTFOLIO, he certainly was
one of the first. He also owns a number of MS-Dos computers including a
portable, a XT and a 286 VGA. Since he travels on business, he
estimates that he uses his "Port" for MCI Mail and CompuServe at least
an hour a night when he is on the road. According to John, "Using the
Portfolio has made me become quite skilled in memory and file
management." John is looking forward to helping others discover all the
wonderful possibilities that the PORTFOLIO offers. Feel free to drop
John a message at User ID number 72037,3303.
BECKEMEYER UPDATE: (Press Release)
SHAREWARE MULTITASKING MICRO RTX FOR THE ATARI ST!!!
(OAKLAND, CA) BECKEMEYER DEVELOPMENT TOOLS has released a version of
their multitasking operating system, MICRO RTX, as shareware for the
Atari ST line of computers.
MICRO RTX is a fully multitasking real-time operating system which adds
multitasking extensions to TOS, Atari's native operating system. MICRO
RTX can run standard TOS and GEM programs without modifications and
offers additional operating system services for applications, such as
interprocess communication, installable device drivers, file and record
locking, device control, real-time prioritization of tasks, efficient
memory management, event signaling, message passing, and much more.
Full programming documentation is included with the shareware version,
including source code to "C" bindings for popular Atari ST "C"
compilers.
End-user registration is a modest $35, which includes the program disk
and printed manual. Full developer status with technical support
services is $75. An advanced commercial version which includes an
unlimited binary redistribution license is $250.
CONTACT:
BECKEMEYER DEVELOPMENT TOOLS
P.O. Box 21575
Oakland, CA 94620
(415) 530-9637
BBS: (415) 530-9682
TURBO-GRAFIX 16:
The favored few who were secretly shown what may become the NEC TURBO
GRAFIX 16 PORTABLE GAME MACHINE at CES say that it is fabulous. Smaller
than the LYNX, it has graphics that "blow away" the LYNX, let alone the
GAMEBOY. Expected to sell at about the same price or a bit higher than
the LYNX, NEC is still hedging on whether it will even produce the unit.
If it does, NEC seems to be targeting not THIS COMING CHRISTMAS but
instead, CHRISTMAS '91 for the dramatic portable. The industry appears
to believe that the U.S. market is perfectly willing to trail the
Japanese game/video market by well over a year. While we may disagree,
observers say that this delay may be all that allows the LYNX to make a
major impact, and that it had better do so in the next 14 months, then
LOOK OUT.
* NAMM IN PROGRESS!
-------------------> Z*NET SPECIAL REPORT
--------------------
by John Nagy
The National Association of Music Merchandisers is in progress at press
time for this issue of Z*Net Online. Held this weekend at the Anaheim
Convention Center across from Disneyland, this major show is for the
music industry, NOT for computers. Yet, computers now figure in a major
role in music making. Atari Corp will be the ONLY computer company with
a display at this NAMM, much to the disappointment of APPLE and
COMMODORE who each wanted badly to be there to show their MACINTOSH and
AMIGA MIDI capabilities. However, since ATARI has supported and
appeared at many NAMM shows in the past, when the floor totals for
"computers" were tallied, Atari (having first choice) bought it ALL!
Atari is occupying a pair of large rooms overlooking the snack bar, with
a 54' banner inviting passers by to come and see 20 STACY machines
driving the latest in MIDI synths and devices. Famous musicians are
populating the exhibit both on behalf of Atari and as fascinated
visitors.
This evening, Friday January 19, Atari will sponsor a major concert for
the industry visitors here at NAMM, featuring a never-expected reunion
of the 70's super group "CREAM". Eric Clapton will headline the reunion
in what is sure to be a fab show. Atari equipment will litter the
stage, you can be sure!
Z*Net will have more details in an eyewitness report of the rest of the
NAMM show, plus pictures, next week.
* Z*NET INDUSTRY NEWSWIRE
-------------------------> by the Z*Staff
--------------
APPLE COMPUTER IN TOUGH TIMES:
Apple Computer announced cost-cutting moves that will take away jobs and
reduce pay raises for its workers and eliminate company cars for its
executives. Apple's chief executive John Sculley told employees in a
two-page letter this week that the company was being forced to reduce
its operating expenses because of slowing sales.
COMMODORE INTRODUCES PC:
Commodore introduced a low cost personal workstation targeted at the
25MHz 386 market. The Intel 80386DX based Commodore PC60-III is
designed to offer speed, versatility and access to mass storage at a
lower cost. Equipped with nine expansion slots, the PC60-III will run
virtually all applications from existing industry standard personal
computers and will accept all the new mainstream operating systems and
user applications. U.S. shipments are expected to begin in February.
MCI TO PURCHASE 25% OF INFONET:
INFONET and MCI announced that MCI has agreed to purchase 25 percent of
the outstanding shares of the international value-added data network
which operates in the United States and over 100 countries worldwide.
MCI, which owns and operates the second largest telecommunications
network in the world, will purchase shares formerly held by Computer
Sciences Corporation and becomes the largest shareholder in INFONET.
ACTIVISION RELEASES FIRST TITLES:
Activision announced its first two titles for the 16-bit Sega Genesis
video game system. "Hard Yardage" and "Tongue of the Fatman" were
premiered in the Sega booth at the CEShow earlier this month and are
scheduled to release in September. Activision is part of MEDIAGENIC,
which also includes these other publishers; Infocom, Gamestar, Electric
Dreams and ZSoft. Mediagenic also serves as an exclusive distributor
for Absolute Entertainment, Interplay Productions, Dynamix Inc., Sierra
On-Line, System 3, Vivid Images Ltd. and Motion Picture House.
PARKER BROS:
Parker Brothers has signed an agreement to produce and market video
games for Nintendo's Entertainment System. In addition, Parker will
market a computerized version of the "Trivial Pursuit" board game for
the IBM compatible market. Parker says it will develop its first title,
"Heavy Shreddin'", a snowboarding sports game, to reach retailers in the
spring.
SPECTRE USERS UPDATE:
ASHTON-TATE PROMOTION (Press Release)
ASHTON-TATE AND TECHNOLOGY WORKS ANNOUNCE NEW PROMOTION FOR THE
MACINTOSH MARKET
Ashton-Tate's FullWrite Professional 1.0 bundled with Technology Works'
4 MB Memory Upgrade Kit
TORRANCE, Calif., January 3, 1990 -- Ashton-Tate Corporation and
Technology Works of Austin, Texas, a leading supplier of memory
upgrades, announced today a joint promotion that includes a free copy of
FullWrite Professional version 1.0, Ashton-Tate's word processing
program for the Macintosh, with every Technology Works 4 MB memory
upgrade kit. This offering provides users a $395 savings and will run
from January 2 through March 31, 1990.
Said Bill Lyons, Vice President of Ashton-Tate's Applications Group,
"This promotion is designed to promote market share for FullWrite. One
of the product's strengths is its seamless integration of text and
graphics. The additional RAM offered by Technology Works allows users
to take advantage of this strength and obtain faster overall performance
on their Macintoshes." Commented Mike Frost, President of Technology
Works, "This promotion with Ashton-Tate offers Macintosh owners a cost-
effective way to upgrade their system for the 1990's and receive quality
word processing software at the same time."
FullWrite Professional
FullWrite Professional is an advanced word processor with true WYSIWYG
("what you see is what you get") editing. It features sophisticated
editing, page layout and graphic design; import and export capabilities;
a complete MacDraw-like drawing environment and integrated document
outlining. These features allow users to perform complicated tasks such
as wrapping text around irregular objects or changing format styles in
mid-document quickly and easily.
Martha Keaveny, FullWrite Product Manager, comments, "Power users will
find that FullWrite's classification & citation, indexing, and sidebars
improve the document preparation process as well as the final output."
Technology Works Memory
Technology Works' memory upgrade kits are designed for users to increase
performance on their Macintosh computers. The 4 MB kit meets market
needs by providing the RAM demanded by more sophisticated graphics,
scanner files, and the multimedia integration of audio, video and
animation. Each memory upgrade package includes an installation kit, a
lifetime warranty, a 30-day money-back guarantee and full technical
support from Technology Works.
Price, Availability
Technology Works' 4 MB memory upgrade kit, including FullWrite 1.0, is
immediately available for $350. Alternatively, customers can purchase a
2 MB kit combined with FullWrite for $214. FullWrite normally retails
for $395. This promotion is valid through March 31, 1990.
Customers may elect to upgrade from FullWrite Professional 1.0 to
version 1.1, available now, at no charge by sending in the registration
card to Ashton-Tate. To order either memory kit along with FullWrite,
customers should call Technology Works at (800) 622-2210.
* ST STACK
----------> PD/SHAREWARE FOR THE ST
-----------------------
by Alice Amore
With the new year comes a stack 'o new shareware/PD/ upgrades, so what
say we get right to them?
90CALNDR.LZH: An elaborate "1990 Family Calendar" with built-in
holidays, and room for your own notations. Makes nice personal
calendars. Requires Timeworks Desktop Publisher ST using landscape
format.
CAL1990.ARC: Another 1990 calendar using Timeworks DTP ST. This one is
of the simple, blocky variety with one month per page. Looks good on
walls.
CLDEMO1.ARC: Demo version of Cleanup ST from ICD, a program which
checks the integrity of your disk structure (hard or floppy). This demo
will not modify the target disk.
COWORKER.LZH: A simple terminal program with a built-in split screen
feature for better online conferencing. Includes VT-52, concurrent
type/receive, 50K text buffer. Can be run from within Flash! or
InterLink.
IDEDITOR.ARC: ID EDIT allows the changing of ID numbers of GDOS fonts.
MATH.ARC: "Simply Math" lets you design your own math tests using your
own math examples. A set of children's math problems is included.
Since there is no limit on the complexity of the math, all ages can use
this program. Color/mono.
STARSTRK.ARC: "Star-Struck" is the better screen-saver. It fades to
black, then gives you an expanding field of stars until your next
keypress or mouse-move. It will kick in after 3 minutes of non-
activity, but can also be enabled from the desktop or from within any
GEM program.
CHANGER.ARC: Find and edit text strings in any file including
executable code or other binary files. Includes search/replace and
import/export.
ATAWORDS.ARC: A text file containing 439 words which occur with some
frequency when writing Atari articles and documentation. These words
are not found in the WordWriter dictionary. The word list can be
imported to most word processor dictionaries, or loaded in as a
supplemental ("personal") word list. Courtesy of Z*NET.
ALSIDE21.ARC: Excellent viewer program for NEOchrome and DEGAS pictures
in any resolution. 70 variable fade-outs can be placed between
pictures, and background music is available. Four pictures included.
BATTLE.LZH -- DEMON_SK.LZH -- DEMON_TL.LZH -- DEMON_WR.LZH
DRAGONS.ARC -- DRAGWAR.LZH -- MONSTERS.ARC
Thanks to Darlah for this varied collection of monsters, ghoulies,
grotesque reptilian creatures, and freaky warriors from hades. Some of
these .IMG files are quite large, but if your printer can handle them,
you'll have something interesting for decorating your cave.
""""""""""""""""""""""""
!!! UPGRADES !!!
""""""""""""""""""""""""
ICDNEW.ARC: The latest ICD boot and format programs. Requires the ICD
ST host adaptor.
ARC602ST.ARC: This upgrade is completely compatible with the PC version
of ARC, and can create directories automatically. Speed has been
increased 175% over the previous version.
ARCSHL21.ARC: Newest version of ARC SHELL, a program which makes simple
work of deARCing just about anything. Covers all popular ARChiving
formats. New features/improvements are bountiful.
BSTAT235.LZH: A sophisticated graphing and statistical analysis program
in interpreted GFA BASIC. Speedy.
CHEETAH2.ARC: A fast file-copying utility which can transfer up to 15
megs a minute. Many new wrinkles and fixes.
CPOKER.LZH: Version 2.5 of DRAW POKER/DOUBLE DOWN, a colorful poker
game with excellent graphics. Runs in mono, too.
DIARY17S.ARC: A stripped-down version of DIARY (ver. 1.7), this is a
text editor in a desk accessory and takes up only 38K of RAM. Written
in Modula-2.
LGSEL_16.ARC: Version 1.6 of the mind-blowing LITTLE GREEN SELECTOR,
which totally replaces the GEM item selector, and gives you doo-dads
that previously were only in your dreams. There has been an update to
this file, filename is LGSEL16B.ARC.
PERUSER3.LZH: PERUSER is a text file reader with the ability to search
for strings, embed picture files, and, now, to integrate music files
into text files. This is version 1.03.
PICMAN_2.LZH: PICMAN works with Charles F. Johnson's DESK MANAGER to
allow the display of any Spectrum picture file during boot-up. This
upgrade allows up to 50 picture files to be rotated.
RELTREE2.ARC: Version 2.04 of Tree Chart, a database of statistics on
family members capable of going back thirty-five generations. This
version offers improved print-outs and GEDCOM output.
STVI381.LZH: Here's the latest ST version of the UNIX VI text editor.
Also supports UNIX, Minix (ST), MS/DOS, and OS/2.
STVI381S.LZH: Contains the 'C' source code for the above-mentioned
STeVIe, version 3.81.
SUPRBT60.ARC: Multi-featured program which allows a multitude of
configurables at boot-up time, this is version 6.0 of SUPER BOOT, and
contains lots of new features.
THE_VCR.LZH: This is version 2.0 of VCR ORGANIZER, a database devoted
exclusively to organizing and printing lists of your videotape
collection. GEM-based.
* PD PUB
--------> by Mark Quinn
-------------
We recently moved and are suffering under a backlog of files. So many
of them are worthy of mention that it would be impossible to do an in-
depth review of each offering.
GRANPRX2.LZH: In this "Gran Prix" you race against the clock, trying to
beat your best time. Uses joystick. Written in STOS BASIC.
TREK1.LZH: Fantastic animation of the original starship Enterprise
warping through interstellar space. Done with Cyber Sculpt.
DEEPSPC.LZH: An animation of a Jupiter-like planet, and its ring and
moons. Highly recommended.
SPINDEMO.LZH: Beautiful demo of twisting text and a spinning globe.
YOU control the video (to a certain degree).
WORD4.ARC: Converts Word Perfect 5.0 files to Atari Word Perfect 4.1
format. Point and click.
AREACODE.LZH: Type in any three-digit American or Canadian area code,
and this little program will tell you the state or province.
POSTAL10.LZH: In the same vein as above file, but for state postal
abbreviations.
GEMTOUCH.ARC: Convert (or "touch") files to different time/date stamps,
then sort them by date, arranging your directories to suit your needs.
Use 1980, 1999, or today's date.
MULTIPNT.ARC: MultiPaint, from the April 1989 issue of ST-LOG. See
that issue for documentation. Looks great!
DCSHOWIT.ARC: A replacement for the "show" command for viewing text
files. Runs from the AUTO folder. Also views uncompressed DEGAS and
NEOchrome pictures. From Double Click software!
FREEDM89.LZH: A DEGAS PI3 (monochrome) picture file. A tribute to the
great strides toward freedom made in 1989.
QST18DEM.ARC: A demo of "Quick ST" version 1.8, a software screen
accelerator from Branch Always software.
SI_RAM.ARC: Update of a very nice RAM disk and printer spooler from
ST-INFORMER Magazine.
MUSINV32.LZH: A nice looking program that will keep track of your music
collection. An updated version.
* CHAOS STRIKES BACK
--------------------> A FIRST LOOK
------------
by Al Cummings, STarBase
Dungeon Master (DM) fans rejoice! The long awaited sequel is out... and
it is everything you liked in DM, plus a lot more! FTL describes Chaos
Strikes Back (CSB) as a "DM expansion set." But, CSB is, in fact, a
true stand-alone game. Although you must be familiar with DM, having
the older game is not required. (The docs on the actual play of the
game are almost nonexistent - so that would be the reason you would need
DM.) You can also import characters (to CSB from DM) if your guys were
in good shape. The price, too, is reflective of a stand-alone game.
Most scenario disks run about $20 or less.
CSB also has a utility disk in its package. There is an introduction
scene with a message from Lord Chaos himself which expands the story in
the manual. There is also a 'Hint Oracle', who will give clues based on
your position in the game.
The main area you need to work with, for now, is the game Editor. This
is where you create the adventure. You can also edit the appearance of
your characters with a pixel color editor. This is fun, and you can do
some kinky stuff if you get bored.
Starting out you must have some characters, either a saved game from DM
or a new set from the CSB prison. The prisoners' attributes are all
towards the middle of the range in Hit Points and Mana. Your old DM
party might be father along so use the strongest group you can.
CSB starts by stripping everyone of all weapons, armor and all other
items. You show up in the starting room in your birthday suits, with
only your wits and a few items on the floor. If that was not bad
enough, everyone's favorite monsters appear at the same instant as your
party - and the monsters' teeth are still intact!
You might remember the purple worms from DM that gave everyone fits when
you first encountered them.... Well, the new and improved yellow
version are waiting for lunch. You start out with three worms - one to
a side with your party backed against a locked gate. Warning: The place
where you're standing is a trap that will release more worms if you move
off and then back onto it.
Once you have your fighting legs back and defeat the worms, you have
some searching to do. There is much scattered around to find; and many
other places to get assorted goodies. Take some time looking everywhere
and then save the game. No need to fight the worms again if you die!
That's about all for this month. Next month - maybe some real hints.
But for now, remember....The walls are not always solid. It is worth
the time to look everywhere.
* LINE NOISE
------------> INFORMATION FROM THE Z*NET BBS
------------------------------
(201) 968-8148 3/6/12/24
Message : 272 [Open] 1-13-90 12:25am
From : Robert Ford
To : All
Subject : Sierra
Sig(s) : 9 (New Products)
Straight from Sierra Online's BBS....(1-209-683-4463)
Product Release Schedule (01/09/90)
----------------------------------
Black Cauldron AMIGA-Mar.
CodeName: IceMan: IBM-Jan.
Colonel's Bequest: IBM-Jan., ATARI ST-Jan. , AMIGA-May
Conquests of Camelot: IBM-Jan., ATARI ST-Jan.
Gold Rush!: IIE/C-Jan.
Helicopter Simulator 2.0: IBM-Available NOW!
Hero's Quest: ATARI ST-Jan., AMIGA-Jan.
Hoyle's Book of Games: AMIGA-Jan., ATARI ST-Jan., MAC-May
King's Quest IV: AMIGA-Jan., MAC-Feb.
Leisure Suit Larry II: AMIGA-Available NOW!
Leisure Suit Larry III: ATARI ST-Jan., AMGIA Jan.
Manhunter: San Francisco: AMIGA-Jan., IIGS-Feb., IIE/C-May
Manhunter: New York: IIE/C-Jan.
Police Quest II: MAC-Jan., AMIGA-Feb.
Silpheed: On Hold
Sorcerian: IBM-Jan.
Space Quest III: MAC-Jan.
Thexder: MAC-Jan.
These dates are subject to change without notice.
Message : 315 [Open] 1-15-90 5:13pm
From : Robert Ford
To : All
Subject : PHASAR 4.0
Sig(s) : 4 (Atari News)
To all of you financially minded people out there, I thought that I'd
let you know PHA$AR from ANTIC Software has been upgraded to version
4.0.
Retail: $89.95
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Upgrade from
version 3.0: $39.95
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
New Features:
1] 999 expense/income categories.
2] 500 accounts.
3] Up to 1500 transaction per month.
4] Set up and analyze finances quickly with new budgeting system.
5] Artificial intelligence parser predicts input to minimize typing.
6] Improved interface with multiple scrolling windows.
7] Prints checks the way you want.
8] Automatic payment reminder alarm.
9] Completely recoded for increased transaction and processing speed.
10] 1989 tax templates.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Above list taken from February 1990 STart magazine.
the CyberPunk
I'm Proud to Support the
REVOLUTION!!!
Message : 317 [Open] 1-15-90 5:13pm
From : Robert Ford
To : All
Subject : SuperCharger
Sig(s) : 9 (New Products)
If you are interested in buying the SuperCharger PC board from Talon
Technologies it can be purchased from:
Medionix Inc.
243 N. Highway 101
$399.00 Ste 18
Solana Beach, CA
92075
(619) 755-8808
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
VISA/MASTERCARD accepted.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
the CyberPunk
I'm Proud to Support the
REVOLUTION!!!
* RUN A BETTER BBS
------------------> BBS TIPS AND TRAPS FOR THE OPERATOR
-----------------------------------
by Regan Weed, VAUG
Really, when you stop to think about it, most BBS's are the same. Most,
if not all, have E-Mail, areas for general information, buy & sell,
files to download, etc., etc.. So what makes one BBS better than
another?
SOFTWARE: A case can be made for the particular BBS software the system
is running. Older programs may not feature much in the way of
flexibility, such as "On-line Games" or " Color".
HARDWARE: Obviously you can do more with a Mega ST2 and 40 Meg hard
drive then with a 1040ST. But, bigger is not always better, and there's
more to running a BBS than having lots of downloads!
SYSOP (Systems Operator): Each BBS has a different flavor (even with
the same software) because of this person. The SysOp is the catalyst
and when you choose one BBS over another many times it's because of the
SysOp. So what do you (the SysOp) need to do to 'Run a better BBS'?
First have a 'message area' that reflects the interest of most users.
If you have a 'general information' sub-section watch it for trends and
open new sub-sections to fill the needs of your users. If there's a
users group in your area, have a section setup for them to leave club
messages. Keep things current by removing old messages. If things slow
down in a message section start a discussion. If, after a period of
time, it's still inactive, delete that section and try a new subject.
AVOID COMPLAINING: Not enough messages posted, not enough users
uploading ect. Once you start casting blame on your users you'll kill
the board, and fast! If you wish to see more uploads then set a fair
upload/download ratio, say 10 to 1. You can't make people respond to a
message base or play an On-line game so don't even try. Some SysOp's
limit the users time to try and get them to do more on their BBS. This
is a little like trying to get blood from a stone - not exactly the way
to get a favorable reaction!
TIPS:
Keep your log-on screen messages up-to-date and short (if there's no way
to by-pass it). You have to remember your out-of-town users and their
phone bills!
When you have a limited system for downloads, try rotating half of your
files every two to three weeks.
Don't butt-in. Only use 'Chat' mode when your called or you'll make
your users feel like their every move is being watched.
Try your best and keep in mind.... A good BBS is just as much work as
bad one!
* REVOLUTIONARY CALENDAR
------------------------> MID JANUARY THRU FEBRUARY
-------------------------
(Editors Note: The following is reprinted ctsy of Artisan Software.
This is the schedule of events for 1990 written by Donald Thomas. If
you are interested in more information on the Revolution write: PO Box
849, Manteca, CA 95336.)
WEEK 3
January 14 through January 20, 1990 NATIONAL RUBBER STAMP WEEK
Rubber Stamp week? Yep... that's what the man said! Every office
supply store offers them and they are not expensive. Write:
Join The
REVOLUTION...
Use an Atari Computer!
on a piece of paper and take it to your office supply store or local
printer. In less than a week, you will have a powerful tool to stamp on
every envelope you mail out and your message can reach dozens of people
with each letter. Mail sorters and carriers, the recipients and their
families or co-workers will see the growing movement advertised on every
envelope you mail. You will need to get a stamp pad; please use red.
Go stamp happy and stamp everything you can.
It may cost a little more for the convenience, but you may order this
stamp from Artisan Software for $22. California, add 6% sales tax.
Send your order to: Artisan Software, P.O. Box 849, Manteca, CA 95336
WEEK 4
January 21 through January 27, 1990 NATIONAL SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT WEEK
There are two things two do during this week. First, review your
library of computer software and see if there is any you own that you
may have "inadvertently" received and did not pay for. Choose a title
you use from time to time, or admire because of its quality. Send a
check to the publisher, anonymously if need be, and thank them for their
Atari software support. Shareware qualifies.
Secondly, find a non-Atari software publisher in magazines or by asking
around. Write a letter addressed to the President of that firm and ask
them why they do not support the Atari computer and if they will please
consider it. Ask them for a reply. Be polite.
WEEK 5
January 28 through February 3, 1990 NATIONAL "GO TO A BARR" WEEK
Let's band together for a special episode of ROSEANNE...the most popular
sitcom now being broadcast.
In this episode, the family wins a home computer (an Atari) with a
"REVOLUTION" strike force around every corner to help them set it up.
Write to:
ROSEANNE BARR
c/o ABC TV
2040 Ave Of The Stars
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Tell her your nifty plot idea (as stated above) and ask for a special
episode to be produced. Tell her every Atari fanatic in America will
watch. Who knows, if they do it, maybe we can get Atari Corp. to
sponsor it.
WEEK 6
February 4 through February 10, 1990 NATIONAL GOODWILL WEEK
In honor of Valentine's Day on February 14, call your local Hospital and
ask for the name of a child who may benefit form a little recognition
and attention. Design a large outline of a heart on a paint program.
Print it out and write: "On behalf of 'The REVOLUTION"; a national Atari
computer user interest group, I wish you a speedy recovery. We admire
your strength!" Sign and send it to the address the Hospital gives you.
You may make the "card" as fancy as you wish, but artistic skills are
not required. Parents, have your children pass out Atari generated
Valentine's to classmates.
WEEK 7
February 11 through February 17, 1990 NATIONAL PRESIDENT'S WEEK
In honor of President's Day, let's wish Mr. George Bush a pleasant one.
To insure the publicity value, send your wishes to have a "REVOLUTIONARY
PRESIDENT'S DAY" to the President in care of:
CBS TV
51 West 52nd Street
New York, NY 10019
Send a cover letter to the network asking them to wish the President
well in our behalf over the air. Mention our cause in your letter.
WEEK 8
February 18 through February 24, 1990
NATIONAL USER GROUP RECOGNITION WEEK
If you do not belong to a user group, find one in your area and join.
If you already belong, make it a project to ask a minimum of one friend
to be your guest to the next meeting. It's preferred that your invited
friend does not own an Atari computer. This will be an opportunity to
share information on why they may wish to consider one.
Call your local newspaper and ask for the local news desk. Ask them to
print announcements of meetings for your local group on a regular basis.
WEEK 9
February 25 through March 3, 1990 NATIONAL CAR WASH WEEK
Get with your local users' group and organize a benefit car wash to
raise money to buy an Atari computer for the school. Set a goal of one
520ST and go from there. Groups exclusively centered around 8-bit can
set a goal of one XE system. Contact the school in advance for their
permission and to help organize the event. Most local gas stations will
donate space and even water access to do this since you will be
attracting customers for them. Volunteer to help the school to set the
system up. Make certain your local dealer participates and invite him
to hand out flyers during the event. Put up Atari posters at the site.
Also make certain to use "The REVOLUTION's" namesake for the event.
Write to Atari and ask them to send you a window sticker for your car.
They were available and, if not, they will just have to print more.
Request one for each car you own.
* REVOLUTION RESULTS
--------------------> OPEN LETTER TO 20/20
--------------------
by Patrick McShane
PRODUCER
20/20, ABC-TV
1330 Avenue of The Americas
New York, NY 10019
Patrick McShane
Founder and Headmaster
PCS School for Advanced Learning
623 Holly Street
Nampa, Idaho 83686-5855
January 8, 1990
Greetings;
This letter is to inform you that We, PCS Schools, Inc. place our entire
weight and effort into THE REVOLUTION...
We are a consumer interest movement organized to build public awareness
about the best available computer values. We, as an organization, have
chosen ATARI as a well rounded computer which is easily adapted for
Education, Business, Music and Leisure. As an active member of this
revolution as well as a recognized leader and pioneer in Computer
Education, I ask that 20/20 provide coverage of this revolution. I am
enclosing a letter I have sent to Sam Tramiel of Atari. This letter
outlines some of my major concerns.
I should further inform you that PCS Schools, Inc. provide kids, ages 3
through 18, with the following educational opportunities:
1. Basic to Advanced Computer Studies
2. Principals of Mechanical Engineering
3. Applied Math and Physics
4. Music and Art
5. Creative Writing
6. Laser Work
7. Micro-Robotics
8. Electronics
We have students who are considered extremely gifted (p.e. James Clough
who won the National NSTA/Duracel Competition) as well as students who
are ADD, Autistic, Dyslexic and brain-stem damaged.
We have been visited and supported by such people as: Dr. Harvey Long,
IBM guru for Educational Computing; CEO's of Micron; VP's from Hewlett
Packard-Boise Division; Gov. Cecil Andrus; Lt. Gov. Butch Otter, and
many more. All will gladly tout the PCS System Philosophy and share
what they have seen and experienced in our schools.
I ask that you kindly consider my request for coverage of this National
Revolutionary Movement...It is time that we, the users of technology,
especially the kids, become a voice to be listened to.
Thank you for your kind consideration,
Patrick McShane
Item 6211577 90/01/14 14:42
From: P.MCSHANE1 Patrick L. Mcshane
To: Z-NET Ron Kovacs
Sub: Z-Net Online
Greetings;
This is to inform ALL Z-NET Readers that Z-NET ONLINE is DL'd every week
and then UL'd onto our HP 9000/500 Unix System. This System services
the 500 Students and Staff of PCS Schools, Inc. and is the ONLY Online
News Service that I will allow on our System. It is read weekly by the
majority of our staffs and students. PCS Schools, Inc. was founded 5
years ago by myself and has grown into a school system with schools in
two cities, a corporate HQ in Boise, Idaho, and plans for schools to be
started in other parts of the U.S. What follows is a short list of
major players in our system:
Patrick McShane Founder/CEO/Headmaster of PCS-Nampa
623 Holly Street
Nampa, Idaho 83686-5855
(208) 465-5443
GEnie...P.MCSHANE1 CIS...70157,134
Robert Grover Headmaster PCS-Boise
355. Orchard Avenue
Boise, Idaho 83706
(208) 377-3157
Tony Meyer, General Manager PCS Schools, Inc.
355 N. Orchard Avenue
Boise, Idaho 83706
WE SUPPORT THE REVOLUTION !!!
* Z*NET ONLINE BBS LIST
-----------------------> THE FIRST 100
-------------
by Ron Kovacs
The following is the January update to our BBS list. There are over 800
numbers currently on file which we are trying to verify. Your system
will be added to the list by letting us know who you are! Call the
Z*Net Online BBS or leave mail on the services.
This list is in area code order.
BBS NAME NUMBER
-------------------- ---------------------
ABBUC e.v. (011) 02594/1645
First Starr (011) 046-0340-51117
Sorman Information (011) 046-470-22183
Kisa Monitron (011) 046-494-12997
PCACUG BBS (011) 507-60-0530
Ace's High (201) 290-1133
J.A.C.G (201) 298-0161
GreySTone BBS (201) 362-8966
Hanger BBS (201) 366-3891
Hackers Hotline (201) 390-9782
Wild West (201) 723-0824
Hologram (201) 727-1914
Zarden's BBS (201) 729-0097
Blank Page (201) 805-3967
Demon Pit (201) 948-2496
Poison Pete's (201) 948-3428
Z*Net BBS (201) 968-8148
New Haven (203) 776-9723
Sinkhole Utopia (203) 873-8518
Bloom County (205) 461-7893
Freelander BBS (206) 321-5127
Sub-S*P*A*C*E (206) 756-8122
Cave Creek (206) 783-5867
STDIO (206) 822-4085
The Reef (206) 848-3371
M.A.C.H. (207) 784-0631
Sierra On-Line (209) 683-4463
The Bunker (212) 617-0153
Akron Connection (216) 253-9247
Rubber City (216) 376-0885
Pirate Busters (216) 545-4817
Command Headquarters (216) 758-0284
Stairway To Heaven (216) 784-0574
Manitou (219) 223-8107
Pipeline (219) 336-3774
M.O.U.S.E (219) 674-9288
Acorn BBS (219) 693-3485
Ratcom (301) 437-9813
Orion Connection (301) 967-2207
Action (302) 337-8461
The Vault (303) 796-0539
Checkmate (309) 797-5926
Lion's Den (312) 690-3724
Chicago Public (312) 890-8513
Facts (313) 736-3920
Innovative Concepts (313) 978-1685
Magic BBS (313) 978-7363
Bungalow BBS (314) 351-2837
Gateway City (314) 647-3290
Atari Hotel (315) 454-9612
The D.E.N (315) 638-8569
Dog House (317) 243-2177
Griffon's Nest (402) 466-5339
68000 Mice (403) 242-0706
Four Aces (404) 790-5593
Garden City (404) 796-3805
Buford Byte Size (404) 945-6021
Alternate Universe (407) 747-9196
Atari Domain (407) 855-1317
Atari Inc BBS (408) 745-5308
Electronic Zone (412) 349-3504
Abacus BBS (415) 587-8062
Stu's (415) 782-4023
West Coast Syndicate (415) 825-2952
Eleusesthai BBS (415) 871-9451
Taf-On-Line (416) 235-0318
NWOC (419) 636-4237
Fantasy Island (419) 691-6459
Atari Scene (502) 456-4292
Cardinals Roost (502) 458-8302
Milliways (504) 244-0768
Atari C.A.L.C (505) 525-0388
Asylum BBS (505) 897-4306
Cookie Shoppe (508) 226-8028
Ayre-Force (508) 772-9009
StarShip (509) 375-4228
Ace Info System Ltd (513) 233-9500
L'Echange (514) 522-2301
WQNR (516) 698-7456
East Coast Midi BBS (516) 928-4986
Chaos (517) 882-6716
LUST BBS (519) 432-5144
The Crypt (601) 385-1645
CAUUG (601) 388-3490
Think Tank (602) 435-9645
Network 23 (602) 846-7357
Atari West BBS (604) 272-5888
VAUG BBS (604) 604-5485
Missing Link (606) 271-1466
Temporal Fixation (609) 423-4865
C.C.B.B.S. (609) 451-7475
TAIG (612) 522-2687
Flight Line (612) 544-5118
Mind^s Eye (614) 231-3716
Pandora (614) 471-9209
Starbase (615) 528-7153
Vanishing Point (615) 665-1217
Second System (616) 385-2448
Lost Byte (617) 586-8840
Westport (617) 674-8361
S.W.A.T. (617) 675-8503
Centurian (618) 451-0165
The Ark (703) 560-6318
Irata (707) 252-0631
Pegasus (708) 623-9570
W.A.S.T.E (713) 923-7392
Double Click (713) 944-0108
PC Widowmaker (714) 688-3204
Acorn BBS (716) 436-3078
Atari Apex (716) 458-2638
Wizards Attic (716) 681-1654
Al's Cabin (717) 686-3037
Arrakis (718) 331-2236
New York City (718) 604-3323
Dateline (718) 648-0947
Time Tech BBS (719) 543-1869
Grasp (804) 744-8022
Hot Rodderz (805) 773-5907
Wonderful World of O (808) 423-3140
West Terrace (812) 985-2083
Tampa Bay (813) 398-5352
Aardvark Inn (813) 425-5113
Harbor Lights (813) 726-3449
St. Petersburgh (813) 821-3188
Travelers (814) 825-9410
Sage BBS (814) 833-4073
Elysium (816) 761-2190
Foundation BBS (817) 444-3023
Rivendale (817) 444-3023
Gate BBS (Node 1) (817) 547-1734
Gate BBS (Node 2) (817) 547-1739
Infinity (Logical) (818) 760-0943
Jakes Place (904) 244-0945
Starbase (904) 432-6009
Public Domain (907) 338-5005
Talisman BBS (912) 244-1726
Omega (914) 477-9597
House of Chance (915) 757-0788
Select BBS (916) 392-7279
Shadow Haven (916) 962-2566
Tektron BBS (918) 835-5198
=======================================================================
Z*Net Online is a weekly online magazine covering the entire Atari
community. Opinions and commentary are those of the individual authors
and do not reflect those of Rovac Industries. ZNET and ZNET ONLINE are
copyright 1990 by Rovac Industries. Reprint permission is granted as
long as ZNET ONLINE and the author is credited. Reprinted articles are
not be edited without permission.
=======================================================================
ZNET ONLINE Atari News and Reviews FIRST!
Copyright (c)1990 Rovac Industries, Inc..
=======================================================================
