AMIGAphilosophy
AMIGAphile Volume 1 Number 2 (AUGUST 1992)
What has AMIGAphile done? What is it going to do? What have you done for me lately? I know all these questions cross your mind. This new column is not going to tell you the meaning of life but it will keep you abreast of happenings related to AMIGAphile. As you can see, the size of the newsletter has already increased. At this pace, I'm gonna have to get a bigger hard drive in order to store this monster.
The Premier Issue
The first issue sparked the interest of about 30 people who contacted me for copies. These people had not filled out surveys but had heard about it either via the network or by word of mouth. I got about 10 people, who were honestly interested in helping, to leave me comments, suggestions, and articles. Out of a distribution of about 100 issue, 10% isn't all that bad. So, if you've been meaning to write me, you better get to it. Apathy is what kills a good computer system in the market.
Upcoming Newsletter News
For upcoming issues, I am going to need articles. I don't want to dive it specific things until I get a larger reader base but getting a head start would be a good idea. Below I have listed the topics of upcoming issues. I only know so much about each topic so I could use some articles to fill in the blanks. Most of all, I need people to volunteer their time to answer questions. I don't know everything so even if you'd rather not write an article, contact me and let me know what your strong points are. That way, I'll have some people to help me with details and keep things accurate. Let's use me for an example. I would write a letter stating what type of system I have and what software and hardware I use on a regular basis and have a good knowledge of.
I have an Amiga 2500/030, 100 meg hard drive, 8 megs. I regularly use Deluxe Paint, PageStream, and JR-Comm. I use and check out a lot of shareware programs. I know BASIC, Modula-2, C, Pascal, and LISP but don't program the Amiga often. I own a Video Toaster and use it mainly for the switcher and the character generator. I own a Perfect Sound audio digitizer and have had much practice making quality samples. I also own a USR HST modem and do a lot of BBS calling. Please feel free to contact me about any of the above if you need information.
If you contribute an article, please give a brief author profile stating things such as your occupation and what qualifies you to write the particular article.
Topics
- 3-D Graphics: rendering, scanning, modeling, putting down on film
- Animation: drawing, animating, programming (hopefully with code)
- C programming: Using screens, graphics, animation, sound
- Assembly programming: anything
- High Speed Modems: reviews, BBS software, Modeming dictionary
- Floptical Drives: performance, installation
- Backing up your hard drive: Tape backup, utilities
- Programming ARexx to do your dirty work
- Networking: Amiga to Amiga, Amiga to PC, Amiga to Mac
Animation Contest
In the future, I'd like to hold an animation contest. This can't occur until after we have gotten more advertising. It's no good to have a contest with no prizes. This is just a preview to let you animators know that you'd better start thinking about a real killer animation. I hope to get some code together and even a whole issue on animation to get everyone started. I'll be sure to give a few months warning. The animations should all play in real time. Length is not important but all artwork and backdrops must be original works by the author.
Module Contest
I'd also like to have a module contest. Those of you who spend your time creating music modules deserve some credit. Again, contests just aren't as much fun without prizes. I'm gonna leave this open for now but let's say that any format will be okay (Protracker, MED, whatever) but it has to be less than 880k (one floppy) including all samples and they will be judged on originality and composition.
AMIGAphile Convention
How about an AMIGAphile convention. I think one might just be in order. Of course, this can't happen until more readers join our humble clan. I will also need more support from vendors. A convention just is no fun when I'm the only one there. I find the cover charge just isn't worth it. I'm thinking about having the first one here in Columbus, Ohio but that could change. There was once a discussion about having a get together in Bloomington, Indiana. I'd like some more input on this idea. I'm not sure I'm ready to attempt to pull something of this nature off, ... yet.
By The User, For The User
Remember, AMIGAphiles policy is by the user, for the user. Without your input, the AMIGAphile newsletter is just blank paper, all my good intentions are wasted. Please, take the time to contact me. Let me know what you do with your Amiga, what you would like to do with your Amiga (even if this includes allowing it to plummet several stories from an open window), what you would like to see in the future. But, keep in mind, I have no influence by myself. It is together that we will make a difference.
Beta Testers
What I really need are about 3 Beta testers. I need someone to read over the AMIGAphile newsletter to check my typing. I'd hate to release a newsletter to the general public with a bunch of typos. It would also speed up production because I wouldn't have to spend the extra time re-reading and re-re-reading to make sure everything is correct. I'd appreciate someone who has a good grasp of the English (American) language, can receive the newsletter via email on Internet, and has time to read through it each month and check for errors. It would also be nice if they were able to put up with me and really offer constructive criticism. I don't take destructive criticism well.
