We are overwhelmed! New peripherals and software are coming out for the Timex/Sinclair computers at an astonishing rate. So fast, in fact, that our in-house reviewers can’t keep up with it all.
Hence, we would like to invite readers to write reviews for us. Some products we receive here and will forward to qualified reviewers. However, for most reviews, we must depend upon you to write a review of a product you have purchased. (This, incidentally, is how you become a “qualified reviewer” and get a product forwarded from us.) Of course, we pay for all reviews.
A word about the review itself. It must be factual and objective. The biggest single group of people who read Ford ads are those people who have just bought a Ford. We all have a psychological need to justify a purchase. However, a product review is not an appropriate psychological outlet to justify a purchase. Nor is it the appropriate place to vent your passion against a manufacturer who has wronged you in some way.
Reviews should start with a brief description of the class of product (say modem or drill and practice software) including what it should do. Next should come a thorough description of the specific product being reviewed (no opinions yet). Next should follow your experience with the product: putting it together, using it the first time, using it later, and the reaction of others to it. Note the problems you met and the benefits that you have received from using it. It goes without saying that the product should be used in the environment for which it was intended.
The appropriate length for a product review is from 500 to 1000 words. Longer reviews are probably going into too much detail. A review of a game should be from 150 to 300 words long.
All software reviews must contain the standard Creative Computing/SYNC “Software Profile” information. That includes: name of. package, type, author, system and memory, format, a summary statement, price, and manufacturer’s name and address.
We favor comparative reviews of three or four similar items over single reviews, but both are acceptable.
Pictures and illustrations are absolutely vital with a review or article. If we have to go to the manufacturer for a publicity shot or photograph the item here, it won’t be nearly as effective as your photos. If you’re not a photographer, find a friend with a 35mm SLR, load it up with TRI-X or Kodacolor 400 and shoot the item. Vary the angle and lighting. They won’t all come out, but four or five usable shots out of 20 easily justifies the $7 or $8 for film and developing. We don’t need 8 x 10 or even 4 x 5 prints; standard Fotomat 3 1/2 x 5 is fine. But they must be glossy finish; matte is not acceptable. The details important for your review should not be lost in the very light or very dark parts of your picture.
Illustrations should be done in black on white paper. Use India ink or a Pilot Razor Point equivalent. We prefer to use your illustrations than redraw things here.
Manuscripts must be typed double-spaced with generous margins. Other helpful suggestions for preparing your manuscript are contained in the article “Writing for SYNC.” Send a self-addressed stamped envelope for a copy.
Please send all submissions to Paul Grosjean, SYNC, 39 E. Hanover Ave., Morris Plains, NJ 07950, and mark your envelope “Review.”