Update QL Editor
Update is please to announce that Bill Cable is now the Sinclair QL EDITOR for Update Magazine. As most subscribers know, Bill Cable is a foremost QL Programmer and has contributed emensely to the content of the magazine. Now Bill will be contributing even more. Most importantly, we now have someone who will maintain accuracy in the articles and programs for the QL. Your scribe has been uneasy about that, given his novice status with the QL. Welcome Bill Cable, and thanks for your dedication to the QL Users of North America.
TS-2068 and Z88 editing will continue to be handled here on board the Update Yacht. Once in a while we may be a couple of weeks late, as the vessel gets laid up by hurricanes or the doldrums. Another writer for the Z88 has come aboard. Mike Fink (Domino Cubes) is a Z88 dealer that has gotten rich selling Z88’s and periphreals. Now Mike will be doing a regular column in Update keeping us abreast of the happenings with this nice portable. If you miss Syd Wyncoop in this issue, not to worry. Syd DID send in an article but Update was already full for October. We’ll enjoy that one in the next issue.
One subscriber wrote saying that he skims through Update for “just the articles about his computer and its disk system”. Well heck! He is missing out on the educational benefits AND the possibility of actually using the programs given for the “foreign computer”. Most programs for the QL, TS-2068 and Z88 can be kludged to work with the other. BASIC is BASIC. QL Super Basic, BBC Basic, and TS-2068 Basic are but variations of the same language, kinda like my southern drawl and Pete Hale‘s Bostonian twang. This issue has an article by Earl Dunnington that illustrates the point. Earl took our “LKDOS Tool by the Dozen” and now presents the same tools for TOS DISK. Another Update article in this issue “Printers and Printer Control” is generic in application and can be cloned in any computer’s syntax and variation of Basic.
Actually both the QL and Z88 need such a printer control group utility to augument Quill and Pipedream. So, Update trys to give as many such programs and utilities to Public Domain as we can for the use of all. The TS-2068 Disk Drive users need not wait for a program that is specific for their DOS. All TS-2068 programs are adaptable to all DOS, with minor syntax changes.
Expanding Cooperation
Update has quietly dropped Commerical Advertising in favor of a concept of Mutual Cooperation. I looked back two years and found that the income from advertising has been nil. Then I got to thinking. Most Dealers are operating as a Hobby, or at such low key that cannot support much advertising. Programmers can spend as much on advertising as they realize from the sales that the ads bring in. Subscribers do need to be exposed to SOURCE information. “Where can I find a whatsit for my computer”? We ALL need continuing support. So Update’s diabolical new scheme is to provide FREE advertising as a cooperative public service. The way it is put to the dealers and programmers is: “Think of something that you can do in return for your free ad”.
Examples: Rod Gowen (RMG Enterprises) includes an Update Flier in his catalog mail outs. Ed Grey (Ed Grey Enterprises) posts a notice for Update in his BBS. Peter Hale (EMSOFT) and Bill Cable (Wood And Wind Computers) were the first to join into the scheme. Mark Stuber (Sharps Inc.) has been contacted to cooperate in similiar fashion. Individual programmers may not have much to offer in return, except their good will, which is sufficient. The main idea is to provide the most support possible in a cooperative effort.
Publication Situation
THE QUITS: Now that other publications have pulled the plug I get quite a lot of questions about the future of Update Magazine. It is almost as if folks are thinking “Update is next”. Well, all that I can say is that Update is committed for another year of publishing- BUT. There is always that qualifier, eh? The publishing of Update is a hobby for me, and hobbies can become entanglements that interfere with other life needs, such as vacations, etc. AND, everyone is subject to the burn outs. I will attempt to keep Update going indefinitely by throwing out this gauntlet. If YOU are dedicated to Sinclair User Support, and have the ability to publish, then volenteer to take over publishing Update at some time in the future. That wont be like Ford taking over General motors, with accompanying stock market rumbles. It will be an easy acquisition and a smooth resumption. Call me.
1989 Sinclair Computer Fest
We are sponsoring the 1990 Sinclair Fest in Milwaukee. The Date will be June 1 through 3, 1990. That is Friday through Sunday and is the first week end in June. Motels will charge a flat rate of $45 per room, no matter how many will occupy the room. Rooms will have two double beds. Roll away beds extra charge. Motel has a nice indoor pool and the food is excellent.
A banquet is featured at 6:30 on Friday night. We are planning to have a variety of displays including Packet Radio. Seminars are wide open and you are invited to head-up one. Vendors are invited to participate. Tables are available. Set aside the first week end of June for an enjoyable Sinclair Fest. The cost is right! Contact: Bill Heberling (414-527-2191). Or Write: SMUG BYTES, 5052 N. 91st St., Milwaukee, WI 53225.
Ed Notes: Two more issues of Update between now and then will bring more from SMUG about the Fest. For those New Englanders, Westerners, and Southerners, Milwaukee is a nice spot to vacation in June. Lotsa unusual attractions, such as the Experimental Aircraft Asso. Museum, plus others for the family. A good place to visit, with down to earth prices!! (Canadians accepted at par)
From Peter Hale, EMSOFT
The TI Group in the Boston Computer Society is planning an Orphan Computer Fair in April/May 1989. Although it’s in its early stages, we are very excited. The TI Group has had past shows that have been profitable, so there is a track record of successful organization.
For the record, we in the Sinclair Group do not see it as competing with the SMUG efforts since it will largely be for New Englanders.
However, we like the concept. With each passing year the number of persons interested in a Sinclair-only show, will necessarily be fewer. The more bodies who come into a show, the greater the potential to draw vendors with a range of stuff, particularly those in the generic product, liquidation and remainder business, who would not see a one-product show as justifying the time and expense.
There is also the reality that the more people who come, the greater the sense of camaraderie that can lead to a longer life for support of such computers.
I hope that SMUG will consider broadening their concept to include other orphan groups from the Milwaukee area.
Tim Stoddard, 85-48 66th Road, New York, NY 11374-5212, writes: Just received a letter from Pete Fischer about SNUG. Seems that Paul Holmgren is now President. Paul and Pete attempting to pick up the pieces, along with myself as the QL and CPM Librarian. I will supply QL and Aerco FD-68 Public Domain software at the cost of medium plus postage. Contact me directly until SNUG has the Library organized.
There is a National Sinclair ECHO on Fido Net. Access via The Serial Port BBS (313 286 0145). Lastly, after reading QL Perks & Quirks I am writing a series of articles on QJUMPS Toolkit II. You’ll be suprised at what can be done- ready in a few weeks. Tim…
Thanks Tim, will be looking forward to QJUMPS. Update always willing to help SNUG. Need continual short news releases about whats goin on.
-BJ