by Gary Smith
(C) 1984
PO Box 7668
Little Rock, AR 72217
Right now this column is little more than an idea that has been tossed about by myself and your Story Compiler, Fred Nachbaur. Whether is becomes a reality, and a continuing contribution to “SyncWare News” is strictly up to you, the reader.
I suppose before you pass judgement you should meet me and have a look at what I have to offer. So let me introduce myself. I am Gary Smith, proprietor of Hawg Wild Software (TM) and freelance writer.
Hawg Wild Software is a home computerist supply, specializing in, among other things, items for the Timex/Sinclair micros and the FORTH language (environment). We came into being by supplying XFORTH, FORTH-79 for the ZX81/TS1000. As long as these two markets remain viable, we intend to continue serving them.
I have written articles and reviews for several magazines, as well as ongoing columns for “Computer Trader Magazine” (Lambert Publishing, 1704 Sam Drive, Birmingham, AL 35235), which will parallel, but not duplicate, this column if it receives your approval and thus continues.
I do not claim to be an expert on home computers or the FORTH language, but in fact far from it. I do have some knowledge of both, and if you wish I will be happy to share that knowledge with you.
What I plan to do in “FORTH-WITH” is present FORTH in small byte-size pieces, and in a way that should help introduce FORTH to the BASIC programmer; regardless of programming ability.
Since this is a Sinclair-specific magazine, I will also restrict examples to Timex, Sinclair and Jupiter machines. FORTH itself is the most transportable language in existence, There are, however, often times that FORTH words (the basic FORTH idiom, procedure, etc.) are enhanced if they are micro and even system specific. At those times, and in those examples I will make sure they apply to “our” machines.
I mentioned XFORTH for ZX/TS, Hawg Wild also has FORTH kernels available (CP/M, VIC-20, C-64, Spectrum) or under development (TS2068, [soon to be released] QL…) for most other home computers. If you wish to order a kernel, or be placed on our mailing list, or just chat please drop me a line at the above address.
If you would like to see this column continue, please let me know direct, or through Tom or Fred at SyncWare News. I would appreciate your comments on what you want and expect in the column.
[Editor’s note: ~ The first of Gary’s parallel FORTH articles appears in the June 1984 issue of the “Trader” (CTM). Have Chet Lambert start your subscription with this one. NOW THEN… Gary’s comments are well worth heeding, not only as regards him, but also for other writers in this and other magazines. One sure way to blow away an author is to give him the feeling that he’s writing into a vacuum. If you read an article you find interesting or useful, take a few moments to write to the author and tell him so! Realize also that the only reason you’re getting “outside” authors in this mag is because they’re willing to share information. If the apparency is that you couldn’t care less, why should they continue to spend hours putting these articles together? YOU, the reader, are in control. If the author’s address isn’t given, write to SyncWare News and we’ll forward your comments. -fn]