Well, complaining about the lack of news from S.N.U.G. has gotten me and others a four page letter from Mel Nathanson (founder). I am not going to try to copy word for word the whole letter, (it is in the December 1989, issue of Computer Shopper) but will attempt to condense it to half a page. I note that the Harrisburg (PA) TSUG newsletter (Nov. issue) has the letter completely reproduced.
Mel has noticed the nasty words and implied nasty words written by me and others. His letter is intended to answer the nasties whatever they are. SNUG most promient function would be the facilitation of the interchange of information. “We are geared toward the maintainance and betterment of the Sinclair community through information.” They were offered a magazine, lock, stock and barrel, and after much discussion felt they weren’t up to maintaining the established standards and so declined the responsiblity. Personnel problems were detailed, problems with volunteers not living up to their word, and others taking advantage of their situation. Four different individuals have attempted a newsletter for SNUG. Much time and dicussion went into the LOOKS of the publication, and little on the content. New information was the goal of each issue, but little if any was coming in. The call for new volunteers to accept and DO the assignments relate to establishing a TAX Exemption Status, an Election Committee and help with the software library, typists to compile databases, contacts to meet former soft/hardware houses to see if anything can be donate to public domain. Many volunteers can cut the job down to a few hours per individual. Mel then discussed his own attempts to sell his employer on the Z88 and of family medical and personal problems. Computer Shopper’s column on More Timex Sinclair by Michael O’Brien got much attention with a resulting backlog of replies. Basil Wentworth, Paul Holgrem and Frank Davis of the Indiana TSUG are currently carrying the ball for SNUG. All dues paid in so far, are good until January 1991. If you feel SNUG has not lived up to your expectations, Treasurer John Cushran, will refund your membership. Only address was on the envelope, S.N.U.G. 7515 Abordale Drive, Port Richey, FL 34668-2205. SO if YOU want to see S.N.U.G. succeed, the YOU must volunteer to DO something.
My condensation of the four page letter in effect amounts to an editorial, I must pick and choose what I want this article to say. Well that’s what editors do, some will publish all, some none and others, somewhere in between.
My impression of S.N.U.G is less than good. Why? Well, besides wanting to duplicate what is already being done by all the other TSUGs, what has been done? What is going to be done? And who is going to do it? What counts in this world is the deed not the intent. In the Timex-Sinclair world if you want something done, do it. Don’t hold your breath waiting for volunteers, they are few and over worked as it is. And if you have a committee, disband it, put every member to work, and never hold a committee meeting, for every idea will be talked to death.
At the CapitalFEST about 50 or so people from all over North America hoped to hear some positive information about S.N.U.G., and all we heard was election results and personal problems. After two hours of hearing individual hopes and dispare I walked out, as I see no one individual strong enough to lead such diversity of opinions. There were opposing views for every idea, and the loudest drowned out the rest. S.N.U.G. is too little, too late. If TSers want to devote their energy to S.N.U.G. and see it succeed, fine but get going and do something now, deliver the goods, and keep moving forward.
If you can get a hold of the letter and form your own opinion, write and tell Mel Nathanson, include a SASE as a courtesy if you want a reply. Replies sent here will be in the next issue of this newsletter. Promises were made, money was collected and more promises were made and where is S.N.U.G. today? – P.A.H. Editor