In our first issue of SYNC we asked you to tell us about yourselves so that we will be able to make SYNC the magazine you want. Your response to our survey has been very positive and enthusiastic. This is what you told us.
First, you told us that you did not like to have surveys printed on the other side of pages you want to keep!
Next, we found that for four out of five of you the ZX80 (or MicroAce) is the only computer you own. About half of you are having your first computer experience with the ZX80. Many admitted yielding to the desire to have a personal computer because of the low price. This enabled you to break into the computer field without making a heavy investment in equipment before you were sure that computers would be a part of your personal activities. The other half have access to a computer at work or at school.
Topping the request list for SYNC content is a strong desire for programming tips (four out of five). So if you have a program to submit, remember that your fellow SYNC readers are clearly having great fun with their ZX80s, but they are also very eager to learn how to get the most out of their machine. They see every program as a learning opportunity. You will have their deepest appreciation if you share what you have learned about programming through notes in which you point out special tips and explain the main elements in your program.
A close second in requests is for new product information. While we make every effort to find out about new products, our advertisers and readers are the main sources of information. If you have found a new product that helps you with your ZX80, please tell the seller, distributor, or manufacturer about SYNC so that we can get the news around.
About 75% of our readers want to know more about interfacing techniques and to have software tutorials. Hardware tutorials, graphics software, device control, hardware evaluations, and software evaluations are in the “very much” column for about 60%. Educational, mathematics, and business software are lower on the list with about 40%. While games make the “very much” column for 40%, “very much” and “okay” together include 90% of our readers.
Fiction, puzzles, and advertising came in at the bottom of your list for highest choice, but near the top for your second choice.
For most of our readers additional memory tops the list of planned equipment purchases for 90% with disk and printer capabilities next for 60%. Creative Computing and Byte are the most widely read computer magazines other than SYNC.
The age distribution checks show that 14% are under 20; 27%, 21-30; 31%, 31-40; 13%, 41-50; 13%, 51-60; 1% over 60. Males outnumber females 37 to 1.
Of course, all these are averages based on our survey compilations. It is clear from not only the survey, but also your letters that you have an amazing variety of interests involving your ZX80. Even though the survey summary may not show that other readers have the same special interests as you (and your comments mentioned a number of them), we invite you to share what you find with us. Your fellow readers are always looking for new things to do with their ZX80s. You may open up whole new interests, possibilities, and challenges.