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April 1997

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Issue AP#5

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There are times when the work and effort we put into producing AtariPhile just seems to be more than we can cope with. "Shall we stop?" Is a question we often ask! Then one of the three of us has a boost of stamina, or is inspired by a product review and his enthusiasm becomes contagious. We knew we wanted to have AP#5 published at least two weeks before the forthcoming UK Atari Shows, and thank goodnes we made it. It's usually Kev that whips us into action. I'm pleased to say that it was me, [Colin] that got things moving this time.

With this in mind we have decided not to have set publication periods for AtariPhile. In future we will simply produce an issue when we feel we have an issue in us to produce. This could mean four, five or maybe six issues a year... but it could also mean only two or three!

So, what is in store for you in AP#5?...
Two new regular articles are started. As promised in AP#4 we have part one of an HTML Tutorial by Mark Wherry. There is also CodePhile, a new regular programming slot from Robert Goldsmith. The first CodePhile is an introduction, Robert is looking for feedback and ideas of what you would like to see in his page. We were hoping to bring you a review of PhotoLine, but that will now have to wait for AP#6 as will the IRC article by Frank Charlton that Joe Connor published in Atari Computing 4.

Those of you with web browsers that support frames should be enjoying the new layout. AtariPhile is set up so that the magazine will run in a framed or unframed environment. Also, we have done away with the Content/Home buttons on every page. Use the "Back" and/or "History" options to steer your way through the magazine.

Unfortunately, part three of the POV Tutorial never arrived, and we have decided to drop the Star.Accessories slot. That to one side, we have plenty for you Atariphiles to read including a new [irregular] feature, but I'll pass you over to Kev for an explanation...

In this issue of AtariPhile we're going to try something different. Have you ever read a product review, be it hard or software and thought that it ended before you'd really learnt anything about the subject matter? It's one of the biggest disadvantages with reviews, whether they be in disk or printed mags. It is not only a problem with space, or rather the lack of it, but time. Companies selling these products want them reviewed as quickly as possible. They need to bring this new creation to public attention as quickly as possible, and who can blame them. After all their very survival may depend upon it.

What we're going to try to do is turn this method of reviewing a product on its head. We'll still be covering new products in the normal way but we're also going to occasionally revisit a piece of software or hardware in depth with our new RetroReviews. We're going to tell you how it performs once the novelty value has vanished and it's become a workhorse rather than a curiosity. Now don't worry we won't pick on ancient relics, unless they're still the only option available. It's all going to be up to date stuff. Papyrus is the subject of our first RetroReview.

We'd like feedback on this feature. If you find that reading these reviews is boring you to tears let us know. We don't know if we're on the right track unless you tell us. This brings up a good point, how do you contact us? Well if you're online we have a support echo on NeST called N.SUP.ATARIPHILE. We can also be contacted via E-mail, send your comments to; atariphile@fff.compulink.co.uk - this is our new E-mail address. If you prefer to write us a letter send them to; AtariPhile, 11 Pound Meadow, The Green, Whitchurch. Hants. RG28 7LG


Finally we would like to thank Martin Stacey and Dave Meaker of Walusoft for their continued help, support, advice and web space. Point your browser at: http://www.walusoft.co.uk/


AtariPhile is available to all. To receive a copy from us, we require a Double Density disk, a Self Addressed Envelope and TWO first class stamps [one for return postage and one towards our costs] per issue. Make sure you put enough stamps on the package to cover delivery - we refuse underpaid packages. Non-UK residents should send International Postage Coupons. AtariPhile is also available from 42BBS [on 01256-895106], Goodman's PD library [on 01782-335650], Floppyshop PD library [on 01224-312756] and the FaST Club [on 0115-945 5250].

We welcome reviews/articles written by YOU [please request a copy of our style sheet]. As we don't charge for the publication we cannot pay you, but if your article is included you will receive that issue with our compliments. You'll also have the pleasure of knowing that you have helped towards the continued support of our beloved computer. Advertisements, questions, letters, hints and tips will become regular sections as long as you supply items for inclusion. Submissions are accepted for publication only if supplied on disk in ASCII format [or Email/NetMail].

We are the FFForce!...
Kev Beardsworth
32 Chestnut Rd
Fishtoft, Boston
Lincs PE21 0BU
Colin Fisher-McAllum
11 Pound Meadow
Whitchurch
Hants RG28 7LG
Domhnall Dods
174 Waverley Crescent
Eliburn North, Livingston
West Lothian. EH54 8JT
atariphile@fff.compulink.co.uk
http://www.walusoft.co.uk/fff/
back issues available
ftp.demon.co.uk/pub/atari/atariphile/
42BBS 01256-895106


Unless stated otherwise, the content of this issue of AtariPhile
is copyright of the Falcon FacTT File © 1997


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