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Text File | 1990-09-22 | 57.8 KB | 1,171 lines

===========##########=========###===##==#######==########============ ==================##====##====####==##==##==========##=============== ===============##=====######==##=##=##==#####=======##=============== ============##==========##====##==####==##==========##=============== ===========##########=========##===###==#######=====##=============== Z*NET ATARI ONLINE MAGAZINE September 22, 1990 Issue #538 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Acting Publisher/Editor : John Nagy Z*Net New Zealand: Jon Clarke Staff Columnists : Terry May Advertising : J K Tarpinian Z*Net Canada: Terry Schreiber Distribution : Bruce Hansford Z*Net Germany : Mike Schuetz Z*Net England : Paul Glover Contributor : Dr. Paul Keith ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CONTENTS: Acting Editor's Desk ............................John Nagy Troubled Times, mixed with great shows. Z*NET NEWSWIRE ........................................... New GEM, maybe a MEGA STE, The FLASH, and more... GLENDALE: GEM OF THE WEST .......................John Nagy Full Eyewitness Review of the West Coast Show. PUBLISHERS, DEVELOPERS THREATENED BY ELITE ......John Nagy Resolution may be soon... over 30 threats of lawsuits. WAACE SHOW UPDATE .......................Press Information THE East Coast show is COMING... ATARI WILL ATTEND! TT IMPRESSIONS .................................Jon Clarke The new GEM in DETAIL, courtesy of Z*NET NEW ZEALAND. Z*NET ECHOS: FOREM IS ALIVE! ..............Terry Schrieber Z*Net's Canadian correspondent with news from the North. CODEKEYS! ...............................Press Information The latest product from CODEHEAD SOFTWARE. )))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) The Acting Editor's Desk.... by John Nagy This is a troubled time for Z*NET and the Atari community. Threats of lawsuits are being made to many individuals (see the story below). Although it already appears that a resolution may be close, one of those so threatened is Ron Kovacs, editor and publisher of Z*NET Atari Online. His attorney has advised him to withdraw from any written contact with the Atari community until he receives a letter stating that the matter is resolved. While there is an expectation that this may be very soon, for now, Z*NET ONLINE is in my hands. We are sorry for any disruption or delay in our service which may occur due to being short-staffed. I'd like to extend my thanks for the rapid and supportive reaction of most of the Atari community to our report of the Elite lawsuit threat. It was, in my opinion, exactly what Elite needed to witness in order to re-evaluate the effectiveness of their tactics, which they claim were made to reclaim their good reputation in the community. It appears to me to have had the opposite effect. Perhaps a new plan, being made now, will be more effective and less offensive. Keep in mind that Ron and I (and all of our writers) have real-life jobs where we work hard and do what we don't necessarily want to do, in order to support ourselves and families. Z*NET is what we do in our spare time (with our spare money!) just for the pleasure of doing it. When things like this strike (and it has been all too often), the pleasure is not there. I hope Z*NET will be able to continue. This week we have a lot of GLENDALE news to cover... last week's issue was VERY late getting out due to the business of doing the show all weekend. In case you missed issue 537, it's still worth going back to get, as it covered the DEUSSELDORF Atari show (the largest in the world with tens of thousands of attendees), as well as some early Glendale impressions. Now we will cover more about the show itself, with future articles covering some of the seminars in some added depth. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~ Z*NET NEWSWIRE ~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 32 MHZ! PLUS NEW DESKTOP FOR THE TT, MEGA STe? Leonard Tramiel officially announced last weekend that the production TT030 computer would indeed have a 32 Mhz 68030 CPU, a fact reported by Z*NET over a month ago. It is expected to perform about 1.7 times faster overall than the "prototype" 16 Mhz TT's that have been sold to some developers. Another new announcement was that GEM has been totally re-written for the TT. The resulting desktop is much more versatile and pleasing to look at and work with. Developers with the old TT's are being offered both the CPU and desktop upgrades. Z*Net had an opportunity to see the new GEM and found it to be remarkably like NEODESK in appearance and operation. We talked to Gribnif Software's Rick Flashman, who confirmed that while Gribnif had no hand in the design of the TT desktop, Atari acknowledged that the public acceptance of NEODESK influenced their design concepts. Custom editable icons for any program, programs on the desktop, "live" icons that allow dragging a data file to an application to simultaneously load the application and the data, and a fancy new Control Panel are some of the features of the new desktop. It will NOT be adapted by Atari for the ST line of computers, but the new Control Panel is to become standard with the STE computers. It features clever images including a turning head wearing earphones to graphically show stereo balance, etc. Further, it is said that the MEGA STe idea is still alive at Atari, and that if it is ever committed for production, the MEGA STe will probably carry the new desktop, as the Mega line will then be seen more as "small TT's" than as "big STe's". It was observed that perhaps Atari could have left Gribnif to design a TT NEODESK, but as another developer sagely explained while pondering the fact that his own hard drive host adaptor would be unnecessary on the new TT, "It's the third party developer's place to patch holes we find in existing hardware, not to dictate where we want the holes to be in future hardware." (See a more complete look at the new TT DESKTOP later in this Z*NET.) BBS EXPRESS IS SOLD The popular BBS program, BBS Express! ST, was purchased from ICD, Inc. by Rick Taylor, a longtime Atari enthusiast and programmer, but new to the commercial scene. Written by the well respected Keith Ledbetter, and marketed by ICD since its inception, Express will now be marketed under Rick's new "T-Squared" software company. Rick is a longtime Express sysop, and has shown to be a fine programmer with his BBS utilities such as "ChatPerfect" and "Quotes." Although popular, BBS EXPRESS hasn't been updated since 1987. New development is expected to begin almost immediately on an update, but no specifics are known (even by Rick) at this time. The new support BBS number for Express is (714) 357-6806. However, it may be a few days before the conversion from personal BBS to support BBS is complete. THE FLASH PREMIERS WITHOUT ATARI Reported in Z*NET a few weeks back, the new TV series "THE FLASH" is to have Atari computers featured in many scenes... but on the premier episode last Wednesday, the only computers seen were... old IBM PC's. It may be that the pilot episode was filmed some time before the rest, and that Atari's will be seen on later shows. A question that comes to mind is "who will see them"? "The Flash" is slotted against THE SIMPSONS and COSBY. Can you say "Cancelled"? I knew that you could. NEW FLASH TO PREMIER A wholly different FLASH, this one the telecom program favored by most Atari users, will soon be updated to version 2.0 by Antic Software. Rumored for some time, START MAGAZINE's Tom Byron spilled the details at lunch at the Glendale Atari Show. SOON. BETTER. More when we can tell it to you. NEW CALAMUS From Nathan Potechin comes news of availability of a new version of CALAMUS, the very popular Desktop Publisher. New features in it are a Text Raster option (text can be any shade or intensity) and the ability to define the weight of a text outline. The overall speed and stability has been enhanced as well . Calamus 1.09N is now available for release. For the first time since December 1988, there will be a charge to update: US $29.95 or $34.95 CDN. Visa, Mastercard or Money Orders only. Further, Nathan adds that he picked up another clip art library. Again it's GEM Metafiles. This new library (#3) has a selection of over 300 files and will cost US $49.95 or $59.95 CDN. MIRTHFUL FONTS CLOSES; BLOWOUT SALE (PRESS RELEASE) "It's True. Almost a year ago I purchased the Calamus Font Editor and soon thereafter I began work on a Cyrillic version of Times. Then came Opiate, then Carolina, then a few more. In all twelve font families have come out under the Mirthful Fonts! label. As many of you know, I have recently joined the Cherry Fonts team. I had always been impressed with Todd and Gregg's work - and not a little envious! - and apparently they liked my work too. The hook-up was natural and the offer was just too sweet to pass up. (By the way, Cherry Baskerville is now available!). Anyway, the upshot of this all is that I have a whole bunch of disks, a whole lot of labels, and a lot of other things that I just want to get rid of and to do that I am offering a special deal on the purchase of the entire set of fonts en masse. You get all of the various cuts (39 total!) for just $50! Isn't that absolutely shocking?! Send/Make Payable To: Mark N. Crislip Box 5311 Columbia, SC 29250. Offer ends October 17, so act now!" CHERRY FONTS UPDATE - Press Release "It came to our attention that a bug in earlier versions of our font rendering software causes our previously released fonts to react adversely to the new version 1.09n of Calamus (Sept. 90). If you're a registered user of any Cherry Fonts, and expect to order this new version of Calamus then you'll need to contact us and request the updated fonts. The update is FREE! We can only replace the fonts that we have received the registration cards for. If you have bought lots and only sent in one card we can only replace the fonts represented by THAT registration card. Its serial number is coded to let us know which FontPak it was in. Make sure you send in ALL of your registration cards (throw them in an envelope and save on postage!) If you bought directly from us before we used registration cards then we have your purchase information on file. Simply drop us a line and request the update. Cherry Fonts, Unit #4 - 2250 Tyner Street, Port Coquitlam, B.C., Canada V3C 2Z1 Phone: (604)944-2923" EPSON OFFERS PORTABILITY AND PERFORMANCE Epson announced a 5.8-pound personal computer that includes an 80386SX processor, black-on-white VGA graphics, a 3.5-inch floppy disk drive and a 20 MB or 40 MB hard drive. The Epson NB3s includes standard I/O ports that allow it to connect to serial and parallel printers, external VGA monitor or a numeric keypad, and the 20 MB and 40 MB hard disk drives are removable. The NB3s has a black-on-white screen that produces 16 shades of gray with 640-by-480 resolution. Available in late 1990, and will be displayed at the Comdex show in Las Vegas, Nov. 12-16. NIPPON BRANCHES INTO COMPUTER BUSINESS Nippon Steel announced this week that it would start to market portable computers in the United States in November and granted $15 million in funding for its new U.S. subsidiary to promote the sale of the computer. TOSHIBA DEVELOPS NEW HARD-DISK Toshiba announced a new hard-disk drive for small personal computers this week and claiming it more than doubled the capacity of conventional 2.5-inch drives currently available on the market. The new drive has a memory capacity of 43 megabytes compared with the maximum storage capacity of around 20 megabytes on existing 2.5-inch hard-disk drives. )))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) GLENDALE: GEM OF THE WEST ------------------------- Show Review by John Nagy Billed as "Perhaps the Largest Atari Show Ever in the USA", the Southern California Atari Computer Faire, version 4.0b, also called the GLENDALE SHOW delivered at least part of the promise. While less than 3,000 total visitors filled the huge Glendale Civic Auditorium on September 15 and 16, those who came saw more ST developers and dealers than had ever been assembled for previous domestic Atari shows. Over 40 exhibitors and groups filled 55 floor tables plus the entire stage in this fourth in the series of user-group Atari shows held in Glendale. As before, the host for the show was John King Tarpinian and the HACKS Atari Computer Club, although many other clubs were also represented at the Glendale Show. Official paid attendance was 1607 on Saturday, and 852 on Sunday for a total of 2,459. It is estimated that as many as 200 more visitors were admitted each day without tickets, due to working at the show or via press passes, to courtesy passes, or to whining. Although a smaller turnout than was anticipated, the show was a roaring success when measured by sales, satisfaction, and participation. Most vendors reported significantly higher sales at Glendale than at any recent Atari show of any size. A major reason for the high spirits that prevailed throughout the show was the dynamic involvement of Atari in all parts of the show. Attending to the large and varied Atari Corporation booth that took the entire stage of the auditorium were Bob Brodie, Don Thomas, Art Morgan, Ken Badertscher, Dan MacNamee, John Townsend, and more. Even Leonard Tramiel and Elie Kenan (the new Manager of Atari USA) spent all day Saturday at the show, talking to visitors, looking at displays, participating in seminars, interviewing developers, and generally adding whatever they could to make the show succeed. Seminars were very well received, with Bob Brodie kicking off the first one on Saturday with a polished and personal talk, while Leonard Tramiel kibitzed from the sidelines. Bob gave us hope for what is to come from Atari under Elie Kenan. Other highlights of the seminars: Dave Small singing Neil Young favorites while reminiscing about MAC emulation coding; Rick Flashman debuting NEODESK 3 to an amazed audience; a frank talk about the TT given solo by Leonard Tramiel; a panel of developers in the IAAD talking about how they can work together to help us all; and a panel of ST magazine publishers. Look for detailed reports of a few of these seminars in coming weeks in Z*NET. Highlights from the show floor - exhibitors and what they brought with them: ATARI CORPORATION: Filling the stage with all the current hardware, and a special mini-studio setup featuring the HOTZ MIDI TRANSLATOR was manned by Jimmy Hotz throughout the show. LYNX PLAYGROUND: Continuous play at dozens of LYNX machines on new release game titles (and even several that are not yet available to the public!) covered the entire area in front of the stage. AMERICAN MUSIC: This North Hollywood music dealer is also one of the country's largest movers of Atari hardware. They showed the latest in MIDI and music applications and were frequently surrounded in name musicians. BECKEMEYER DEVELOPMENT TOOLS: One of the original developers of Atari ST software, Beckemeyer now offers a range of systems that allow a unix-like multitasking environment for the Atari. They also talked a lot about their new systems that will be compatible with the TT030. BEST ELECTRONICS: Brad Koda brought his amazing collection of bargain Atari trinkets, parts, and products for every need you might imagine. BILL SKURSKI ENTERPRISES: Bill's books and videotapes on using the Atari computers have helped thousands of new users. BRE: Brad Roltgen offered a remarkable and massive library of public domain and shareware disks and popular commercial software at great discounts. BRANCH ALWAYS SOFTWARE: Seattle based Branch Always Software offered the world premiere release of Quick ST 2.2 at Glendale. CODEHEAD SOFTWARE: CodeHead debuted a brand new product at Glendale called "CodeKeys". A press release is elsewhere in this issue of Z*NET. COMPUTER NETWORK: The newest Atari dealer in Southern California, Computer Network hadn't even held their grand opening before the show. They literally brought the store, and set up walls of racks for a very large assortment of hardware and software deals. COMPUTER OFFICE PRODUCTS: Another dealer, this one offered eye-popping assortments of MEGA-COIL colorful extension cables for Mega Keyboards. D.A. BRUMLEVE: Although her luggage was missing for Saturday's showing, Dorothy Brumleve did well in sales of her programs focusing on children. A new title in her line, TELEGRAM, was able to be shown and sold Sunday, when her bags arrived at the hotel. Dot remained chipper, regardless. DOUBLE CLICK: Makers of DC DESKTOP and DC UTILITIES, Double Click offered their innovative utilities at attractive prices. GADGETS BY SMALL: New from Gadgets for Glendale was MEGATALK. Retailing for $299, it was sadly NOT available for sale. Dave and Sandy Small also gave us a look at the newest version of the SPECTRE GCR software, version 3.0! The 68030 board was not shown. GOLDLEAF: The first true "document processor" for the Atari, WORDFLAIR, had a new version released for the first time at the Glendale show. Version 1.1 is smaller, faster, and has utilities included to help make it easier to use. GRIBNIF SOFTWARE: New for Glendale was NEODESK 3! This evolution of the Atari desktop was one of the most popular items at the show and sold like wildfire. GROVE SCHOOL OF MUSIC: Offering classes both in music and computer application in music. Interesting! ICD, INC.: The first showing of ADSPEED, ICD's new hardware accelerator for any ST or MEGA computer, was at Glendale. The $299 board was profiled in ZNET #536, and drew lots of attention and orders. It should be available for sale at WAACE in October. THE KING'S DOMAIN: Another public domain software company, they sold lots. MICHTRON: One of the oldest and best known developers, importers, and distributors of Atari software, Michtron offered good deals to the public and to other dealers as well. Rumor has it that Michtron might be bought by Talon, the original Supercharger importer. MID-CITIES: Another major dealer in the Los Angeles area, they had a very large display and a very good price schedule. MIGRAPH: Liz and Kevin Mitchell showed off the Hand Scanner with Touch-Up. Dazzling on the Moniterm! NEOCEPT: WORD UP version 3.0 has been a hit in its several months of release, and sold well. RIO/DATEL: A major distributor of unique hardware and software for the ST, RIO/DATEL also was selling the SUPERCHARGER IBM emulator. Talon, thought to be the exclusive importer, said that this was a limited (500 unit) test by the makers of Supercharger. SOFT-AWARE: Richard Skraley demonstrated and sold the remarkably easy to use relational, graphic database system called THE INFORMER II. SOFT-LOGIK/SAFARI FONTS: Jay Pierstorff of the Computer Safari displayed his original PAGESTREAM FONTS and represented SoftLogik. SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT SYSTEMS: A new developer offering a new databasing system for the home. SLICCWARE: Another desktop replacement system, SliccTop will be a multitasking environment... when it is finished. Looked promising, but it has been shown incomplete for many months. SPROKITS: Tim Lewis has a variety of original and imported items for the Atari line, including custom travel cases for everything from the LYNX and the STACY up through monitors and hard drives. ST INFORMER: The popular monthly newspaper/magazine of the Atari world, here to participate and to report for the next issue. ST INFORMER also is the developer of the UNIVERSAL ITEM SELECTOR, and they showed a UNIVERSAL NETWORK system that will allow any network system to be interconnected. Although not finished, it looked promising. ST JOURNAL: The newest ST magazine, featuring comprehensive reviews and a no-playing-around attitude, ST JOURNAL offered their third issue even before general release. They sold 700 copies... that's one for every four people in attendance! TALON: Original importers of the amazing SUPERCHARGER IBM EMULATOR for the Atari, Talon showed how versatile it is. WUZTEK: The respected makers of Multisynch Monitors for the Atari, WUZTEK showed "Softswitch", which for the first time lets your color AND monochrome programs co-exist! Also, their DEKA PC keyboard adapter. XOTERIX: A newcomer to the Atari market, Xoterix offers applications and hardware for the tiny PORTFOLIO computer, including a 20 meg hard drive! It was remarkable! Can a local area network be far behind? ZUBAIR INTERFACES: Affordable and versatile memory upgrades and now Z-KEYS, an IBM keyboard adapter for any ST, were offered by Zubair. Also showing ATONCE, the 80286 IBM board for the Atari, which looked like a jewel of engineering. Zubair also showed their hand scanner, to be available soon with software from Germany that will be real competition for MIGRAPH. User group tables were busy all through the show, and there were plenty of candidates for membership. John King Tarpinian tells Z*NET that only one in 20 attending the show used the $2 user group discount, which was posted clearly and promoted in all advertising. Advertising for the show was in both the major L.A. newspapers as well as on a popular rock music radio station. Atari invested over $20,000 in the advertising, managing it directly from Sunnyvale. The "disappointing turnout" is only one of comparative degree... the Glendale show did as well as any other "major show" this year. It may be that the shrinking userbase of Atari computers, along with the growing attitude of "computers as appliances" is cutting the interested public back to where 3,000 is all one can hope to reach at such a show. Overall, the Glendale show was largest, best organized, most positive event held on the West Coast in years... more proof that User Group shows need never be "second rate". ))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) Z*NET NEWS SPECIAL REPORT ------------------------- PUBLISHERS, DEVELOPERS, USERS THREATENED WITH LIBEL SUIT BY ATARI ELITE - RESOLUTION MAY BE NEAR coverage by John Nagy Z*NET offered a Z*BREAK special report this week with news of legal threats to many individuals in the Atari community. Due in part to the immediate outcry of concern on the part of developers, users, and Atari Corporation officials, that threat has been at least placed on hold. Here is the original text of out Z*BREAK (#10) - Please note that the text of the actual letter has been corrected for spelling in this release, a fact not known to Z*NET when it was published. The original letters have many obvious typing and spelling errors. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Z*BREAK #10, 9/19/90 Z*NET publisher Ron Kovacs, ST children's programs developer D.A. Brumleve, and reportedly as many as 31 other persons, publishers, and companies in the Atari community have been sent letters from ATARI ELITE's attorney, threatening legal action for libel. Atari Elite is a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Atari club that was named in numbers of allegations of piracy related activity affecting the PACE Atari show, held in April '90. The show had the lowest attendance of any nationally promoted Atari show to date, and some observers tied both the failure of the show and what appeared to them to be widespread open piracy to the Elite group. Many well known persons in the Atari community commented or questioned those commenting. Z*NET and other media covered the event with reprints of several messages from both sides of the resulting dispute. Now, those persons and companies are being served an ultimatum: present a public admission and apology or see the Elite in Court. Here is an excerpt of a typical letter: ------------------------- WILLIAM E. SPEAKMAN, JR. AND ASSOCIATES ATTORNEYS AT LAW WASHINGTON TRUST BUILDING WASHINGTON, PENNSYLVANIA 15301 (412) 228-4465 September 12, 1990 REGULAR AND CERTIFIED MAIL This office represents The Atari Elite and has been retained to seek redress from you and others for defamatory utterances and writings. You have apparently disseminated to the general public statements which indicate that it is the policy of the Atari Elite and the practice of its members to: 1. Engage in criminal conduct. 2. Consciously and repeatedly violate copyright laws. 3. Disparage other user groups and attempt to sabotage an annual show. Particularly shocking is the fact that you have little, if any, first hand knowledge of the facts. Your assertions were evidently based on secondary and tertiary sources. You actually published unsubstantiated defamatory remarks, obviously without making any effort to verify the veracity of them. Your actions constitute libel per se which renders them actionable without necessity of showing damages. I am authorized to inform you that the board of directors of The Atari Elite will consider the matter closed if you issue a public apology and admit your accusations of piracy and other misconduct were baseless and without foundation in fact. Should you not make the apology and admission, the board has authorized me to institute suit to seek vindication and damages through the legal process. If the apology and admission is not made by October 12, 1990, I will conclude that you do not intend to do it and will proceed accordingly. The lawsuit, if filed, will name you and others as defendants. Very truly yours, William E. Speakman, Jr. WES:bcm cc: The Atari Elite ----------- Mr. Speakman is not presently available for comment. It seems to Z*NET that this letter is more of an attempt to prevent fair comment than to promote fair investigation. Ms. Brumleve and Z*NET have not as yet formulated their response to this threat against free speech and freedom of the press. We encourage all developers or others who may have received similar letters from the Elite to contact Ron Kovacs as soon as possible. We have not been given a list of those who are being threatened, and we are concerned that the letter may pressure some recipients to admit to acts or opinions that may be untrue, perhaps even to the detriment of other recipients who wish to preserve their legal rights in this matter. Preliminary reaction at Z*NET has been a decision to suspend any further coverage or attendance of any future user group Atari show until such time as the legal rights and limits of liabilities can be determined. Z*Net has also received word that Atari Corporation is now considering taking a similar stance and may cancel their WAACE appearance scheduled for October, pending verification of the situation and charges being made. Atari's Bob Brodie attended the PACE show and was one of the many who was vocal about the show, and it is not known at this time if Brodie or Atari are among those who are to be threatened by ELITE. Anyone affected by this situation is encouraged to call Ron Kovacs immediately in order to help reach a group consensus on appropriate action. Ron Kovacs: (908) 968-2024 (Voice, courteous evening hours and weekends Eastern time, please.) BBS: (908) 968-8148 24 hours. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> (End of Z*BREAK #10) Almost instantly upon the posting of this report, the Atari community mobilized in both word and deed, and Atari Elite was made to know that if their intent by this action was to clear their name, it was NOT working! After many calls, major discussion of the situation at an online conference on GEnie, and messages on GEnie and BBS's, the community made it's point clearly. Interference in the WAACE show due to ELITE's action would be VERY badly taken. Finally, Bob Brodie of Atari came forward with a public joint statement for Atari and the Elite. Here is the complete text: >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> The following is a joint statement from Atari Computer Corporation, and the Atari Elite user group. ******************************************************************* There has been concern in the Atari community this past week concerning the upcoming W.A.A.C.E. Atarifest, and Atari Corporation's planned appearance there. There has also been concern regarding the threat of some legal action by the Atari Elite user group against a number of individuals, as reported by Z*Net. From Atari's standpoint, the company did not want to find themselves embroiled in another highly charged emotional confrontation, like they did at the PACE Show. At the PACE Show, a large wound was inflicted on the Atari community. Allegations of flagrant piracy were made, and the people of the Pittsburgh area were outraged by all the inflammatory dialogue concerning their community. The Atari Elite had made it known to Atari Corporation some time ago that they felt the accusations against them were in fact groundless. Bob Brodie agreed to listen to their side of the story. The president of the Atari Elite, John Karlovich, promised to send information to Bob Brodie that would demonstrate that the Atari Elite was not the type of group that they have been portrayed to be. However, the material has not yet been received by Brodie. Apparently it has been lost in the mail. Without the material that they Atari Elite has promised, Bob Brodie has taken the position that none of the material exists, and that the Atari Elite has made empty promises. The Atari Elite has taken steps to rectify this, and has assured that the material to prove their position will be delivered to Brodie no later than the W.A.A.C.E. Atarifest. In the aftermath of the PACE Show, many people have the impression that the Atari Elite is an organization whose sole purposes are to operate a lending library of commercial software, and to promote software piracy. The Atari Elite is very upset about this misconception, and after much consideration, retained an attorney to seek legal redress. The attorney was instructed to review the information that had circulated among the Atari community, and to seek a public apology from those that had defamed, slandered, or otherwise injured the Atari Elite. At the conclusion of his examination of the evidence, the attorney for the Atari Elite issued letters to a number of people. The letters demanded a public apology from these individuals. If an apology was not received by a particular date, the letter threatened legal action. Unfortunately, the attorney was not advised of the impact to the Atari community of this action just before another show. As is now known, the letters arrived less than one month before the W.A.A.C.E. Atarifest. Bob Brodie of Atari Corporation had been told by the membership of the Atari Elite months ago that they had chartered a bus for the W.A.A.C.E. AtariFest, and would be there in large numbers. At the time, Brodie did not have any problem with that, as he was hopeful of seeing another side of the group than had been projected. However, with the promised material of the Atari Elite not delivered, plus the threatening of a suit just before the show, Brodie felt that the group was determined to cause havoc at the W.A.A.C.E. Show. Rather than permit that to happen, Brodie reported to his superiors his concerns, and consideration was given to not attending the W.A.A.C.E. Atarifest. From Atari Corporation's position, the time would be better spent preparing for the 1990 Fall Comdex than dealing with another controversial show. Naturally, the organizers for the W.A.A.C.E. Atarifest were appalled to learn that Atari Corporation might withdraw from the show. Atari Corporation had committed thousands of dollars to the show for print and radio advertising, a large contingent of personnel, equipment for developer use during the show, and promised developers access to the new TT computers in a private setting for de-bugging sessions. Atari had also proposed a contest for Lynx players, where Atari would award a Lynx to winners in the competition. Clearly, the withdrawal of Atari Corporation's support would be a major blow to the shows chances for success. Further, as developers learned of this possibility, they began considering not attending the show. The Atari Elite was contacted, and questioned about their intentions for the show. They had not taken into consideration the timing of the attorney's letter, and not considered the impact on the W.A.A.C.E. Atarifest. When informed of Atari Corporation's intentions, they quickly realized that they could once again be painted as scapegoats for a disastrous east coast show. This was not the intention of the Atari Elite. All that they were seeking was a public apology that they feel they deserve. Further, John Karlovich, president of the Atari Elite had been under the impression that all of the material promised to Brodie had long ago been delivered. During a telephone conference call with ST-Report, the Atari Elite and Atari Corporation have established a working agreement for this problem. The Atari Elite has promised to attend and promote the W.A.A.C.E. Atarifest. The Atari Elite has given assurances that they will not be a disruptive influence at the show. The Atari Elite has further agreed to instruct their attorney to notify all parties that received letters threatening suit that all action is being postponed. At the W.A.A.C.E. Atarifest, John Karlovich of the Atari Elite will meet with Elie Kenan and Bob Brodie of Atari Corporation to resolve these problems. Atari Corporation has agreed to attend and support the show in the fashion originally planned. The Atari Elite is pleased to have an opportunity to present their case to the new head of Atari's U.S. subsidiary, and recognizes the magnitude of this offer. To conclude, both Atari Corporation and the Atari Elite wish to express their sincere apologies to the organizers of the W.A.A.C.E. Atarifest and to the rest of the Atari community for any problems that their actions may have caused. Both organizations wish to encourage everyone to attend the W.A.A.C.E. Atarifest. This is the first time a show on the east coast that has received this level of support and involvement from Atari Corporation. Let us makes this a time of coming together for the Atari community to resolve any other problems in a productive manner. We are grateful to ST-Report and Z*Net for their involvement in the resolution of this matter. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(End of Joint Statement) While Z*NET is pleased to see that the WAACE SHOW is not threatened any longer, the legal threat to those who received the letters is only "on hold" until the meeting at WAACE. This is not completely reassuring. Some readers have asked why this particular threat is being treated more seriously than several other lawsuit that have been bandied about before. Our position is that this one is very different than any before - it is by user groups against other users. It symbolizes a major split with the tradition of teamwork and common goals within the Atari community. As such, the Elite threat may mark a turning point in coverage and treatment of Atari events in the online and print press. We will continue to follow this story here in Z*NET. )))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) READER COMMENTARY by Mike Brown This is in reply to your recent bulletin regarding legal action by the "Atari Elite". In my opinion, this legal action will serve no useful purpose at this time - such action only further tarnishes the image of not only the parties initiating the action, but the entire Atari community. The PACE show episode was injurious to many parties, and now, just as the injury appears to be healing, it is re-opened by this unprecedented legal action. Like it or not, Usergroups and those who promote Usergroup shows are subject to the glare of public exposure and opinion. This is a risk that we must accept in our attempts to serve our membership, and educate the public about Atari and their products. We must face the comments, good or bad about our efforts, like adults, and take appropriate steps to change those things that the public and media feel are wrong and improper. It is particularly unfortunate that a side result of this legal action is a re-evaluation of participation by Atari Corp in Usergroup shows. Now is the time when Atari Corp needs to be encouraged to step up its support of Usergroup shows, not to be discouraged and made to feel threatened. As you know, LCACE (of which I am an active member, officer and board member), is well along in the process of organizing "Chicago AtariFest" for November 11th of this year. One of the last things that we (or any other show organizer for that matter) needs to face, is fear of legal action against their show or participants in the show. There are enough work and risks involved in producing Atari-related shows for the public without these additional concerns. As a temporary measure, I will propose to our board that we formulate some sort of a document that will protect the rights of our participants and the press to make fair and honest statements or opinions relating to our show. Our exhibitor contracts currently state that "no pictures or recordings may be taken of the show for the purpose of advertising without written permission of the (above named) show organizers"; this is the only statement we currently have in writing that fits coverage of our shows by media or participants. I'm looking for guidance in the wording of this proposed document, so any help, other ideas, or opinions would be appreciated. If any organized protest against the proposed legal actions by the "Atari Elite" comes about, I and LCACE would "be interested" in participating. Mike Brown, Lake County Atari Computer Enthusiasts ))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) WAACE AtariFest '90 - Update and Vendor List -------------------------------------------- (from Press Releases) The Washington Area Atari Computer Enthusiasts will hold WAACE AtariFest 1990 on October 6 and 7 1990. This event will be the premier East Coast event for people who are interested in software and hardware for Atari computers. The show will be staged at the Sheraton Reston Hotel in Reston, VA. Show hours will be from 10 am to 7 pm on both days. In addition to the shopping bargains available from approximately thirty vendors there will be a full round of demonstrations, tutorials, and seminars. A banquet on Saturday evening will feature Charles Johnson of CodeHead Software with the topic, "Atari Through the LOoking Glass" and Current Notes Magazine's "Author of the Year" award. Special mixers will cap off the evening's festivities. Approximately 3000 visitors from all over the USA, Canada, and other foreign countries attended the 1989 edition of the show. Admission charges are $5 for one day, with a 2-day pass available at $7. A discount rate is available for ticket purchases by user groups. Children under 12 will be admitted free. The Sheraton Reston Hotel is a spacious, attractive facility located in a parklike setting near Washington, DC. The hotel is offering a special room rate of $59 per night plus tax to Fest goers who reserve by August 6th. The hotel room rate includes 2-day passes to the show for room occupants. Call 703-620-9000 for reservations. Be sure to mention AtariFest '90. The WAACE show has established itself as the premier Atari event for East Coast Atari fans. Bob Brodie, Atari Corporation's, goodwill ambassador, has labelled the WAACE show as one of the two "must see" events for Atarians held in the USA. AtariFest '90 Vendor List as of 16 September, 1990 Alpha Systems Application & Design Software Atari Corp Best Electronics Branch Always Software Chuck Levin Music Center Codehead Software Computer Digest Current Notes, Inc D. A. Brumleve Data Innovations Debonair Software Double Click Software Dr Bobware FAST Technology Frontier Software (UK) Gadgets By Small GEnie Goldleaf Publishing, Inc Gribnif Software ICD ISD Marketing, Inc Joppa Computer Products L & Y Electronics Michtron SLICCware Step Ahead Software, Inc Talon Technology, Inc Toad Computers WizWorks! Zubair, Inc 1990 WAACE Atarifest Seminar List Saturday, October 6 11:00 AM "Live & Uncensored: Sex, Lies and Video Games"; Mike Vederman & Paul Lee, Double Click Software 12:00 PM "Desktop Publishing with Calamus"; Nathan Potechin, ISD Marketing, President 1:00 PM "Atari Corporation : Live!"; Bob Brodie, Atari Corporation, Manager of User Group Services 2:00 PM "Everything you've wanted to know about Wordflair & Wordflair II"; Lauren Flanagan-Sellers, Goldleaf Publishing 3:00 PM "Neodesk 3: The Ultimate Desktop"; Rick Flashman & Dan Wilga, Gribnif Software 4:00 PM "ST Report"; Ralph Mariano, ST Report Online Magazine, Publisher 5:00 PM "Mass Storage Devices for the Atari ST"; David Troy, Toad Computers Sunday, October 7 11:00 AM "Introduction to Desktop Publishing using Timeworks Publisher ST"; Joe Waters, Current Notes Magazine, Publisher 12:00 PM "Kid Progs"; D.A. Brumleve 1:00 PM "Atari Corporation: Technically Speaking!"; John Townsend, Ken Badertscher and Cary Gee, Atari Corporation Technical Staff 2:00 PM "Software Acceleration"; Darek Mihocka, Branch Always Software 3:00 PM "The GOOD Way to Back Up Your Hard Drive"; Jeff Lomika, Tid Bit Software 4:00 PM "Software that Shines"; J. Andrej Wrotniak, Debonair Software 5:00 PM "International Association of Atari Developers"; Featuring members of International Association of Atari Developers headed by president Nathan Potechin of ISD Marketing ((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~ TT IMPRESSIONS ~~~ COMPILED BY JON CLARKE ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This is a message captured from UseNet and written by Tomas Felner. From: felner@b.inf.ethz.ch (Tomas Felner) Subject: TT desktop & prices Today I finally had a chance to see the 32MHz TT live on a big trade show here in Switzerland. What impressed me most and what seems not to be known so far to the general public, is the new TT desktop. Do you like shells like NeoDesk and Gemini? Well, now you can have most of their functionality on your TT, in the official Atari TT TOS. Here are some first impressions from the new desktop after playing around with the TT for about an hour: - quite a few new menu entries have been added in the desktop - most (all?) menu entries can be invoked with a single keystroke and those keys are user configurable - you can assign a full pathname to the function keys and thus invoke your favourite programs with a single function key keystroke - you can now have an unsorted index (nice for auto folders) - you can choose the background color from a menu entry - there's a menu entry 'Desktop Configuration' where you can set and configure quite a few things, which I don't all remember - you can select a number of logical drives and then search for a file/ folder on all those drives. When the search was successful, a window with the file/folder opens. And this search is very fast! - you can read another .INF file and change the look of the desktop - you can switch between several different color tables - you can have a different border, text and background color for each part of a window (like close button, expand button, title bar, vertical scrollbar, left arrow, up arrow, etc ...) - you can drag any files on the desktop, leave them there, assign different icons to them, and give them different names (i.e. move the 1stWord icon to the upper left corner, change the icon to something cute looking, and name it "Wordprocessor") - those icons apparently can be edited somehow and you can add you own ones (I didn't see this but someone told me) - there's a completely new control accessory with many new options - there's a new and fast GDOS - and probably there's a lot more I didn't find out about ... I really liked all those new features. I am only surprised that no one ever mentioned this so far. How come? The version I played with was in German. Maybe it's a product of Atari Germany and not yet available in English, but I have no idea? Anyway, congratulations to those Atari hackers (Ken, Alan ?) who came up with this!!! But now for the big question: Are those poor users who cannot afford to get a TT also going to see this new desktop on their 520, 1040 and Megas? If the answer is yes, when is this going to be the case? And here comes an answer to the question 'How much will I pay for a TT?'. The following are the official prices from Atari Switzerland. The TT is supposed to start selling these days here in Switzerland (and also in Germany I think). (US$ 1.- = SFr. 1.30) Basic set: TT, 68030, 32MHz, 40MB disk, 720KB floppy, mouse, keyboard Basic set with 4MB: SFr. 4990.- (US$ 3850.-) 6MB: SFr. 5690.- (US$ 4380.-) 8MB: SFr. 6290.- (US$ 4850.-) Extra: PTC1426 Multisync color screen, 14" SFr 990.- (US$ 760.-) PTM146 Mono screen, 14" SFr 330.- (US$ 250.-) TTM194 Mono screen, 19", 1280x960 SFr 1890.- (US$ 1450.-) So, a 4MB multisync system is approx US$ 4600.- an 8MB multisync system is approx US$ 5600.- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Tomas Felner, felner@inf.ethz.ch Disclaimer: I am not affiliated to Atari at all. I am just a user who reports to the net what he has seen on a big trade show in Switzerland. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~ Z*NET ECHOES ~~~ BY TERRY SCHREIBER ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Z*NET CANADA CORRESPONDENT FOREM ALIVE AND KICKING - UPDATE Yes FoRem BBS is alive and doing better all the time. The program is being updated and with the current conflicts in regards to Turbo BBS we might see some users switching back. Full Moon is now the official Support BBS for FoReM ST and FoReM PC. Please direct your questions, problems and bug reports to me. If you wish to have access to the recent updates of FoReM ST by Bill Turner you must do one of the following: 1) Mail a copy of your original receipt for FoReM ST to Bill Turner or to me: STeve Rider 20 Cargill Ave Worcester MA 01610 2) Mail a copy of the front cover of your FoReM manual to Bill Turner or myself. 3) Convince Bill Turner or myself that you are a legitimate owner of FoReM. Describe in detail from whom you purchased FoReM and explain why you cannot meet one of the criteria above. These cases will be treated on an individual basis. This procedure will give you access ONLY to Beta versions of FoReM and the now released general update which is version 2.5.1a of FoReM ST. Bill Turner is now producing further enhancements to FoReM ST. Access to these NEW versions (above version 2.5) will be given only to those who have submitted payment of a $40 per year upgrade fee to Bill Turner. (Do not send payments for upgrades to me please!) Bill Turner's address is: 211 Echo Lake Rd. Watertown CT 06795 New customers purchasing FoReM from me will be shipped whatever version is most currently released. The price will remain $74.95 + $5.00 S&H even after Bill adds new features. If you are running a copy of FoReM which you obtained in other than a legal fashion please consider purchasing FoReM which will instantly give you access to updates here. FOREM ORDER FOREM Version desired (circle one) FoReM ST FoReM PC Type of diskette (circle one) If ordering FoReM PC 360K 5.25" 1.2meg 5.25" 720K 3.5" If ordering FoReM ST SSDD 3.5" DSDD 3.5" (please note, depending on the media you select we will try to include at no extra charge some popular PD or shareware utilities as well ) Your name ________________________________________________ BBS Name (optional) ______________________________________ BBS phone number (optional) ______________________________ Your street address ______________________________________ Your City and State/Province _____________________________ Your country (if other than US) __________________________ [note, P.O. boxes may not be used, all orders shipped UPS] (In case I need to reach you) (optional) Your Voice phone number __________________________________ Price is $79.95 ($74.95 + $5.00 Shipping and Handling) Payment must be made in form of cash or check made out to: Stephen Rider Send completed form to: Stephen Rider 20 Cargill Ave Worcester MA 01610 We will ship the most current released version of FoReM ST or PC. You will be welcome to call Full Moon BBS for various programs which are often used with FoReM such as doors, the FNet mailer, CrossNet and more. Full Moon can be reached at (508) 752-1348 at speeds up to HST/9600. ATARI IN RESEARCH I originally wrote this article for the Puget Sound Atari News for people who were complaining that the Atari wasn't taken seriously, but a friend of mine was asking about Vax emulation on the ST so here is a short article covering both. TRIUMF at the University of British Columbia is a large Cyclotron or particle accelerator that is used in nuclear research. They use a mainframe VAX system which is networked into over two hundred Atari ST's throughout the complex. The Atari is used as a terminal running the ST 640 VAX emulation software. The ST's are networked through the serial ports to the main computer. The VT640 emulator allows for graphics so that any part being designed can be shown on screen an rotated on an "X" or "Y" axis. Most systems in use are monochrome because of the resolution permitted. Look for VT640.ARC on Genie, Z-Net BBS or your local bulletin board. MORE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS Quality Learning Systems developers of "Schoolware" educational software for the MacIntosh and IBM markets is looking into the Atari market. In a discussion with Kelly Kroeker (Chief Executive Officer) I pointed out the merits of the Atari systems pricing and ease of use for the younger market as well as the programs that were now available for the Atari. Kelly informed me that should they decide to release an Atari version that the developement time would be minimal as most of the program was written in Turbo C and could probably be brought accross with minimal effort. Quality Learning Systems Unit "D", 151 Front Street Penticton B.C. Canada V2A 1H8 (604) 492-2592 ))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) PRESS RELEASE: Announcing: *-----------------------------* | | | CodeKeys - The Macro Tool | | | *-----------------------------* THE LATEST ADDITION TO CODEHEAD'S STREAMLINED FLEET OF LUXURY VEHICLES There are other keyboard macro programs available for the Atari ST, but we at CodeHead could not find one that has the features, compatibility, ease of use, and flexibility that we like, so we put Charles F. Johnson to work and he has created a brand new macro program worthy of the CodeHead name. Macros are sequences of keypresses and mouse actions which can be "played back" by simply pressing a key or combination of keys. CodeKeys consists of an AUTO folder program and an accessory. Here are some of its features: o Record or play back macros at _any_ time, no matter where you are, in or out of any application, GEM or TOS. o Macros can be recorded in real time for realistic playback with exact timings. o Any combination of keypresses may be used as the "trigger" key to start a macro's playback. o Any combination of keypresses and mouse button presses, along with mouse positions and timings, can be included in your macros. o Macros can be later edited to tighten timings and make them fly. o Full macro editing features include copy, cut, paste, replace, delete, and append. o The CodeKeys accessory has keyboard commands for all functions. o Up to 32 macros can be defined with up to 128 events each. o Macro definition files can be loaded and saved. o Macros can call other macros for incredible power and flexibility. o Repeating and delayed macros allow automated tasks such as periodic saving of data files within applications. o Macros can be played automatically upon bootup. o CodeKeys can be disabled or re-enabled at any time. o A special feature allows HotWire users to automatically load macro files for use with specific programs. o Macros may be named, displayed on screen, and printed for handy reference. o Resolution-dependent macro definition files can be automatically loaded for 6 different resolutions. o CodeKeys runs in all resolutions, on all STs and the TT. CodeKeys is excellent for creating keyboard equivalents for menu items in programs which don't offer them. And unlike other programs which claim to do the same thing, CodeKeys does so with complete compatibility -- all programs, all TOS versions. You can also create macros which will produce any string of characters which you frequently use such as your name and address, allowing you to easily enter letterheads with a single keypress. Another powerful use for CodeKeys is to have it load a particular data file after running a program. Since CodeKeys allows you to go in and out of programs, the possibilities for automation of frequently performed tasks are staggering. Your own imagination is the only limitation of CodeKeys. Suggested retail price: $39.95. CodeKeys and all of the other fine CodeHead Software products are available from your local dealer or from: CodeHead Software P.O. Box 74090 Los Angeles, CA 90004 Phone: (213) 386-5735 Fax: (213) 386-5789 We accept most major credit cards. If ordering by mail, include a check or money order for the amount indicated plus $2.00 shipping ($3 Canada, $5 Europe). If your dealer doesn't have CodeKeys, ask him/her to order it! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Z*NET Atari Online Magazine is a weekly publication covering the Atari and related computer community. Material contained in this edition may be reprinted without permission except where noted, unedited and containing the issue number, name and author included at the top of each article reprinted. Opinions presented are those of the individual author and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the staff of Z*Net Online. This publication is not affiliated with Atari Corporation. Z*Net, Z*Net Atari Online and Z*Net News Service are copyright (c)1990, Rovac Industries Incorporated, Post Office Box 59, Middlesex, New Jersey 08846-0059. Voice (908) 968-2024, BBS (908) 968- 8148 at 1200/2400 Baud 24 hours a day. We can be reached on Compuserve at PPN 71777,2140 and on GEnie at address: Z-Net ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Z*NET Atari Online Magazine Copyright (c)1990, Rovac Industries, Inc.. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~