Suzy B Software 2/Suzy B Software CD-ROM 2 (1994).iso/extras/textfile/kid_da_1/kid_da_1.txt

Text File | 1995-04-27 | 146KB | 3,473 lines

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Topic 6         Fri Sep 07, 1990
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 00:06 CDT
Sub: Commercial kidprgs by D.A. Brumleve

 This topic is intended for the discussion of kidprgs offered commercially.
201 message(s) total.
 ************
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 1         Wed Sep 19, 1990
K.KRESSIN [Ken]              at 07:10 CDT

 Dorothy,
  Did you annouce anything new at the Glendale show?

  Care to share it with us? How was the show?
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 2         Wed Sep 19, 1990
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 08:01 CDT

 I enjoyed the show very much.  I had intended to introduce a new program,
 Telegram (The Silly Song Player), but the airline (United, that's who!)
 lost my luggage, so these packages were not available until Sunday after
 my luggage was returned.  I had packed the booth demo version in my
 purse, so I was able to display that, but the signs to ballyhoo this
 debut were in my suitcase...

 In any case, Telegram is a you-can't-do-that-in-software program that
 only kids will love.  It has no more or less redeeming social value than
 MAD Magazine, and is likely to attract the same audience.  Your role in
 the game is that of a delivery boy/girl.  You are assigned to deliver
 singing telegrams to random addresses (coordinates) on the map of
 Littletown.  The delivery vehicle is manipulated with the arrow keys.
 Upon successful identification of the correct address (you ring the
 doorbell, of course), the text of the singing telegram is displayed.
 As the music is played, the currently-sung syllable is highlighted in
 red for a "bouncing ball" effect.  Kids really do sing along.

 More on it later.  Someday I'll get a demo up here.
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 3         Thu Nov 29, 1990
K.KRESSIN [Ken]              at 19:05 CST

 Dorothy,
       Congratulations on the very positive review your programs
 received in ST Informer. I hope Santa is good to those girls and boys
 and to that little elf BRUMLEVE who is working so hard this
 Christmas season.
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 4         Thu Nov 29, 1990
FAIRWEATHER [David]          at 18:57 PST

And thanks for uploading those European kiddie arcade games.  Fly Robin Fly is
really charming!  And my kids like Rabbit Jump and the other Monkeys & Balloon
clones too.  How did you find those games?
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 5         Thu Nov 29, 1990
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 22:39 CST

  My programs were recently the subject of a couple of articles in the
 German PD Journal.  A reader had been working on translating my programs
 (with a disk-editor) and wrote to me for help.  He turned out to be a
 really nice guy, Juergen Reichenwallner.  He sent me his German versions
 of my programs and some others.  I didn't know whether his were PD until
 this week, when I received a special package: a German hand-carved
 carosel as a Christmas gift!  In an accompanying letter, he says that
 I may distribute the programs.  We have now collaborated on a couple
 translations (ones he couldn't do without code or access to special
 graphics files).  If you'd like to correspond with him, I'd be happy
 to send the address in GEMail.  He is _not_ a programmer.  He is an
 artist.  He usually changes graphics from someone else's programs (like
 the Clowns and Balloons program by Frank Cohen, which has picture files
 which were designed to invite changes), but he also has the arcade creator
 with which he made ROBIN.  Neat guy.
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 6         Wed Dec 05, 1990
FAIRWEATHER [David]          at 18:36 PST

Dot, I was looking at a recent ad for Computer Games+ and saw a couple of
titles in their educational section I'd never heard of before.  One was FUN
SCHOOL, which seemed to be available in different grade levels, and the other
was READ AND PLAY.  Do you know anything about these programs?
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 8         Wed Dec 05, 1990
FAIRWEATHER [David]          at 21:19 PST

Thanks for the info Dot.  By the way, I did order Learn to Read with Prof. It
hasn't arrived yet though.  I talked to a very nice gentleman on the phone in
Chester, England who seemed quite pleased to be taking a California order!
I'll let you know when I receive it.
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 9         Fri Dec 07, 1990
FAIRWEATHER [David]          at 19:55 PST

Read and Play is incorrectly named in the Computer Games+ ad.  Its really
Learn To Read With Prof.  I had the guy at Computer Games+ read me the box.
Too bad, because I called them and asked for Learn To Read with Prof before I
ordered it from England and they said they didn't have it, not realizing they
really did.  Their price is $39.95 so I probably paid more to get it from
England.  Oh well, the people in England were nice enough so if their program
is worth the money I won't mind.
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 10        Sat Dec 08, 1990
H.WOOTAN [Harry]             at 00:44 CST

Received my brochure offering Telegram today. I guess the check's in the mail
tomorrow ... again! Maybe it'll be here in time for Bonnie's Christmas. (Then
again, why would I want to jeopardize losing even MORE of my ST time over the
holidays!)

HW
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Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 11        Sat Dec 08, 1990
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 08:03 CST

 Sorry, Harry, if the check is in the mail, it will be there for Christmas.

 David, so it's one and the same!  Well, maybe they will carry the later
 entries in the series as well.
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 12        Tue Dec 11, 1990
H.WOOTAN [Harry]             at 08:40 CST

Dorothy, I don't recall what I said that made you "apologize" ("sorry"). But
I'm also sorry, whatever it was. :)

I just borrowed a friend's October (I think) STart and saw all your good stuff
in there. Looked good at first glance. Now to find time to do the actual
reading.

<"Check's in the mail". But I'm not counting on the software before Christmas.
You could have mailed it at Thanksgiving and I couldn't rely on my LOCAL mail
deliverers to get it to my house. We receive mail in clumps --- after it's
apparently been sitting somewhere for a day or 2, or 3!>

Harry
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 13        Wed Dec 12, 1990
FAIRWEATHER [David]          at 20:31 PST

Well I received Learn To Read With Prof. today.  It's not quite what I was
hoping for.  I thought my 30 pounds would buy a complete reading course,
instead I received the first part of a TWELVE part series!  At 30 pounds each
I doubt if I'll being buying the other eleven.  (Actually I don't think the
other eleven parts exist yet.  I'm not sure if ANY other than part one are
currently available for the ST.)

Another disappointment is that Part One "Prof Plays a New Game" is strictly a
word RECOGNITION program.  No phonics, no rules or principles of reading. The
"game" is designed to drill 56 words into the young students brain by rote and
repetition.  And the game itself is pretty boring if you ask me. On the other
hand my 5 year old isn't bored with it yet, but I don't know how long his
attention for it will last.

It comes with a cassette that contains an introductory story that is somewhat
synchronized to a "story" diskette.  The main purpose of this part is to
familiarize the child with the arrow keys and spacebar which are used to
control the rest of the game.  After the cassette is over you pop in disk two
and begin the game.

The arrow keys control a little spriteman named "Prof".  He climbs up and down
a ladder.  To the left of the ladder are three boxes stacked vertically.  To
the right of the ladder is a grid of nine boxes.  The object of the game is to
match the word in a box on the left side to its duplicate somewhere in the
grid on the right side.  If you make a match Prof jumps up and down.  If you
make enough matches you get a song and a new "level" with a new set of words.
Each level contains LOTS of repetition designed to drill these little words
like "I" "CAN" "READ" "MY" "BOOK" "AT" "HOME" "AND" "IN" "SCHOOL" into the
little tyke's cerebrum. After 5 levels are completed the child should be able
to read the first of five little story books that are included in the package.
He then moves on to Part 2.  Parts 2 through 5 are identical to Part 1 except
the words get harder.  In other words, the whole game consists of the same
little man climbing up and down his ladder almost ad infinitum.

The next program in the package is called "PROF LOOKS AT WORDS" and is
supposed to get into the phonics of the words, but I don't know if I'll be
sending away another 30 pounds to get it.  I guess that depends on how long
this one holds my kids attention and whether it really teaches him much.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- To
change the subject slightly, I visited a kindergarten today where they had a
wall of Apple II's and the kids were playing a reading game.  The part I saw
had a crude (by ST standards) picture of a rabbit, with the word rabbit
spelled out phonetically "RABIT" and correctly "RABBIT".  I was very surprised
to hear a pleasant, digitized voice sounding out the word and each of its
phonetic parts for the child.  That is the computer spoke "Rabbit, ERRRR" and
then the kid would type "R", and then proceed through the rest of the letters
and syllables.

How can a cheap old Apple II produce good quality digitized speech?  And why
aren't there any similar programs for the ST?  Waaaaah!
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 14        Thu Dec 13, 1990
M.KELLER1 [Mike]             at 21:18 EST

Harry, I think Dorothy was apologising because she expects to cost you some ST
time after Christmas ('cause you're gonna get the software in time).

%%%%%%%%mike%%%%%%%
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 15        Fri Dec 14, 1990
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 01:00 CST

 Sorry the program was so disappointing, David...The review in ST Format
 sure made it sound better than that.

 I've started a separate Topic for the discussion of programs not covered
 by the current Topics...Heaven Forbid if some casual GEnie lurker mis-
 took Learn to Read with Prof for one of _my_ offerings!  By the way,
 David, do you have any of those?  I'm biased, of course, but I do think
 it would be a better use for your child-software dollar--or pound, as
 the case may be.  ;-)

 Harry, Telegram went in the mail (1st Class) this afternoon.  Yes, I'm
 sorry, but Bonnie will be hogging the ST all Christmas vacation.  Sometime
 soon, there's got to be a 520 in Bonnie's future...July, perhaps?

 Merry Christmas!  Happy Hannukah!  Joyful Holiday !
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 16        Fri Dec 14, 1990
H.WOOTAN [Harry]             at 22:55 CST

You're right. I actually DID have a 520 on Bonnie's list for this time around.
But ....

Maybe she'll get mine someday soon and I'll .... hm-m-m

I guess July'll have to be the time ... birthday and all that.

In the meantime, I'll be on the lookout for Telegram. Thanks. (When will I
EVER find time to load my Dr.T's Omega upgrade to KCS!!?)

Harry
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 17        Sat Dec 15, 1990
FAIRWEATHER [David]          at 07:27 PST

Yes Dot my kids have used many of your programs and do enjoy them.  I guess
that means I owe you some $$ <g>.  Well I've been planning to order Telegram
as soon as my coffers are replenished.
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 18        Sat Dec 15, 1990
H.WOOTAN [Harry]             at 15:40 CST

Dot,

Telegram arrived today. (the program :) I've installed it but will wait until
Christmas to let Bonnie have at it. I especially liked your anecdote about the
green car. And it makes a good point, as well. (I only wish some of my co-
workers had been exposed to computers as early!)

Thanks! I'm sure Bonnie will enjoy being able to pick who she'll be each time.

Harry (and how did it get here so fast!?)
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 19        Sun Dec 23, 1990
E.SLICK [Eric]               at 01:22 PST

Dot, I read your interesting article in ST Informer on the harm that shareware
has possibly done to ST software developers and it got me to wondering--How
does a software developer know when to release something as shareware and when
not to? Is there a better alternative?

eric
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 20        Sun Dec 23, 1990
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 10:20 CST

 Eric, a product that will appeal only to a very limited number of people
 is a prime candidate for shareware.  My husband's MIDI program, which
 requires the user to have both an ST and a discontinued synthesizer
 (Kawai K5 or K5m), may be useful to no more than a few hundred people,
 and very likely far fewer than that!  It doesn't make sense to pay for
 ad space, packaging, etc., for a product like that.  I believe Tim has
 had three "buyers" for his shareware product, however, so there must
 still be others out there who could take advantage of it.

 A developer who actually wants to make money should avoid shareware.
 Candid shareware producers have revealed an apalling return rate on
 even the most popular award-winning shareware products.  This is not
 to suggest in any way that there are millions to be made in the commercial
 market either, but certainly the potential for profit is greater there.

 A product the developer has no interest in supporting is a prime candi-
 date for shareware; the developer's obligation for that product will
 be limited to those who have paid his fee, so only a handful of potential
 complainers are likely.  If it's the final version of the program and
 the developer is moving out of the country/dying/selling his ST, then's
 the moment to release as shareware and possibly wring a few dollars from
 a major investment.

 A product that takes very little time to write is a good shareware
 offering.  An essential but tiny utility, for example, may require very
 little effort from the developer.  With widespread appeal, if even 1%
 of users contribute, it may compensate the developer for his effort;
 of course, then again, 1% of users may _not_ contribute...If that is
 the likely scenario, it may be better to accumulate a bunch of handy
 and essential utilities and sell them on a single commercial disk.
 Remind you of anything?

 Hope this helps, Eric.  Glad you enjoyed the article.  I'd be interested
 to hear the response of other shareware programmers to your question, too.
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 21        Sun Dec 23, 1990
R.NOAK                       at 13:16 EST

Dorothy,

Your article was right on target. Just look at any MAC Warehouse catalog. Mac
users _pay_ for many of the things that we. as Atari users, get as
shareware/PD. Of course, perhaps Atari developers don't feel they deserve
compensation for their efforts. ;-)


Randy
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 22        Mon Dec 31, 1990
H.WOOTAN [Harry]             at 21:40 CST

Dorothy --- We were finally at home long enough for Bonnie to give Telegram a
try yesterday. She thought it was great! She pulled my boom down so she could
sing with the microphone. (Didn't matter that it wasn't turned on.) She
especially liked the Parking Tickets. Once I suggested she try parking on the
"wrong" side of the house, she began doing that more often than not. <She's
certainly come a long way from the days of "Big Bird's Fun House" on the 800XL
when she would cry every time Big Bird made the "negative" sound while nodding
"No" if she guessed the wrong answer! She was 2 then. Now she does wrong on
purpose just to hear and see the results!>

Thanks for the program.

Harry
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 23        Tue Jan 08, 1991
E.SLICK [Eric]               at 19:10 PST

Dot, that helps. It's pretty much what you already said in ST Informer but the
repetition makes it clearer. That article sent a shiver down my shareware
spine. I'm rethinking Speedreader ST's marketing strategy because of your
comments. I thought shareware was a good idea but now I'm not sure. I'd hate
to hurt the ST education market for the few bucks shareware seems to generate.
Commercial seems beyond me and I don't think the educational market is big
enough to interest a publisher, even when I finish version 1.0 with all the
extra stuff for educators. Maybe I'll offer it to STart (a few hundred dollars
looks a whole lot better than ten) but they took over a year to cough up the
bucks last time and they take full ownership. Or maybe I should just forget
releasing it or just put it out as PD (since I won't get anything from
shareware anyways) or as a last resort, pull out the Magnum and smoke my
computer forever. Ack! What's a programmer to do? It just seems like another
reason to be discouraged in an already discouraging ST market.

Don't get me wrong. Your thoughts on shareware make a lot of sense but how
does a programmer decide which is the best strategy? Oh well, I guess this is
off topic (sorry). But it's true. I have zero commercial educational programs
for my kids since there were enough in the PD relm and from STart to keep my
kids happy. But if I had to buy commercial, I would only have one or two
titles (if that). Hmm, I think I'd better get a couple shareware checks in the
mail.

Good programs and good advice, how do you do it Dot? <grin>

Eric
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Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 24        Tue Jan 08, 1991
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 23:10 CST

 Eric, if your kids have only my PD work, you are cheating them. ;-)
 As for STart, they don't _have_ to buy the copyright on the programs
 you sell them.  They don't own PreSchool KidProgs (published in the
 October 1990 issue).  Make 'em an offer they can't refuse!  By the
 way, magazine programs do help the ST because they are visible on the
 newsstand.

 I would, in fact, recommend the magazine route.  It's too bad that
 STart seems to be the only ballgame left in town in that arena.
 I thoroughly enjoyed writing a monthly program and column for ST-Log.
 My husband thoroughly enjoyed the guaranteed income.
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 25        Mon Jan 14, 1991
E.SLICK [Eric]               at 23:39 PST

Dot,

Thanks for the tip and advice. You really threw me for a loop. I had never
considered the problems of shareware before (besides low pay). I just might
try the magazine route instead of shareware. If I can still retain ownership,
I would be much happier.

 I have no idea what STart would consider an offer they can't refuse. Without
disclosing your own modest fee, could you give me some idea? I'm sure others
would be interested. Maybe Ken ought to offer them the same kind of deal you
got (reading this Ken? they'd really go for your stuff).

 I know me (yes I play your games too) and my kids are missing out by not
having your other prgs. They are on my crowded list of computer wants (which
grows longer instead of shorter for some reason). My eyes have always been the
bigest part of my anatomy.

Eric
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 26        Tue Jan 15, 1991
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 07:55 CST

 Leave me your address in G{EMail, and I'll send you a flyer that'll make
 your mouth water...

 As for magazines, my experience has been that they pay between $200 and
 $1000 for one-time publication rights for a particular program.  It does
 depend on the magazine, of course, _and_ the program _and_ the length/
 depth of the accompanying article.  But that's a typical range.

 ANTIC has uploaded some guidelines for programmers and writers somewhere
 out there in the ST RT library.  In these documents, they tell you what
 they look for when judging submissions.  With this knowledge in mind,
 you can tailor your submission to their specifications.  Check it out.
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 27        Fri Jan 18, 1991
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 00:14 CST

 I'm never too sure how much international activity there is on GEnie,
 since the hours that people overseas are on here are rarely the same
 as the hours I am on, but I thought somebody might be interested:

 Kidpublisher Professional, a desktop publishing program for young
 writers (ages 5-11), is now available not only in English but also in
 Icelandic and German, with full character support specific to those
 languages.

 The German package is completely rendered in German.  The Icelandic
 package includes adult programs and manuals in English, but the entire
 Kidpublisher Professional program used by children has been translated
 to Icelandic.  This program is currently being used successfully in an
 elementary school in Iceland.  A demo version of the German Kidpublisher
 Professional will be available in short order (this weekend) in the
 Germany RT, Library 4.  A demo of the English version is already
 available in the ST RT, Library 31.

 Happy Publishing--in any of three languages!
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 32        Sun Apr 21, 1991
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 17:25 EDT

To David (Fairweather):
   If your child has spent more time with Read and Play, I'd like to  know if
you've revised your initial assessment.  Thank you for any addi- tional
comments. --Dorothy
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 33        Sun Apr 21, 1991
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 17:31 EDT

To all:

If your child attends a preschool, day care center, at-risk program, or
Kindergarten-Grade 1, please be aware that my company is now marketing a
package which includes a 1040STe, 11 programs and diskbox, mouse, and
mousepad; used with a color monitor or tv, the package provides a complete
computer center for a school program aimed at kids ages 2-7.  We presented
this package at the Midwest Association for the Education of Young Children
conference in DesMoines this past weekend and it was well-received by everyone
who gave it a try.  Programs included with the package include PD and
commercial offerings which have been specially modified to suit the needs of a
classroom setting.  Please ask interested teachers/directors to contact me at
217 337 1937 for our literature.
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 34        Sun Apr 21, 1991
J.NESS [Jim]                 at 22:09 EDT

Dorothy -

Hey, the concept of a bundled educational package is a great one (how come I
didn't think of that...).

Good luck with it.  I'd love to see some Atari penetration in the schools.

                                    -JN

 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 35        Mon Apr 22, 1991
MUSE [Tomas]                 at 03:33 EDT

Dorothy, my two-year old is catching on very fast to the ST.  She has just
begun a toddler program and will be going 5 mornings beginning in September.
The school is owned and run by parents and I am looking for my niche as a
volunteer.  Can you send me some info about your package?  BTW, I started her
out with Barnimals.   ===Tomas===

 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 37        Mon Apr 22, 1991
FAIRWEATHER [David]          at 10:10 EDT

Dot, Dexter, my 5-year old, does continue to use Read and Play. I don't quite
recall my initial assessment, but I'll give you my current one:

Learn To Read With The Professor does work.  Dexter has learned to recognize
on sight about thirty words.  He is halfway through the program.  On the plus
side, this program instills a real feeling of accomplishment in a child.
Dexter feels tremendously proud of himself when he completes a level in the
program and can read one of five included booklets all by himself.  On the
minus side, I feel the program is far too dull and repetitive.  The game play
on level 5 is no different than the game play on level 1.  If the game were
more interesting Dexter would probably have finished it by now instead of only
being halfway through it.  He rarely asks to play the game himself, I usually
have to suggest it, or even offer him some inducement to finish another level
("Finish level three and  then I'll play Dungeon Master with you.")
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 38        Mon Apr 22, 1991
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 14:18 EDT

David, thank you for your update.  I'm glad your son continues to get some use
out of the program.  I was wondering because I am in touch with the
publishers.  They have three additional packets available, each building on
the previous ones, and I understand the activities are somewhat dif- ferent.
I'll post more when I know.

There really is a gap in the market for this kind of software offering; I
don't know anything like from the US on the ST platform.
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 39        Tue Apr 23, 1991
FAIRWEATHER [David]          at 21:48 EDT

I saw an interesting program yesterday at my 5-year olds kindergarten class.
It was running on a color Mac and was called Number Maze. The idea was to
guide a horse through a fairly simple 2-D maze, but at every turn the screen
would switch to a nicely rendered 3-D view of a door or gate.  Answering a
math question would cause the door to open a little, answering several
questions would eventually open the door completely and then you'd be back in
the 2-D maze.  I never got to see what happens when you reach the castle at
the end of the maze.

The game was O.K. but I found the 2-D view to be rather sparse and the task of
leading the horse through the maze with a mouse pointer that looked like a
carrot was a bit frustrating for small kids, sometimes the horse wouldn't go
the way you tried to lead him.

There's no reason a similar game but even better couldn't be written for the
ST.  Hopefully Ken Kressin's KV_ADDUP will fill this niche.
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 40        Thu Apr 25, 1991
E.SLICK [Eric]               at 03:31 EDT

Great idea (the computer bundle)

Eric
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 41        Mon Jun 24, 1991
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 21:26 EDT

 Friends...PLEASE NOTE!:

 After posting the announcement concerning the bundling of Atari STes with
 preschool software, I received several messages in GEMail from people who
 wanted flyers sent to their local preschool.  We were revising our
 flyer at that time, so I printed the messages and put them someplace
 safe.  Where?  I do not know.  But they are safe from _me_, that's for
 sure!  I did find a few errant pages, but not the big bunch.

 If you had sent me GEMail concerning the software bundle for preschool
 classrooms, please forgive me and send me another message.  The flyers
 are all ready send, and I've sent them to the addresses I was able to
 retrieve.  If you haven't received yours by now, I'm afraid you aren't
 going to, but I'd be happy to correct that error if you'll let me know.

 I've just _got_ to come up with another filing system besides stacks of
 papers all around my "paperless" office!  ;-)
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 42        Sun Aug 04, 1991
K.SWAFFORD [Kent]            at 19:24 EDT

     I purchased Kid Publisher Pro (6.2) directly from you a couple months
ago.  (My 9-year-old daughter just ATE UP the "pro" designation, by the way.)
We recently tried printing out Erin's first 10-page story to an HP DeskJet 500
with an Epson emulation cartridge.  We got the job done to Erin's satisfaction
but had some difficulty with vertical placement of the picture/text on the
various pages.  The print-out started at the very top of Page 1 and went lower
and lower on each successive page.  With the DeskJet, there obviously is no
tractor mechanism with which to manually adjust the placement of the top edge
of the paper.  Eventually, the printout started so low on the page that it
wouldn't fit on one sheet.  I believe we had to re-boot the program to get the
final pages to print out on one sheet.  (Erin did some touching up of some
pictures, which resulted in our trying to print out about 15 pages in one
session.)  Any suggestions?

 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 43        Sun Aug 04, 1991
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 20:25 EDT

 Kent, I know just whereof you speak.  I have the same trouble on my
 original HP.  Fortunately, there is a simple solution Erin will be able
 to put into practice herself.  It's not elegant, but it gets the job
 done: Simply turn the _printer_ off (not the computer!) after each
 printout.  Then the printer will regard the next printout as a "first"
 printout and will start it at the top as expected.  It seems to have
 to do with the page length, and you can adjust the dip-switches so that
 this problem is at least largely alleviated, but unfortunately you will
 then need to change the dip-switches the next time you want to print
 from another program, and dip-switches are _much_ harder to get to than
 the off/on switch.  Let me know if this solution does not result in
 an amazing improvement.

 By the way, HP Deskjet users who own Kidpublisher Professional can
 print pages even without the use of the Epson Emulator cartridge.  If
 you do not own the cartridge, please let me know.  Chet Walters of
 WizWorks! has created a special version of his shareware product, HP_DUMP,
 for Kidpublisher Professional users.  The images on the pages printed
 using this special utility are just slightly smaller than those provided
 with the Epson Emulator cartridge and the pages are very attractive...
 You _do_ have to turn the printer off and back on between printouts,
 however, just as you do with the cartridge.

 Thank you for bringing your frustration to my attention.  Kidpublisher
 Professional works with most printers right out of the box, but some
 printers require a special driver or setup utility to get it just right.
 And then there's the HP...

 Happy Publishing, Erin!
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 44        Tue Aug 06, 1991
K.SWAFFORD [Kent]            at 19:50 EDT

     Thanks for your prompt help with printouts from Kid Publisher to an HP
DeskJet 500.
     Turning off the printer between page printouts won't work for us because
I have never hot-rodded the printer cable to allow this.  (I normally use
REVIV_DJ.ACC instead, which is unavailable while Kid Publisher is running.)
No matter, I assume that pressing the "Reset" button on the HPDJ (not the ST!)
between page printouts would accomplish the same thing as turning the printer
off and back on.
     It would be nice to set up things so that Erin could do printouts by
herself, but I don't normally use the Epson cartridge, so Erin must ask me to
insert the cartridge.  While I'm at it, I might as well set the DIP switches,
too.
     I assume printouts would be close to perfection if the Epson cartridge is
installed, the Perforation Skip Function Switch (A8) is set down (enabled),
and the DJ Reset button is pressed between page printouts.  Right?
     Is HP_DUMP applicable to printouts from your other programs, too?
 If so, it might be that installing HP_DUMP (and doing the modification to the
printer cable) could help me set things up so that Erin AND her little sister
could do printouts without assistance.
     Thanks for your help.

 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 45        Tue Aug 06, 1991
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 21:12 EDT

Kent, haven't tried the dip-switch route in a year or so, so I'd have to
revive my memory.  If you get to it first, tell me how it goes.  ;-) I do
believe the reset button on the DJ should have the very same effect. The
regular shareware HP_DUMP will work just fine with your copies of Kidpainter,
Super Kidgrid, and Telegram; this file is out in the Library with the uploader
address C.WALTERS1 (Chet Walters of WizWorks!, the program's author).  He
prepared a special version of the program that produces two screen dumps in a
row -- required by Kidpublisher -- and in the proper vertical orientation.
HP_DUMP goes right into the AUTO folder and requires no special care once it's
installed correctly. I think I like the printout with the Epson cartridge a
little bit better, because it's just a tad bit bigger, but that's a subjective
opinion. Both routes produce clear, centered, and fine copies.

I don't know why, but my original DJ has never given me any problems related
to this rumored cable modification ;-) ...I can turn my printer off and on at
will without worrying about its communication with the computer.  Just lucky,
I guess.

If you decide you'd like to give the KP HP_DUMP a try, just drop me a note
here and then look in your GEMail about two hours later.  It's an easy d/l.
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 46        Sat Aug 10, 1991
K.SWAFFORD [Kent]            at 23:05 EDT

     For the time being, I think we'd best stick with the Epson emulator for
printing from KP to the HPDJ.  The emulator works fine;  I just wish I could
leave the thing installed and select/deselect it through software commands.
(I know, I know -- that's not your problem.)
     Um... I can't seem to find anything called HP_DUMP in the ST libraries.
????
     Thanks.

 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 47        Sun Aug 11, 1991
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 04:06 EDT

 Kent: OOOOPS!   I think maybe Chet changed the filename when he upgraded
 the program.  It might be 15819, but I'll check with Chet and get back
 to you.
 --D.A. Brumleve
   Member, IAAD
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 48        Mon Oct 14, 1991
M.WATERS10 [myeck]           at 23:15 EDT

Hiya, Dorothy;
     Just wanted to say how nice it was to meet and chat with you on Saturday
at WAACE.  After prying our son's hands off of Kidpainter, he now says he
thinks Kidpublisher Professional is what he's interested in.  Once our color
system returns from spark-and-smoke land we're gonna fire up the PD version
(or was it a demo version?) and see what happens - how does "Pro"
compare/differ?  I know I've read about it somewhere, but...


 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 49        Sun Oct 20, 1991
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 18:02 EDT

 <responding to a post from Ron Kovacs in Cat 31>

 Ron, I'm very glad you are enjoying use of Super Kidgrid and want
 to purchase further programs!  Our programs/prices are as
 follows:

 Super Kidgrid (ages 3-11)               : $25
 Telegram (for READERS only!)            : $25
 Kidpainter (ages 5-11)                  : $35
 Kidpublisher Professional (ages 5-11)   : $35

 Each program comes complete with an installation program for use
 by a parent/teacher in creating a version of the program that is
 specially adapted to the child's needs and level of development.
 A young child can have a very simplified version of each program,
 and as the child's skills and sophistication grow, the parent can
 rerun the installation program and add new options.  In this way,
 our programs can grow with the child rather than being outgrown,
 and our expected target range on Super Kidgrid of ages 3-11 is
 very genuinely real.

 Orders can be submitted by phone, mail, or GEMail.  We _do_
 accept MC/VISA!  If you order by mail, please include $3 for
 shipping within the US.  If you plan to pay with your MC/VISA
 card, please include the cardnumber, the expiration date, and
 your name exactly as it appears on your card.

 GEMail  : D.A.BRUMLEVE
 USMail  : P.O. Box 4195 / Urbana, IL 61801-8820 / USA
 Phone   : [phone]

 We support our products online on GEnie, Delphi, and CompuServe
 as well as by phone, FAX, and mail.  Most people don't require
 support, but if you aren't one of them, we are here! ;-)

 We're not _always_ here, though...For example, on November 23rd
 and 24th, we'll be at the glorious Chicago ComputerFest by Atari
 (with a lot of help from LCACE).  We'll have all our current
 offerings there at slightly reduced prices ;-) and our Gourmet
 Cheese Mouse Pads, too!

 See you there, or here, or in GEMail, your choice!

 Dorothy

 PS to Ron: Since you bought Super Kidgrid at WAACE, I'll extend
 the Show Special to you for your additional purchase if you do it
 pretty soon.  ($10 off with the purchase of two or more!)  But
 I'll have to charge you for shipping. :-(
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 50        Sun Nov 17, 1991
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 16:34 EST

 I'm working on a new program that allows children to experiment
 with multiplication and addition and provides games for practice
 with related math facts.  The program is called "Multiplay" and
 is scheduled for release in the first quarter of 1992, and I
 fully and truly expect to have it out by then. ;-)

 In the meantime, a less extensive version of Multiplay will be
 released next weekend at the Chicago ComputerFest as part of my
 "Learning Games Packet".  The packet includes a disk box with
 Mini-Multiplay and nine other games which hail mostly from the
 PD/shareware realm (half the games in the packet are my own).
 All the games are designed to autoboot on any ST/STe and are
 individually labelled with our unique icon labels.
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 51        Sun Nov 17, 1991
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 16:35 EST

 A customer who owns Super Kidgrid and is considering additional
 purchases, writes: "Is Kidpainter at all capable of being placed
 on a hard drive with data files being saved to a specific folder
 or area?"

 The short answer is a resounding YES!

 The long answer is that I'd released several freely-distributed
 kidprgs before I owned a hard drive and thus before understood
 that not everyone would want my programs to boot from Drive A.
 So there are some old programs out there that insist upon use
 from Drive A.  My later programs, commercial and freely-
 distributed, will all work from a hard drive if desired.  Even
 so, I still encourage parents to set up the computer to boot from
 Drive A, as this allows even the smallest children to take
 advantage of autobooting and to enjoy completely independent use
 of the computer.  There are other ways to facilitate such
 independence, even from a hard drive.  When Harry Wootan's
 daughter Bonnie was small, she used Hotwire macros to run her
 programs, for example.  Children who can't tackle a directory
 window may well be able to remember sequences of this kind to run
 their own programs.

 My own kids and the ones I deal with in local schools use the
 disk box like adults use their hard drive directory.  They choose
 the program they want simply by identifying the proper disk
 (there is an icon and a program name on each disk), insert the
 disk in the drive, and voila! they are in business, without ever
 having to mess with the operating system or GEM directly.  Before
 I began using autobooters, my kids were at my mercy.  Every time
 they wanted to use the computer, they not only had to ask
 permission, but they had to hit on me at a time when I could drop
 everything and go over and load the program to get them started.
 Now, my permission is sufficient.  There is no demeaning begging
 for help.  And they are very proud of their independence.

 (As soon as the children can read well, I do go ahead and teach
 them to use the ST desktop.  By that time, they've seen a few
 fileselector boxes and the rest is pretty straightforward.  I see
 autobooting as a means of providing immediate independence, not
 as a permanent crutch.  When I teach adults to use the computer,
 I expect them to tackle the desktop from the first day.  With
 kids, I ease them into it.)

 So even the long answer is a resounding YES!

 Since this customer owns Super Kidgrid, I ought to point out that
 it, too, can and will run from a hard disk as described.  When
 the parent runs the installation program from the hard drive, an
 alert box will point out that the child "will miss out on the
 benefits of autobooting" if the program is installed there, but
 if the parent prefers to do so, the installation program will
 proceed to install the program without passing judgment on the
 parent's decision.
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 52        Sun Nov 17, 1991
Z-NET [Ron Kovacs]           at 22:45 EST

 Dot...

 Sorry for the LONG delay in reading your message to me!  I am also
 pleased to read the hard disk information since my daughter is already
 familiar with the ST desktop.  I am using SGSNET on her system and
 prefer her using the system as is, (some functions not available to
 her) without using the floppy....

 I will give it a try and get back to you...

 Thanks for all the assistance!
 Ron
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 53        Mon Nov 18, 1991
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 02:01 EST

 Sure.  Let me know if you encounter any problems.  I'm not familiar
 with SGSNET, but I do know the programs work fine from a hard drive.
 Smart kid you got, a desktop whiz!
 ;-)
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 54        Mon Nov 18, 1991
TOWNS [John@Atari]           at 17:51 EST

The Multi-Play idea sounds very interesting.. Wish I was going to be at
Chicago to check it out. Any chance for a demo in the future?

-- John

 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 55        Mon Nov 18, 1991
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 18:53 EST

 John, I'm shooting for Jan 1992 for the full-scale version.  Most
 features are already implemented in the version now in beta-test, and
 we test our products for at least a couple months on some 200 kids
 before they get out to the general public and my esteemed customers.
 The Mini-Multiplay version which is part of the Learning Games Packet
 will *almost* serve as a demo, but not quite, so I'll wait and do it
 right when the time comes.

 Wish you were going to be at Chicago, too.
 ;-)
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 56        Mon Nov 18, 1991
H.WOOTAN [Harry]             at 23:19 EST

Dorothy,

You referred to Bonnie's use of your programs from a hard drive.  It's ironic
that she NOW tends to run them from the floppy.  That's because she now enjoys
trying out several of my stashed-away games that I don't keep on the hard
drive (or won't run from there).  She likes Winter Games, Summer Games, etc.,
and Fiendish Freddy, and some others.  So, she is growing more accustomed to
booting from the floppy.  She sits with thumb and index & middle fingers
poised above the CNTL-SHFT-ALT keys waiting for the floppy light to come on. :-
)  She has a tendency to explain it to her mom, who NEVER has to boot from a
floppy!  ;-)

For some reason, though, she has grown attached to WordPerfect!  One of her
favorite things is to sit at the ST with her <unplugged> phone, open up the
AAA Florida Guidebook, and use WP for taking motel reservations from her
imaginary callers (all of whom are "coming" to Disney World, of course).

But she still uses all your programs.  I've noticed that she really enjoys
showing visiting YOUNGER friends how to use KidPainter and Telegram.  I
believe she's a teacher at heart to begin with.

Incidentally, we set Bonnie up to use SuperBoot (instead of HotWire). That's
what I've been using as my "boot-time configuration selector" for several
years.  A consideration is to be sure that the child's selections appear on
the first (default) SuperBoot screen for selection without having to depress
ALT or CNTL.

HotWire should also work fine, though!

 -- Harry

P.S.  Looking forward to your next program.  Sure would like to be in Chicago!
What kind of numbers will Multi-Play handle for addition and multiplication?
Up to "9" or "12"?  Any 2-digit?  Higher (for addition)?  <Just wondering
about that accursed "grade-level" designation.>

 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 57        Tue Nov 19, 1991
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 00:58 EST

 Harry, thanks for the correction re Superboot/HotWire.

 Mini-Multiplay deals with 0-9 only.  That's why it's called "Mini", that
 and the fact that the games and printing features aren't included.

 The full-scale MultiPlay (please note it ISN'T shipping for a couple
 months) will deal with 0-30, include games, and there will be the
 capacity to print stuff for use when the computer is off.  The 0-30
 and 0-9 stuff refers to _both_ addition and multiplication, which take
 place on separate screens and involve separate activities.  Addition
 will increase the age range of the program downward toward 5, and multi-
 plication will push it upward toward 11, so I figure this one will be
 another one of those "5-11" programs.

 Hope this helps.
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 58        Tue Nov 19, 1991
TOWNS [John@Atari]           at 16:13 EST

Will look forward to a future demo, Dot. Have fun in Chicago! ;-) Wear some
black for me! <smile>

-- John

 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 59        Tue Nov 19, 1991
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 16:49 EST

 I'll wear enough black for _everybody_, John T!

 Harry, I don't think I made one thing clear in regards to the as-yet-
 unreleased full-scale MultiPlay: The installation program will allow
 parents to choose whether the program offers only addition-related
 activities and/or only multiplication-related activities.  As always,
 the installation program will allow the program to grow with the child.
 ;-)
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 60        Tue Nov 19, 1991
H.WOOTAN [Harry]             at 23:50 EST

Dorothy,

Thanks for all the info.  Sounds like something Bonnie will enjoy. She
continues to say she can't do math.  Doesn't seem to matter that she never
misses any of it in her work.  :-)

 -- Harry
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 61        Tue Nov 26, 1991
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 20:03 EST

 At shows, I have a little notepad on which I write the names of customers
 whose printer will require a special driver, and theokn I send them a
 driver disk when I get back home.  Or, I should say I _had_ a little
 {notepad, but I suspect it's now in some Chicago-area landfill.

 If I promised you a driver disk at the Chicago ComputerFest, please
 drop me a note here or in GEMail and it will be shipped promptly.  I
 apologize for your inconvenience.
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 62        Fri Dec 06, 1991
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 02:00 EST

 A user has asked in GEMail for a description of my products, so I
 guess it's about time I posted some information on them.  First of all,
 I'd like to refer you to the ST RT Library 31, which has demos of
 three of my commercial products.  These demos are fully-functioning
 except for SAVE/LOAD and PRINT, and a lot of fun even if you don't
 have kids!
   File #15582 KPT_DM23.ARC
   File #15583 KP_DM_62.ARC
   File #13905 SKG_DEMO.ARC
 There are press releases for Super Kidgrid (#13904) and Kidpublisher
 Professional (#12708 -- this release does not include info on changes
 in version 6.2).

 A brief online version of my catalog includes:
   Kidpublisher Professional:
   A Desktop Publishing Program for Young Writers (5-11) $35
   Kidpainter:
   A Graphics Design Program for Young Artists    (5-11) $35
   Super Kidgrid for Creative Graphics Design       (3-11) $25
   Telegram:
   The Silly Song Player              (for readers only) $25
   Creative Discovery Packet
     11 programs especially designed for use in
     Early Childhood Classrooms                     (2-8) $120
   Learning Games Packet
     10 educational programs largely from the PD
     and shareware realms                           (7-11) $40
   Fuji (Atari logo) Rubber Stamps
     Small fuji                                            $ 5
     Large fuji                                            $ 6
   Gourmet Cheese Mouse Pad                                $ 9

 Your kids will be thrilled to receive these programs and items
 of Atari paraphenalia during the holidays!  If you'd like a
 catalog, just send me your address in GEMail (to D.A.BRUMLEVE).
 You can also place an MC/VISA order in GEMail, no problem.

 Got a question?  Ask it here!

 Looking forward to hearing from you,
 Dorothy
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 63        Sat Dec 14, 1991
R.WOODBRIDG1 [Rob]           at 12:42 EST

Dot, regarding printer drivers, do you still use the screen dump approach or
do you have a regular print command in your programs now?

Thanks, Rob
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 64        Sat Dec 14, 1991
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 15:13 EST

 Rob,
      Glad you asked!
      And the answer is a resounding "YES", our programs send a
 screen dump to the printer.  The reason for this is two-fold:
 first, everything our programs print (even Kidpublisher's text)
 is _graphics_; and second, in the spirit of true WISIWIG, we
 print the screen, and the screen dump is the most obvious and
 efficient means of doing this.
      We've found that the screen dump routine will work with
 nearly every printer (I say "nearly" 'cause you never know, I
 might run into one that's hard to convince), either right out of
 the box or with the use of a special driver.  In addition to
 Degas-type drivers for nearly every conceivable printer, we also
 have a special program designed by Chet Walters of WizWorks!
 which will convince any HP jet or laser to produce beautiful
 output from any of our programs without the use of an Epson
 emulator cartridge.
      I get the impression from your query that you have had some
 unfortunate experience with our programs and your printer.  Could
 you please elaborate?  Which printer are you using?  Which
 programs?  We have satisfied customers using just about every
 printer readily available in North America, Europe, and the South
 Pacific, so unless you've got something extremely obscure, I
 think we have a ready fix for you.

 Regards,
 Dorothy
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 65        Mon Dec 23, 1991
R.WOODBRIDG1 [Rob]           at 18:53 EST

Dot,

Gee... um, actually I've had no problems with your programs (of the demos here
that I've tried), of course I've not tried to print from one at all, um...
Actually, I was just curious, as I've been thinking about getting some
software for my 6 year old who is learning to read and write.  I sort of
assumed there would be a "better way" to print by now, but it sounds like you
have the best way already.

...Back under my rock.  %)

Rob


 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 66        Mon Dec 23, 1991
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 23:53 EST

 A six-year-old learning to read and _write_?  Come on out from
 under that rock, Rob, and check out Kidpublisher Professional!

 This program is not only appropriate for kids learning to write,
 it's actually _designed_ for them.  Kidpublisher Professional is
 used in early childhood and early elementary classrooms all over
 the globe for this very purpose.  Just a couple weeks ago,
 NewsWeek's feature on education around the world promoted New
 Zealand as having the best early literacy program anywhere.  I
 happen to have more registered schools using Kidpublisher Pro in
 New Zealand than in any other country.  Coincidence? ;-)

 Kidpublisher Pro allows a child to express his own creativity in
 graphics and text.  It will not criticize his spelling, it will
 not correct his grammar, it will not laugh at his drawings or try
 to figure out what he was trying to represent.  Freed from
 critical appraisal, the young writer will experiment, take risks,
 _write_!  The youngest writers will often draw a picture first
 and then use the graphic to suggest the text.  Older children
 are more likely to compose the text first and illustrate it with
 a drawing afterwards.  Children enjoy the ability to choose
 fonts.  A title page option facilitates the compilation of a
 story or essay into a booklet, every bit as professional in
 appearance as Daddy's newsletter.

 The drawing program offers an extensive set of drawing tools,
 sophisticated but very easy to use.

 Many young children find typing (even in hunt-and-peck mode) less
 stressful than writing by hand.  As children mature in their
 writing skills and strive toward perfection in grammar, lexicon,
 and spelling, they learn to appreciate the editing abilities of
 the computer just as adults do.  How nice not to have to
 completely rewrite a page because you've added a sentence!  It's
 great also to be able to show off papers that aren't filled with
 smudged erasures.  Kidpublisher Pro supports such "adult" wp
 features as movement of the cursor with mouse or arrow keys, word
 wrap, and underlining; this facilitates later graduation to adult
 word processors.  Kidpublisher Pro has a special feature to
 prevent children from "overtyping" or "overdeleting" through
 heavy-handed typing.

 Best of all, all features of Kidpublisher Professional can be
 exploited by a typical child from Day #1.  It's so easy to use,
 the child can be productive almost immediately -- and _all_ by
 himself!  ("Daddy, look!  I made a _real_ book all by myself!")

 Teachers in my local schools use the program with early writers
 to promote self-confidence and accuracy (through the ease of
 editing) in writing.

 Kidpublisher Pro is available for $35, and can be ordered online
 in GEMail via MC/VISA (phone orders: 217 337 1937).  It requires
 any ST/STe with a color monitor and (almost) any printer.  It
 comes complete with an installation program, a 32-page manual for
 parents and teachers, and a 1-sheet children's manual.  That's
 unlimited writing practice, self-confidence, independence, and
 excellent output for only $35!  What a deal!
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 67        Fri Dec 27, 1991
R.WOODBRIDG1 [Rob]           at 10:29 EST

OK, Dot, you sold me.  I'll call you today and order.  Do you have similar
write-ups for your other programs?  I bet you'd sell me some more...  :^)

Will Kidpub Pro support cut sheet feeder on Epson LQ-800?  It limits you to
effectively a 10" tall space on 11" page.

Thanks, Rob

 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 68        Fri Dec 27, 1991
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 11:26 EST

 Rob, I don't believe any of my users have brought up the cut-sheet
 feeder thing, so either it works -- or none of my users have it! ;-)
 In any case, the printed image allows for a good deal of space at both
 top and bottom, so I think it will work fine.  The program does support
 the Epson LQ-800.
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 69        Tue Dec 31, 1991
R.WOODBRIDG1 [Rob]           at 22:39 EST

Great!  I received the bright red box yesterday from you, but haven't yet
tried the printer driver business.  I'll certainly let you know how it comes
out.

Thanks, Rob


 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 70        Fri Jan 17, 1992
MYECK.WATERS [myeck]         at 18:37 EST

Hiya;
  I'me having a spot of trouble finding a working screen-dumper for use with
Kidpublisher Professional and my 24-pin printer (a STAR NX24-10).  So far,
I've found two:  one by Dan Wilga, which seems to turn all non-white screen
into solid black, and a Degas driver, which I install with PRTINST.PRG in the
AUTO folder, and which prints out OK, but when called from Kidpublisher, it
prints out in landscape mode, which doesn't cheer me up at all!

  Any clues?

  Thanks,
  mjw



 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 71        Fri Jan 17, 1992
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 19:11 EST

 Myeck, thanks for bringing this to my attention.  Registered users
 who require a special driver receive a disk for this purpose.  I'll
 send you the appropriate files in GEMail.
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 72        Mon Jan 20, 1992
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 21:28 EST

 So, Myeck, any luck with the driver?
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 73        Wed Jan 22, 1992
MYECK.WATERS [myeck]         at 00:29 EST

 Oops!  I hadn't realised I haven't registered yet!  Well, it's
 probably pointless _now_, after I've embarrassed myself in front of
 hundreds of modems, but I'll do it anyway (I found the card after
 reading the bit about "registered users")!

 Thanks for the Quick service!  (For the benefit of anyone who may be
 wondering about KIDPRG support, I received the very file I needed
 from D.A.B. on the same day I asked about my problem.)  The driver
 loader works perfectly, and although my DEGAS driver printed out
 well enough, one of the drivers you supplied does a better job of
 filling out the screen.

 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 74        Wed Jan 22, 1992
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 08:45 EST

 Good to hear, Myeck...No, you aren't registered cardwise, but you
 are in my database as a bonafide user.  One of the little benefits
 of purchasing direct. ;-)

 I am working on a painless way to provide the proper driver and permit
 autobooting (and thus promote independent use by kids).  I'll let you
 know when these experiments have positive results.
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 75        Fri Jan 24, 1992
B.BEAUCHEA [Bob Beauchea]    at 18:46 EST

Dorothy,

I am interested in a printer driver for the Deskjet 500. My kids use
Kidpublisher Pro, Super Kidgrid and Kidpainter. I used to have an Epson but I
recently upgraded. I purchased these programs from you at the WAACE show in
1990.

Bob Beauchea

 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 76        Fri Jan 24, 1992
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 20:06 EST

 Bob, Chet Walters has created a driver for the HP series which will
 allow the PRINT function in Super Kidgrid and Kidpainter to create
 absolutely *glorious* output on your upgraded DJ.  It's a relatively
 small file, so I'll upload it to you in GEMail.

 There's a text file included by Chet which explains his more extensive
 shareware version's features.  If you don't plan to buy an Epson
 emulator cartridge for your new DJ, you may want to consider the
 full version.

 Your kids will notice that the printout is a bit smaller than they
 are accustomed to, but, believe me, it's pretty!
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 77        Sun Jan 26, 1992
MYECK.WATERS [myeck]         at 21:09 EST

 >D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 08:45 EST
 >
 > Good to hear, Myeck...No, you aren't registered cardwise, but you
 > are in my database as a bonafide user.  One of the little benefits
 > of purchasing direct. ;-)
 >----------
 >
 Well, I've actually got the card filled out now.  Now, as soon as I can find
that roll of stamps, I'll be putting it in the mail, along with my Christmas
cards...

 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 78        Sun Jan 26, 1992
B.BEAUCHEA [Bob Beauchea]    at 21:25 EST

Dorothy,

Thanks! The progarm works great.

Bob
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 80        Sun Feb 09, 1992
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 02:18 EST

 Well, folks, I'm finally getting through some of those unfinished
 programs occupying valuable space on my hard drive.  First to be
 published will be Multiplay.  The final beta testing will begin
 this week, with expected publication in mid-March or slightly
 earlier.  Multiplay will see its show debut at the Toronto Atari
 Users Convention in April.

 Multiplay is a math drill program for ages 3-11...Ah, I can hear
 it now: "Drill?  Ugh...I hate rote drill!" ;-)  Let's net those
 little stomach butterflies right now, 'cause Multiplay isn't your
 typical rote drill program.  You know those multiplication tables
 you had to memorize in the third grade?  Well, they _still_ make
 third graders memorize them, and Multiplay provides a _fun_ way
 to get that job done!  Multiplay is also appropriate for many
 preschoolers, as it can offer experiences with addition as well
 as multiplication.

 The program consists of three screens: the Self-Drill Screen, the
 Puzzle Screen, and the Make Puzzle Screen.  Each screen's primary
 component is a grid.  The x and y axes form the operators in an
 equation and the square at which they meet is the solution to the
 problem.  Parents can choose whether the grid deals with the
 operators 0-9, 0-19, or 0-29 (limited to 0-19 on a 520ST).  If a
 size larger than 0-9 x 0-9 is chosen, the child can scroll around
 the grid using the mouse (only 100 squares in the grid are shown
 at a time).

 On the Self-Drill screen, the child clicks on a square and sees
 the full equation, answer and all.  The answers remain
 highlighted (until the child turns them off), so the child can go
 clicking about the grid, guessing at each answer before it is
 shown -- and using neighboring answers as an aid to the guess.
 The patterns involved in the concepts of multiplication and
 addition can be discovered and internalized.

 The Puzzle Screen offers a game for one or two players.  Children
 can play the built-in puzzles or the ones they have made
 themselves on the Make Puzzle Screen.  Players take turns
 clicking on squares and then typing the answer to the problem
 displayed.  The score _is_ the answer to the problem.  Thus,
 children who choose to tackle 29 x 29 -- and do so successfully
 -- will have a much higher score than if they had chosen easier
 problems.  Each successful answer causes the computer to fill in
 the squares that have the same color as the answer square.  As
 the squares are filled with color, a picture is revealed.
 Children can only choose answer squares which are not already
 filled with color, so the choices become more limited as the game
 progresses.

 The Make Puzzle Screen allows the child to make and save his own
 puzzles.  Puzzle design is a challenging undertaking.  One can
 make the puzzles more difficult by limiting certain colors to the
 high range of the grid.  An editor program allows parents and
 teachers to delete unwanted puzzles.

 Multiplay, like all commercial kidprgs, is accompanied by an
 installation program which allows the parent or teacher to
 configure the child's disk to suit his/her needs and interests.
 This grow-as-you-grow approach allows Multiplay to appeal to
 children of a wide age range.  Parents can choose to offer
 multiplication _or_ addition _or_ _both_, and to offer a PRINT or
 an EXIT option.  Parents also decide whether the grid will deal
 with the numbers 0-9, 0-19, or 0-29, and whether a dot or an "x"
 will be used for the multiplication sign.

 If the PRINT option is permitted, children can print an empty
 version of the grid to fill out by hand or a version of the grid
 with all the answer squares filled.  My third-grade daughter,
 Catherine, assembled a poster of the entire 0-29 x 0-29
 multiplication table; it was a real hit with her classmates!

 Hmmm...Well, this is already looking more like a press release
 than a progress update, but if you have questions, please jump
 in!  And bring the kids to the Toronto show!
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 81        Sun Feb 09, 1992
H.WOOTAN [Harry]             at 16:03 EST

Dorothy,

Sounds great!  Bonnie (my local 3rd-grader) is working on her "times tables"
these days.  She feels GREAT that she compelted her 8's & 9's Friday.  The
best part about it is that now come the 10's & 11's, not exactly the toughest
ones to deal with.  :-)

<But when will _I_ get to use the ST?!>

 -- Harry
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 82        Sun Feb 09, 1992
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 16:51 EST

 Harry, 10's and 11's are a cinch, but with Multiplay she can go up to
 29 x 29 and that range, and let me tell you -- they are HARD!  I had
 my calculator out all the time while programming it! ;-)
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 83        Sun Feb 09, 1992
FAIRWEATHER [David]          at 17:31 EST


 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 84        Mon Feb 10, 1992
H.WOOTAN [Harry]             at 00:01 EST

Dorothy -- I know 25*25 and 20*20.  Isn't that enough!?

 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 85        Mon Feb 10, 1992
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 00:48 EST

 Harry, not if you want to beat Bonnie on the Puzzle Screen. ;-)
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 86        Mon Feb 10, 1992
C.TOWNSLEY [CHARLIE]         at 18:08 EST

Harry, you said it all with your last line. I made a firm rule for myself:
First I get my MSTE, then I teach my Niece (and my Father) how to use my old
STfm.

I should have added another condition though. I need a house with TWO computer
room's. With the pair of them INSISTING that I come see what they've done
every 15 minutes, I can't get anything done myself. :-)

Dorothy, I'm wondering if you have plans to attend the ACE show in Toronto
this April. I owe you a shareware fee or two, I believe, and I'd like to see
and hear a demo of your other product's live. Any chance?

 Charlie Townsley
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 87        Mon Feb 10, 1992
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 19:13 EST

 Charlie, I absolutely _do_ plan to attend the Atari Canadian Exposition
 in Toronto!  I'm planning to debut my new program, Multiplay, there,
 and of course I'll be bringing along Kidpublisher Professional, Kid-
 painter, Super Kidgrid, and Telegram.  See you there!

 Harry, the time finally came when the price of used 520s came down so
 low I was able to "steal" one for one of our younger children...and for
 another younger child...We have four permanent workstations right now,
 mine which is _all_ mine, "the kids'", the oldest son's, and dad's --
 which is sometimes his and sometimes for the other kids.  We also have
 a couple spares which we'll set up temporarily if need be, but we just
 don't have room to provide for their permanent installation.

 You might want to keep an eye out for a used 520...They really take
 a beating from kids, but they _work_ and work well with the programs
 kids want to use.  Come next July 23rd, Bonnie could be leaving you to
 enjoy your computer yourself -- while she enjoys _hers_.  Think about it.
 ;-)
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 88        Tue Feb 11, 1992
H.WOOTAN [Harry]             at 08:50 EST

Dorothy,  I've definitely been watching the used 520 prices.  They're looking
real good these days.

But I keep teetering toward getting a Mega for myself (to allow use of a
Moniterm monitor), leaving my current 520 for Bonnie (& Mom).  Were it only
free!  <And, my favorite, "Wenn wenn nicht wenn ware!"  -- where IS that
umlaut!?>

 -- Harry
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 89        Tue Feb 11, 1992
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 14:47 EST

 The umlaut does not seem to be on GEnie...Over in the Germany RT, I'd
 just say "waere" and most everybody would know. ;-)
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 90        Mon Mar 09, 1992
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 18:48 EST

 D.A. Brumleve is pleased to announce a _new_ program:

                             Multiplay
             Math Exploration, Discovery and Practice
                           for ages 5-11

 Multiplay is designed to help children commit basic addition and
 multiplication equations to memory and to offer opportunities for
 the discovery of math patterns.  Among the multitude of basic
 math drill programs, Multiplay is unique in the freedom of choice
 extended to both the child users and their parents or teachers,
 in its open-endedness, and in the opportunity for creative
 thinking and expression.

 The program consists of a Main Screen and three play screens: the
 Pattern Screen, the Puzzle Screen, and the Make Puzzle Screen.
 Each screen's primary component is a grid.  The x and y axes form
 the elements in an equation and the grid square at which they
 converge is the solution to the problem, the "answer square".
 The parent or teacher can choose whether the grid deals with the
 elements 0-9, 0-19, or 0-29 (limited to 0-19 on a 520ST).  There
 is also a choice of whether the program will offer multiplication
 or addition or both.

 On the Pattern Screen, the child clicks on a square and sees
 the full equation, answer and all.  The answers remain
 highlighted (until the child turns them off), so the child can go
 clicking about the grid, guessing at each answer before it is
 shown -- and using neighboring answers as an aid to the guess.
 The patterns involved in the concepts of multiplication and
 addition and the relationships between neighboring and analogous
 equations can thus be discovered and internalized.  A TEST option
 facilitates the play of various games and helps children keep
 track of their progress; the test option can also be used to
 assist children in the discovery of patterns.

 The Puzzle Screen offers a game for one or two players.  Children
 can play the built-in puzzles or the ones they have made
 themselves on the Make Puzzle Screen.  Players take turns
 clicking on squares and then typing the answer to the problem
 displayed.  The score is the sum of the player's correct answers.
 Thus, children who choose to tackle 29 x 29 -- and do so
 successfully -- will have a much higher score than if they had
 chosen easier problems.  Each successful answer causes the
 computer to fill in all the puzzle squares which have the same
 color as the answer square.  As the squares are filled with
 color, a picture is revealed.

 The Make Puzzle Screen allows the child to make and save his own
 puzzles.  Puzzle design is a challenging undertaking in and of
 itself.  An separate editor program allows parents and teachers
 (and older children) to delete unwanted puzzles.

 Multiplay, like all commercial kidprgs, is accompanied by an
 installation program which allows the parent or teacher to
 configure the child's disk to suit his/her needs and interests.
 The adult can pick and choose the options which will be available
 to the child and rerun the installation program to add options as
 the child's skills increase.  This grow-as-you-grow approach
 allows Multiplay to appeal to children throughout a wide age
 range.  In fact, Multiplay appeals to beginners and math wizards
 alike!

 The Multiplay package contains two green single-sided disks, a
 28-page manual, a one-sheet children's manual, and extra labels
 for your child's copies.  The recommended retail price is US$40.

 The program will be available on or before March 15, 1992.  We do
 accept MasterCard and VISA; please include your expiration date.
 Personal checks in US$ should include $3 for postage.

 D.A. Brumleve
 P.O. Box 4195
 Urbana, IL 61801-8820 USA
 VOICE: 217 337 1937
 FAX: [phone]
 GEnie: D.A.BRUMLEVE
 CIS: 71451,1141
 Delphi: DABRUMLEVE
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 91        Mon Mar 09, 1992
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 18:49 EST

 D.A. Brumleve is very pleased to announce a major upgrade to:

                     Kidpublisher Professional
          A Desktop Publishing Program for Young Writers
                           for ages 5-11

 Kidpublisher Professional is a desktop publishing program for
 children.  Most children use the program to write and illustrate
 stories and reports, but it can be used to print any kind of
 document requiring both text and graphics (posters, personal
 letters, etc.).  It includes a WYSIWYG word processor and drawing
 screen.  Printouts have a picture on the top half of the page
 with 7 lines (32 columns) of text at the bottom.  Four font
 styles are built into the program, and a teacher or parent may
 design an additional font using any DEGAS-compatible drawing
 program.

 The previous version (6.2) worked quite well, so this upgrade
 (6.4) involves added features rather than bug fixes, though we
 have also worked on memory conservation and other improvements
 which will be invisible to the user.  The new features include
 the following:

 Kidpublisher Professional now contains a built-in coded font set.
 The child types a message in a normal font and then can convert
 the text to code by simply selecting the coded font set from the
 FONT dialog.  A decoder card is included in the package.  The
 code used is self-decoding: a child who receives a message
 written in the coded font set can type that message into his own
 computer and then load the coded font set to _read_ the
 deciphered message as well!  Kids really enjoy this feature.

 Children who use both our Kidpainter and Kidpublisher
 Professional have asked us time and time again to add the MIRROR
 option to Kidpublisher, so we have.  The drawing portion of the
 program will now automatically create mirror-images (horizontal,
 vertical, or both) as the child draws with the FREEHAND, LINE,
 BOX, and CIRCLE drawing tools.

 Children can use Kidpublisher Professional to print a title page
 without graphics.  The title and author's and illustrator's names
 are automatically centered, and the title itself is underlined.
 Teachers have asked for a date on the title page, and we've added
 this facility.  The date is derived from the system clock and
 presented to the child for editing as part of the TITLE option
 sequence of dialogs.

 Using the included Installation Program, parents and teachers can
 choose whether or not to allow each of these new features.  If
 the TITLE option is permitted, parents and teachers can choose
 whether the date will be presented in European (5 March 1992) or
 US (March 5, 1992) format.

 The package contains a red disk, a 28-page parent/teacher manual,
 a one-sheet children's manual, extra labels, and a decoder card.

 These enhancements make Kidpublisher Professional more powerful
 and more stimulating than ever before.  Registered users may
 upgrade their copies for just US$5 (plus $1 shipping).  The list
 price for the new version is US$40.

 This upgrade will be ready to ship on or before March 15.  An
 announcement is on its way to registered users.  We do accept
 MasterCard and VISA; please include your expiration date.
 Personal checks in US$ should include $3 for postage.

 D.A. Brumleve
 P.O. Box 4195
 Urbana, IL 61801-8820 USA
 VOICE: 217 337 1937
 FAX: [phone]
 GEnie: D.A.BRUMLEVE
 CIS: 71451,1141
 Delphi: DABRUMLEVE

 [Please note that version 6.4 is available in the English
 language only.  The current Dutch, Icelandic, and German versions
 are 6.3.]
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 92        Sun Mar 15, 1992
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 18:50 EST

 The father of one of my users suggests that I write a spelling
 program.

 A spelling program...?

 Well, one of my policies is: Never do anything that's already
 been done.  Especially in this market, where a relatively small
 number of developers is working to provide applications, it's
 best to focus on what software the machine _lacks_ rather than to
 reinvent the wheel.  Every once in a while, I have an idea that's
 already been done, but done poorly.  In these cases, I tend to
 pass the idea on to somebody else -- and they do it.

 Anyway, if your child is struggling with the same silly word
 lists my daughter has to contend with, I do have some suggestions
 for bringing technology into play.

 First of all, I'd recommend Atari's own Bentley Bear's Speller
 Bee for this purpose.  Although the program comes with a sizable
 built-in word list, it is indeed configuable (by adults) to offer
 specific words.  It has a nice, slow pace, one that doesn't
 frustrate the young typist (it is not keyboard-controlled).  The
 program has its charm, and children ages 5-9 or so should find it
 rewarding.  When the disk is set up to elicit the child's own
 unique spelling list, the child can regard it as a welcome
 learning aid.  Because it's "old" as software goes, it can be had
 for a song when it can be found at all...I picked up a copy last
 year for $6 for my local school.  I'll bet you could easily find
 a used copy with an inquiry in Cat 27 or at your user group
 meeting.  There are other programs of this same ilk, in fact,
 there are a _legion_ of programs of this ilk, especially from
 England, but not all of them can be configured by the user/parent
 to provide practice with a specific set of words.  Bentley does
 it just fine.

 In the PD realm, WUZZLERS.ARC requires a lot more work on the
 part of the person setting up the word list, as you have to draw
 a picture, too, but the child could set up the word list
 _himself_ (and do the pictures), which would be a learning/moti-
 vating experience in and of itself.  Wuzzlers presents a hangman-
 type game for 1 or two players; a pictorial hint is provided if
 the player _misses_ an answer (not as a reward, but as a help).
 This can be found in Library 31 of the ST RT.  I wrote Wuzzlers
 for ST-Log.  I don't think Wheel-of-Fortune is still around
 (something about copyrights and trademarks), but I used to use it
 for spelling drill with some of my kids.  It could be configured
 to provide a specific set of words/phrases.

 A child in the upper elementary grades or junior/senior high may
 have fun, think, and learn while working crosswords, word search
 puzzles, and cryptograms, all of which are available from one
 source: Fair Dinkum Technologies.  In educationese, these are
 known as "vocabulary enhancing activities".  Hutch of Fair Dinkum
 has a Topic in this Category covering Crossword Creator II, Word
 Search Creator, and The Cryptographer (great name, Hutch!), so
 please seek more details there.

 When homeschooling my oldest son at age 7, I pulled his spelling
 lists from his own writing.  Excercises he did with these words
 were special to him; these were "his words".  If you can instill
 the attitude that these words have a particular value to the
 child, it'll help motivate the child to commit the spelling to
 memory whether or not technology is used.

 My 9-year-old daughter has a learning disability which makes it
 very difficult for her to retain letter sequences (she knows
 every phone number in the student directory, however).  We've
 found that using different media helps her to internalize
 spellings.  She "draws" words in oatmeal, she uses letter-blocks
 to spell them out.  If your child is unable to memorize spellings
 even with repeated exposures, please be sure to mention this to
 his or her teacher; it may be that unusual techniques such as
 these can be of benefit.

 Another thing my daughter has done to help with word lists and
 spelling in general involves her ST.  She uses Kidpublisher
 Professional to produce most of her written work.  When she
 finishes a story or report, she'll call me to help with editing.
 I'll point out words with questionable spelling; if she can't
 identify the error or correct it, she looks it up in the
 dictionary.  Then she makes the corrections from within KP before
 the error-riddled file is even printed.  When it comes time to
 print, she has a perfect copy to hand in (or near-perfect -- if
 there are a ridiculous number of errors, I "overlook" some of
 them -- no sense saddling her with my perfectionism).  The
 editing ability of the computer is a real godsend to her, as she
 is very awkward with a pencil (another aspect of her LD) and as
 prissy as she is, she'd balk at handing in a paper with multiple
 erasures.  She also sometimes types sentences containing her
 word-list vocabulary to help reinforce not only the spelling but
 also the meaning.

 Now, if I come up with an angle on the spelling program idea that
 _hasn't_ already been done, I'll see what I can do about
 providing it.  Watch this space for further developments! ;-)  In
 the meantime, I hope this helps!
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 93        Tue Mar 17, 1992
FAIRWEATHER [David]          at 10:25 EST

 I received Multiplay yesterday.  Thanks for the Priority Mail Dot! I
 really appreciate it when I get something I ordered so quickly.  I
 ordered a couple of games from Joppa on the same day I ordered
 Multiplay (Friday) but I'm still waiting for them.   My 6 year old
 Dexter breezed through several of the addition puzzles (set at 0-29).
 Then we started on the multiplication which he can handle up through
 the 3 X _ = ? series.  So far he seems to be enjoying the program
 pretty well.  He says they don't use tables in his kindergarten but
 he has figured out some of the patterns that make determining the
 next answer a little easier.
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 94        Tue Mar 17, 1992
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 15:23 EST

 Ata boy, Dexter!  Found some patterns right off the bat! ;-)

 Glad you are enjoying it already, David.
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 95        Mon Apr 13, 1992
MYECK.WATERS [myeck]         at 18:26 EDT

Gee, Dorothy, according the latest Z*NET, you spent your time at the ACE show
demo-ing your KIDPRGS from "behind" a "background" of duplo blocks!  How'd you
manage that?  The one time I met you, at WAACE '91, you didn't strike me as
the shy type - certainly not _that_ shy, anyway!

 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 96        Mon Apr 13, 1992
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 20:17 EDT

 Myeck, I noticed that, too.  Z*Net doesn't miss a trick, does it?
 My ability to demo from behind a background is just another bit of
 kidprgs magic.  I've found this technique places the kidprgs in front
 of the foreground, so the folks I'm demoing for can see the screen
 up close and personal.  Shy?  No, just one more way in which I can
 demonstrate my incredible thoughtfulness. ;-)

 Enjoy Multiplay and the KP64 upgrade!  Oughta be there by Wednesday,
 or the Post Office owes us an explanation!
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 97        Mon Apr 13, 1992
FAIRWEATHER [David]          at 23:56 EDT

Do you have a Okimate 20 driver for Kidpublisher?  If so, does it use the
Okimate's color capabilities?  How much does Kidpublisher cost?
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 98        Tue Apr 14, 1992
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 00:38 EDT

 David, we do have a driver that will print screen dumps on the Okimate
 20...In fact, it's here in the GEnie ST RT library.  Kidpublisher
 Professional, however, prints only in black and white.  Our hope (usually
 fulfilled) is that the child will spend time offline getting in some
 fine motor practice with crayons or markers.  Kidpublisher Professional
 version 6.4 lists for $40.  The demo in Library 31 is of version 6.2.
 Our new 6.4, released last month, adds mirror-imaging on the drawing
 screen, a date on the title page, and a very nifty code feature that
 encourages kids to write secret messages for decoding within Kidpublisher
 Pro -- or by hand on paper.  If you order it (or any other commercial
 kidprg), please remind me of your printer type.  Orders can be made
 through GEMail to D.A.BRUMLEVE.  Thank you for your interest.
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 99        Tue Apr 14, 1992
MUSE [Tomas]                 at 02:44 EDT

David,
 Dorothy's programs generally use the screen dump function.  If you have the
OKI_20.PRG in the AUTO folder, you should have no troubles.

 Dorothy,
 I enjoy your posts (and your programs) so much I sometimes feel I should send
you a shareware payment just for the laughs.  See you at Glendale I hope.
I'll be working this time!
 ===Tomas===

 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 100       Tue Apr 14, 1992
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 02:49 EDT

 Hope to be there, Tomas, kidprgs and all.
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 101       Tue Jun 16, 1992
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 17:50 EDT

                     Notice to Kidprgs Owners!

                      Kidprgs Version History

 Some of our programs have been upgraded a number of times both to
 fix bugs and to add or improve features.  Some of the changes
 represent spectacular enhancements of programs we had once
 thought were absolutely perfect.  While you may still feel that
 the original version is perfect, believe us when we say:

               If you don't have the latest version,
                    your kids are missing out!

 Super Kidgrid for Creative Graphics Design
      release version 1.6

 Kidpainter: A Paint Program for Young Artists
      release version 2.3
      version 2.3a improves text input interface
           UPGRADE FEE from 2.3: $5

 Telegram: The Silly Song Player
      release version 2.5

 Kidpublisher Professional: A Desktop Publishing Program for Young
                                                           Writers
      release version 6.1
      version 6.2 adds configurability through installation
           program, 10 pages per document on a 1040 or greater,
           expanded features on both the drawing and typing
           screens, improved memory handling
      version 6.4 adds a date on the title page, mirror-imaging on
           the drawing screen, coded font set for secret messages
      version 6.4E fixes a minor bug in 6.4
      version 6.4E_A fixes yet another bug in 6.4
           UPGRADE FEE from 6.1 or 6.2: $5
           UPGRADE FEE from 6.4 or 6.4E: NONE! (free)

 Multiplay for Math Exploration, Discovery, and Practice
      release version 3.4
      version 3.4A fixes minor bugs
      version 3.4B fixes a major bug (whew!)
           UPGRADE FEE from 3.4 or 3.4A: NONE! (free)

 Version numbers are clearly noted on the _title_screen_ for each
 program.  To obtain your upgrade, please contact D.A.BRUMLEVE in
 GEMail or call us at 217 337 1937.  Remember, when we release an
 upgrade, we do it to make the program _better_.  Give your child
 the best!
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 102       Wed Jun 17, 1992
MUSE [Tomas]                 at 00:24 EDT

Gosh Dorothy,
 Those upgrade prices are fantastic!
 ===Tomas===

 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 104       Mon Jun 22, 1992
D.SMITHRN [Smitty]           at 01:07 EDT

Dot.... Mike Bergman just old me of your offer....... SDACE thanks you.....
Yes we will show them during the SD Show..... Pax Smitty VP, SDACE
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 105       Mon Jun 22, 1992
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 08:46 EDT

 Smitty, I'll ship 'em a bit closer to the time.  Have a good show!
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 106       Mon Jun 29, 1992
D.SMITHRN [Smitty]           at 01:06 EDT

Dot....... A special hug for you anytime!!!!  Is there anything that should be
brought out when demo'ing the programs?  Should we just set up a few computers
and just let the kids "play" or should there be some instruction.  I remember
from the Glendale show you kinda gave instructions to the parents, but the
kids picked up the programs rather easily.  What I hope to do is this..... I
want to show the IBM crowd that there are QUALITY kid programs available, at a
reasonable cost.  If there is anything you feel is a paticular advantage to
the software, can you give me some pointers to emphasize the fact.  I hope to
give you lots of exposure during the 3 day show..... PAX, Smitty
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 107       Sat Jul 11, 1992
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 00:47 EDT

 Another desperate user has contacted me in GEMail: he has
 upgraded from a 9-pin to an HP DeskJet and his printouts from
 Kidpublisher Professional look like a bunch of gobbly-gook!  If
 you've experienced this problem, please be aware that, courtesy
 of Chet Walters at WizWorks!, we _do_ most definitely have a
 printer driver for the entire HP DeskJet/LaserJet line that
 produces beautiful printouts with our programs!  There is no fee
 for such support, and we can even send the driver to you through
 GEMail for that instant gratification to stop your child's tears
 in their tracks!

 We've never met a printer that couldn't be convinced, one way or
 another, to produce acceptable printouts with our programs.  If
 you've experienced this problem, please let us know so that we
 can help.  Thanks!
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 108       Sat Aug 29, 1992
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 13:40 EDT

 We are looking forward to seeing our loyal customers and
 recruiting some new ones at two big shows this fall, the Glendale
 AtariFaire and the WAACE AtariFest.  We'll have upgrades
 available for Kidpublisher Professional 6.4E_A for only $5; check
 the title screen of your copy for your version number.  We are
 shipping mass quantities of Multiplay, as many, children on both
 coasts are missing out on exploring the joys of mathematics, and
 we intend to rectify that.  In addition, we'll offer our Learning
 Games Packet, a collection of PD/shareware programs, for the
 first time at these shows.  We have a new line of Atari-logo
 rubber stamps and will be happy to tattoo the more adventurous
 showgoers at no cost.

 See you there!
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 109       Sat Sep 05, 1992
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 16:11 EDT

          Kidpublisher Professional Owners, Wake Up! ;-)

 The commercial Kidpublisher Professional provides printouts with
 a picture and accompanying text on every page.  An overwhelming
 percentage of children prefer the picture&text version, but there
 are some very prolific writers who do not enjoy drawing and there
 is also sometimes a need to concentrate on writing in classroom
 use, so a text-only version of the program is made available to
 owners of the commercial product for an additional $10 fee.  The
 text-only version offers twice the amount of text per printed
 page (14 lines total) and, of course, there is no picture or
 drawing screen.

 A text-only version of Kidpublisher Professional 6.4EB (the very,
 very latest version) is now available!  Like the picture&text
 version 6.4EB, this text-only version contains the code feature
 and a date on the title page.  It offers two different means of
 moving from page to page: depending on the parent's choice, the
 child can turn pages (one page at a time) by simply clicking on
 the PAGE box, or the child can use a dialog box to move, for
 example, directly from Page 1A to Page 3B.

 Owners of any 6.4E version (6.4E, 6.4EA, or 6.4EB) who have
 already purchased an earlier text-only version will receive the
 update automatically via US Mail.  Owners of any 6.4E version who
 have never purchased a text-only counterpart may purchase the new
 text-only version for the usual $10 fee.  Owners of any earlier
 version of Kidpublisher Professional are encouraged to upgrade
 their picture&text version ($5) before purchasing the text-only
 version (for an additional $10).  If you are confused, don't
 worry, I'm not. ;-)  Please see me in GEMail if there is some
 question in your mind about which version you have and which
 version you need/are entitled to.

              Kidpublisher Professional Update 6.4EB

 Owners of 6.4E and 6.4EA who have gotten this far will have
 noticed that there is now a version 6.4EB of the picture&text
 Kidpublisher Professional.  Yes, I found another minor bug.  This
 bug is so extremely trivial that you'll never find it in a
 million years, so I am not planning to mail out automatic
 updates.  Even so, I'd like as many people as possible to have a
 perfect copy.  I will be sending out the update in GEMail to 6.4E
 and 6.4EA customers who have GEnie accounts sometime in the next
 two weeks.  If you'd like to receive this update and I may not
 know that you are a GEnie member, please contact me so that I can
 add your GEnie address to my database.  File transfers on GEnie
 are not a free service, so many 6.4E and 6.4EA owners may opt not
 to download the update in any case.  (Trust me, it's so trivial
 that I wouldn't have found it at all if I hadn't been messing
 with the code to make the text-only version!)  There is certainly
 no obligation on the part of my customers to accept this offer.
 ;-)
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 110       Sat Sep 05, 1992
POTECHIN [ Nathan]           at 17:43 EDT

Thanks for the update Dorothy. I won't even look for the bug. :-) I have no
idea what version the kids have. Do you? ;-)
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 111       Sat Sep 05, 1992
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 18:53 EDT

 Well, Nate, you got 6.4E in Toronto, the show at which we discovered
 the bug that later resulted in 6.4EA.  I uploaded the corrected file
 to you, and if you d/led it, you have 6.4EA.  I know you listed that
 upload, but whether you d/led it and copied it to your kids' disk is
 between you and your GEnie god...
 ;-)
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 112       Sat Sep 05, 1992
POTECHIN [ Nathan]           at 19:00 EDT

I always download what I list. :-) Thanks Dorothy.
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 113       Thu Oct 01, 1992
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 01:07 EDT

 I have just uploaded (in GEMail) an update to Kidpublisher Professional
 version 6.4EB for all owners of KP 6.4E with known GEnie addresses.
 If I missed you, please let me know.  Happy publishing!
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 114       Thu Oct 01, 1992
POTECHIN [ Nathan]           at 21:39 EDT

My children thank you Dorothy. ;-)
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 115       Thu Oct 01, 1992
L.ROCHA1 [Lou (Sysop)]       at 23:39 EDT

Thank you Dorothy. Michael will love it even more!
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 116       Mon Oct 26, 1992
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 19:02 EST

 Just thinking out loud here...

 Recently, my education consultant's preschool student drew pictures in
 Kidpainter for use in a matching game.  A small segment of the picture
 is used for the matching process and the full picture is displayed when
 the match is successful.  It would be relatively simple to modify the
 code to allow any Kidpainter owner to set up his/her children's Kidpainter
 masterpieces for use in this game.  Would there be any interest among
 Kidpainter owners for this kind of activity?  If so, I could upload the
 game to the library.

 My son's 1st grade class is studying insects, so I modified the game to
 provide a matching game with an insect theme.  Kids go for insects like
 the lowly stinkbug, head louse (I don't know about your neighborhood, but
 every kid in my son's class has personal experience with these!), yellow-
 jacket, ladybug, etc., so these are the ones included in the program.
 It's just a simple, unembellished matching game.  Would there be any
 interest in it?
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 117       Mon Oct 26, 1992
FAIRWEATHER [David]          at 22:58 EST

I'd definitely be interested if you could upload the insect pictures along
with the game!
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 118       Mon Oct 26, 1992
P.MORALES1 [Pat]             at 23:20 EST


  > It's just a simple, unembellished matching game.  Would there be any
  > interest in it?

 Yes Dorothy, this sounds great and I would be very
 interested. Thanks for your ongoing support!! Anna

 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 119       Mon Oct 26, 1992
R.WALTERS7 [Randy]           at 23:30 EST

Dot

Color me interested !!

Regards
 Randy


 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 120       Tue Oct 27, 1992
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 00:42 EST

 Well, that's 3.  Guess I ought to write some docs. ;-)
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 121       Tue Oct 27, 1992
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 19:45 EST

 Allow me to clarify: the matching game involving insects is _not_
 Kidpainter-related.  I have uploaded it to the library as File #26295.
 It is offered as shareware for the benefit of my local public school's
 ST Fund.

 The Kidpainter gamemaker provides for a similar matching game, however.
 Segments of nine Kidpainter PAINT_#.DAT files provide the pictures to
 be matched; when a match is successful, the entire Kidpainter picture
 related to that pair is displayed.  I will need to put on some finishing
 touches before it can be readily used by others to make games from their
 own pictures -- and documentation will be needed.  I am not certain how
 the program will be distributed.  It may be available only in file mail
 to Kidpainter owners and also added to my commercial Kidpainter disks.
 In any case, Kidpainter will be needed to provide pictures for the
 program.
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 122       Tue Oct 27, 1992
FAIR-DINKUM [Hutch]          at 22:20 EST

Boy, it really _BUGS_ me why anyone would be interested in pictures of some
creepy crawlies!  :)

Just kidding, Dot... sounds super.  Go for it!

-Hutch- @ Fair Dinkum Tech

 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 123       Mon Dec 28, 1992
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 14:45 EST

 Moving up to a Falcon030, MegaSTe, TT030?  Consider passing your old
 520/1040/Mega on to a younger member of the household.  Children as
 young as three can benefit from their own computer -- and age-appropriate
 software _is_ available!  Library 31 is teeming with public domain and
 shareware offerings for kids 3-11, and D.A. Brumleve's commercial kidprgs
 offer uniquely powerful applications for self-expression and exploration.

 Kidpublisher Professional 6.4EB $40
 Multiplay                 3.4B  $40
 Kidpainter                2.3A  $35
 Super Kidgrid             1.6   $25
 Telegram                  2.5   $25

 We welcome your inquiry!
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 124       Mon Dec 28, 1992
ST.LOU [Lou Rocha]           at 15:00 EST

Allow me to completely endorese what Dorothy has said. The only problem I now
have is deciding whether to buy more 1040's for my kids so they don't have to
argue about turns! Or I could let them use my TT for Kidpublisher and
Multiplay ;-)

 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 125       Tue Dec 29, 1992
R.NOAK                       at 07:01 EST

Dorothy is absolutely right. Let the kids "play". In their play, they learn! I
spent many a "quality" hour with my daughter in front of my 1040. First we
played, "Find the Bee", then moved to commericial and PD "games". She's pretty
good now and needs little help to do things by herself.

I _highly_ reccommend Kid Painter from D.A.Brumleve. After 2 years, it's still
my daughter's favorite! She got it when she was 3 and, at 5, is, from a
parent's viewpoint, pretty good! One nice thing about Kid Painter is that,
after the child has drawn a picture, they can convert it into a puzzle! Buy
it, you'll like it!


Randy @ Southlake, Inc.


 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 126       Sat Jan 02, 1993
H.WOOTAN [Harry]             at 13:20 EST

One more echo to Dorothy's "give the ST to the kids" recommendation. There are
MANY good children's programs for the ST.  You just might not be aware of them
if you haven't taken the time to look.

Of course, Dorothy's lead the pack ... and not just for preschoolers!

 -- Harry
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 128       Mon Feb 15, 1993
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 18:11 EST

                  Kidprgs and VERY Young Children

 Kim Swift bought Kidpainter for his grade-school-aged daughter
 and now finds his 2-year-old son wanting to play the Puzzle
 Screen to solve onscreen puzzles.  Problem is, Kidpainter was
 designed for children ages 5-11, the vast majority of whom can
 tell left from right, and 2-year-olds (including this one) can't.
 When you place a puzzle piece on the Puzzle Screen, you use the
 left mouse button.  You use the right mouse button to escape from
 the puzzle mode.  Uh-oh. ;-)

 The left-right thing is used consistently throughout Kidpainter
 to place or not place drawing functions; since this is the way
 most adult drawing programs also work, this feature in Kidpainter
 provides for transition between preschool programs and adult
 programs, and I wouldn't want to lose that consistency in the
 commercial release version.  However, I have designed a special
 version which does away with the left-right differentiation on
 the Puzzle Screen so that it can be used by very young children.
 In all versions of Kidpainter, it is possible to end work on a
 puzzle by clicking either button while the mouse is out in the
 options area on the left-hand side of the screen.  In this
 special version, you can also press <Esc> to end work, as Kim
 suggested.  And of course I've changed it so that either the
 right or left mouse button (or both) will cause placement of a
 puzzle piece when the mouse is over the grid area.

 If you are a Kidpainter owner whose very young children would
 prefer to use either button on the Puzzle Screen, please contact
 me in GEMail for your copy of this special version.

 We avoid differentiated mouse button response in all programs
 aimed for use by preschoolers.  Some of my older programs
 available here in Library 31 don't include this feature, but most
 do.  We have a collection of 11 programs which have been
 reworked, enhanced, and otherwise prepared for independent use by
 preschoolers.  The Creative Discovery Packet sells for $120 (yes,
 really!) and includes special versions of Frank Hundley's
 Barnyard and Seaside, Ken Kressin's About the House, and my own
 Dot-2-Dots, Makin' Aiken, Dreidel, Tannenbaum, Kidkeys
 (originally another module from PreSchool KidProgs), Kidshapes,
 Super Kidgrid, and Kidpotato.  This package would be right on
 target for almost any child ages 2-6.

 The mouse button problem is not the only one encountered by young
 children when attempting to use programs designed for those with
 more sophisticated skills.  Our commercial line benefits from
 years of observation of children working with computers, and
 we've developed a consistent format and style which children can
 productively exploit even upon the first introduction to a
 program.  We strive to provide activities that make sense to
 young children.  We limit the number of options to avoid
 confusion.  Our programs for preschoolers provide large targets
 for the mouse so it's easy for young children to hit them.  When
 an option is chosen, our programs provide both auditory and
 visual indicators of the selection.  Over the years, we have
 developed a color-coding system which helps non-readers (and
 readers, too) to move from one of our programs to another (the
 SAVE option is always red, PRINT is always bright greeen, etc.;
 this system is consistently employed in each and every one of our
 commercial products.  Our programs also provide for automatic
 loading and saving so that non-readers do not have to hassle with
 the fileselector.  Features such as these speed the child's way
 to complete independence from adult help when using the computer
 -- and that's a big boost to the child's self-esteem and the
 parents' freedom.

 Sometimes you may run into programs by other authors in which the
 mouse button response is differentiated but the program would
 otherwise be accessible to a young child.  When this happens in
 the schools I work with, we place a sticker on the left mouse
 button and tell the child to always press the sticker.  Because
 there is a tactile sensation when the finger makes contact with
 the sticker, the child doesn't have to look down at the mouse to
 make sure he's pressing the proper button.

 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 129       Thu Mar 04, 1993
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 15:19 EST

 Kidpublisher Professional users, please HELP!

 A customer who owns a Panasonic KXP1123 printer is experiencing
 considerable difficulty in printing from Kidpublisher
 Professional.  Using the various screen dump drivers I've
 supplied, his printouts consistently provide an elongated copy --
 elongated to the point that the picture and text will not fit
 comfortably on a single sheet.

 Locally, I have customers using Panasonic's KXP2123 printers (a
 step up from the faulty-printing model) with the default settings
 and these same drivers with complete success.  Unfortunately, I
 do not have access to a genuine KXP1123 model for testing.  I
 would very much appreciate it if KXP1123 owners among my
 customers would let me know how -- and if -- they are achieving
 proper single-sheet printouts.  Please contact me in GEMail.
 Thank you!
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 130       Sun Mar 14, 1993
G.GENSON                     at 17:45 EST

I have been trying to get Kid Publisher to print with my new HP Laserjet
printer. Am I doing something wrong or is the program incompatible with the
printer. Is there an upgrade planned for the program? Any help would be
appreciated.
                                               Gerry Genson
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 131       Sun Mar 14, 1993
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 17:50 EST

 Gerry, your new Laserjet will work just fine with Kidpublisher Pro, but
 you'll need a special printer driver (available thanks to Chet Walters
 of WizWorks!) to make it so.  See you in GEMail pronto!
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 132       Sun Mar 14, 1993
C.STEWARD1                   at 23:27 EST

We've failed today to print out a four page Kid Pub on a Pan 24 pin 1224
printer. Before now, nine pin (which died) was fine. It fails, in sum, to
advance the carriage more than a quarter of what's necessary. I'll give more
details tomorrow. (I have a HPLJ4 -- any luck with The Kid on it, do you
think? ps.s gret program
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 133       Mon Mar 15, 1993
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 00:18 EST

 The 24pins need a special driver to succeed with Kidpublisher Pro, too,
 Clifford.  You see, Kidpublisher -- and all of my other programs --
 effect a printout via a screen dump.  DEGAS drivers and other screen
 dump drivers are necessary to convince some printers to do a proper
 screen dump.  You had good luck with the 9pin because most 9pins effect
 a proper screen dump with no driver at all.

 A word here to parents (and others) who are purchasing a system for
 a child or handing one down: A 9pin printer is a _very_ good choice
 for a child.  A 9pin provides a printout to a child's not-so-exacting
 specs.  In screen dumps, the printout is essentially indistinguishable
 from that printed by a laser or a 24pin -- and the 9pin will usually
 produce that printout in under 3 minutes, while a 24pin is likely to
 take 7 or more!  Impatient children (and nearly all of them are) will
 appreciate the fast turnaround a 9pin provides.

 The beauty of this is that 9pins are going for a song nowadays.  You
 may not find any new ones for sale (though I've seen a few advertised
 around $150 locally lately), but you will find plenty of them on the
 used hardware market, including here in Category 27.  Typical 9pin
 prices (used) are around the $50 mark.  Use the extra cash you save to
 load up on paper! ;-)

 Clifford, I'll send you a likely driver in GEMail.

 Anybody else having trouble?
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 134       Tue Mar 16, 1993
C.STEWARD1                   at 01:35 EST

The LQ driver worked at 1 am before the 8 am 2nd grade deadline. Thanks very
much from this father and daughter. Interesting details to follow on the
'morrow. The pillow calls. But I'm more grateful than sleepy.
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 135       Tue Mar 16, 1993
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 02:07 EST

 Way to go!  Sorry you had such a close call. ;-)

 Good night.
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 136       Sat Mar 20, 1993
J.KRZYSZTOW [JEFFREY]        at 12:20 EST

Dorthy,

I have been trying to get SuperKid Grid to print on a 24 pin printer with no
luck, so any driver you have to try will be greatly appreciated.

Jeffrey
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 137       Sat Mar 20, 1993
D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 13:58 EST

Jeffrey, I'll see you in mail.  So far, there's only been one individual 24-
pin not to respond to proding, and I think we are on a promising path
regarding that one.

Folks, some of my 24-pin-owning customers have been able to use my  programs
(and achieve Alt-Help screen dumps as well) simply by putting the printer in
"IBM mode".  See if this does it for you!
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 138       Mon Jun 07, 1993
DABRUMLEVE [kidprgs]         at 01:39 EDT

 Attention, please, kidprgs users with HP Laserjet II printers:

 A customer with this setup is trying to use Chet Walters' HP_DUMP (the
 screen dump utility especially designed for kidprgs) to effect a printout
 from Kidpublisher Pro.  His printout works fine in that the picture and
 text are well-proportioned and properly centered, but the areas that are
 supposed to be white are, instead, gray!  I suspected an overdose of
 toner at first, but his non-screendump printouts have white where white
 is supposed to be.

 Has anyone else experienced this anomaly?  If so, is there a means of
 correction?  My HP-owning customers have been using HP_DUMP for over two
 years, and this is the first time I've heard of this particular problem.
 I don't have access to an HP LJII to run tests.  Any advice would be
 greatly appreciated.  Thanks!
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 139       Mon Jun 07, 1993
MUSE [Tomas]                 at 22:29 EDT

Dorothy,
 Is HP_RSAVE the same thing?  I use this on a DJ500.

 ===Tomas===
 June 07, 1993 @  7:20:32 pm PDT



 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 140       Mon Jun 07, 1993
DABRUMLEVE [kidprgs]         at 23:19 EDT

 Tomas, if Chet wrote it, it's essentially the same.
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 141       Tue Jun 08, 1993
S.KIEPE [Steve@CNOTES]       at 00:14 EDT

Dorthy,

I recently acquired a new laser printer (NEC Silentwriter 95F - LJIII or
postscript) and my Deskjet with it's Epson emulation cartridge departed for a
new owner.  My kids still love Kidpublisher Pro and are a little angry with me
right now.  Have there been any LJ printer drivers written for Kidpub Pro?
Any other suggestions?

Thanks much,

Steve

 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 142       Tue Jun 08, 1993
MUSE [Tomas]                 at 00:20 EDT

Dorothy,
 Yes, it's Chet's.  It saves to a filename too.  Perhaps it is more refined.

 ===Tomas===
 June 07, 1993 @  9:15:28 pm PDT


 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 143       Tue Jun 08, 1993
DABRUMLEVE [kidprgs]         at 01:39 EDT

 Steve, I'll send you the needed file tomorrow.  It's easy -- as long as
 you don't run into the same isolated problem as my customer with the
 LJII. :-(  Anyway, many other LJIII users are handling it successfully.
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 144       Tue Jun 08, 1993
HUTCH [FAIR-DINKUM]          at 02:40 EDT

Dorothy -- I used to include Chet Walters' shareware program, TTPRSAVE with my
programs as an HP screen dump utility.  On my old trusty deskjet, it never
printed whites as greys.

Steve -- Now here's proof that great minds think alike! I just traded MY
deskjet with Epson cart for an NEC Silentwriter 95fx.  Of course, I kept my
old, but still trustworthy, Epson FX dot matrix unit.  :)

-Hutch- @ Fair Dinkum Tech

 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 145       Tue Jun 08, 1993
DABRUMLEVE [kidprgs]         at 10:23 EDT

 Hutch, yes, this problem has NEVER come to my attention before!  I think
 it's pretty safe to assume that gray white areas are unique to the one
 system.  However, this fellow gets screen dumps outside of my programs
 --using the same utility -- that do have proper white.  I talked to him
 again last night and he's checking the version number.  He may just have
 a bad copy of my program...sometimes a bad copy is only a tiny bit bad.
 It's certainly a rare problem, and I'm grateful for that.
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 146       Thu Jun 10, 1993
S.KIEPE [Steve@CNOTES]       at 07:19 EDT

Dorothy,

Thanks much for the assist on the LJIII printing capability.  Right after I
sent the message I noticed that your topic came alive with lots of comments on
screen dumps to LJ printers, etc.  Aladdin lag again...

I do appreciate the help (it will save me from the wrath of my kids!)

Hutch - how has the transition been for you?  I'm finding most programs are
fairly cooperative, and I love the Postscript output from PageStream, but
haven't gotten the programs that do screendumps to print to work properly yet.
Dorothy has agreed to help with that one at least so I'm mostly compatible, or
will be soon.

Steve


 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 147       Thu Jun 10, 1993
DABRUMLEVE [kidprgs]         at 19:27 EDT

 Steve, the HP_DUMP program was modified by Chet Walters especially for
 use with my programs.  But Chet has a user-configurable version with many
 additional features available as shareware for $15.  The information on
 this is included in a textfile in the LZH I sent you.  I would encourage
 you to pursue the full version if you need screendumps when using other
 programs.
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 148       Thu Jun 10, 1993
H.WOOTAN [Harry]             at 23:43 EDT

Dorothy,

Sounds like the ST _thinks_ the screen isn't white, but off-white.  I think
that'd give the "gray" dump.

Since your program controls the colors, it'd make sense that (just as you
said) "a bad copy <can be> only a tiny 'bit' bad".  A bit (or 2) in just the
right place could cause the color setting to be off.

Has he noticed that the _screen_ isn't as white as possible when he's running
your program?

-- Harry

 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 149       Fri Jun 11, 1993
DABRUMLEVE [kidprgs]         at 09:21 EDT

 That's just what I'm thinking, Harry.  The "white" page in KP is set to
 6,6,6 (r,g,b -- never noticed the implications of that setting before!)
 during all phases of the program except printing -- when it is reset to
 7,7,7 (true white).  It looks like his copy isn't performing that reset.
 Stuff like this can happen now and then in the copy process if something
 real tiny goes wrong.  I've never seen this particular weirdness before,
 but I've had a couple copies that bombed when you pressed <Backspace> and
 it had nothing to do with the code I had written, but rather with the
 copy process I used at that time.  I switched to CodeCopy from the 'Heads
 at that time and hadn't experienced a freak copy since.  This one may
 predate that copy-program change -- or it could have been caused by a
 solar flare or something. ;-)
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 150       Sun Jun 13, 1993
S.KIEPE [Steve@CNOTES]       at 18:20 EDT

Dorothy,

Thank you for sending the file.  I haven't looked at it yet, on my way to the
CT Atarifest as we speak.  I will send Chet the shareware fee (unless WizWorks
is at the show - then I will get it there!

Thanks again for the GREAT support!

Steve

 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 151       Sun Jun 13, 1993
DABRUMLEVE [kidprgs]         at 19:19 EDT

 Have a good time at the show, Steve.  For future show-goers, please drop
 by our (D.A. Brumleve ;-) booth in Kansas City on June 26-27 and in
 Indianapolis on July 31.  Hope to see a lot of folks there!
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 152       Tue Jun 22, 1993
HUTCH [FAIR-DINKUM]          at 00:52 EDT

Steve -- To be honest, I miss the Epson compatibility but like everything else
with my Silentwriter.  I haven't even tried a screendump from the ST to NEC
yet, but I'm sure it would work with Chet Walter's TTPRSAVE program for HP
compatible printers.  Heck, I haven't even hooked up the fax in the printer
yet.  Too busy with other projects, ya know?

-Hutch- @ Fair Dinkum Tech

 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 153       Wed Jul 28, 1993
DABRUMLEVE [kidprgs]         at 19:49 EDT

 Looking forward to seeing my customer's at the MIST show Saturday!
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 154       Mon Nov 15, 1993
H.WOOTAN [Harry]             at 02:02 EST

Dorothy,

I just got a TT030.  What are my chances of getting your kidprgs to run?  Are
they compatible (in ST Low, I assume).

I _COULD_ just try them.  But I thought I'd check with you first.

BTW, we still have an ST for bonnie to use.  So the kidprgs will still be used
regardless.

  -- Harry
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 155       Mon Nov 15, 1993
DABRUMLEVE [kidprgs]         at 08:54 EST

 Harry, I think you have the latest versions of all, so they should run
 without a hitch on your TT030 in ST Low.
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 156       Tue Nov 16, 1993
H.WOOTAN [Harry]             at 01:52 EST

  Super!  Now I just have to decide when the time'll be right to let Bonnie in
on the little secret.  :)

She was very surprised to see that my new computer has a color monitor.  But
she hasn't asked about using it herself .... yet.

  -- Harry
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 157       Fri Nov 26, 1993
K.SWIFT [Kim]                at 01:32 EST

Dear Dorothy Brumleve and fellow Kidpainter users,

I have just uploaded a gallery of 9 pictures my daughter Brenna created using
Kidpainter.  I have uploaded them in hopes you will enjoy them too.  The file
number is to be 30846.  I included "Kidpainter" and  "kidprg" in the search
keywords.  The pictures make good puzzle pictures! The titles are:  "Rainbow
over Pikes Peak", "Animal with Antlers in the Tetons", "Bear with Bow (for
coloring)", "Dinosaurs with Volcano",  "Rainbow-colored Wing Bird, Mountains,
Smiling Tree", "Smiling Pikes Peak (King of Mountains) with Fairy", "Castle
with Carriage", "Pretty Flowers by the Tetons", and "Rose with Flowers, Tree".

Thanks, Dorothy Brumleve, for creating Kidpainter.  I plan to upload a number
of other "galleries" of pictures we have created.

The title of this upload is "GALLERYI.ARC", in the Children's Applications
library, library 31.

May the innocence and beauty of childhood always be with you,

Kim Swift
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 158       Fri Nov 26, 1993
DARLAH [RT~SYSOP]            at 11:38 EST

Kim:

I just placed them out. Thank you ever so much! They are wonderful. I can't
wait to show my children when they get home from school!
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 159       Fri Nov 26, 1993
DABRUMLEVE [kidprgs]         at 15:19 EST

 Hey, Brenna, awesome work!
 ;-)
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 160       Mon Nov 29, 1993
K.SWIFT [Kim]                at 00:38 EST

Dear Dorothy Brumleve and fellow Kidpainter users,

My daughter Brenna will reply soon, but we're both delighted that Darlah and
Dorothy Brumleve and others have looked at the first "gallery" we uploaded!
Brenna is excited and happy that other people are looking at her pictures.
Darlah and Dorothy, thanks for your nice messages.

I've just uploaded a second gallery of some of my favorite pictures from
Brenna's current work including one she did today which she wanted me to
upload!  (What have I gotten myself into?) The file number is to be 30904.  I
hope you enjoy them too.  This gallery contains the following pictures:  "Jack-
o-lantern with bat, stars and moon", "Bunny with rainbow, heart", "The Snow
Fairy", "Bunny and squirrel with acorn tree and flowers", "Firebird (with
caterpillar on plant, lake)", "Just me and my kitty (with comet ball)",
"Greenhouse", "Brenna and turkey", "Aquarium with butterfly, snail and worm
(painted 11/28/93)".

So I don't flood this area with postings, after this gallery, I'll go ahead
and upload the remaining ones I want to and post a message for that set.  I
hope to see some galleries from other Kidpainters.

Happy Kidpainting!

Kim Swift

 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 161       Mon Nov 29, 1993
K.SWIFT [Kim]                at 00:42 EST

P. S.  The title of the gallery I just uploaded is "GALLERY2.ARC" in the
Children's Applications library, library 31.
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 162       Mon Nov 29, 1993
DARLAH [RT~SYSOP]            at 11:27 EST

Kim:

My youngest is going to be checking them out today. Thanks ever so much!!
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 163       Mon Nov 29, 1993
DABRUMLEVE [kidprgs]         at 21:20 EST

 Kim, I just d/led the new pics and will take a look as soon as I get
 offline.  Thanks for sharing them!

 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 164       Tue Nov 30, 1993
J.MOLNAR4 [Neanderthal]      at 22:58 EST

Hello, I'm looking for something extra for my 3 year old daughter for this
Christmas, she's already typing on my word processor, and using some
simplistic software on my DOS machine which has her push keys to get a Mickey
Mouse to do things.

What amazed me the most is after only showing her once she was able to
position the mouse on the "cancel" button and press the left mouse button.
She thought it was loads of fun (I had lots of fun too re-doing my work).

Anyway I think (at least she) is capable of a lot more than we give them
credit for.  I'm looking for something like Kidpainter, or maybe you can
recommend something else of yours.

Although I live in Massachusetts, a meca of commerce and computers, there's a
scarce few Atari dealers here.  A few random calls to advertisers in ST
Informer tells me not everyone carries childrens software.  Any suggestions
where I can buy (maybe direct)?

Thanks Joe

P.S. Although I've read back messages in this area I could still use a list of
your products with a brief description of each, or a catalog if you've got
one.

P.P.S. Or a current price list, at least.

 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 165       Sun Dec 05, 1993
K.SWIFT [Kim]                at 00:21 EST

Dear Dorothy Brumleve and fellow Kidpainter users,

To Darlah and Dorothy:  you're most welcome.  It has been my pleasure to
gather up the paintings I've uploaded.  The paintings make me smile.

To all:  I really am hoping to see some paintings from other Kidpainters!

I've just uploaded a third gallery of some of my favorite paintings from
Brenna's work.  I hope you enjoy them too.  The file is to be file number
30984 and is in the Children's Applications library, library 31.  This gallery
contains the following paintings:

"mmm...spaghetti", "Whale with sand castle", "Brenna with stream", "Beautiful
flowers, mountains", "Vase", "Easter Bunny", "Hurricane", "'Me and my Mom'",
and "umum...ice cream cone".

Happy Kidpainting!

Kim Swift

P. S.  I decided that since I'm not cranking these galleries out all that fast
I'd go ahead and post this message without risk of "flooding" this area with
messages.

 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 166       Fri Dec 10, 1993
J.VENGROUSK1                 at 21:09 EST

If you haven't , give TOAD COMPUTERS in MD a call. I have another ATARI store
very near me... but i drive the highway 40 minutes to TOAD caus they're THAT
nice and wortht the trouble to give them my business. they help, they know,
they work well, they ship (they have FALCONS!) they have parties! (like last
week.. i now know what Dave Small looks like!).
 I'm about to search out a second ST system for my 4 yr old.... any hints out
there?

 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 167       Fri Dec 10, 1993
K.SWIFT [Kim]                at 23:33 EST

Dear Dorothy Brumleve and fellow Kidpainter users,

I've just uploaded a fourth gallery of some of my favorite paintings from
Brenna's work.  I hope you enjoy them too.  The file, "GALLERY4.ARC", is to be
file number 31046 and is in the Children's Applications library, library 31.
This gallery contains the following paintings:

"Rainbow over mountain", "Seta (Mommy) in gown", "Presents under the Christmas
tree (painted 12/5/93)", "Pretty girl", "Rosie", "Smiling Fish", "Mermaid",
"Brenna (self portrait 1)", and "Hide- and-seek".

Happy Kidpainting!

Kim Swift

 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 168       Tue Dec 14, 1993
K.SWIFT [Kim]                at 00:04 EST

Dear Dorothy Brumleve,

Is it possible to use Kidpainter paintings in a Kidpublisher document?  If so,
then the galleries of Kidpainter paintings I have uploaded could be "clip art"
for Kidpublisher users.

Could you please implement a "Load" feature in a Kidpainter upgrade as soon as
possible?  The task of managing my daughter's collection would be easier with
a "Load" feature.  In order to save my daughter's paintings and collect them
for uploading and saving them, I've had to keep a dedicated set of
approximately 50 floppy disks. Then when my daughter creates a painting I want
to save, which she always does, I have to grab the next available save floppy
and let her save it.  Several weeks or months later I have to suffer through
copying from the floppies to hard drive folders.  Then I copy Kidpainter
executable and startup files to each folder, invoke Kidpainter in each folder
and start writing down which paintings are which.  At least the "Load" feature
would keep me from having to invoke Kidpainter each time I want to look at a
new set of paintings. Finally I have to copy the unique paintings again to new
folders along with the executable and startup files.  The best solution would
be parent-friendly "Load" and "Save" options which allow for specifying hard
drive paths!!!  The installation program could allow for choosing kid-friendly
or parent-friendly options on the "Load" and "Save".

Please help!  I love my daughter's paintings and the Kidpainter interface that
has made them possible, but the current "Save" only approach is a burdensome
chore for the parent who is managing a collection of paintings.  Also, for the
Kidpainter users who want to browse through paintings, the "Load" feature
would mean they don't have to invoke Kidpainter repeatedly to change
"galleries".

Kim Swift
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 169       Sun Dec 26, 1993
DABRUMLEVE [kidprgs]         at 12:33 EST

 Hmmm...I checked this topic just a week ago and there were no new messages,
 then today I see new messages from way back on Nov 30!  I apologize for
 my lack of response.  I'm not sure what happened.

 Anyway, Kim, your LOAD request is noted...I think it's already in the
 beta version of the new KPT, but I'll make sure.

 And thanks for the uploads of your galleries!  I'm afraid the picture
 size is not compatible between Kidpainter and Kidpublisher Pro...I know,
 I know, it's something we considered and then wound up discarding early
 on, and the path is set.  But users can use your picture files in their
 own copies of Kidpainter of course.

 Joe, your local dealer (if any) can order my products from Pacific
 Software.  Toad stocks my products for mail-order customers.  And, yes,
 I do sell direct.  I regret that I can no longer offer my direct customers
 MasterCard/VISA support, but I can take checks in advance by mail
 (P.O. Box 4195 / Urbana IL 61801) or ship COD.  We sell only at list
 price, so you are much more likely to find discounted copies at dealers
 (mail-order or otherwise), and we encourage purchases from dealers.
 I would suggest Super Kidgrid for your daughter for starters, but Kid-
 painter might suit.

 Happy Holidays to all!
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 170       Fri Jan 07, 1994
K.SWIFT [Kim]                at 02:47 EST

Dear Dorothy Brumleve and fellow Kidpainter users,

I've just uploaded a gallery of my own paintings, gallery5.arc.  I hope you
enjoy them.  (My daughter Brenna helped on "Hide-and-seek 2".)  The other
night, my three-year-old son Cory kid-tested and kid-approved all of them as
good puzzles!  The file is to be file number 31537 and is in the Children's
Applications library, library 31.

This gallery contains the following paintings: "Fisherman on Boat", "Jack-o-
lantern", "Truck and Mountain", "Hide-and-seek 2", "Patterns", "Shapes",
"Mount Shavano, Colorado", "Orbiter", "Mount Roadster".

I'm thrilled that people have downloaded the galleries.  Here's a count of the
downloads so far:

     gallery1.arc   12
     gallery2.arc    9
     gallery3.arc   12
     gallery4.arc    9

My personal favorite is gallery 2 though of course I like each one.  I think
each gallery has its own overall feel.  I do recommend that anybody who has
not downloaded gallery 2 do so. In my humble opinion, you're in for a real
treat.

Thanks for your reply, Dorothy, about the "Load" feature in the new version of
Kidpainter.  I am eagerly awaiting its release.

Happy Kidpainting!

Kim Swift


 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 171       Fri Jan 07, 1994
DABRUMLEVE [kidprgs]         at 18:58 EST

 Ohmygod!  Through this upload, Kim is admitting that he uses his children's
 programs _himself_!  No wonder you want those enhancements so bad, Kim.
 You'll be pleased to know that my next product saves in Degas format. ;-)
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 172       Sat Jan 08, 1994
MUSE [Tomas]                 at 00:23 EST

Dorothy,

 > ...he uses his children's programs _himself_!

 Uh, huh.  So, what's yer point?  <grin>

 This is the generation of dads and moms that are making sure their kids learn
to use a computer and that means we have to check these things out very
carefully.

 ===Tomas===

 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 173       Sat Jan 08, 1994
K.SWIFT [Kim]                at 15:58 EST

  :)
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 174       Sun Jan 09, 1994
H.WOOTAN [Harry]             at 03:04 EST

Tomas is right!  It often takes days .... or months .... to be sure your kid's
new software is OK before turning over the reins.

 -- Harry
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 175       Sun Jan 09, 1994
DABRUMLEVE [kidprgs]         at 13:18 EST

 Harry, you put that soooo well!
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 176       Sun Jan 09, 1994
H.WOOTAN [Harry]             at 22:52 EST

Dorothy,

Do you have any new kidprojects in the works?  Even something that might allow
you to say "Yes" without revealing any details?

  -- Harry
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 177       Mon Jan 10, 1994
DABRUMLEVE [kidprgs]         at 21:23 EST

 Harry, currently in the last stages of beta-testing is MathArt (tentative),
 a Paint Program for Young Mathematicians, kind of a combination of all
 my previous math/art programs in effect, though not in implementation.
 It's based on that "string art" I used to do in geometry class in junior
 high, connecting points to form angles and create designs.  My beta-
 testers are suggesting expansion, so that may delay release a bit, though
 I still expect it out this quarter.  You'll be thrilled to know that this
 program saves paintings in Degas format.  The current version includes a
 drawing screen with several grid types to start from, a painting screen
 for embellishment of one's string art with color, and a slide show screen
 for viewing previously-painted drawings.  We'll see what more the betas
 come up with and I'll announce it when it's set to ship!

 Another product in beta (now several months in beta and little progress)
 is an update to Kidpainter.  Two versions are being tested with school
 children in an effort to choose between interface options.  Frankly, my
 consultant and I aren't satisfied with either interface, and we are hoping
 for a brainstorm.  Meanwhile, the kids don't seem to have too hard a
 time with either, but neither is as obvious as the original release and
 it takes time to explore.  The versions differ only in interface.  Both
 offer additional "games" and experimentation screens beyond what was
 available in the original.  It's getting a bit too complicated. ;-)

 I'll keep you posted if we make real progress.
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 178       Tue Jan 11, 1994
H.WOOTAN [Harry]             at 00:59 EST

Dorothy,

Glad to hear you've still got something up your sleeve.

  -- Harry
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 179       Tue Jan 11, 1994
P.NEREO [Philip]             at 22:51 EST

Suggestion for Kidpainter - My kids really like the 'rubber stamp' type thing
that can be done with Doodle for Atari or Kidpix for the Mac - I mean the pre-
designed stamps. It doesn't seem to squash their creativity - after they go
crazy using them the first few times, they get used to them and insert some
into the drawings here and there. We enjoy kidpublisher and the Math program,
too.
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 180       Tue Jan 11, 1994
GENIELAMP.ST [John G]        at 23:30 EST

Dot,

So _that's_ where you've been hiding these past months!  It's good to hear
from you again (well, I know you've posted a few times, but it's nice to know
what's been keeping you so busy...)

Back to work with you, then!  <G>

John

 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 181       Wed Jan 12, 1994
DABRUMLEVE [kidprgs]         at 21:22 EST

 Philip, are you aware that Kidpainter allows kids to design their own
 rubber stamps?

 Yes, John, back to work...

 ;-)
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 182       Fri Jan 14, 1994
B.KANTOR [Bruce]             at 00:26 EST

Dorothy,

Does MathArt or the KidPainter upgrade support the Falcon VGA modes?

Regards, Bruce
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 183       Fri Jan 14, 1994
P.NEREO [Philip]             at 00:39 EST

Dot - Yes I am aware of the make your own rubber stamp feature; and it's very
much appreciated. But the kids love the pre designed rubber stamps even more!
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 184       Fri Jan 14, 1994
GENIELAMP.ST [John G]        at 00:51 EST

 <snap!>
    ^
    |
    sound of whip snapping...

John

 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 185       Sat Jan 15, 1994
DABRUMLEVE [kidprgs]         at 13:50 EST

 Bruce, not yet...These programs _do_ run on the Falcon, but only in
 ST Low.  If there's enough demand, we'll consider other resolutions.
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 186       Sun Jan 16, 1994
B.KANTOR [Bruce]             at 11:10 EST

kidprgs,

Add one VGA request to you list; I dislike switching resolutions. Thats the
reason I currently do not own any of your software.  If it was compatible, I
would buy it.

Regards, Bruce

 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 187       Sun Mar 06, 1994
K.SWIFT [Kim]                at 22:59 EST

Dear Dorothy Brumleve and fellow Kidpainter users,

I've just uploaded a gallery of early childhood paintings, gallery6.arc.  I
hope you enjoy them.  My daughter Brenna painted all of them except "Little
Ghost", which my son Cory painted with my help.  Brenna named all of her
paintings and Cory named his. The file is to be file number 32162 and is in
the Children's Applications library, library 31.

This gallery contains the following paintings:

"Mr. Fruit Salad", "Little Liza Jane", "Kim", "Little Ghost", "Mr. Haase",
"Tree by Mountains", "Mr. Rock 'n Roll", "Circles with Cory", "Snail with
Flower".

Happy Kidpainting!

Kim Swift


 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 188       Sun Mar 06, 1994
DABRUMLEVE [kidprgs]         at 23:12 EST

 Cory's getting in on it, too?  Great to hear!

 Is Mr. Haase a rabbit or some neighbor guy?  Guess I'll have to d/l it
 and find out.  Thanks for contributing, Kim!
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 189       Sun Mar 06, 1994
DABRUMLEVE [kidprgs]         at 23:16 EST

 To those who were expecting the launch of MathArt: A Paint Program for
 Young Mathematicians this month, please note that my beta testers are
 still suggesting changes/enhancements.  I think I'll let the schools
 work with it a bit more so I can offer you the best possible version.
 Except for those changes, it is done, manual and all, so I can go
 quickly to press as soon as we are satisfied we've taken it as far as
 it should go.  Watch for it (likely) next quarter.  Thank you for your
 patience.
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 190       Sat Apr 23, 1994
DABRUMLEVE [kidprgs]         at 00:09 EDT

 ATTENTION: FALCON-OWNING CUSTOMERS!

 If you've experienced problems printing with my products on your
 Falcon, I have a solution...thanks to a little help from my
 friends.

 Boot your Falcon in ST High and switch to ST Low through the
 "Compatibility Mode" selection on the Desktop before running the
 desired kidprg.  Given that you are using a printer in an Epson-
 compatible mode, your printer should provide you with a proper
 printout when you select the PRINT option within my programs.

 Do not use GET_DEFS.ACC in your boot scenario; it is incompatible
 with the Falcon.  Instead, set XCONTROL's printer configuration
 to 960 pixels/line and save that setting.  This will ensure that
 your printout isn't "cut off" on the right but rather is printed
 in full on your 8 1/2" x 11" paper.

 Please advise me here or in GEMail if you experience any further
 problems.

 Please note: These advisories apply only to the Falcon.  ST users
 may ignore it in peace. ;-)
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 191       Thu May 12, 1994
DABRUMLEVE [kidprgs]         at 18:58 EDT

 Cannon Bubblejet 200 users: If you've had success in evoking a screen
 dump from your printer, please note your approach here.  A user is having
 trouble with Kidpublisher Pro, and I don't have this printer available
 for tests.

 Thank you.
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 192       Fri May 13, 1994
MIKE-ALLEN [NM~SysOp]        at 14:20 EDT

Dot,

If the BJ is running in the 'native' mode or the IBM ProPrinter (X24E) mode a
normal screen dump should work.  The Epson MX/FX codes are a subset of the
X24E mode.   Of course your screen dump will still be at the MX/FX resolution.

If I can be of any help, holler.  I have a BJ-300 and have a local friend with
a BJ-200, so we can test some things out for you.

        Mike Allen
        ST HelpDesk~Sysop

        Written: 11:57 AM Mountain Time
                 Friday, May 13, 1994

 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 193       Sat May 14, 1994
DABRUMLEVE [kidprgs]         at 11:56 EDT

 Thanks, Mike.  We'll see if my customer has good luck down this path.
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 194       Tue May 17, 1994
K.OLSON10 [KenO.]            at 07:50 EDT

Hi!

Thanks Dot for the reply to my GEnie mail.

My problem is that now that we are using the Falcon with a BJ200 printer I
can't get the print function to work in Kidpublisher.

Clicking on print brings up some screen activity and then returns me to the
desktop.

I have tried screen dunmps - but on the Falcon it will only work if I use
Iamagecopy2 and then the print out is not satisfactory.

I am hoping someone with a Falcon could clue me in on how to get printouts.


KenO.
 :)


 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 195       Tue May 17, 1994
MUSE [Tomas]                 at 12:21 PDT

KenO,
 In what way are your Imagecopy 2 printouts "not satisfactory"?

 ===Tomas===

 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 196       Tue May 17, 1994
DABRUMLEVE [kidprgs]         at 18:31 EDT

 Aha!  You have a new printer...and you _also_ have a new computer!

 Ken, please read message 190 here in Cat 29, Topic 6 for instructions
 concerning printing problems on the Falcon030.  Some folks encounter
 problems, while others never do, but when the effect is that which
 you've experienced, the thing to do is to boot the computer in ST High,
 which causes Alt-Help (and XBIOS(20) in my programs) to deliver a
 screen dump.

 Now, if you still have problems with the printout after you actually
 have one to look at, please try the IBM emulation mode Mike mentioned
 above.

 Let us know if you achieve success (or not!) !
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 197       Wed May 18, 1994
K.OLSON10 [KenO.]            at 19:27 EDT

Hi!

Yep if I boot in High then change to Low I can get a print or screen dump.
Thats good.  I did not know I could get a screen dump that way.

But if I use Imagecopy2 with screen dump or print I get "not enough mem to
print screen."

Thanks KenO.
 :)




 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 198       Sat Jun 11, 1994
DABRUMLEVE [kidprgs]         at 21:58 EDT

 I can confirm that I absolutely will be debuting a new program at
 the MIST AtariFest, July 23, 1994, in Indianapolis!  The product is
 very nearly ready to go to press!

 The program is entitled MathArt: A Paint Program for Young Mathematicians.
 The emphasis is decidedly on paint.  Math comes in the form of geometric
 shapes which provide the basis for line designs and later adornment with
 color.  It will appeal to a wide age range and is recommended for
 children ages 3-11.

 MathArt's inspiration stems from the string art projects my geometry
 teacher forced upon me in junior high: dots along one axis of a basic
 shape, say, a cross, are connected to dots along another axis to form a
 variety of designs.  Overlapping lines provide the effect of curves.
 String art was, for me, a clumsy and frustrating activity.  The
 computer does away with the awkward string and nails and substitutes
 editing at the click of a mouse, thus encouraging experimentation with
 the potential of line designs.  Vivid color enhances the design
 effects.

 The program offers three grid shapes: a 4-quadrant cross, a 3-segment
 cross, and a circle.  A Main Screen facilitates movement between the
 Drawing Screen, the Painting Screen, and the Art Gallery Screen.  Up to
 3 designs of each of the three grid shapes can be stored in memory (and
 on disk) at a time.  An unlimited number of painted designs can be saved
 to disk as .PI1 files; these can be reloaded and repainted within MathArt,
 or they can be further manipulated with any DEGAS Elite-compatible paint
 program.  The program runs from a hard disk or floppies on any ST-family
 computer in ST Low resolution.  Printing requires a printer which accepts
 an ST screen dump.

 Like all commercial kidprgs, MathArt is supplied with an Installation
 Program which assists parents in teachers in customizing a child's
 copy according to the child's needs and interests.

 MathArt will list for a retail price of US$40, but we'll offer an
 attractive discount to MIST AtariFest attendees.

 No advance orders please.  Folks who are unable to attend the AtariFest
 will find MathArt on their dealer's shelves at approximately the same
 time.
 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 199       Sun Jun 12, 1994
A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt]       at 10:51 EDT

Dot,

It's great to see you are still going strong with your wonderful programs for
kids.

Al

 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 200       Sun Jun 12, 1994
ST.LOU [Lou Rocha]           at 12:09 EDT

Congratulations, Dorothy! Will you be accepting advance email orders for
MathArt before the show?

 ------------
Category 29,  Topic 6
Message 201       Sun Jun 12, 1994
DABRUMLEVE [kidprgs]         at 13:08 EDT

 Well, Lou, you can _ask_, but I won't accept money until it ships, thanks.
 ;-)
 ------------