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6/30/96
COMMODORE SUMMIT RTC WITH DOUG COTTON
<C> 1996 by Genie
==========================================================================
This file is brought to you by The Commodore 64/128 RoundTable on Genie

This file may be published or excerpted in User Group newsletters
providing credit is given in this manner:

"Copyright 1996 by Genie From the Commodore 64/128 RoundTable File#:17938"

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Enter: HHH
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And enjoy!
==========================================================================

** <CMD-DOUG> is here.

<CMD-DOUG> Sorry for the delay, had to handle a couple of things first.

<Tom> Hi Doug!

<CMD-DOUG> So... is everyone here that's coming? ;)

<T.PHELPS4> Hm, what do you mean? :)

<CMD-DOUG> Okay, so I guess we'll get this thing on track... I would assume
that everyone here knows that CMD is now running the Commodore RT.  So we
can probably skip that part. ;)

<T.PHELPS4> Really? ;)

<Brenda> Just found out about 2 hours ago...  Came on to try to use
up my time :)

<CMD-DOUG> We've obviously had our hands a bit full of late, though...
What with getting the SuperCPU ready for release, and other projects we've
had going on.  In addition, my time has been a little strapped since we lost
our only other employee at Commodore World.  So the timing on taking over
here was, well, not the best.  However, I believe we're getting things
moving now, and of course, that's what we're all here to chat about:
What's coming.  Some of you may have noticed a new staff member...
Gaelyne Moranec.

<Idaho-Doug> I also appreciate your asst SYSOP QT

<QT> ::blush::

<CMD-DOUG> We're happy to have recently added Gaelyne as the host on Monday
nights here in the RTC.  We think Gaelyne, with her wide knowledge of
telecommunications and Commodore use in general will be a great addition, and
a source of much help for all users here.  And yes, we can't forget the other
staff members, either... they've all been doing an outstanding job in making
the transition for us easier...

<GEOS-TIM> :::putting gun away:::::

<Greg> ::snicker::

<QT> ::putting down bow & arrow::

<Greg> ::holding back dog::

<T.PHELPS4> (I think someone is putting their laser gun back to neutral.) :)

<CMD-DOUG> We'll also announce a couple of other staff additions before
long...  just have to wait for some approvals there before they become
official. ;)

<Idaho-Doug> Are you able to tell us what precipitated the change from JB to
CMD?

** <Maurice> is here.

<Greg> hi maurice

<CMD-DOUG> Well, I really don't know the details myself. I know that JBEE
really didn't have his heart into this anymore, and apparently contracts were
up...

<QT> Welcome Maurice!

<T.PHELPS4> Hi Maurice.

<Maurice> Hi everyone.

<Brenda> Is JB getting out of C=?

<T.PHELPS4> No, he's not.

<CMD-DOUG> Regardless of why, he's no longer here, and it's up to us now to
make the best of this area.

<CMD-DOUG> Brenda, I don't know JBEE's plans... I understand he's got some
kind of game service or something he's running on the Internet, but I don't
know much about it.

<Idaho-Doug> With the way you run Commodore World I am excited about the
upcoming things for GENIE

** <Maurine> is here.

<Greg> hi maurine

<QT> Welcome Maurine :)

<T.PHELPS4> Hi Maurine.

<Maurine> Wow, what a crowd!

<Idaho-Doug> Hello Maurine

<Brenda> Yeah, I couldn't believe it when I read it.... I thought sysop for
the night or something...

<CMD-DOUG> Thanks, Doug, as are we. And Commodore World will have some close
ties here on Genie as a result of this, too.

<Maurine> I just printed out the BB announcement.

<CMD-DOUG> Some of you may have noticed that the Libs now have a Commodore
World (P) area added...  This is a private library which we'll open in about
2 weeks to CW subscribers.  In that library we'll put copies of all the
type-ins from the magazine.

<Brenda> Will all current subscribers be automatically in?

<T.PHELPS4> How do CW subscribers get permission to access the library.

<Idaho-Doug> Will we be able to get programs printed in Mag?  ;)

<Idaho-Doug> OK You are anticipating me  :o

<CMD-DOUG> I'll post info on how to gain access, but the general plan is that
you'll email me with your subscription number, and get the access.  We may
also try some other things, like perhaps some extra programs that DON'T
appear in the magazine for one reason or another... but that might be an added
benefit for CW subscribers to get online.  From the other side of things,
we'll carry a regular area in Commodore World itself to let readers know
what's going on up here on Genie.

<Brenda> but these programs can not be uploaded to other boards, or in ug
libraries... just for CW subscribers right?

<CMD-DOUG> Correct Brenda... a benefit for subscribers who also get online
with us here.

<T.PHELPS4> Same policy with the RUN area on QLink.

<CMD-DOUG> Speaking of RUN... we're looking at re-creating something like the
RUN libs from Q-Link...  We now own all the old RUN programs (all found on
the ReRUN disks)...

** <Sgt Pap> is here.

<QT> Welcome Sgt!

<T.PHELPS4> Hi Sgt. Pap.

** <Mike> is here.

<T.PHELPS4> Hi Mike.

<CMD-DOUG> And we're considering a pay library similar to that which RUN had
on Q. That one is still being discussed though, so it isn't definate yet.

<QT> Welcome Mike!

<Mike> Hello All!

<Idaho-Doug> Hi SGT

<Sgt Pap> Hi All

<Brenda> I have a library q... I noticed SIDS in there... are sids allowed
now?

<Greg> hi sgt pap

<Sgt Pap> Hi Greg

<CMD-DOUG> Only SIDs which are either PD or uploaded with the permission of
the song's copyright holder.  This is a Genie policy that we simply have no
way to get around.

<T.PHELPS4> So that means no "contemporary" sids.

<Brenda> Oh, was wondering since they were recent ULs

<CMD-DOUG> Correct Tim.

<CMD-DOUG> Okay, let me get on to some other things that are coming...

<Sgt Pap> How much did I miss? (Time wise)

<CMD-DOUG> One of the things that I'm most excited about is that we're
working on creating a Commodore Knowledge-base...  For those of you that
don't know what this is, it's basically Genie's version of an online
database that is fully searchable...

<Sgt Pap> CMD doesn't have a BBS any longer does it?

<CMD-DOUG> So if you do a search for say, MONITOR, any document that contains
that word will be listed for you to read if you so choose.

<Sgt Pap> What kind of data would be stored there? Technical programming
stuff?

<CMD-DOUG> You can also refine the search further... it's a very powerful
system.

<Maurine> How do you access this database for your search?

<CMD-DOUG> Hang on with the questions for minute, folks... I'll ask for them...
;)

<CMD-DOUG> Initially we'll seed the knowledgebase with the Commodore FAQ and
the Commodore Trivia, both by Jim Brain.  Jim has given us his permission to
do this.  After we get that data online, we'll start looking at other
resources for inclusion.

<CMD-DOUG> Okay, now, what were those questions? Raise your hand, please. ;)

<QT> Tom has a question... go ahead Tom

<Tom> Are you planning on a users group area?

<CMD-DOUG> Tom, we could certainly consider creating one. It's a good
suggestion.

<Tom> It would save a ton of postage if newsletters could be uploaded here

<CMD-DOUG> I agree... and certainly wouldn't have a problem with that. I'll
discuss that with the staff, but I don't see any reason why we couldn't make
such an area.

<Tom> thank you

<QT> next up is Sgt. Pap... go ahead Sgt.

<Sgt Pap> I have 2 quest...One, does CMD plan on releasing a "bare" HD and 2,
Does CMD plan on starting a BBS again?

<CMD-DOUG> No to both. We tried selling interfaces only, but users generally
aren't very good at getting them working... most want to use old drives they
found laying around, and have no idea how to configure them, or if they're
compatible...  It's a big mess for us, because time is something we have very
little of, but it creates a lot of support calls. So we nixed it. As for the
BBS, same thing in a way... it took too much of our time, so it went away,
and won't be back for that reason.

<QT> Next up at bat is Brenda, go ahead Brenda :)

<Brenda> Have two qs... will there be any chance of a user group rate like on
QLink?

<CMD-DOUG> Brenda, I sort of doubt it. We have no control over Genie rates,
and my understanding is that management there is looking into possible
adjustments.  I can certainly pass it on to them.

<Brenda> 2nd q... is CMD working with any removable technology like the Jaz
(internal versions now available)

<Brenda> (thanks for passing it on)

<CMD-DOUG> Not presently. Engineering is very tied up with the SuperCPU, and
probably will be until the end of the year (128 version and SuperRAM card
will take the time from here on)...

<Brenda> thanks

<CMD-DOUG> After that, we've got a couple of other projects planned, though
those are naturally top secret at this point. ;)

<QT> Mike, go ahead

<Mike> what will the Commodore World library contain?

<CMD-DOUG> We know for sure it will contain the programs (and utilities) that
appear in all of the issues of CW. It MAY also contain some bonus programs...
that is under consideration at this point.

<CMD-DOUG> Before we go on...  Let me also mention some other things that
will be in the Libs in general...  We've just started archiving comp.sys.cbm...
that's the internet newsgroup where most of the Commodore action is...  We've
also started archiving the 'Commodor' mailing list, which is similar to a
newsgroup (people asking and answering questions) but instead this is done
via E-mail...  Both of these will be archived regularly and placed in our
libraries for users here to download and read.

<CMD-DOUG> Also, word from Loadstar is that they'll be coming back online
with us here...

<Tom> THANK YOU!!!

<Mike> YES!!!!!

<Tim> How about Cee-Alive?

<GEOS-TIM> Great!!

<CMD-DOUG> We don't have any definate WHEN yet, or exactly what their plans
are, as this is still being discussed, but they do plan on coming.

<CMD-DOUG> I haven't spoken with Commdore CEE as it is now known, but no-one
will be turned away.

<CMD-DOUG> Okay, lets get back to questions via /raise. ;)

<Greg> can you give us any details on the super-ram card?

<CMD-DOUG> Well, not really, since it doesn't exist yet... I can only tell
you what the plans are at the moment...  It will add memory to the SuperCPU
for using larger programs... up to 16 MB will be accepted, and it will use
30-pin SIMMs. That's all I know at this point.

<QT> Sgt Pap has the next question :)

<Sgt Pap> Any news of anyone working on a CD ROM for CBM or a graphic browser??

<CMD-DOUG> I don't know of anyone working on CD ROM. There are several people
working on browsers, but I don't have any info on how graphical any of those
may end up being if and when they get completed.

<QT> Next up is Brenda with another question :)

<Brenda> Are there still plans to put this area on the Internet?

<CMD-DOUG> Part of our contract with Genie covers a Commodore area for the
'Genie Village' on the Internet, yes. I don't know how soon, yet, but we're
supposed to create it when Genie is ready.

<QT> Rich is up next :)

<RICH> With new printers out there, are there any reason you might get
someone to do more drivers for geos.

** <Gaelyne> is here.

<QT> Howdy Gaelyne, welcome!

<Gaelyne> G'day all...

<Tim> hi

<Idaho-Doug> Hola Gaelyne  :)

<CMD-DOUG> There are some new drivers coming, yes, though these are all being
done by independant programmers. I've talked to someone recently who is
sending us some drivers specifically for Canon printers...

<RICH> Will these be marketed only through CMD?

<CMD-DOUG> We'll test those and make them available up here. Most other
printers are generally Epson or IBM compatible nowadays, though, so often we
don't need new drivers to use new printers.  They won't be marketed at all,
per se. They'll be PD so far as I know.

<Sgt Pap>Will a ZIP135 or a SCSI WORM CD Writer work daisyed with an HD???

<CMD-DOUG> Heh. ;) Okay, ummm SCSI Worm CD Writer? I doubt that one... you
need a LOT of speed to write CD's correctly... but the Zip can be used as an
add-on... several people are doing this.

<Sgt Pap> Thanks

<QT> Greg is up next :)

<Brenda> (note: its the Syquest EZ 135 and the Iomega Zip... two different
things, Pap ;) )

<Greg> I have been to genie's web page and have seen what they have there so
far,can't get in there yet though,was wondering if you have any inkling on
how they are going to charge for access there,seperate whatever?

<Sgt Pap> Thanx Brenda..

<CMD-DOUG> Greg, I haven't a clue how that's going to be operated. I suspect
none of us will know until Genie decides to announce it officially.

<Greg> about what I figured actually, thanks doug

<QT> Next up is Brenda :)

<Brenda> I heard that Software Support International didn't send someone a
catalog, just some sheets of paper. Now there is rumor it is going out of
business and CMD is picking it up.  Can you confirm or deny?

<CMD-DOUG> Sounds like a rumor to me. We talk with Les (the owner) often. He
HAS on a number of occasions told us that he's calling it quits on the
Commodore stuff, but then changes his mind as things get busy again. ;)  So
far as I know at this point, he's sticking with it until it isn't
there to stick with. ;)

<Brenda> Someone told me that there were going to be some special SSI/CMD
game deals or something?

<CMD-DOUG> Already are, Brenda... in CW... that's actually a CW/SSI game
bundling offer.

<Brenda> ok, thanks

<QT> Rich returns to the podium :)

<RICH> Can you fill us in on AMIGA-COMMODORE Acquistion.

<<CMD-DOUG> Ah, yes, the sale of Commodore/Amiga technology to VIScorp has
been announced, and I posted the press release a few days ago in the BB...
I don't know much more than what is posted there, but if you need some point
of it clarified?

<RICH> Is there any posibilty that viscorp would let loose Commodore Tech to
CMD.

<CMD-DOUG> VIScorp would probably be more than happy to LICENSE us with
regards to any of the 8-bit technology, should we find a reason for wanting
to do so.  At this particular point in time, though, there isn't much we
could do with any of it. Down the road, well, we'll see. ;)

<RICH> I am suprised they would want to license it than rather give it up for
all to benefit.

<CMD-DOUG> That surprises you, Rich? Doesn't surprise me a bit. Companies
don't give away things if they think there's a chance to collect money from
it.

<Greg> smg just sold invetory to paxtron,do you think that paxtron is here
to stay for the time being and was there any 64/128 material in that sale,
do you even know :) I think I am out of questions for the night :)

<CMD-DOUG> The only 8-bit stuff I know of that SMG had was some user manuals
and service manuals for a few things.

<Brenda> comment? Check out Amiga Computing for lots of C= surplus (from
Paxtron, that is)

<Sgt Pap> Address? Phone #?

<Brenda> 1-800-815-3241/1-800-595-5534
<Brenda> No idea why there are two 800 #s

<CMD-DOUG> Okay, I'm going to take one more question, then wrap this up...

<QT> Doug Parsons is the proud owner of the last question of the evening :)

<Idaho-Doug> I thought Viscorp just bought Amiga TECH and not 8 bit TECH?  I
also understand thet Maurice is working on a CD ROM program?

<CMD-DOUG> VIScorp bought everything except the Commodore trademarks... all
Escom wants is to be able to make PC-clones with the Commodore name on them.

<Idaho-Doug> Good. 8bit tect is back in US.

<CMD-DOUG> I have no official notice from Maurice of a CD ROM program.

<Maurice> Maurice is working on a lot of things that aren't done yet. :)

<Idaho-Doug> :o

<Gaelyne> Sounds vaguely familiar, Maurice.  ;-)    Sympathies.

<Idaho-Doug> I know. It takes time. :)
<Idaho-Doug> Thanks and no more questions for now. :-)

<CMD-DOUG> Okay, then, that does it for me for tonight, folks... but we'll
do it again real soon. ;)