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<C> 1994 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 1994 by GEnie From the Commodore 64/128 RoundTable File#:#####" This file maybe be distributed, if distributed whole and unaltered, on non-profit BBSs or non-profit networks. For more information on GEnie call by modem: 1-800-638-8369 (8-N-1 300/1200/2400) Enter: HHH Then reply: xtx99018,commrt Then enter: Commodore And enjoy! =========================================================================== On Tuesday, October 25th, Scott Eggleston, the editor of Underground, came in as guest speaker. Scott explained what The Underground had in it, how much it costs, and the writers that contributed. The presentation was impressive, and the audience sprouted several new subscribers to this intermediate level Commodorespecific magazine. See for yourself what the audience discovered by reading this transcript. The conference was hosted by GEOS-TIM (Tim Hewelt), captured and edited by THE.OUTLAW (Cam Stewart), and behind the scenes communications was handled by C128-QT.PIE (Sherry Freedline). This is one of a series of such conferences. ============================================================================ <GEOS-TIM> Welcome to the Underground Conference with Scott Eggleston!! We will be going into a listen only mode If you have a question....type /rai And we will get to you in the order we recieve them <GEOS-TIM> Welcome to the Underground Conference with Scott Eggleston!! <S.EGGLESTON> I'm glad to be here! <GEOS-TIM> I have many questions Scott But I do want to thank you for coming tonight. <S.EGGLESTON> What's your first one? Happy to be here...I'm extremely flattered... <GEOS-TIM> Could you give us a bit of an overview about what Underground is all about. <S.EGGLESTON> Well, the Underground is a Commodore specific "mini-mag" which covers many topics, and is geared toward the intermediate user. <GEOS-TIM> That's good....we need an intermediate mag in the market. <S.EGGLESTON> There are features, reviews, news, tips, Geos , ML & BASIC, etc. Yeah, dieHard is more beginner, while Commodore World is more advanced. I seemed to have found a nice spot in the middle.... Which is good, because I'm an intermediate user myself. <GEOS-TIM> How long has your magazine been on the market? <S.EGGLESTON> Our first issue went to press (er, copier) in March of this year... <GEOS-TIM> Wow....First year ! <S.EGGLESTON> The next issue (no. 5) is due next month... <GEOS-TIM> Has the reception to Underground been like you expected? <S.EGGLESTON> Better, actually. I was hoping to have a circulation of 100 after one year's time, and have already past that. <GEOS-TIM> Now that you have went beyond expections....Where do you think you will be in a year, as far as circulation? <S.EGGLESTON> Hard to say, but hopefully 150-200. <GEOS-TIM> Great <S.EGGLESTON> The numbers seem small, but people seem to like it. <CMD-DOUG> I can see why. It's very well done. <S.EGGLESTON> Thanks, Doug. I appreciate that. Funny, I remember when you told me about CW shortly before UG was about to come out...I almost went into cardiac arrest! <GEOS-TIM> Doug doesn'T give out idle compliments.... I think I was there that night. <S.EGGLESTON> I believe my exact words were: AAAAARRRRRRGGGGHHHH! <GEOS-TIM> Now that I think of it......Now If I subscribed to The Underground, about how big of a publication would be stuffing my mailbox? <CMD-DOUG> Well, I think you've helped to prove there's room for a few publications. <S.EGGLESTON> Take an 8 1/2 x 11 piece of paper--fold it in half...you've got our size... <GEOS-TIM> # of pages? <S.EGGLESTON> 28-32 per issue <GEOS-TIM> Sounds respectable <S.EGGLESTON> At $11 for 6 issues, I think we deliver pretty well... We can always improve, of course. Recently we also began laser printing , which has helped a lot visually. <GEOS-TIM> That sounds very reasonable. Is it bi monthly then? <S.EGGLESTON> Yep, every other month. We don't have the slick glossy look of the other mags--but hey.... we're the Underground! <GEOS-TIM> Being new in publishing you probably have some very pertinent info for others <S.EGGLESTON> Do you mean advice for people thinking of doing the same thing? <GEOS-TIM> Yes. Any way you must have info for others getting into publishing. What problems have you run into being so new in the publication game? <S.EGGLESTON> Well, experience is the best teacher...experiment, experiment, experiment! Try to be different creative, do stuff no one else does. One aspect of the Underground I like is Underware... to get all pd/sw & prog listings found in the mag is as easy as sending me a disk with return postage. I copy the stuff, and sent it back to you. hence, Underware! <GEOS-TIM> That sounds like a good deal......and a good name. <S.EGGLESTON> I was worried about providing a "companion disk" that people would pay for yet it invariably would vary in quality. This way, if nothing appeals to you, don't send for it! <GEOS-TIM> Good idea. <S.EGGLESTON> That way, the stress is less on me to pack a disk full of stuff. Everybody wins! Something else, if you get geoPublish from CMD, you have to have geoPublaser 1.8 to use it with a laser printer. (1.8 doesn't come with the current version of geoPublish) Is 1.8 on GEnie yet, Doug? <CMD-DOUG> Not that I'm aware of. Actually, this is the first someone has informed me of this..I thought the current geoPublish had the latest geoPublaser. <S.EGGLESTON> Nope...try it out at work tommorrow...try using Jim's patches.. the results had me frustrated for awhile. I got 1.8 from Dave Fergeson, but it's patched for disk output so I can't use the geoCable patch, which I would really like...soon! Do you think you could upload 1.8 here? <CMD-DOUG> We'll have to change that. Thanks for telling me. I'll have to run it past Geoworks legal first. <S.EGGLESTON> I figured since it was on Qlink (so I hear), it would be easy. <GEOS-TIM> Now the 1.8 is GeoPubLaser...correct? <CMD-DOUG> Well, it was easy for BSW to put it there. :) <S.EGGLESTON> Yeah, the 1.8 patched version I have works fine. It prints the PS file to disk, and the only way to print it is with PS Processor. If I had the original, I could use Jim Collete's geoCable patch to go directly to the laser printer. <GEOS-TIM> So you have experienced a few problems with the Laser....It does throw a few curves You were talking about being creative....What do you think was your most creative piece in the Underground? <S.EGGLESTON> Yeah, things are not exactly WYSIWYG on a laser via geoPublish... Most creative? Hmmm.... I thought "Font Stacking with geoPublish" was a good one. <GEOS-TIM> Could you give us a little summary of it? <S.EGGLESTON> It's simply stacking one font on top of the same font (which is moved over) a little, giving a 3-d or texturing effect. Both fonts have different patterns. <GEOS-TIM> Is this in Graphic's mode? <S.EGGLESTON> In the future, we have simple plans to modify an Aprospand 64 to maintain the contents of an REU when the power is turned off. <GEOS-TIM> Interesting I guess this brings up two questions for me: First, which issue was this in (font stacking), and can you buy back issues? & how much? <S.EGGLESTON> Font stacking was in issue #2, back issues will be $2.50 each, but are not avialable until next year. <GEOS-TIM> You mean I can'T buy issue #2?....bummer :D <S.EGGLESTON> Not yet, I've run into some printing snags that will be resolved soon--I hope. <GEOS-TIM> Could you give us a quick overview of the authors you have writing for the Underground? Or feature writers <S.EGGLESTON> Sure, do you mean regular columnists? <GEOS-TIM> either/or <S.EGGLESTON> Ross Capdeville (he's on Delphi) is our programmer (he also wrote the checksum program dubbed "Check Please!") He writes a C64 ML and BASIC Column. Ken Peindl (here on GEnie) writes a general information commentary about the state of the Commodore 8bits. Kym McGarry has just begun writing a Telecom column, while Alex W. McNeal, Jr. has taken the geoZone column over from me (whew!). E. Donald Scott writes about the best in PD/Shareware. And, of course, I throw in my two bits with reviews, and an editorial. We also have letters to the editor, and a news column, "8-bit Update" Our mag may be small, but we pack a lot of good stuff in. <GEOS-TIM> It sounds like it Gaelyne Moranec, a freelance writer,has a question. <[Gaelyne] G.MORANEC> You pretty much just answered my question, but, Does The Underground content lean towards -users- or does it have a lot of programming info, or a combination? What ratio would you say it is ... ? And what about 64 mode vs 128 mode? <S.EGGLESTON> I would say 70% users, 30% programming, except for next issue is 90% users since Ross' monitor blew up! <[Gaelyne] G.MORANEC> oh no! <S.EGGLESTON> Yeah, he's getting it fixed, but I had use a filler article he gave me awhile back--still good stuff! <[Gaelyne] G.MORANEC> How about the 64 and 128 modes ? <S.EGGLESTON> as far as types go: I'd say 60% C64, 40% C128, I try to balance it as best I can. Since I have a 128, I comment on it a lot. Wonderful machine! <[Gaelyne] G.MORANEC> A real juggling act. Thanks!! :-) <S.EGGLESTON> the 128 side would be stronger if I had a 128 programming writer... <[Gaelyne] G.MORANEC> I'd volunteer, but I'm no programmer! <g> <S.EGGLESTON> Well, the nice thing about submitting to the Underground is that we only ask for at least 1,000 words--making it easier on the writers. I'm flexible, of course. <[Gaelyne] G.MORANEC> And the editor. How is the magazine published - is this by geoPublish with a laser printer? <S.EGGLESTON> Yep, I use a TI MicroWriter PS23. <GEOS-TIM> Scott, I was going to ask you about author guidlines... it appears that the only requirement is 1000 words? <S.EGGLESTON> well, good grammar and spelling is a plus! <GEOS-TIM> LOL! How do you want articles submitted? disk, hardcopy? <S.EGGLESTON> Submitting to the Underground is easy, just prepare a PET or ASCII file, and mail it to me on disk, or send it to my e-mail box. I then load it into The Write Stuff for editing. I take TWS files, too (of course). <S.EGGLESTON> Don't send me a hardcopy without a disk! Submission faux pas! <GEOS-TIM> And after sending this to you....what type of renumeration would the author expect? <S.EGGLESTON> oooh, such big words, Tim! <GEOS-TIM> LOL! I have a few, I think I used them all up though. LOL <S.EGGLESTON> I pay $5 per article, which reflects our circulation. If circluation increases, so does the pay. Hey I'm on a budget, here! <GEOS-TIM> That's understandable <S.EGGLESTON> Competing with the bigger mags is tough, but I may publish something they won't. <GEOS-TIM> You were talking about using TWS for editing.....then you convert to GeoWrite and then use geoPUblish? <S.EGGLESTON> Yeah, using text grabber. <GEOS-TIM> oic <S.EGGLESTON> Sorry Tim, but it's a LOT easier than writing and spellchecking in geoWrite. <GEOS-TIM> No problem, Scott....I love GEOS but every program has its place That is what makes computers so cool <S.EGGLESTON> I agree. <GEOS-TIM> As far as hardware....what are you using to put out the Underground? <S.EGGLESTON> Oohh, the hardware question! <GEOS-TIM> Yes. ::::getting out notebook:::: <S.EGGLESTON> I use a C128 - 1541 - 1581 - 4 meg RamLink - Aprotek 2400 baud modem - TI microWriter PS23 - industrial strength copy machine and a Magnavox 80 col monitor. <GEOS-TIM> Ah, I have one of those....using it right now <S.EGGLESTON> I print labels with an old Star SL-10c, which always has labels in it. <GEOS-TIM> Goo idea. Okay....what is the address that one would send his subscription app to? <S.EGGLESTON> the Underground, 4574 Via Santa Maria, Santa Maria, CA 93455 $11 one year, six issues $2 for a sample <GEOS-TIM> Very good.....Are there any questions from the audience? <S.EGGLESTON> uh...I think they all left, Tim.... <GEOS-TIM> LOL no they are here.... <[Gaelyne] G.MORANEC> How did you come about with the idea of starting The Underground? <S.EGGLESTON> Well, late last year, I notice a dearth in Commodore publications that were consistently published. So, I mused, why not start my own? After all, I'm newly married and have no money for my favorite hobby! <[Gaelyne] G.MORANEC> ROFL!!! <GEOS-TIM> Congratualtions too! Run that on a spell checker^ <S.EGGLESTON> So, I began figuring out how I could do this effectively. I thought I could fill a huge hole left by RUN and geoVison, as dieHard was the only one left publishing consistently. Of course, just as my first issue was due, Doug informed me of CW--I thought the Underground was doomed. But thanks to my wife (gosh, I love her!), and the surprising support of LOADSTAR, who advertised from the very beginning, giving me the capital to make it happen...the Underground emerged, albeit in a humble, 9-pin form. <GEOS-TIM> Which leads to the question....How did you come up with the name Underground? <S.EGGLESTON> Well, the Underground is a term given to those out of the mainstream, and it definately suits us! Don't you think? <GEOS-TIM> Yes... Are there anymore questions? <S.EGGLESTON> only crickets, I guess... <GEOS-TIM> LOL.... I think we covered the topics pretty well. <S.EGGLESTON> What, no questions about my childhood? (kidding) <GEOS-TIM> LOL <GEOS-TIM> Your magazine sounds really good....and you even got a celebraty endorsement <S.EGGLESTON> Yeah, I'm amazed myself! I'm Doug Cotton's protoge' <GEOS-TIM> No he preferred GEnie not prodigy <[Gaelyne] G.MORANEC> ROFL! <CMD-DOUG> But *I* drank lots of Milk, and ate Wheaties... :) <[Gaelyne] G.MORANEC> So were you a child prodigy? Seriously, what's your background and education? <S.EGGLESTON> Grew up in a theater family, current college dropout, working at a TV station. <[Gaelyne] G.MORANEC> What were you studying? <S.EGGLESTON> video production. But I love that film-making! <[Gaelyne] G.MORANEC> Gee, have you worked out a way to grab an 80col RGB 128 screen? For video or magazine... <GEOS-TIM> Ah....an IDEA <S.EGGLESTON> Haven't tried... <GEOS-TIM> Any other questions? We are about to go into an informal format..... <S.EGGLESTON> your payoff is in the mail Gaelyne... <[Gaelyne] G.MORANEC> Oh yea? Thanks! <g> <GEOS-TIM> Before we do...I would like to thank Scott for a great conference..... Your magazine sounds very intriging.....I'll be sending you a check. We really appreciate you taking time to come tonight. <S.EGGLESTON> No problem, it's easy to toot your own horn! <GEOS-TIM> We are in talk mode. Everyone stand up and stretch <S.EGGLESTON> Well, that wasn't so bad after all! <GEOS-TIM> It turned out very well, Scott I would like to talk to you about this 1.8.... What is the date on it? <S.EGGLESTON> Thanks to your keen inquisitiveness, Tim! (big word alert) Not sure without looking, but there is only one version 1.8 <GEOS-TIM> I like that ....inquisitiveness........was that extemperaneous? <L.VICTORY> I liked it a lot, Scott and you will be getting a check from me also. G'night, folks. <S.EGGLESTON> indubutably <[Randy Harris] R.HARRIS1> This is getting superfluous!! <GEOS-TIM> I know Jim Collette referred to a date...something 88 <S.EGGLESTON> Is he related to Superman? <GEOS-TIM> The first name is the same <S.EGGLESTON> I got my info from Dave Fergeson's "geoPublish Comp ium" - a must-have for laser - heads. <GEOS-TIM> I lost my copy. I have to get another <[Randy Harris] R.HARRIS1> Look, up in the sky, it's...it's......what the heck is it????? <S.EGGLESTON> it mentions the proper version and date numbers for each version of geoPub I think my time is about up, folks.... <GEOS-TIM> Well night Scott....thanks for coming....I enjoyed the evening <[Gaelyne] G.MORANEC> Thanks for the great answers, Scott! <[Scott] S.EGGLESTON> Hey, I enjoyed it! <CMD-DOUG> Yeah, thanks Scott! <GEOS-TIM> Yes......You even got some subscriptions..... <[Scott] S.EGGLESTON> I hope to keep the Underground around for awhile. <GEOS-TIM> It appears you have a winner <[Gaelyne] G.MORANEC> Above ground at the Underground... :-) 
