FUTURA EDITORIAL - SEP/OCT 1992.¢¢¢ As you will have already noticed, I have decided to place information on the contents of Futura into a file called INTRO.DOC. This is simply so I can concentrate within EDITOR.DOC (Editorial) on an issue which may currently be of some importance to the world of Atari 8-bit computing. Too much space within the editorial was being taken up with info on the many PD programs and text articles included with your issue of Futura. Now, with all the explanations out of the way, I can continue with the editorial...¢¢¢User Group Member Participation¢¢ This issue is probably well known by everyone involved in running an Atari 8-bit user group. Your starting intention is to build a base of users who share your love of the Atari and to get them involved in writing articles, group meetings, trips to shows, etc. Unfortunately, after a while you realise that it's going to be far harder to fulfill your intention than you first imagined.¢¢ Atari 8-bitters are a tough breed. They love their systems and protect them intensely against criticism. They use them for as many different purposes as possible and continually return to them even if they have upgraded to a 16-bit machine. However, they are a stubborn bunch when it comes to getting involved in the running of a user group. Just ask anyone at BaPAUG, Ol'Hackers, SNACC, etc!¢¢ As I have already mentioned in previous issues of Futura, the user group is the future for Atari 8-bit computing. It will become the heart of the 8-bit body. Over in the USA it has become by far the main outlet for software, repairs, etc. Soon the UK will become reliant on a hardcore of user groups for such support.¢¢ So, what exactly is my message? It's simple. As James Brown and Bobby Byrd once screamed, GET UP, GET INVOLVED! Without your involvement your local user group will disappear. Without your local user group you'll find it hard to continue your 8-bit computing. Please get involved as soon as possible - you'll be surprised at just how much enjoyment you gain from being a participating member.¢¢¢Yours Atari-8-bitly,¢S.J.Murray,¢27/8/92.¢
