¢FUTURA : PD OR NOT PD?¢by S.J.Murray, NOSAUG.¢¢[Futura is a disk-based magazine for the Atari 8-Bit. It is produced by the North Of Scotland Atari User Group (NOSAUG) and contains articles on various 8-Bit subjects, 8-Bit news from around the world, and the latest European PD programs.]¢¢ "Is Futura PD?" This is a question I am often asked by Futurians who wish to copy an issue for their friends. The simple answer is "yes". However, I would obviously prefer that 8-Bitters purchased Futura direct from me to show their support for my efforts to produce a low-cost quality disk magazine. I would love for Futura to remain in the public domain for all to enjoy if those who received it took the time to send to me for the next issue. This has happened on many occasions - especially from the Page 6 PD Library. However, to ensure the future survival of Futura, I have had to make a very tough decision. From Futura 7 onwards, Futura will NOT be in the public domain. Issue 7 will probably be protected and will only be available direct from myself. This will not affect current subscribers in any way.¢¢ With the addition of this issue (Futura 6) there are now six issues of Futura in the public domain. These issues have featured some of the very best public domain and shareware programs available today... Sound Monitor Professional, Cyrtabor, Atari Drum Macine, Jump, How To Meet Cows, Howfen, Omidor, DeskTop V1.5, etc, etc, etc. As well as this, you get a 30-40 page magazine / newsletter (when you print out the .DOC files). This high level of quality will be maintained and even improved upon as Futura develops throughout the 1990s.¢¢ Futura issues 1-6 may be copied and passed on by any individual as long as there is no exchange of money involved! If you run a PD Library, please write to me, enclosing your Library listings and costs, to request permission to place Futura in it. This way, I can ensure that 8-Bitters are not over-charged for Futura. I have no desire to make a large profit from Futura and do not wish to see others do so at the expense of the user.¢¢ Taking Futura out of the public domain was a very hard decision to make. However, as I have already stated, I MUST ensure the future survival of the mag! The first few issues of Futura have travelled all over the world. Unfortunately, many who have received and enjoyed an issue have not taken the time to send to me for the next issue. I have therefor had to follow the same path as those at Mega-Mag and take Futura out of the public domain.¢¢ In summary, please consider supporting Futura by either sending for a single issue or a six-issue subscription. Check out the very favourable reviews in Page 6 New Atari User Issue 59 (p36-37). Prices for Futura are as follows:¢¢UK Orders:¢¢Disk - 1.95¢6-Issue Disk Subscription - 11.00¢Printed Copy / Cassette - 3.95¢3-Issue P.Copy / Cassette - 11.00¢¢Back issues are available for 1.50 each (3.00 cassette).¢¢(Cheques/POs payable to S.J.MURRAY)¢¢¢International Orders:¢¢Disk - 3.00¢6-Issue Disk Subscription - 17.00¢Printed Copy / Cassette - 6.00¢3-Issue P.Copy / Cassette - 17.00¢¢Back issues are available for only 2.50 each (5.00 cassette).¢¢(All prices in UK pounds. Cash is OK, preferably by Registered Air Mail. IMOs payable to S.J.MURRAY.)¢¢Futura is available from:¢¢S.J.Murray,¢NOSAUG,¢71 Walker Road,¢Torry,¢Aberdeen¢AB1 3DL,¢Scotland.¢¢ I produce Futura in my spare time. Each issue takes 50-70 hours to complete and many keyboard sessions last well into the wee hours. I do it because I love my 8-Bit. Futura will survive for a very long time to come and will develop and improve along the way. My main goal is to produce a professionally printed newsletter / magazine with an accompanying disk of original programs supplimented with the very best of current public domain software. I plan to reach this goal by the end of this year. Hopefully, you will join me on my journey.¢¢The 8-Bit goes marching on!¢¢Stuart J. Murray, Futura Editor.¢¢¢N.B. Please place information about Futura within your user group newsletter and your local BBS. Thank-you.¢
