¢FUTURA EDITORIAL¢Issue 19 - 2nd Quarter 1996¢¢LET'S STAY TOGETHER¢¢ In the past, the loss of an Atari 8-bit user would mean the birth of another by way of the secondhand market. The loss of a developer/supplier would quickly be followed by the launch of an exciting new 8-bit service or user group. This is not the case today.¢¢ The user base shrunk considerably thoughout the early 1990s but has levelled out over the past couple of years. This shows great promise for the years ahead. Despite a long-term lack of support from Atari Corp. we have all worked together to create a permanent user base and a number of international user groups.¢¢ Although the occasional new developer/supplier starts trading there is a worrying deficit. Hardware and software development is now limited to a handful of small companies. They are virtually the last line in Atari 8-bit development. The future of 8-bit support lies with them and of course the user groups. The Atari 8-bit Community has shown in the past what can be accomplished by dedication and commitment. We must continue to show this at all times.¢¢ Atarians are a tough breed (they need to be with Atari Corp. as their parent company) and Atari 8-bitters are the tough of the tough. We will be around forever. In lesser numbers, yes, but we'll be here year after year.¢¢ The user groups will continue to support the user base for as long as they are required. Together we are indestructable! So lets make sure we stay together.¢¢Stuart J. Murray, NOSAUG.¢
