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ICTARI01.ARJ
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SUGGEST.TXT
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1992-03-05
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5KB
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96 lines
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* m a g a z i n e *
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I C T A R I U S E R G R O U P C O M M E N T S
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It's good to see support for the Atari in the form of this user group.
Atari Corp seem to be having a few problems with themselves (marketing
and all that) but the ST IS NOT DEAD BY A LONG WAY !!!
I'm not really sure what Ictari is planning to put on the disk which
will (presumably) be our communications medium. So I decided to just
propose a few ideas and suggestions of things I would like to get out
of/put into the group, after all there is no point doing this unless we
give/get what we want. OK.
I thought the disk could be organised like a magazine (of sorts), I think
there is a PD magazine shell out there somewhere which we could use to
start with. When things get going we could produce our own shell !!
In the magazine we could put current information about the Atari scene -
from any sources we have. Maybe set up a discussion column about the
Falcon (I know I am NOT the only one who has been eagerly following it's
progress - I WANT ONE SOON !!). I enclose a file I down-loaded from FTP
recently about the Falcon, I don't know if anyone else has read it, but
it appears a few of the magazines probably have (although it could have
been the other way around). Anyway it's basically a specification with a
glimpse at the programming aspect.
Since we are all (I think !) programmers then we could do a few
reviews/information about different programming packages (PD and
Commercial), what we think of them etc. But please lets not just get into
slagging off each other's packages. We could advise each other about
programming tools we use, maybe distribute a few of the good PD stuff we
use.
We need a questions and answers section in order to spread our experience
among the group. Giving programming tips and advice, you know what I mean
- the little techniques you pick up.
There are a few things I'm interested in :-
How to program sprites in Machine code ? Basically I need to find out
what the principles are, and perhaps a piece of WELL documented source
code.
How to use the HARDWARE scrolling on the STE ?
What registers ? Where screen pages need to be stored ?
And a piece of documented source etc.
I have used the STE's sampled sound chip and could probably write
something about it if anyone's interested.
We could start a user group project ! All contribute towards writing a
piece of software. There could be a column on this, and we could be kept
in touch with the progress of the program/s.
If any of us are specialised in certain areas, (ie. Graphics, Sound, or
different programming languages) we should say so, this would help if say
- Person A is coding a game but is crap at graphics, they could get in
touch with person B who perhaps can't program too well but is a master
with the art package. I know it's obvious but the obvious can be
overlooked !
With regards to this perhaps we should write a bit about ourselves -
level of experience, which programming languages we use, what other
skills we have, what set up we use etc.
A section dedicated for 'chatting/discussion' should also be included.
Any topics could be chosen, probably be best if there was more than one
topic so no-one is left out. For example we could have discussion areas
based on programming languages. (or anything)
As well as it being a magazine there could also be a space on the disk
left for SMALL PD programs and utilities. Probably more important a space
for source codes (either PD or stuff we have written ourselves - in order
to give examples of certain techniques, or perhaps bits of project work).
As the disk gets larger (with more contributions) we will have to think
about compression and super formatting !!
That's about all I've thought up at the moment, but I'll probably think
of a tons more ideas after I send it.
Ian (morf).