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Loadstar 206
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2022-08-26
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u
PUBLISHING ON LOADSTAR
by Dave Moorman
Programming is a great thrill.
Getting your program in front of
hundreds of other computer fans is
even [more] fun. LOADSTAR is here to
do just that: put the best new
software in front of the maximum
audience.
We are constantly looking for new
programmers. We welcome experienced
coders back from the horrors of the
Incredibly Big Machines and novices
who are just stretching their wings.
Our single greatest expectation is
Quality.
And what, pray tell, [is] Quality?
Good question, Watson. I don't have a
particularly insightful answer. Just
take a look at our issues over the
years. You will see a constant
striving for quality.
We are looking for first timers,
and realize that exceptional polish
comes with experience. Don't be
afraid. If your program works as
advertised and [does] something, it
will probably be on LOADSTAR before
you know it.
Now that we have dodged [that]
question, exactly what must one do to
get published on LOADSTAR?
1. The file that is to be LOADed and
RUN from Basic should have a "B."
prefix. That is how we (and our
Presenter software) know it is the
boot file.
2. When LOADed and RUN, the program
MUST work.
3. Your documentation, (written on
Mr. Edstar is best) needs a "T."
prefix (for LOADSTAR Text file) and
the rest of the filename exactly as it
is on the "B." file (without the
"B."). In the docs, tell everyone what
we are supposed to do with the
program. List every functional key
stroke (even if everything is well
menued). You can also explain
technical brilliance, etc.
4. If you have ML, be sure to send
the source code. We will probably ask
you to do any fixes -- editing someone
else's source code is difficult and
time consuming.
5. In your main Basic program, use
line 10000 for the Scratch & Save
routine:
10000 d=peek(186):n$="fn":
open15,d,15,"s0:"+n$:close15
saven$,d:end
6. Use or reserve 40000-40999 for our
Return to LOADSTAR routine. You can
find the routine on any Basic program
that does return to LOADSTAR. Either
copy it to your code, or at least
have:
40000 end
Be sure to turn off all IRQ wedges
and sprites and return to screen to
its default text mode and location
before line 40000.
7. On the disk you send to us (or the
D81/D64 or Wraptored file), include
all working code and data on the
Directory. Also include your name,
address, and phone numbers. The easy
way to do this is to SAVE a blank file
with your data as the filename.
What kind of program should I
write?
Pick something you enjoy doing. If
it has been done before, you may have
to wait a few months before we can
publish it. If you have taken a new
and exceptional slant on a subject --
well [that] is what we are always
searching for.
We are also looking for articles
-- and not just about computing.
Anything of interest can delight the
LOADSTARites. We REALLY love
electronic documents, since I hate to
type and Sheri demands $10 an hour! We
can handle TXT, T., or Screen Code.
PLEASE, no GEOSWrite.
And lastly, what can you expect
for your labors?
Right now, you can use your
creative skills to aquire a compleat
LOADTAR library! Let us know what back
issues you want. Also, regular
suppliers get Monthly LOADSTARs at no
cost. We have a little cash, but not
nearly what Fender could squander in
the "good old days." As we increase
our subscription base, our suppliers
will see the difference. And our
dependable program providers will be
first in line!
DMM