Classic Computer Magazine Archive COMPUTE! ISSUE 96 / MAY 1988 / PAGE 11

letters

Computer Drama
I believe that the computer software and hardware industries should address two things: a flexible word processing program which permits easy and quick formatting of scripts and plays, and a full 60-column screen so we will be able to see an entire page without incessant scrolling.
    Considering how much software and hardware comes out of California, I am surprised that nobody has done just this for TV and movie script writing.

Clement G. Scerback
Seminole, Florida


More on CD-ROM
I was horrified to read Phil Nelson's comment in the February COMPUTE! that "in the meantime, there are exactly two CD-ROM applications for micros-the American Heritage encyclopedia and Microsoft Bookshelf-both for the IBM PC."
    First, there are more than two applications. The August 1987 issue of CD-ROM Review listed 100 titles. Some may be vaporware, and some are not yet available, but there are certainly more than two available. As an example, for librarians there are Books in Print, Ulrich's International Periodicals Directory, and Reader's Guide to Periodical Literature. In addition, one user's group has a disc that contains more than 600 floppies worth of public domain software, and last spring I played with ERIC (an index to educational material) and a medical index.
    Second, I believe that Nelson meant the Grolier Americana Encyclopedia. Both may be available, but I've only seen the Grolier one.
    Third, of course they are only available for the IBM PC. Most of the material is business-oriented. This isn't surprising, considering the cost of the CD-ROM players.

Ken Bullock
Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada


Computing for the Handicapped
I am currently working with severe and profound mentally and physically handicapped adults. I am using a Commodore 64 and a Commodore 128. The computer is used to teach skills such as attending and matching concepts.
    I would be interested in sharing ideas, problems, concerns, and programs with others who have written programs, or are using computers as a teaching aid, for mentally handicapped individuals.

Robert D. Gunn
1837 Carlyle
Beatrice, NE 68310


The British Invasion
I read your magazine often, though sometimes I can't get it. I am a British reader who lives abroad.
    This letter concerns the U.S. game market. The first thing I would like to say is that the games are appalling there. In my opinion, the U.S. has only five good game producers: Epyx, Access, Accolade, SSI, and MicroProse.
    This brings me to my next point. Your reviewers are missing something. It seems that the best games that U.S. companies are selling are from the U.K. I've had many of the "new games" that are being advertised now for six months. Your reviewers hardly ever mention this fact.
    Great Britain is also way ahead in arcade conversions. I'm sure that many people have heard of Run, Crysor, and The Last Mission. These games are already being converted to home computer games.
    In summary, I'll say that if you want good games, go to the U.K.

A. Blake Davies
Dubai, United Arab Emirates