INTRODUCING STING
Congratulations on your premiere issue It looks great, and I'm impressed by the talent you have writing for you and the diversity of the articles. David Small's Voodoo Computing" started a small debate among my programmer friends, but most of us agreed with his maxims.
We have just formed an ST users group in the Peoria, Illinois area. We call it STING-for ST INformation Group- and our only rule so far is "no pirated software, either for demonstration or for trading." We'd like to hear from others who want to exchange newsletters.
David Stambaugh
109 Florida Avenue
Washington, IL 61571
Thanks for the encouragement. START will publish user group information as we get it; see Resources this issue
NO PROGRAMMER
After reading the first issue of START I agree with Mr Capparell's editorial that he has published a magazine for those who want "high-end information that requires grounding in computer fundamentals." But what about the rest of us?
I'm a 37 year old teacher, and the ST is my first computer. I bought a few games and applications for it, and I LOVE IT. My problem is that your articles make me feel like a fourth grader who has wandered into a college physics class. I'm not a programmer and don't have the time to become one.
I know you can't please everyone, but I think I'm representative of many new ST buyers-enthusiastic and ready to spend on hardware and software (if only teachers made more money).
I think it's great to publish a magazine for the ST only, and it's great to show Atarians how to use their computers in new exciting ways, but if you want me as a subscriber you'll have to take things a little slower
Larry Jones
Pocatello, ID
We acknowledge your concern and its echoes from other readers. See our Editorial this issue, and remember a subscription to START includes 12 monthly issues of Antic magazine, with substantial ST information and programs for the beginner. Also, you don't have to be a programmer to run and enjoy the programs on the START disk.
WANTS THE DISK
I picked up my first copy of START and was disappointed to find it had no disk. The vendor said because it came both ways it was cheaper for him to sell it without the disk. How do I get the disk?
Joseph Santorelli
Rome, NY
START is a magazine/disk combination, not intended for separate sale. In order to get established we are making some nondisk copies available, especially to newsstands. Many Walden and Dalton bookstores, and retail computer stores sell the disk version, and START disks are also available from Antic Publishing for $10.95 plus handling (see order form in this issue).
DOESN'T WANT DISK
Just picked up a nondisk copy of START. It is amazingly good, but I'm desperately broke; so I don't own an ST yet. I hope the nondisk version will continue to be available for those of us who don't yet have the machine.
Nicholas Bodley
New York, NY
We will continue to make nondisk copies available for retail sale, but subscriptions copies all contain disks.
GOBBLEDYGOOK
I bought a 1040 ST, and I'm in love. I have no programming knowledge; nor do I wish to acquire any. My computer provides an easy and enjoyable vehicle for using many business, hobby and entertainment programs that are elaborate; and yet a snap to run.
Imagine my excitement when I found START, a magazine devoted entirely to the ST. Also imagine after I dropped $15 to find the same old gobbledygook I have worked hard at avoiding. I'd like more software reviews in depth, and more information about peripherals. Please find some way to help those of us who spend money happily on our ST, but merely want to use it.
Betsy Dobrick
Coral Springs, FL
We plan to always have enough general information and useful programs to make your purchase worthwhile. See Antic magazine for reviews and news of ST products. Also see START'S new Clipboard for hints and tips the non programmer can use.
BOUNCING ALONG
Having seen Amiga's Bouncing Ball program and also the Fuji symbol variation run on the ST I have a burning desire to know how it was done. I'd love to create impressive graphics like these.
R.G. Summers
Renton, WA
Your wish is our command. See FujiBoink! in this issue, also source code for it on your START disk.
ABSORBING START
Yesterday I got the first issue of START. There's a lot in it to absorb. I may be absorbing until the next issue is published. What a great start!
But I must say I was sorely disappointed not to find a word processor program reviewed. I have 1ST Word, but abandoned that as soon as I found Regent Word, which I fully expect to use for a long time to come.
I hope to see carefully researched reviews in START that will help us readers choose useful programs.
I want us all to succeed, to grow and get better I thank you and anticipate a satisfying future.
Joseph C.P Alvarez
Omaha, NE
The information on word processors in this issue's START CHART should wet your whistle.
FAST SATISFACTION
Please run some articles that give comparative results for different hardware and software. How about a chart showing compile and execution times for a number of C compilers for the ST?
Brian Cole
CompuServe 73107,1756
You must have read our minds. See C comparison article and START CHART on word processors in this issue.
USE US OR LOSE US
I'm a long time Atari user (with the emphasis on user), and Antic reader (I've still got every one). I've stuck through some thick and much thin, but I never became a programmer. Every man has his limitations, and plumbing and programming are just two of mine.
Don't get me wrong; I want to read programming articles to understand the logic of what's going on, but more than that I want fundamental instruction, with tips and techniques about the machine's many features. I want useful utilities (like Tom Hudson's printer drivers), and answers to my questions (like how do you use the mail merge in ST Writer?).
Your first editorial referred to us "experienced users) but I'm not sure your content does. I realize the machine is new, as is your publishing effort. START looks very good, seems well written, but needs time to mature.
I'll wait and see. Thanks for the magazine, keep up the good work, and remember that many, if not most, of us want to be users, not programmers.
Jim Cummings
Pennsauken, NJ
Roger Pennsauken. We read you loud and clear Observing new vector Over and out.