 
                    ST REPORT WEEKLY ONLINE MAGAZINE 
                          Monday, May 02, 1988 
                              Vol I  No 33 
                                ======== 
                           APEI  P.O.  BOX 74 
                      Middlesex, N.J.  08846-0074 
 
 Editor: Ron Kovacs                            Support BBS: 904-786-4176 
 
 Technical Editor                                  Product Review Editor 
  Keith Whitton                                        T. "Rex" Reade 
 
                                 CONTENTS 
                                 ======== 
 
* Contest Rules and Details          * A Serious Observation         
* Universal File Selector            * GFA Reference Guide           
* BBSing 10 Commandments             * Aegis Artwork                 
* WP CIS CONFERENCE                  * GFA Draft                     
* SPECIAL NEWS BULLETIN              * BBS Listing STR               
======================================================================== 
  Serving you on:         Genie - Delphi - Comp-u-serve 
======================================================================== 
 
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

ST-Report Official Contest Rules 
================================ 
 
                           THE JUDGES LIST 
                           =============== 
           Service                                Name 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

           CIS                                    Ron Luks 
           CIS                                    Dan Rhea 
           CIS                                    Mike Schoenbach 
           Delphi                                 Clayton Walnum 
           Delphi                                 Charles Bachand 
           Delphi                                 Maurice Molineux 
           GEnie                                  to be announced 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------



No purchase/entry fee necessary. 
 
Deadline for consideration in this contest is midnight August 31, 1988. 
 
Winners will be announced in ST-Report on September 12, 1988.  We 
guarantee to award all prizes. 
 
All readers are eligible to enter except employees of Syndicate 
Publishing, CompuServe, GEnie, Delphi and their immediate families. 
 
This contest void where prohibited or restricted by law.  We are not 
responsible for lost, mismarked, or delayed artwork. 
 
All submissions must be drawn with any Atari ST drawing program. 
 
All submissions must be drawn by the original artist. Copyright artwork 
will not be accepted. 
 
All submissions become the property of American Publishing Enterprises. 
 
All submissions must be uploaded to specified BBS systems by the deadline 
date. All systems have time and date stamping capability. Any entry dated 
after 8/31/88 will be void from the contest. 
 
Artwork Requirements 
-------------------- 
 
All artwork considered for this contest must be drawn with any Atari ST 
drawing program. 
 
Any person submitting artwork must leave an address and telephone number, 
and drawing program used. 
 
Artwork must contain the following: 
 
ST-REPORT 
 
The winning entry will be used at a later date for a newsletter or 
magazine cover. 
 
All submissions become the property of American Publishing Enterprises. 
 
Where to Send 
------------- 
 
All artwork may be uploaded to the following systems.  More will be added 
during the contest. 
 
                     Bounty ST BBS   (904) 786-4176 
                Stairway to Heaven   (216) 784-0574 
 
           Entries by mail are also permitted. You may send to: 
            Please be sure the picture is on a S/S 3.5 floppy 
 
                        ST-Report Logo Contest 
                          Post Office Box 74 
                    Middlesex, New Jersey 08846-0074 
 
        (Please include your name, address and telephone number) 
 
Updates 
------- 
 
This contest will update uploading areas every two weeks.  Contest rules 
will not be changed, but judges may be added during the run of the 
contest. 
 
This contest commences May 2, 1988 and will end Midnight August 31, 1988. 
 
Prize listing will be updated as needed. The listing will be published 
next week in ST-Report #34. 
 
If you have any questions, Please leave email on the services at the 
following addresses: 
 
                       CompuServe:   71777,2140 
                       GEnie     :   ST-REPORT 
                                 :   R.KOVACS 
                       DELPHI    :   RONKOVACS 
                       The Source:   BDG793 
 
              Rules and Regulations Update 05/02/88 
 
1).  Use any full color program written exclusively for the ST to draw 
              your own personal design of an ST-Report logo. 
 
2).  Artwork ported over from any other computer is void. 
 
3).  No X-rated artwork will be accepted. 
 
4).  Winners will be announced by mail, email, phone call or equivalent 
                  on or before September 12, 1988. 
 
5). Decision of the JUDGES is FINAL. 
 
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                      ATARI FORGET?     YOU BET! 
                      ========================== 
by T."Rex" Reade 
 
I had the opportunity to examine the Universal File Selector and all I can

say is "shame on you Atari!"  The Universal selector is a unique tool that

can be auto loaded into your ST and fully work with all application 
programs in place of the lame selector now found in GEM. 

No more leaving a program to perform disk manipulations folks it's all at 
your finger tips!  This nifty program performs more than 16 different file

functions at the tap of a finger. 

     >Set Paths              >Variable Format      >Create Folders 
     >Full Print Functions   >Disk Statistics      >Move Folders 
     >Move Files             >Wildcards OK         >Delete Folders 
     >Lock Files             >Rename Files         >Unlock Files 
     >Wildcard Delete        >Wildcard Extens.     >Wildcard Lock 
 
Complete instructions are included on the disk and the company offers full

support to registered users.  You the active ST user will really 
appreciate the convenience of this fine file and folder management tool. 
The best part is ONLY uses 16k of precious memory. 
 
Applications and Design Software was formed in 1987 to market useful 
assembly language programs that use the GEM environment of the ST.  This 
company actively encourages programmers to send in their programs and 
ideas to be considered.  If the program has some Universal appeal, A&D 
will assist the programmer in the sales and marketing of the program. 
 
The Program UNIVERSAL FILE SELECTOR is a bargain at $15.95. 
 
FOR MORE INFO CONTACT: 
 
                      APPLICATIONS and DESIGN SOFTWARE 
                             226 NW "F" Street 
                      Grant's Pass     Oregon   97526 
                    TEL: (503) 476 - 0071   Noon till 5pm 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

 
                  The 10 Commandments of Telecommunication 
                  ======================================== 
 
These are a few things that will help you to be good, polite members of 
a BBS system.  They are not set in stone and there may be more that the 
SYSOP has set for the system you call.  Which brings us to rule number 
one: 
 
1.  Read all notices.  Including New User notices, system bulletins and 
messages left by the Sysop in the message base to the users.  This is 
where you learn about how the system runs and when changes are made. 
 
2.  Follow the rules.  You are a guest in the Sysops/Owners computer.  The

Owner has a right to set the rules just as you have a right to set house 
rules for your guests.  Alot of systems are set up for a particular 
reason.  It is not polite to try to force your way in someone else's 
system. 
 
3.  Take your time and use the menus.  Almost all BBS systems allow you to

enter something like ? when you need a Menu.  Some also have a "panic" 
command like "Menu" that brings you back to the Main Menu if you get lost. 

Most things are clear if you take your time.  One suggestion is the first 
time you get on try all the choices on the Menus to wee what they do. 
 
4.  Leave a message once in awhile.  If nothing else say something about 
yourself.  Someone has to start talking before a conversation get going.  
I've seen a lot of conversations on BBS systems start with "Why did you 
buy a computer/modem?".  Only going to the File sections of a BBS is like 
going to a party and sitting by yourself at the food and eating.  Sounds 
kind of strange when put that way. 
 
5.  Keep your language and discussions clean and legal!  BBS systems are 
used by all kinds of people of all ages.  Unless the Sysop has a Smoking 
section...don't  smoke.  Before you type something ask yourself if you 
would say it in Church.  That's a good rule of thumb.  You can express 
yourself without getting vulger, can't you?  It only start the ball 
rolling to worse things. 
 
6.  Type in lower case and take your time.  HAVE YOU EVEN TRYED TO READ 
SOMETHING TYPED IN ALL UPPER CASE.  ALSO HAVE YU EEER TRED OT READ 
SMETHING THT HDA ALOT OF TPYOS.  THIS IS USUALY DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE 
PERSON TRYED TO BE SUPERTYPER AND TYPE FASTER THAN THEY COULD.  ALSO ITS A

SIGN THAT THER PERSON WAS TO LASY TO CORRECT THE MISTAKES. 
Grammar is only important to the extent that other users can understand 
what you are trying to get across.  It's not a term paper or formal 
letter, but we would all like to understand what you are saying. 
 
7.  Stay on the topic.  If you change the topic, change the message 
header.  All BBS system message bases that allow this.  If the message 
base you are in is about ST Support, talk about something to do with ST 
Support. 
 
8.  If you find a good PD or Shareware program upload it to the proper 
section.  This is how the new programs got there that you see.  Either 
someone uploaded it to a BBS that the Sysop calls or someone uploaded it 
to this BBS.  Someone was nice enough to see that you got it.  Alot of 
people only call a few BBS systems and don't come across programs that the
others don't have.  We are not all rich.  Just upload when you have them 
and use the message base also. 
 
9.  Don't use BBS systems that allow stolen software.  This will hurt you 
in the long run.  Do you want to see a computer system die fast?  Then you
will have a $1000 paper weight on your hands.  Would you work for free? 
 
10.  Last but not least, leave the Sysop(s) suggestions and comments 
nicely.  They, like all people, do not like to be commanded to do 
something, or being cursed at, because the download section is acting up.
You can be sure if the suggestion is worth while it will appear. 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------


************************************************************************* 
 
                            IMPORTANT NOTICE! 
                            ----------------- 
As a reader of ST Report Magazine, you are entitled to take advantage of 
a special DELPHI membership offer.  For only $29.95 ($20 off the standard 
membership price!), you will receive a lifetime subscription to DELPHI, a 
copy of the 500-page "DELPHI: The Official Guide," and a credit equal to 
one free evening hour at standard connect rates. 
 
                          Signing up with DELPHI 
                          ---------------------- 
Using a personal computer and modem, members worldwide access DELPHI 
services via a local phone call. 
 
                              Join--- DELPHI 
                              -------------- 
1. Dial 617-576-0862 with any terminal or PC and modem (at 2400 bps, dial 
   576-2981). 
 
2. At the Username prompt, type JOINDELPHI. 
 
3. At the Password prompt enter STREPORT. 
 
For more information, call DELPHI Member Services at 1-800-544-4005, or 
at 617-491-3393 from within Massachusetts or from outside the U.S. 
 
DELPHI is a service of General Videotex Corporation of Cambridge, 
Massachusetts. 
 
**************************************************************************

 
 
==========================================================================

      CIS WORD PERFECT CONFERENCE 04/28/88  Moderator: RON KOVACS 
==========================================================================

 
(3,Ron @ STR) Hi Rex!!!! 
(3,Mike Czyz) il be right bac too 
(3,Rex Reade) Hi everybody!..... 
(3,Ron @ STR) Fix me a drink too please! 
(3,Jeff/Steve @ WP) So, is everybody ready to rake us over the coals? 
Or, is ... everyone out stoking the fire to get them hot first?   
(3,Rex Reade)Jeff that is NOT the intention here, in fact, I wanted to say
thanks for the fine April 15 release, it is absolutly mahvalous! 
(3,Jeff/Steve @ WP) I'm glad _someone_ liked it...    ga 
(3,Ron @ STR) Ok Mike, Just a tad nervous about this but ok. 
How about yourself? 
(3,Mike/SYSOP) Ah, don't be nervous -- you'll do a good job!! .... 
(3,Rex Reade)Jeff, have you seen the Explorer reviews,  May/June? 
(3,Mike/SYSOP) Things are going well here too, thanks. 
(3,SYSOP/Ron) let's start in 3 minutes. okay everyone? 
(3,Woodrow Windischman) ok by me 
(3,Ron @ STR) Sounds good. 
(3,Jeff/Steve @ WP) Not directly, but I have read one irate rebuttal. 
And you guys..think ST-Report took the heat! 
(3,Rex Reade) There are many militant admirers of WP 
(3,Rex Reade)How are you doing tonight RON  MOD 
(3,Jeff/Steve @ WP) Well, Rex, I _agree_ with you!!! 
 
(3,SYSOP/Ron) I just spoke with Dave Groves.  he'll be online in 2
minutes. ga 
(3,Ron @ STR) Ok, Lets wait for him..  ga 
(3,Mike/SYSOP) when it begins.  Tonight the main topic is Word Perfect. 
(3,BILL GARBER) OK, I DON'T OWN IT NOW, SO I'LL SEE YA LATER.BYE. 
(3,Mike/SYSOP) Bill: Feel free to stay! .... 
(3,Mike/SYSOP) I'm sure there will be a lot of useful information..... 
(3,Jeff/Steve @ WP) Sure, Bill, stay.  You can always buy it later!  ga 
(3,Woodsy) To what do we owe the honor of this CO? 
(3,Mike/SYSOP) Bill: Go check the DLs.  Lots of good softwarez there. 
(3,dgg) Good evening to all... 
(3,SYSOP/Ron) hi dgg. 
(3,Mike/SYSOP) Good evening, dgg! 
(3,Ron @ STR) To discuss Word Perfect Woodsy,  
(3,Woodsy) Hello DGG 
(3,BILL GARBER) HOW LONG IS THE CO FOR 
(3,Ron @ STR) Hi Dave. 
(3,Mike/SYSOP) Bill: Around 2 hours. 
(3,dgg) Please accept my apologies for the tardy arrival and can we get 
started???? 
(3,Jeff/Steve @ WP) Ron thought a more informative CO might be nice. 
(3,BILL GARBER) OK, I'LL BE BACK. 
(3,dgg) my Thanks to Ron, Jeff, and Steve.... 
(3,Ron @ STR) If everyone is ready I suppose we can begin. ga 
(3,dgg) for takint the time to join us tonight  Right, Ron....I'd like to
make a brief background statement and then turn things over to you and 
Jeff & Steve, If anyone objects, yell now! <grin>  
(3,Rex Reade)Enjoy 
(3,dgg) Ok.... 
As I am certain everybody knows, there was quite a "battle" as the result 
of the last CO that I chaired last month when Word Perfect was considering
leaving the ST community and many people did not understand the nature of
what was going..on!...As a result of some of the heat that arose from the 
CO, Rex's article in ST Report and some conversations between Ron, me,Ron 
Luks, and the folks at Word Perfect, we are here to try to get a better 
handle on just what happened..and why.  Ron, Rex, Jeff is that a fair 
statement? 
(3,Ron @ STR) ....... 
(3,Jeff/Steve @ WP) Hopefully, this should be good, mellow, Q&A tonight.
(3,SYSOP/Ron) More than find out what happenned....I'm hoping that in 
tonights CO....we can pin down the future direction of WP Corp. in the ST 
market. Thanks Dave... I would first like to thank Ron Luks and the rest 
here.. 
(3,dgg) Thanks, Ron. Mr. Kovacs, the floor is yours! ga 
(3,Ron @ STR) Jeff, would you like to make an opening statement?  
(3,Jeff/Steve @ WP) Not anything direct, only to say that we're happy 
to be here ...and will do our best to answer any questions you may have. 
(3,Ron @ STR) Ok... Remember this is a formal CO, Please use a ? to be 
recognized. Henry You are up!  
(3,Henry @ Home) I would like to ask the fellows form WordPerfect..when 
an expected release dates (very rough of course) for Library and.. WP 5.0 
are..also, how's morale holding up..under some undeserved bad press.  
(3,Ron @ STR)  JEFF.. 
(3,Jeff/Steve @ WP) Library is underway, and we're hoping for late 3rd 
or early...4th quarter.  5.0 is a rewrite from the ground up, and as ... 
a result will take a while.  But now that we know what we're doing as 
far as GEM and the ST goes, we will welcome the chance..to really optomize
for the ST.  Morale goes up and down, depending on the latest review 
to reach us.    
(3,Henry) Thanks. 
(3,Ron @ STR) Follow up Henry? 
(3,Henry) no 
(3,Ron @ STR) Rex your up 
(3,Rex Reade) Ok, first allow me to say hello to all and let you know a 
little about me.  I am the pres of a large user group in North Fla. 
and run a large BBS in No. Fla. I am no stranger to Atari.. 
I want to say that WP has indeed proven itself to me and all the folks 
who have been watching the developments over the last few weeks, 
as far as we are concerned they (WP) have our full support!  also.. 
My only question is and really it is a remark at best is, Jeff and Steve 
keep up the good work and I hope the other companies can learn from 
the example you have set in this industry and in particular, for the Atari
userbase. Will we get to use "Beast"? thanks all for listening 
and good luck WP! 
(3,dgg) Ron K had to try to get a clean line... 
(3,Jeff/Steve @ WP) I hope that other big software houses join in, 
but after seeing all the up and down we've experienced, they might 
want to watch for a little longer before jumping in.  I hope not, though. 
...Now, about Beast.  If there's enough interest, anything's possible, 
but it's not in our current plans.   
(3,Rex Reade)Ok, thanks 
(3,Ron @ STR) Thanks Rex.. Woodsy your up 
(3,Woodsy) Thank you!  Two Questions... 
(3,Woodsy) #1  What is BEAST?   #2  I read somewhere that the main engine 
for WP 5.x...was written in C.  Does this mean that future versions and/or
upgrades may...come out any faster?  
(3,Jeff/Steve @ WP) A game in IBM library where you try to squash various 
types of...nasty little critters.  WP is 100% assembly, but there are now 
C versions for UNIX machine support.  You should see size/speed..if it was
C!  But, we'll always try to speed it up more.   
(3,Ron @ STR) Follow up Woodsy? 
(3,Woodsy) Which...version of library is Beast in, current or the new one?
(3,Jeff/Steve @ WP) It may have been taken out in the new version, 
but it's been...there in the past.   
(3,Woodsy) Thanks.  
(3,Ron @ STR) Thanks Jeff, Before we continue, Does Henry or Rex have a
follow up... 
(3,Henry) I did 
(3,Ron @ STR) to their previous questions during the crash? ga 
(3,Ron @ STR) Henry  then Sysop Ron. ga 
(3,Henry) I was going to ask Rex if his comments were going into print... 
this coming issue. 
(3,Ron @ STR) Rex any comments? ga 
(3,Ron @ STR) Guess Rex is busy at the moment, Mr. Luks your up.  
(3,SYSOP/Ron) To Jeff:...Besides the initial bugs in the first version 
released....the delivery date of that version was pretty late....compared 
to the first estimates given to me during the development period. Many 
other developers have complained...about the difficulty of working 
along with ATARI CORP. ...(i.e.- the difficulty in getting the necessary 
version of GDOS)...My question is:...To what extent were you 'handicapped'
by this lack of cooperation with ATARI CORP. ...and is this situation 
improved now over the past year or so?  
(3,Jeff/Steve @ WP) (Crash?  How many bombs?)  This is a very hard
question 
Atari has been slow to heed developer's requests and questions that they 
have had.  I find that essentially all Atari...developers have been in the
same boat, almost exactly.  But, there is some hope that things are 
changing that will allow developers to gain more support from Atari.   
We're all busy hoping that the signs we've seen are going to really 
develop into something that will stimulate development on the Atari in 
all possible areas of development. 
(3,Ron @ STR) Follow up Ron ? 
(3,SYSOP/Ron) I didnt mean to imply....that your relationship with 
ATARI CORP. was any better or worse than other developers. But
specifically 
, what 'things' are getting better and what other specific support.... 
would you folks like to get from ATARI that they arent giving out now?  
(3,Jeff/Steve @ WP) Development time could have been shorter.  We spent a 
lot of time "re-inventing" the wheel, as every developer has.  What it.. 
looks like may happen is a free exchange of information with Atari's help,
through Developer's Newsletters, conferences, and the opportunity to get 
direct and specific anwswers to questions. 
(3,SYSOP/Ron) ok. thanks. 
(3,Ron @ STR) RonThanks Jeff, Dgg then Bruce, Henry..  Go ahead DGG 
(3,dgg) Ok, I'd like some clarification on your thoughts on the great GDOS
vs. PostScript argument, Jeff...how do you in your end of the machinery 
find...GDOS to work with?  
(3,Jeff/Steve @ WP) I should have seen this one coming.  In design, GDOS 
is very eloquent, but in it's best moments, it still doesn't compete with 
PostScript.  That is my opinion, but I _do_ wish that there was more PS 
support in the Atari community. 
(3,dgg) Thanks, Jeff. 
(3,Ron @ STR) Bruce you are next, follow up DGG? 
(3,dgg) No, that covered me.  
(3,Ron @ STR) Guess thats brings up Bruce  
(3,BRUCE "Z" KENNEDY) I DON'T THINK YOU SHOULD CATER TO GDOS IF YOUR WORK 
IS WITH POSTSCRIPT YOU GET PREVIOUS? 
(3,Jeff/Steve @ WP) I still haven't deceided how I'm going to handle 
on-screen fonts for the ST version of WP.  I would like to see a standard 
but I'm not sold on GDOS just yet.  The battle rages on.  As far as 
Executive and/or DataPerfect go, we have no specific plans at this time. 
If there is a large amount of interest.  We would probably work on them
too.   
(3,Ron @ STR) Follow up Bruce...?  
(3,BRUCE "Z" KENNEDY) YOU ARE CREATING A LOT OF INTEREST IN THE LARGEST 
NEW ENGLAND ATARI CLUB, RIACE.  HOW CAN WE MOST EFFECTIVELY COMMUNICATE 
FEEDBACK TO YOU AND YOUR DEVELOPERS? 
(3,Jeff/Steve @ WP) Letters, support calls, CIS;  just name it.  No matter

what the..medium, we do our best to listen to whatever you want to say. 
(3,Henry) OK THis has been explained several times, but "for the record" 
what REALLY slows the scrolls down so much in ST WordPerfect..if it's GEM.
why doesn't working around GEM fix that....also what is planned to be 
enhanced to WOrdPerfect currently..before WOrdPerfect 5.0 comes out? 
File selector?? 
(3,Jeff/Steve @ WP) The biggest slowdown in WP scrolling is due to the 
formatting...that is required.  With the volume of different codes that 
can be used internally to WP, there is a _lot_ of overhead.  On a  
realistic basic, scroll is about 50% formatting and 50% doing the display 
modification.  That latter 50% can really be increased with a Mega, 
though.  The first 50% is the really hard part to change.  There have been
many enhancement Requests for things we would like to include in 4.1 
before we move onto 5.0;  things like a "find" mode that would allow you 
to graphically locate files where now you can only type the name, a tab 
bar across the top, and many other things. 
(3,Rex Reade)You can tell a pro is at WP's keyboard tonight. Jeff, in
light of the large price difference we are seeing between the distributor
and dealer does WP Corp have any plans on re-evaluating the method of
marketing so the user (consumer) can afford to let himself be exposed to a
fine  program like WP? 
(3,Jeff/Steve @ WP) (Thanks, we try.)  There is a much reevaluation of 
marketing techniques, now that WPCorp understands the ST owner a little...
better.  Availabity of WP will probably improve in the future.  
(3,Ron @ STR) Rex follow up then Henry again to follow up.. ga 
(3,Rex Reade)Ok good....I have one comment to make at this time 
Jeff, Will you please tell us why in your opinion, the major amount of  
bad publicity for the program has "died" so rapidly? 
(3,Jeff/Steve @ WP) We responded to the problems we introduced in the 
early... 
(3,dgg)May I interrupt a sec? 
(3,Ron @ STR) Go ahead Dave. 
(3,dgg) Henry had asked earlier... 
(3,dgg) if Rex was going to be publishing his revised thoughts on WP and 
it's people...and now that he is back, I'd like him to address that. Ok? 
(3,Ron @ STR) Rex?  
(3,Rex Reade)Sure, I will answer that......... 
I think my opinion has been published already, and as far as I am
concerned the issue of what my statements were and what they are now are
quite clear and more than evident is subsequent issues of ST Report.  I
will say however, that Word Perfect Corp. and Jeff, in particular,  have
shown to me and most of the users that WP is a very professional and
sincere company dedicated to leading the way in providing the ST user with
true PROFESSIONAL software in a heretofore thought of "light" market.  
I feel it will only prove to show WP has a VERY good handle on the ATARI 
ST MARKETPLACE...now, all we need is to WAKE UP UNCLE JACK AND SHOW HIM 
THE LIGHT!!!!  
(3,Jeff/Steve @ WP) To finish Rex's earlier question:  We still get bad 
press, but it doesn't come as often anymore. 
(3,Henry) Thanks for the comments Rex. 
(3,Ron @ STR) Ok Keith Goodprobe you are up then John  
(3,Mr. Goodprobe) Greetings kind sirs; It appears most of us here are 
moderate to heavy modem users, and I am curious, do you think WP will ever
be a framework whereby it can be executed from within a terminal program 
such as Interlink..or is this not feasible? 
(3,Jeff/Steve @ WP) WP takes a lot of overhead, so I don't know how 
feasable it would actually be.  I really haven't thought about this ... 
directly, but most of the code is in place to create a networked version 
of WP for the ST, if we had a network.  
(3,Mr. Goodprobe) Thank you, increasingly, through your efforts,and
others, the ST is being used in more professional fields, I would
encourage development along these lines. BTW, thanks for your fine
support, we appreciate it! 
(3,Ron @ STR) Thanks Keith John Holder your up   
(3,John Holder, MCP T0) I would like to thank WP Corp. on the behalf of 
Marathon Computer Press for an excellent documentation tool. 
Well done folks!  
(3,Jeff/Steve @ WP) Atari has played with WP for those reasons, too.   
(3,Ron @ STR) Jackie your up! 
(3,Henry) uh oh minds blank come back.ga 
(3,Woodsy) * 
(3,Ron @ STR) ok.. Henry, lets go to Rex, then DGG... 
(3,Rex Reade)By the way, I have been having wonderful success with the 
combination of Timeworks Desk Top Publisher and Word Perfect, the two 
are a virtual powerhouse for super good looking results, I would like to  
hear from the users who are here, who will try it, I found the two to be  
absolutly top notch for ANY DTP usage, especially in 24 pin portrait. 
(3,Ron @ STR) Thanks Rex...Before we go on lets go back 
to Henry who is back then Dave..  
(3,Henry) Yes I was going to comment on Mr. Goodprobe's question in the 
CIS message base a company has announced a terminal program desk accessory
that may work nicely with WP...(but not on a 520ST) also WordPerfect 
DOES with Michtron's JUGGLER II for a similar effect. 
(3,Jeff/Steve @ WP) We follow the rules pretty close, so it should work.
(3,Ron @ STR) Mr g  follow up then Dave.  
(3,dgg) I would like....to ask Jeff and Steve to give us some specifics 
on how (it's coming out in THE CATALOG soon). WP helps in the  
DOCumentation process and what its...main advantages are. 
(3,Jeff/Steve @ WP) Indexing, Table of Contents, multiple headers/footers,
and the other features supported by WP really makes documentation a simple
process. 
(3,Ron @ STR) Thanks Jeff follow up Dave.. 
(3,dgg) No, thanks, that covers it for me.  
(3,Ron @ STR) Ok Bruce your up! 
(3,BRUCE "Z" KENNEDY) rex or anyone on, any experience with wp and 
Reeve's News station? 
(3,Ron @ STR) Any comments? ga 
(3,Ron @ STR) I would like to ask Jeff a question here.... 
(3,Ron @ STR) What are the future plans of WP and the ST?  
(3,Jeff/Steve @ WP) Currently, we're looking at Library & WP 5.0 for the 
ST, as well as converting our programs to foreign language support.  The 
german version of 4.1 will be available soon.  We are hoping to make the 
entire WPCorp product line available before too long. 
(3,Ron @ STR) Thanks Jeff.. Henry your up 
(3,Henry) Yes I saw a quote from an ad this was second hand someone quoted
WordPerfect's customer support phone bill (supposedly in an ad) at
$165,000 per month is that true? 
(3,Jeff/Steve @ WP) That's about average.  I understand that we pay AT&T 
more on a single account basis than any other company. 
(3,Henry) (WHEW!) 
(3,Ron @ STR) Dave you are up.. Thanks Henry! 
(3,dgg) Thanks... 
(3,dgg) I'd like to ask Jeff & Steve if they are yet aware of any 
improvement in Atari version sales since the release of the debugged 
version and if they feel that any of that is the result of discussions.. 
in the online community.  
(3,Jeff/Steve @ WP) Sales still haven't stabalized since October, but we 
have been experiencing a slight but stable climb since late January.  I.
don't what marketing attributes the climb to, but I personally feel that 
the many discussions online have helped out. 
(3,Ron @ STR) THanks Dave follow up?  Woodsy your up next! 
(3,dgg) I do want to add that if we can ever be of help that Ron, the
other SYSOP's and I will be pleased to get as much information out as we
can for any of the developers who are active here online.  Especially when
it is regarding customer assistance and product enhancements and most
especially when it is from quality people like the folks from WP!  
(3,Ron @ STR) Steve follow up then Last question to Woodsy! ga 
(3,Jeff/Steve @ WP) Well, thanks.  If nothing else, all your support
really helps out morale, and helps us do the best we can.  
(3,Woodsy) Well, first  I am pleased to hear about your commitment to... 
the ST market...finally, I am curious as to the form that  Library will 
take on the ST  a new shell to replace desktop? or...perhaps as a VERY 
powerful desk accessory?   
(3,Jeff/Steve @ WP) We're looking at a context-switching shell, possibly 
a DA, but is not totally decided yet. 
(3,Ron @ STR) Thanks Jeff.. Follow up Woodsy.. then Hnery 
(3,Woodsy) Have you considered creating a rather Multifinder(tm)esque 
desktop? 
(3,Jeff/Steve @ WP) We'd rather not tackle that one yet, because in 
reality the desktop and the GEM AES are one and the same.  To replace the 
desktop entirely, you would have to support the GEM librarys in your own 
code.  It could potentially be better than the current incarnation of GEM,
but it would be a lot of work. 
(3,Ron @ STR) OK.. This formal co will end after comments from Henry 
then Mr Reade.  
(3,Henry) To those who don't yet own WordPerfect, the company is 
sponsering a dealer optional sale right now....check with your dealer.. 
(not mail order) for a limited time.  (Sorry for the ad, but wanted to 
spread the news).  
(3,Ron @ STR) Thanks Henry..  Rex, then closing comments from WP people. 
(3,Rex Reade) I'll take this moment to say to Jeff and Steve thank you for
your CANDID answers ....they have been extremely informative....and to 
Jeff, THANKS for all the help and your positve response to our users here 
in the southeastern USA!....thanks and goodnight to you 
(3,Ron @ STR) Final comments .. Jeff Wilson and Steve Reiser. 
(3,Jeff/Steve @ WP) It's been a pleasure to be here tonight, and I look
forward to answering whatever additional questions you may come across in
the coming days, weeks, or whatever.  For information, my CIS PPN is 
72447,3427.  Once again, thank you all for your support, and efforts to 
help us serve the Atari community. 
(3,dgg)On behalf of all of the SYSOP's here in the Atari Forum and all 
of the users who have read the transcripts and messages.. I'd like to 
extend a major thank you to both the good folks at WP and the users who 
spent the time to be here and make this CO work. Again thanks to both and
especially Ron for letting me participate instead of moderate! 
(3,SYSOP/Ron) Okay folks.  G'nite all. 
==========================================================================


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    BULLETIN   BULLETIN   BULLETIN   BULLETIN   BULLETIN   BULLETIN 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

835  27-APR 21:27 General Information 
     Atarians Rejoice (?) 
     From: DFSCOTT      To: ALL 
 
This is a Computer Shopper exclusive story. 
 
Atari Corp. is undergoing another corporate restructuring, but this time 
more massive than before.  A division company, to be known as Atari 
Computers, is being formed.  Charles Babbitt has been named Atari
Computers  President, and Anthony Gould his Vice President for Sales. 
Although still under the umbrella leadership of the Tramiels, it appears
at this time that a semi-autonomous company in the manner of Amiga Corp.
is being spun off. 
In an exclusive interview, Atari chief spokesman Neil Harris told this 
reporter that Babbitt has been given two months to form a new corporate 
strategy for Atari Computers.  During that period of time, says Harris, 
Corporate leadership has ordered no one at Atari Computers to speak with 
the press.  Nonetheless, Babbitt was cornered into releasing general 
information to Computer + Software News about a special packaging 
arrangement of the Mega 4, perhaps for sales to Value-Added Resellers. 
 
It apparently has yet to be decided what role current Atari Corp. 
management will play in leading the new Computers division.  More details 
as they become available. 
 
                               D. F. Scott 
                               =========== 
==========================================================================


                          A SERIOUS OBSERVATION 
                          ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
by T."Rex" Reade 
 
Bless those Atari ST users, they are a hardy bunch of folks.....or are 
they?  Have they been pushed and shoved to their limit?  Is the time near 
for these folks to say, "We are sick and tired of being sick and tired"? 
 
This author has been doing some informal research for the last 23 days, in
and out of all three of the major network services CIS, Delphi and GEnie 
to try and find out why the Atari userbase is showing Storm Clouds on the 
horizon.  Folks, the results, although informal, are quite surprising! 
 
The main theme is coming from three major areas in the userbase, (a) The 
USERS(consumers) (b) The DEVELOPERS (hardware & software) (c) The 
RETAIL/SERVICE CENTERS.  You say, what is going on that would have all 
these folks upset? 
 
ABSOLUTLY NOTHING!   That's right, nothing is going on. That is the entire
problem....The thrust is a lack of reaction to the wants and needs of 
these three major areas in the Atari Community by ATARI CORP........ 
 
FIRST, Let's take a look at the consumer's dilemma, according to the vast 
majority of messages read and articles written, the users have been all 
but forgotten by Atari Corp. 

Some of the user complaints: 
     
    1- Why is Atari so busy selling overseas while we wait endlessly here 
       at home?  ATARI is a U.S. based company! 
    2- Where is this PROFESSIONAL Dealer/Service Center Network? 
    3- Why is the new software so sparse? 
    4- Why can't Atari perfect GEM and GDOS? 
    5- Why do we have so many problems with the built-in DISK DRIVES? 
    6- Why can't we buy the new ROMS (mega) being shipped in the new 
       1040s and Mega STs?  Playing favorites? I doubt it, sure looks that
       way though.
 
After doing some snooping, I managed to find a few answers to the sampling
of problems mentioned above that are a scourge the users..... 

The answer to the first question is PROFIT!  

The answer to the second question was harder to come by ..but this is 
close to what most agreed would make a reasonable cause, Atari, in their 
infinite wisdom of being a US based Company is sending most of the new 
products overseas and therefore business people who have done market 
studies find the product unavailable except in extremely limited 
quantities and therefore are reluctant to invest in an outlet dedicated to

Atari products.  Thank the Lord for the few hardy souls who put up with 
all the heartache and pressure.(more about the dealer dilemma in a 
moment) 

Sparse software has been blamed on many reasons...actually if one MAJOR 
hurdle were overcome the other lesser reasons would be easy.  That major 
hurdle is Atari Corp. itself! (we will get to that when we discuss 
developers).  Skipping GDos and Gem for now, we jump straight to a very 
nasty subject 

                  ....THE DISK DRIVE MYSTERIES.... 
 
I looked carefully into this one because it is involved, here it is, as 
seen by this author.... 
          
         1- Too many Vendor changes (those who sell the drive to Atari) 
         2- Outrageous economization of drive design 
         3- Insufficient in-the-field knowledge of all the changes. 
 
Looking at the first, there are no less than 4 different styles of 
drives in use...why?  The early SF314 with the square eject button was 
excellent.  The same goes for the very early internal drive that 
came with the 1040ST.  That internal drive was the best Atari released. 
Why?  Well how many of you have the "escape blues"?  You know, switch the 
disk and hit the esc key for a new directory....work every time?.... 
not in the new drives...what? it wont read a 10 sector format?.... 
you mean the drive speed is not up to par and it came that way? 
Folks, these problems are NOT products of imagination, but in fact, were 
pointed out to me by Developers and Service Centers from different areas 
of the country.  ATARI, take note.... 
 
In trying to be fair, it was decided to call Atari and ask a Service Tech 
about what could be done with a drive that was misbehaving, chosen was the
re-read the same drive with a different disk, escape key problem. Here is 
what we got for help....Was connected with a "Tech" and after explaining 
the problem 4X!,, He got the idea and stated that it may be due to loose 
ROM chips, (how many times have you heard this one?), the advice we got 
was to pick up the computer to about a foot over the desk and drop it!!!! 
 
It was at this point that I asked to speak to the person in charge of 
service....ok we waited, (holding on) a secretary came on the line and 
asked if she could help,(explain the problem again), she said hold on for 
moment.  After a few seconds a LOUD BOOMING voice was on the other end of 
the phone, obviously this fellow was using a distorted and echo filled 
speaker phone..oh well....he tried to explain that the problem we were 
seeing is due to one of three things a) Rom chips (their favorite) b) the 
controller chip c) the Yamaha chip.  The net result was if none of the 
above helped, send in the unit for repair or exchange.  Not once was 
mention made that drive may be of the newer type, (lighter and smaller), 
and therefore not totally compatable with the machine.  He never even 
mentioned that the problem may be caused by the drive...... 
 
Allow me to clarify the new drive, (lighter and smaller), that's how to 
recognize it at a glance.....in my opinion, it is plainly cheaper in 
material and shabby in performance...a host of messages blamed the 
programmers for using weird formats and all sorts of other reasons...I 
blame the drive....after having 2 Brand New 1040s with the new Roms 
delivered to me.  I went crazy with drive problems....until I took older 
drives and placed them in my Brand Spanking New 1040s, now....all is 
perfect!  Only a small number of service Centers could tell us how many 
different drive vendors Atari has dealt with.....from 3 to 6 different 
vendors.  About the new roms ...Atari has no info for a person calling on 
the phone about them.....interesting, since I have 'em at this time..... 
 
The MAJOR reason for slow software releases is ATARI CORP. 
According to a number of prominent software developers who shall remain 
unidentified at this time, the biggest problem that they have is  Atari 
Corp. itself....lack of communication, lack of up to date information and 
most of all a very serious lack of cooperation and confidence on the 
part of Atari to work hand in hand with the third party developers.
 
My opinion is, advise Atari to be either in the hardware or the software 
business but NOT half way in both!  Best bet Mr. Atari is to continue 
making your hardware the very best there is and start 
           ADVERTISING and SELLING ST products in the U.S.A.! 
 
           LEAVE THE SOFTWARE TO THE SOFTWARE SPECIALISTS! 
Mr. Developer, I hope Atari gets the message, I fully understand the 
undeniably poor position you are in....Every time you approach Atari 
about a new concept or need help with a new routine, they give you the 
stonewall or a big welcome and little or NO help or cooperation...could
it be Atari wants all the new ideas released through themselves?  Does
that make any sense?  You bet it does...just ask the guy who originally
wrote Atari Writer, or get the real story behind ST Writer or better yet
discuss this very opinion with a developer, (off the record), you'll get
the straight story and be amazed!  What about this "new" release of micro
word, this alledged super word processor, it was dead before it was
released because it came out far too late....Where is the "HIGH POWERED"
Thesaurus and Spell checker so heavily touted?  Too many last minute
changes??...perhaps your programmers need some business sense, or is the
spell checker and thesaurus just more VAPORWARE? 
 
While you are at it, ask the developer about the horror story called GDOS 
and how Atari can't find someone who understands it well enough to write 
a tutorial about it.  Or so they say......... 
 
Finally, the dilemma faced by the Sales and Service Centers...these guys 
really take the abuse.....Backorders, Vaporware and Insults from irate 
customers.....Nice things to come in to every morning, right?....No wonder
more and more dealers are stocking computers from the "other" companies. 
One question to all the dealers we spoke to was of all the customers you 
sold the original ST to, how many are still using an ST?  The answer was 
quick in coming...."ABOUT HALF" we asked why?.....again a fast answer, 
"because Atari is busy supporting a European market, we can't deliver 
here in a timely fashion and the so called new product development has 
turned into a nightmare of Engineer dreams and show pieces but nothing for
the consumer to buy"..."take the laser printer for an example, it's 
already out classed and over priced by some real good name brands"! 
The only new item of any consequence has been the Mega ST....or has it? 
We asked a simple question about it also, Has the Mega lived up to your 
expectations and is it a reliable machine.....Three shops said we didn't 
have enough room or time to hear about the Mega ST...however the majority 
said basically it is a good machine but it seems Atari never really 
finished it before releasing it! Also, since it's release none of it's 
potential has been made readily available to the US market place.. 
oh yes,there is plenty of Action in Europe.... 
 
Author's Note: I personally own quite a bit of Atari Equipment and really 
enjoy using it.  Where else can one get a computer that will run the 
software of three computers [1] IBM, [2] MacIntosh [3] ST?
 
Atari, you can have the most advanced Computer in the world, but if  
you do not advertise and allow it to grow in the USA,... To the GIANT USA 
marketplace, it simply doesn't exist!
 
Now, with the news of reorganization, I am faced with the rumors of Atari 
Stereos and Microwaves, ala Federated, if there is any chance of this .. 
for heaven's sake,  either change the name of the Computer Lines or  
                           USE ANOTHER NAME! 
.....what's with the calculators and propeller beanie hats with the Atari 
name and LOGO on them?.......hey, Atari, PANASONIC(c) you ain't! 
Or is business THAT bad?
 
I get worn down with all the shortfall going on....Just last week I was 
explaining to a few folks at the clubhouse about the wonderful things my 
computer system could do.....everyone was very interested until I told 
them the name...I went deaf with the HYSTERICAL laughter in the room! 
Sad......but never the less, true....argh!  I AM one of the diehards and 
am willing to make very loud noises in hopes of someone out west (CA) 
hearing me.......

Never give up hope folks,...I won't. 
 
 
COME ON ATARI, LET'S GET WITH THE PROGRAM      SHOW US SOME REAL SUPPORT! 
 
NATIONAL ADVERTISING FOR THE ST             MARKET THE ST IN THE USA NOW! 
 
                   GIVE DEVELOPERS REAL SUPPORT AND HELP! 

 
                             T."Rex" Reade 
 
        CIS - 73710,1052 
                            Delphi - REXREADE 

                                               GEnie - REX.READE 
04-29-88 
Reader Comments are welcome, the views or opinions stated in 
the above article are not necessarily those of ST Report or it's staff. 

This article may be reprinted only in it's entirety. (C)TRR 

                            ===============

                 GFA BASIC Programmers Reference Guide 
                         By George W. Miller 
At last the information that every GFA BASIC programmer has been 
waiting for! Here's a book with answers to all your questions 
about GFA BASIC, published by the people who brought you GFA 
BASIC.  With over 50,000 copies of GFA BASIC sold world wide, The 
GFA BASIC Programmers Reference Guide, Vol.  I, is sure to become 
one of the most sought after sources of programming information. 
The GFA BASIC Programmers Reference Guide, Vol.  I, written by 
George W. Miller, a leading authority on GFA BASIC, and 
MichTron's Director of Technical Support, is packed with 
information you'll be referring to every time you use GFA BASIC. 
  
Valuable Information 
  
The GFA BASIC Programmers Reference Guide, Vol.  I contains 
information on the commands for GFA BASIC, Version 2.0.  Future 
volumes will be devoted to GFA BASIC, Version 3.0, to be released 
this summer.  Since many commands will be common to both 
versions, The GFA BASIC Programmers Reference Guide, Vol.  I will 
continue to be a valuable resource for years to come. 
  
One chapter is entirely devoted to an explanation of every 
command in GFA BASIC.  This section is presented in an 
alphabetical lexicon format.  This is not a rewrite of the 
manual.  New information is presented, with demonstration 
programs for nearly every command.  Suddenly every command 
becomes amazingly clear. 
  
Need more help? A special index lists each command by type and 
cross-references to the appropriate page in The GFA BASIC 
Programmers Reference Guide, Vol.  I. 
  
Graphics Made Simple 
  
Additional chapters explain using Graphics and simple animation 
with GFA BASIC.  Arcade quality graphics are a breeze, when you 
have the information at your side. 
  
Many demonstration routines are included, suitable for use as 
Procedures in your programs.  Need to Save and Load screens from 
within your programs? Is programming the RS-232 port a problem? 
Maybe you'd like to write a terminal program, with Xmodem file 
transfers.  The GFA BASIC Programmers Reference Guide, Vol.  I 
provides the answers to your questions in a manner you'll easily 
understand. 
  
Unlock the Power of your Computer 
  
You'll find even more information in the handy appendices.  
Detailed information is included, permitting you to fully utilize 
the power of the BIOS, GEMDOS, and XBIOS functions of GFA BASIC.  
Separate sections explain each command, with complete information 
about all the required parameters, permitting you to unlock 
awesome power. 
  
The GFA BASIC Programmers Reference Guide, Vol. I will quickly 
become your most valuable resource. 
 
Other topics explained include: 
 
                            The GFA BASIC Editor 
                           Graphics and Animation 
                              Sound and Music 
                                Using Menus 
                           The Peripheral Ports 
                          Compiler  Optimization 
                                Error Codes 
                               And much more! 
 
              The GFA BASIC Programmers Reference Guide, Vol.  I 
 
                                  $29.95 
 
                            Available June, 1988 
 
                               MichTron, Inc. 
                             576 S.  Telegraph 
                            Pontiac, Mi.  48053 
                          Phone:  (313)  334-5700 
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                              A Call To Arms! 
by Mr.GoodProbe 
 
As a teenager I was sure that the only way to work at something you  
loved, and still get paid for it was to be a baseball player. Later on, 
I found this is be untrue, as its oftentime quite hard for me to 
realize whether I am working or having a great time at work as I repair 
and troubleshoot computer equipment. One of the privileges of working at 
a computer facility is the mailings you receive. Let me share with you 
some of the key points of this news release I received from the folk at 
Aegis Inc. 
 
               Aegis Second Annual Desktop Video Contest Begins 
 
SANTA MONICA,California-Aegis Development Inc. has announced that their 
second annual Desktop Video Contest has begun, and will run through 
September 1, 1988. It is open to all Commodore Amiga owners who use one or

more Aegis products to create desktop videos. Winners will receive prizes 
ranging from an Amiga 2000 computer system to gift certificates. Entrants 
may submit their videos any time between now and September 1st, and may 
enter as many times as they wish.  
 
        "The purpose of this contest is to encourage people in the area of

desktop video," said David Barrett, president of Aegis.... 
 
        There are two categories, amateur (not for pay) and professional 
(for pay). Each entry will be judged in its category for the best
animation, special effects, computer and software use, artwork,
creativity, editing, story line, sound, and overall quality and ingenuity.

        To qualify, videos must be created using an Amiga computer with
one or more Aegis products. and any other hardware or software; be
submitted on 1/2" tape; be no longer than 5 minutes in length; be the work
of the entrant (cannot submit someone else's work); and be accompanied by
an entry form (available from Aegis or a local Amiga dealer). 
 
        The entries will be judged by Desktop Video professionals not 
associated with Aegis or Commodore. Winners will be announced in  
September, and the awards ceremony will take place at this year's winter 
Comdex in November, in Las Vegas, Nevada." 
 
        Aegis has but a single entry in the St software field, Aegis
Animator. I purchased this fine program, and some of the demos I have seen
using this have been fantastic. Aegis has produced the following titles
for the Amiga: 
 
                Aegis Animator- Video Animation 
                VideoScape 3D- 3D Drawing program 
                Sonix- Stupendous Music program 
                Audiomaster- Audio editing program 
                Videotitler- Titler and slideshow 
                Impact- Business presentation program 
                Diga- Terminal program, allows simultaneous file transfers
                      and chatting between users. 
                Ports of Call- exceptional Monopoly-type game. 
 
        I hope you see that I am indeed a little disturbed. I am pleased
that Aegis has demonstrated that they can produce high quality software
for a computer, but I feel they have left the ST out of all the fun! There
is no reason they could not turn these products out for the ST if they so 
desired. 
        It is my intention in this article to stir you up to write a
letter to Aegis that they would include users of the St version of their
program in this fine contest (you could sell the Amiga if you win it...heh
heh).  I am sure some of you could surely give those Amiga-ites a run for
their money! 
 
The Address is: 
 
                        Aegis Development Inc. 
                           2115 Pico Blvd. 
                        Santa Monica, CA 90405 
 
Or Contact: 
                          Michelle Mehterian 
                             213-392-9972 


                    ---------------------------------

                           GFA Draft Plus 

     Eager to present the highest quality software, MichTron is 
pleased to announce the availabilty of GFA Draft Plus, a new two 
dimensional CAD drawing program for the Atari ST and IBM PC (and 
true compatiables).  GFA Draft Plus was developed by GFA 
Systemtechnik of Germany, the same company that recently 
introduced the amazing GFA BASIC Interpreter and GFA BASIC 
Compiler for the Amiga and Atari ST computers.  Products that are 
destined to revolutionize programing forever. 
 
A Tool for Today 
 
     GFA Draft Plus is just the tool for many different 
applications; from designing electronic circuits, to creating 
Architectural plans. Scaled technical drawings can be easily 
created.  Of course, doodling is permitted. 
 
GEM Linked 
 
     Because it is linked entirely to GEM, GFA Draft Plus can be 
learned quickly by even an inexperienced draftsperson.  All 
Functions of GFA Draft Plus are chosen from Pull Down Menus and 
selected with the mouse.  Since many of the drawing functions can 
be completed at the touch of a button, and through the employment 
of often used drawings stored as symbols, finished pictures can 
be brought out in record time. 
     All drawings can be manipulated with window functions, 
changed and then changed back without destroying the original 
conception.  And of course your drawings can be printed on any 
printer or plotter to scale and in color.  It's even possible to 
print or plot selected segments of a drawing. 
All functions of GFA Draft Plus can be chosen form menues, using 
the mouse to add speed and efficiency to your work.  The menu 
items are self-explanatory, eliminating the need for long 
training sessions. 
 
MACRO Command Language 
 
     For more advanced users, a MACRO command language, much like 
LOGO, has been developed.  Commands may be entered from the 
keyboard, or a series of commands may be stored on disk for 
future use. The macro command files can be created from GFA 
BASIC, or by using any word processor that can create an ASCII 
file. 
 
Drafting Functions 
 
     GFA Draft Plus allows drawings of up to 255 layers, ten of 
which can be shown at one time (each in a different color if 
desired).  There are three types of line available, they can vary 
in thickness from .3mm to 4.5mm, and they can be automatically 
positioned.  Construction Lines can be added, as can a variable 
sized grid. Text can be of different sizes and can run different 
directions, as well as being reflected or rotated.  Three 
different character fonts are available with  GFA Draft Plus, or 
you may create and use your own unique character sets, which can 
then be manipulated the same as the standard character sets. 
 
     In addition to  the normal drawing functions, such as 
rectangle, circle, ellipse, circle and ellipse segments, GFA 
Draft Plus allows you to drop a perpendicular from a line and 
place a line at a specific angle.  You may even draw parallel 
lines, tangent lines, resize lines, and replace two lines with a 
proper single vector, all at the click of a button! 
     Corners can be rounded at various radius.  Complex figures 
such as pentagons, octagons and other multi-faceted shapes can be 
created with a single command. 
     Hatching is another feature that is automatic once you 
select the line angle and the width between the lines.  Double 
hatching can be done.  The lines need not even touch for 
hatching. For instance, you may hatch the space between two 
vectors. 
     All scaling is calculated by the program, and distances can 
be shown in inches, millimeters, or meters.  You even have a 
choice of drawing in the absolute or relative coordinate systems, 
and display the values of points in the polar coordinate system. 
To work on details, portions of the drawing can be enlarged; to 
increase clarity the whole picture can be reduced.  Pictures can 
be saved in different sizes.  Changes can easily be made to a 
drawing and all the variations saved.  
     Frequently used drawings can be turned into symbols and used 
again and again.  Up to ten of these can be stored on the 
function keys and placed in a drawing with the push of a button. 
 
And More! 
 
     If all these features leave you a little breathless, 
remember that this only touches the surface of what GFA Draft 
Plus can do.  Here, at last, is a program that matches the power 
of the computer age at an affordable price.   
     GFA Draft Plus will allow the experienced draftsperson to 
increase productivity many fold, as well as give the novice a 
quick and easy method to express ideas in diagrams.   
 
     GFA Draft Plus is available through MichTron for $159.96 
 
     Michtron is a global distributor of quality software for the 
ATARI ST and IBM PC (and true compatiables). 
 
Michtron, Inc. 
576 S. Telegraph 
Pontiac, Mi. 48053 
  
Phone (313) 334-5700 

                     ==============================


BBS Listing 
----------- 
 
This is the pre-release of the ZMag/ST-Report BBS list. This will be 
updated weekly and published every few months here. 
 
You will notice a rather large gap in the registration numbers. These 
system have not be validated, so will not be added until that time. This 
list is not complete. 
 
These systems support our publications.  Please call and support these 
systems.  If you are not on any of the pay services, call these boards 
and pass the word. 
 
We thank each and every BBS listed here many thanks. Without your 
weekly support we would not have made it this far. 
 
Reg No. Area  Phone Number    BBS Name              State 
========================================================================= 
H002-   216   784-0574        Stairway To Heaven    Ohio 
H003-   312   690-3724        Lions Den             Chicago 
H004-   904   786-4176        Bounty Atari ST BBS   Florida 
X004-   609   451-7475        C.C.B.B.S.            New Jersey 
X005-   219   223-8107        Manitou BBS           Indiana 
X006-   718   648-0947        Dateline BBS          New York 
X007-   718   604-3323        New York City BBS     New York 
X008-   301   437-9813        Ratcom BBS            Maryland 
X009-   916   962-2566        Shadow Haven BBS      California 
X010-   918   835-5198        Tektron BBS           Oklahoma 
X011-   201   Closed          Timelink              New Jersey 
X012-   201   298-0161        J.A.C.G. BBS          New Jersey 
X013-   216   545-4817        Pirate Busters        Ohio 
Z015-   305   747-9196        Alternate Universe    Florida 
Z016-   813   821-3188        ST Petersburg PO      Florida 
Z017-   505   897-4306        Asylum BBS            New Mexico 
X018-   808   423-3140        Wonderful World of Oz Hawaii 
X019-   219   674-9288        M.O.U.S.E. BBS        Indiana 
Z020-   404   945-6021        Buford Byte Size      Georgia 
X021-   813   726-3449        Harbor Lights BBS     Florida 
X022-   912   244-1726        Talisman BBS          Georgia 
X023-   617   674-8361        Westport! BBS         Massachusettes 
X024-   817   444-3023        Rivendale BBS         Texas 
X025-   415   825-2952        West Coast Syndicate  California 
X026-   315   638-8569        The D.E.N.            New York 
X027-   505   525-0388        Atari C.A.L.C.        New Mexico 
Z028-   201   723-0824        Wild West BBS         New Jersey 
X029-   216   758-0284        Command Headquarters  Ohio 
Z030-   707   252-0631        Irata                 California 
Z031-   617   675-8503        S.W.A.T.              Massachusettes 
X032-   703   560-6318        The Ark               Virginia 
X033-   615   665-1217        Vanishing Point       Tennessee 
X034-   301   967-2207        Orion Connection      Maryland 
X035-   207   784-0631        M.A.C.H. BBS          Maine 
Z036-   516   698-7456        WQNR BBS              New York 
X037-   713   923-7392        W.A.S.T.E. BBS        Texas 
X038-   504   244-0768        Milliways BBS         Louisiana 
X039-   617   586-8840        Lost Byte             Massachusettes 
Z040-   303   796-0539        The Vault             Colorado 
Z041-   404   796-3805        Garden City Oasis     Georgia 
Z042-   609   939-6247        Satelite BBS          New Jersey 
Z043-   206   848-3371        The Reef              Washington State 
S044-   816   761-2190        Elysium BBS           Missouri 
Z045-   315   454-9612        Atari Hotel           New York 
X046-   212   617-0153        The Bunker            New York 
X047-   201   247-8252        E.B.B.B.S.            New Jersey 
Z048-   402   466-5339        Griffon's Nest        Nebraska 
X049-   011   494-12997       Kisa Monitron         Sweden (46) 
X050-   011   0340-51117      First Star            Sweden (46) 
Z051-   718   253-8602        Outsiders             New York 
Z052-   805   773-5907        Hot Rodders           California 
X053-   203   776-9723        New Haven BBS         Conneticut 
X054-   502   964-2964        Bargain Basement      Kentucky 
X055-   609   931-3014        Gateway               New Jersey 
X056-   602   846-7357        Network 23            Arizona 
Z057-   313   547-0440        Cosmic Stompers       Michigan 
Z058-   804   379-4156        Midnight Express      Virginia 
X059-   314   647-3290        Gateway City BBS      Missouri 
Z060-   312   457-2219        Bluemoon BBS          Illinois 
X061-   617   625-5348        Mall Five Opus        Massachusetts 
Z062-   312   430-4234        Runequest BBS         Illinois 
X063-   205   772-8526        Bloom County BBS      Alabama 
X064-   205   461-7893        H.A.U.G. BBS          Alabama 
X065-   812   985-2083        West Terrace BBS      Indiana 
Z066-   502   778-9846        WAEL                  Kentucky 
Z067-   502   964-2924        Atari Scene           Kentucky 
Z068-   614   471-8559        ACEC BBS              Ohio 
X069-   614   471-9209        Pandora BBS           Ohio 
Z070-   918   251-5450        Help BBS              Oklahoma 
Z071-   716   875-7376        Bates Motel           New York 
Z072-   516   884-4140        Ol' Hackers BBS       New York 
Z073-   203   443-5200        Phantasmal Alchemy    Conneticut 
S074-   402   466-5339        S.T.U.N.N. BBS        Nebraska 
S075-   201   929-9351        CoaSTline BBS         New Jersey 
S076-   703   665-0087        Infonet BBS           Virginia 
Z077-   201   388-1676        White House BBS       New Jersey 
X078-   616   245-8259        Exte                  Michigan 
Z079-   404   968-4380        Dark Crypt            Georgia 
Z080-   601   388-3490        C.A.U.U.G. BBS        Mississippi 
Z081-   601   374-0709        Irata II              Mississippi 
Z082-   612   522-2687        T.A.I.G. BBS          Minnesota 
X083-   219   336-3774        Pipeline BBS          Indiana 
X084-   313   736-3920        Facts BBS             Michigan 
Z085-   808   261-2184        Muskrats Den          Hawaii 
X086-   507   60-0530         BugBBS                Panama 
X087-   219   875-8205        One Stone BBS         Indiana 
Z088-   305   793-2975        Carina BBS            Florida 
Z089-   305   734-6026        Atari Computer Club   Florida 
Z090-   216   441-3816        Mega Vision BBS       Ohio 
X091-   419   289-8392        Balloon Works Inc     Ohio 
X092-   517   371-1106        C.H.A.O.S. BBS        Michigan 
X093-   011   470-22183       Sorman Information    Sweden (46) 
Z094-   206   631-8056        Knotts Nook BBS       Washington State 
Z095-   312   889-1240        C.L.A.U.G. BBS        Illinois 
Z096-   915   757-0788        House of Chance       Texas 
Z097-   714   653-0447        Thunderbeast          California 
Z098-   203   445-4094        Spiders Web BBS       Conneticut 
Z099-   219   693-3485        Acorn BBS             Indiana 
Z100-   606   271-1466        Missing Link BBS      South Dakota 
Z101-   704   253-3614        Office BBS            North Carolina 
Z102-   201   752-2818        MidEvil Castle II     New Jersey 
X103-   307   635-0148        The Prairie Chip      Oklahoma 
X128-   805   239-8710        The LookOut BBS       California 
Z129-   201   286-6189        AtlantiST             New Jersey 
S130-   201   271-8765        Great Fire Breather   New Jersey 
X131-   918   622-1121        Future City BBS       Oklahoma 
X132-   805   872-0377        Home Bace             California 
Z133-   201   752-9466        Piscataway Express    New Jersey 
Z134-   718   373-4669        Blue BBS              New York 
X135-   216   376-7618        Rubber City Atari     Ohio 
X136-   317   243-2177        Dog House BBS         Indiana 
X137-   907   338-5005        Public DOmain BBS     Alaska 
X138-   309   797-5926        Checkmate BBS         Illinois 
Z139-   707   437-6366        Elsinore Brewery      California 
S140-   602   435-9645        Think Tank            Arizona 
X141-   813   823-1471        MegaPlex BBS          Florida 
X142-   314   696-3506        AXE***BBS             Missouri 
X143-   201   343-1426        Launch Pad BBS        New Jersey 
Z144-   416   648-8359        19th Hole BBS         Ontario, Canada 
Z146-   213   631-7328        L.B.C.S. BBS          California 
X147-   314   581-3801        Brickyard BBS         Missouri 
X148-   215   289-5247        Star Fleet Command    Pennsylvannia 
X149-   201   938-6906        Starbase I            New Jersey 
Z150-   805   929-1624        My House              California 
Z151-   ???   855-1317        Atarian Domain        ??? 
X152-   816   637-6163        Schwarzer Drache      Missouri 
Z153-   201   689-4550        Kilroy's Castle       New Jersey 
Z154-   415   565-9742        Eagle BBS             California 
_________________________________________________________________________ 
ST-REPORT Issue #33        May 02, 1988   (c)1988 APEInc. 
All Rights Reserved    Reprint permission granted except where noted in 
the article. Any reprint must include ST-Report and the author in the 
credits. Views presented here are not necessarily those of ST-Report or 
of the Staff. 
_________________________________________________________________________ 
