In the last issue, I did make a statement that caused some consternation and I apologize for it. I did make an assumption which I should not have. I have two friends in ISTUG and both are involved in T/S enterprises and from that I made an error. Frank Davis publishes UPDATE MAGAZINE. Frank Davis is the editor and M. Felerski is the Assistant editor and Carol Davis is the publisher of the ISTUG Newsletter. Paul Holmgren operates the QUANTA Library. Both Paul Holmgren and Frank Davis operate Mechanical Affinity. Somehow, I did not realize that Frank Davis was not involved with the QUANTA Library.
I did attend the Dayton Computerfest. From the time I registered at the Red Roof until I left the Fest around 3:00 PM Sunday, it was all T/Sing. It renewed my prior convictions in the T/S computerists are the most friendly and helpful of all the classic computer users. I could try to list those who were there but I would not want to leave anyone out. Rather, I will refrain from naming names and hit the highlights. Any notes I took would not be decipherable. At its best my hand writing takes imagination and memory to read. ‘s why I had several write their names and addresses in my notebook with things they wished me to do.
While the quantity of User Groups was small, we represented a dedicated group. No T/Ser found us was given a cold shoulder if they didn’t buy anything, in fact, there were lots of back issue newsletters were handed out. And to the few had never heard of T/S user groups it was a very pleasant surprise to them.
There is talk of repeating the event next year at Dayton. I believe the generic Computerfest does attract more T/Sers than one for T/S only. The only suggestion I make is that T/Sers should decide early if they will have a T/S only Fest or go with one like the Dayton Computerfest and if so, get the word out early. Mention one motel (Red Roof?) so all T/Sers will know where most will be. Several didn’t know Friday night that most T/Sers were in the Red Roof with them until the next day. This way we can have our own “banquet” at a cost less than those catered meals but with all the comradery. I wish to thank Gary Ganger and his co-workers in getting the T/Sers involved with the Dayton Computerfest.
We received a letter in which the writer expressed an opinion that all should read everything in the newsletters, even if it doesn’t pertain to their particular T/S computer. I will admit I only have the ZX81 series and the T/S2068 but I do read, or at least skim the material and occasionally see concepts and ideas that apply to my computer. I will admit I do not understand much of what does not pertain to my computer but there is a bleed over of concepts.
I had to make a trip to Cedar Rapids, IA the 19th and 20th of September. There were two software houses on the Malls which carried generic software (other than used for IBM). And when I joked that I wouldn’t find any software for my computers and mentioned the T/S line, they acknowledged having used the T/S in the past. When I mentioned we still used them, they were interested and one even asked if I would leave my name and address. At the other place which I visited latter, I left my name and address voluntarily. At both places they admitted having received requests for more information about the T/S computers. If everyone left a name at those places, I wonder how many T/Sers struggling alone would be found.
If I get half the material promised me, I will have some great material. I have some material to type in from hard copy and from past experience that is not bad except for getting all the errors out. What do you readers really want? Will any of you help out by sending in articles or suggestions? Until next issue, this is it.
Don Lambert, Chairman
Timex/Sinclair NorthAmerican
Users Group