Bob Swoger commented that he has catalogued about 300+ 2068/Spectrum programs in his “personal” library, and Steve Cooper claims that he has well over 80 meg of uncatalogued 2068/Spectrum programs! Bob thought it would be a good idea if I would compile a list of QL software that is available.
Unlike the 2068/Spectrum, it isn’t a question of how much and/or what is out there for the QL, because there are titles/programs for just about every conceivable application from the exceedingly mundane to the most exotic.
If your needs exceed the four Psion programs which were bundled with your QL, and you can’t find what you want in a “commerical” program, then the odds are you will eventually be able to track it down in one of the PD disks.
At the present time, T/SNUG’s PD-QL library consists of the single CATUG PDL disk.
If you would like a copy of the disk (for the current time), send a $2.00 check made out to “Al Feng” and you will get not only the disk (specify format), but a coupon for $2.00 off either QLUSTer or QLuMSi; or, a future T/SNUG PDL disk [if I’m still handling it and/or we ever expand our QL library!]:
Al Feng
15 Wake Robin Court
Woodridge, IL 60517
If we ever get “more” disks, then they will be available for $2.00 for the first disk; and, $1.00 for each subsequent disk ordered at the same time. Don’t forget to specify your disk format (5.25″ or 3.5″).
If you are a group and want to contribute a disk(s), then you will receive “credits” against other disks (honest); but, please don’t volunteer another group’s disk(s).
OKAY. This brings us to the matter of the extensive QUANTA library …
If you are not familiar with QUANTA, it is the UK’s (and therefore the world’s) primary QL user group.
With “apologies” to Roy Brereton, et al, I want to (finally) publicly voice my disdain for Paul Holmgren’s DENIAL (to me) OF “FREE” ACCESS to the QUANTA library at the 1990 SMUGFEST and attempt to “charge” $3.50 per disk despite the fact that I had my own disks, QL + drives, and had previously paid royalties on 90+ per cent of the software despite my having been a QUANTA member for four-plus years.
As far as I know, the $3.50 charge stands despite the fact that there is no longer a charge for the library [NOTE: you do have to be a QUANTA member].
What am I saying?
If you are a QUANTA member (or, you have been thinking about joining so that you might acquire the QUANTA library), and you want “cheaper” access to the library, then write to:
Roy Brereton,
QUANTA Librarian,
94 Teignmouth Road,
Clevedon, AVON.
BS21 6DR
UNITED KINGDOM
and, ask him to appoint another North American Sub-Librarian.
I suggested to R. Brereton that a NESQLUG member would be an obvious choice since they have become an official sub-group. I presume that they would “charge” $1.50 per disk.
I indicated to R. Brereton that (as an alternative) I accept the library and would “charge” $2.00 for the first disk, and $1.00 for each disk thereafter (if “ordered” at the same time). This is a disk/postage fee for ANYWHERE in North America for 3.5″ 720K, 5.25″ 720K or 5.25″ 360K disks. The small “overage” for US disks will subsidize postage to Canada, Mexico, and Central America.
At the time that I am writing this, R. Brereton tells me that no one else has complained about the pricing!
In fact, he was quite defensive on behalf of Paul Holmgren. I suspect that this is in part because of Holmgren’s “visible” affiliation with SNUG.
Well, we know about SNUG …
If you are as tired of the hanky-panky with the QUANTA library (or the “lost” SNUG library), and …
If you want acess to the QUANTA library at a lower price, then write to Roy Brereton and voice your thoughts on the matter.
The QL lives in North America as long was we all actively support it in a positive manner.
If you want to let the QL in North America go comatose then you don’t have to do anything.
If you wish to elaborate on the preceding [or, comment on anything else!] then tell us about them. This space is available for YOUR REMarks.
HAPPY TRAILS,
AND COMPUTING,
TO YOU …