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^C^1Blue Notes

Gentlemen:

   My son gave me a copy of Big Blue Disk for Father's Day.  I didn't know there
was a subscription like this available, until now.  I have used Bulletin Boards
before, but down-loading takes time (Telephone) and I just wasn't too thrilled
with this.  It appears you and your hard-working staff have the answers right
here in your Big Blue Disk!

   I am a computer programmer (retired) and do write in BASIC, MBASIC, XBASIC,
CBASIC, COBOL, ASSEMBLER, FORTRAN, etc.  I would like to receive your author
program submittal form, as I would like to send in some programs in the future.

   In addition to being a programmer, I also have a BS in Commerce, with
emphasis on accounting.  I was an Accountant for about 30 years and am
interested in writing accounting related programs.  In addition to this I make
and repair Sterling Silver and 14kt Jewelry.  I have some programs related to
this interest too.

   I am in the process of learning Pascal, so I found your information on the
Pascal Programs, in Source Code, to be something that will interest me a great
deal.  I have a Compiler for Pascal, so no problem should be had in getting your
programs to run.

   I ran one of your QUICKBASIC Compiled Programs on my IBM Compatible PC/XT
using SIMCGA.COM, since I have a Hercules Card and a Monochrome Screen.  The
program seemed to do just fine, but I can't remember which one it was now.  The
question I wish to ask - What version of QUICKBASIC Compiler were you using, as
I have been told that QUICKBASIC cannot be compiled using a Hercules Card?

   I am sending you a Hard Copy of this letter, but I am mailing you a Disk
Copy, as it appears that this is the way you wish to receive correspondence.  Is
that the correct way to do?

^RCharles R. Robb, Jr.
^RSpringfield, MO

^1> It depends.  If you want an immediate reply, like if you're reporting a bad
^1> disk or a bug, or wish to order a subscription or back issue, write it on
^1> paper so it can be immediately read and forwarded to the appropriate depart-
^1> ment.  However, if you'd like your comments to be considered for publication
^1> in Blue Notes, it's best to send them on disk; you receive in return a blank
^1> disk and a $5 coupon good for any of our products.  Of course, it doesn't
^1> hurt to do both, like you did.
^1>
^1> Up until last issue, we used QuickBASIC version 2.0; we've just now upgraded
^1> to 3.0.  QuickBASIC does not directly support Hercules graphics, but with
^1> SIMCGA (available for download on our BBS at (318) 222-3503), all programs
^1> are fooled into thinking you have a CGA, so they should work.
^1>
^1> We've sent you the submitter guidelines; we hope to see some of your work as
^1> submissions.
|5

Sirs;
   I just finished with your issue 9 and after 7 issues I think you are getting
better each month. I have one complaint, that I will correct soon, and that is
that most of your games require CGA which I don't presently have. I won my IBM
compatible in a contest last fall and am still learning (a good user never stops
learning).

   I have one other complaint that is with the "special" on the ZOOM modems
that was listed in issue 9. If you check PC magazine (vol. 6 no. 9 page 232)
you will find that the special price you listed is listed there as the normal
price of these modems, not much of a special. The article said they were good
modems and the price isn't really that bad, but I think someone should have a
little more honesty in their ads when they quote a (seemingly) non-existent
regular price just to make their "special offer" seem like a better buy.

   I also subscribe to UPTIME and after only one issue I can see that I have
wasted my money.

   The only other disk magazine I've bought is I.B. Magazette and the two issues
of this I have enjoyed. I like the idea of BASIC programs as I enjoy modifying
them to fit my personal needs. I'm not much of a programmer, but do have a small
talent for redoing BASIC programs to work for me.

   Is there any possibility of you doing some articles on computer opportunities
for the handicapped? I have an older brother who is blind and got him started
last Christmas on personal computers when I gave him a TRS-80 model 4 with a
talker and then modifying a text program, communications program and a simple
database that, although very simple, allows him to use the computer at home.
His typewriter doesn't see the light of day very much any more.

   Well, I guess that's all for now, just keep up the good work and I'll be
waiting each month for the BEST MAGAZINE ON A DISK presently available.

^RLeroy R. Klein
^RGrand Forks, ND

^1> The literature and offer for the modem was provided by the manufacturer, and
^1> ran in BIG BLUE DISK "as is."  Presumably, the "regular price" listed is their
^1> official list price; how many modems they sell at that price as opposed to
^1> the "special discount" is unknown to us.  Many products are regularly dis-
^1> counted, particularly in highly-competitive markets.
|5

Dear Editor,

   Thank you for BBD.  I bought issue #7 and thoroughly enjoyed the entire
issue, with the tiny exception of Alfredo (you can't DO anything with him).
The Page command is nifty, thank you, even though I don't have a printer yet!
P.C. File is useful because it is less cumbersome than other database programs,
and Blueline Ed. is also useful for the same reason.  Memo Writer needed some
work.  We should be able to see the complete memo on screen, rather than the
body on one screen and the signature on the next.  In issue #8 (I'll have to
subscribe!) your Bits 'n PC's article was over my head, but I know some are
more technically oriented than others.  If you could include one technical
piece, and one or two tips or less technical tidbits for the rest of us everyone
would be happy.  How many bytes can a small text file be?

   Every time I try to order something in the mail I am aggravated by slow
delivery, no delivery, etc. and in Chattanooga there is no place to get nice
little programs and games for a reasonable price if you do not have a modem to
download the offerings of BBS's.  Is it possible to get a couple diskfuls of
miscellaneous stuff off your Soft Fido BBS without my having a modem?

   'Nuff for now.  You're on the right track.  Two diskfuls per issue is a
VALUE.  Thanks, again.

^RBarry Bangson
^RChattanooga, TN

^1> We don't offer Soft Fido programs on disk; there are plenty of vendors such
^1> as PC-SIG who sell disks of public-domain and shareware programs cheaply.
^1> We specialize in what we do best; providing original, tested, documented
^1> programs and other material on our monthly disks.
|5

Dear BBD:

   I've just purchased my first BBD magazine, Issue 8, and I like it!  I read
the Blue Notes section and I found some very good suggestions for improvement.

   You mentioned several times that many of your readers are computer novices,
Why don't you include programs written in plain old IBM BASICA written for and
by novice programmers?

   I consider myself a fair programmer, (It's my job!) But I find that the best
learning resource are other programs. Especially if there written in a language
that can easily be accessed and deciphered. (The BASICA interpreter is found on
any MS-DOS system, isn't it?)

   How about creating another column under THE HAPPY HACKER for advanced users
and one for novices. Even the best of the programmers out there can pick up a
tip or two from a novice Article or programmer.

   I agree with everyone else who writes you and asks for more! If disks are
only 50 cents down there I would be willing to pay the extra cost (Plus U.S.
exchange) per issue for more.

   Last but not least I would like to see in upcoming issues the following:

   - An article on the architecture of the IBM PC/PCjr/XT/AT explaining
interrupts, memory configurations etc...

   - and -

   - Interactive articles....

^RMark-Simon Pope
^RWinnipeg, Canada

^1> There are some "clones" that don't come with any BASIC interpreter.  Also,
^1> there are some pretty serious incompatibilities between the BASIC interpreters
^1> that come with some models.  It seems half the BASICA programs I get, through
^1> submissions or BBS uploads, crash with an "Illegal Function Error" because of
^1> the use of a sound or graphics command that is supported on some BASICs and
^1> not others.  For these compatibility reasons, as well as to enhance the speed
^1> of execution, we compile all programs, and there is no room for source code.
^1>
^1> If you've been following our Video Primer lately, you've learned about some
^1> memory locations, ports, and interrupts concerning screen display.  Also,
^1> Bits 'n PC's has provided some more programming information, including
^1> peeks, pokes, and the like.
|5

Dear BIG BLUE DISK,

   After buying issue #6 of your magazine, I fell in love.  I immediately back
ordered issue #3 and started a subscription. I have a PCjr with a Racore Drive
Two Plus and 256k. I have no problems running any of your programs, except one.
Could you give me any help with changing Procomm (Blue Plate Special, Issue #9)
so that it works with an internal modem? I've looked but cannot find out how I
can change it. Please Help!

^RSanjay Shetty
^RBrookville, NY

P.S. Keep up the good work.

^1> Having not worked with PCjr internal modems myself, I'm not sure.  If any
^1> other reader has succeeded in configuring Procomm for this sort of modem,
^1> please let us know how you did it.
