CompuServe Messages

Barbara: I understand that it can take some time to get in "the groove", but that's exactly why I've tried to be harsh this early on — to try to make it take _less_ time than it might otherwise — and thus to make each issue worth more than the price I'm paying. The other problem I have with a 3DS review is that this is a dealered product. Isn't it the DEALER's job to provide the demo/overview of the product? Sure, he's trying to sell something, but he also should be able to provide specific answers to specific questions — and for something as complex as 3DS, AND when the probibility that the reader already owns or uses a version of the program, I'll bet a 2-1/2 page review isn't going to be able to cover the fine points of the questions that person may have. As far as diminishing the text size, I think that's a good idea. There are quite a few magazines directed at the PC-Video/CG/Animation market available gratis for those who qualify. Laserprint the press releases (in B/W) on a separate sheet and stick it in the envelope (get the releasors to foot the bill) — just don't waste a full page of 4-color/glossy to do it, especially, as I say, it's information that people can get elsewhere. I'm out here in Wichita, Kansas, but I can go down to the big-chain bookstore and find CGW, Computer Artist, CADENCE, and quite a few others on the shelves. Just don't backtrack over ground that others are covering, is all I'm saying. Let me put this another way: 1)There are no ads to underwrite publishing costs, so all costs are carried by the subscriber. 2)You print product reviews, which, if favorable, amount to advertising for the creator. 3)Creators of products want you to print "free" announcements. 4)See item #1. Yes, to some extent, the "free" announcements are a "public service", but again, AVAILABLE ELSEWHERE. Yes, I was basing my prices on the PUBLISHED rates, as listed in the "premiere" issue. If you've changed that, then I stand corrected. I understand the fiscal problems associated with doing a non-ad underwritten publication for a small niche market — but if you don't fill the niche for me, then I can't help with your publication costs. >>(Incidentally, if you're spending time on CIS daily, you're shelling out >>a lot more than $59 a year!) I feel I'm getting MUCH more out of my daily CIS excursions than for what I am paying. Again, that's not the feeling I've gotten yet from PS. Oh, and it's $59.95/year. I didn't mean to say you didn't understand the publishing business — I just meant that you seemed to want to bite off too much for a 16-page publication. I haven't yet made up my mind about the subscription…. Plus, we've been without a bookkeeper for a few weeks, so it's extra tough to get things processed, but I'm thinking on it.