#AmigaWorld Q & A
27 messages in this thread
Just a little message to our readers–Please post your questions, comments,
news, and so on here. This thread has a more attractive title than "AmigaWorld
Unreliable". People might confuse us with their local Yugo dealership!
Thanks! Tim
Hey Whats Wrong with Yugo's 😉
Tim (Sneaking in on my Brothers account)
On AutoPilot Over Hong Kong
OK, what are you going to do about the MicroBotics problem?
In general, what are you going to do to get more objective data into your
reviews? Trivial things like what machines and OSs software does and does
not work with (noting any required kludges), whether software is generally
Enforcer and Mungwall clean, etc. I constantly find that I can't get good
information about whether an Amiga program I might be interested in will
work with my machines and whether it is going to tend to be reliable when
run on a heavily used system.
Dale Larson
– An Amiga Software Engineer with some time on his hands.
Dale–
You'll see a comprehensive, accurate review of MicroBotics accelerator in the
Nov. '93 issue. Thanks for asking.
Tim
Tim,
I've noticed an increase in the number of reviews, and while the quality
of them seems to vary, this is a very positive change.
Particularly with software, I'd like a reviewer to be aware of similar
products and make some comparisons, even if a full-blown comparison review
isn't being done.
*** jd
John–
Thanks for the input. In the frenzy to review these products, it's not always
possible to find similar ones that can be used for side-by-side comparisons.
Look for comparison reviews of Ami-Back Tools and Quarterback Tools Deluxe and
another comparing MultiFrame and ProControl.
Tim
Tim,
I'd like to second John's motion. Although it isn't as important for me
now, when I was first learning about the Amiga I was interested in any
comparisons to other platforms (ie, general feature list) so one can put
it all into perspective. I'd make the same comment about DTVW. Some
articles that deal with all three platforms with comparisons would be
beneficial. IE. How to solve as specific problem with various tools.
Basically, provide a more unified approach. I believe it would be more
representative of the real world.
I often find that reviews are not as indepth as I would like. That
perhaps is a personal preference but it would be nice to have a couple
deep reviews and a number with more minor coverage.
Andrew
==>>reviews are not as indepth as I would like.<<
That's an issue we constantly struggle with, trying to keep the length
reasonable without sacraficing content. Any suggestions?
Tim
Provide objective data in a small table.
Enforcer Clean (under tested conditions): Yes/No
MungWall Clean ( " " " ): Yes/No
Memory Used for normal operations: XXXk
Hard Drive Installable: Yes/No
AGA compatible (with default boot condition): Yes/No
Takes advantage of AGA modes: Yes/No
040 compatible (with copyback enabled): Yes/No
1.3 compatible: Yes/No
2.0 compatible: Yes/No
3.0 compatible: Yes/No
Dale Larson
– An Amiga Software Engineer with some time on his hands.
I also like this idea!
-Jonathan
Dale–
>>> Provide objective data in a small table<<<
We have the "Key Facts" boxes with each review.
>>> Enforcer Clean (under tested conditions): Yes/No
MungWall Clean ( " " " ): Yes/No
Memory Used for normal operations: XXX <<
Good suggestions.
>>> Hard Drive Installable: Yes/No
AGA compatible (with default boot condition): Yes/No
Takes advantage of AGA modes: Yes/No
040 compatible (with copyback enabled): Yes/No
1.3 compatible: Yes/No
2.0 compatible: Yes/No
3.0 compatible: Yes/No <<<
All of this information, with the exception of the '040 compatibility issues,
is already included. Some of our reviewers lack '040's for testing, so we'd
have to rely on the manufacturer's word. Time permitting, I could test here in
the office. Great suggestions, nonetheless.
Thanks,
Tim
I think review should say whether they are Enforcer/Mungwall clean. List
any special requirements such as MMU's, etc…
Also note if they are compatible with certain OS's, hard drive
installable, and if they take advantage of AGA, etc…
-Jonathan
Tim,
==>> Any suggestions?
What! You expect me to back up my comments, HA! 8^)
Well, let's see…
I can see your problems in covering as much as possible with your limited
space/time with each persons expections of what they want. I suspose it
depends on your goals: to simply create awareness of products or to be
used as a guide to purchasing. I generally look a AW as a good overview
of new products but I find the reviews often seem just to list features.
If you can't make the articles longer then perhaps what is needed is a
another way of conveying the information.
For example, the Real3D article MAY have conveyed more information more
efficiently if you had used a chart to list the features instead of
explanations. You could perhaps use a short explanation for
clarification. Perhaps that way less real estate would be used for the
introduction and more could be spent on analysis. An application with the
scope of Real3D can not be done justice in 1800 words.
I'll admit it's difficult. AW was what I read before purchasing my Amiga
and when I was learning to use it. I still read it but the value is less
for me now. If the majority of your readership are neophytes then the
format is probably the best as it is. Otherwise your readership may feel
they are not getting full value.
I hope this helps, somewhat…
Andrew
Andrew–
I really like the idea of charts, and it's something that we need to do more of
in the future. I find it makes comparisons more comprehensive.
Tim
Tim,
I gather from reading this thread that you are asking for suggestions.
Well, here's mine. One of AW's (or other magazines for that matter) major
limitations is the long lead time. Many times timely information is needed
by users, but by the time the information appears in AW it is too late to
be useful.
For example right now there is a REAL need for hard information
concerning SCSI support for the 4000. Is the 4091 really that bad? Has it
been discontinued? What the story on the Fastlane, or other alternatives?
What problems are users going to encounter trying to use SCSI-II drives?
Etc.
If it takes two or more months to get this info out in AW, it will be
too late for many. How about a suppliment, maybe just a few pages on
newsprint to allow you present late breaking news.
…AutoPilot Engaged…
-Paul-
Paul–
Thanks for your input. Several staffers are meeting with Commodore executives
at the WOC show next week. We'll get the official word on the 4091 situation
from them. I'm in almost daily contact w/ Advanced concerning the Fastlane. I
have one of the boards and I'm awaiting an upgrade ROM. Once the chip's in
place, we'll probably cover it in a review with IVS's new Movie Maker. Fastlane
will let Movie Maker play anims at 30 fps on an A2000 with all the pieces in
place.
Indeed, we'll do all we can to reduce lag times!
Tim
Tim,
Any chance that AmigaWorld will be doing ANYTHING about graphic
tablets, now that newer graphic programs have been written to use
them?????
// I'm gonna wait for
\X/ the A5000! <G> -RSL-
Roy–
Our Jan. '94 issue is scheduled to include graphic tablets.
Tim
Tim,
I suggest AW filter out all foreign subscribers on their early renewal
letters, because the contents is an insult to the reader. It claims
'special low renewal rate', but the fact is, that foreign subscribers
always have to pay the standard subscription rate no matter when they
renew.
Regards, J0RGEN ….from DENMARK
Joergen–
I'll pass along your recommendation to our Circulation Dept. Thanks.
Tim
Tim,
is it possible for me to become an AW-subscriber?
I live in The Neherlands and my adress is
Plevierweg 5
NL 1873 HT Groet
The Netherlands
Juan 😉 APFlying from Holland
F.Bacon: "Most things are within man's power to effect"
Tim,
Great to "hear"! I'll save up my sheckles until it comes out.
// I'm gonna wait for
\X/ the A5000! <G> -RSL-
Hi, Tim!
I enjoy the magazine and your column very much. Keep up the good work!
Dom Fontana
–> Sent from NY via AP <–
Dom–
Thanks for the praise!
Tim
Tim—
I am having trouble with Leisure Suit Larry 5. I can move about the
office building at the start, but when I go outside the office I cannot
leave that area except go back inside. Help! what am I doing wrong?