 The magazine of the Melbourne PC User Group Editorial Peter Smith |
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Our New Format
Many thanks to the dozens of members who have rung or written with their comments on the revised magazine layout, Your opinions are valued, I am delighted that the vast majority of comment is favourable. The most common of the few criticisms has been the loss of the "yellow pages". I will explain the reasons for this particular change and hope that all readers will soon become used to finding the information they seek in its new locations.
The main reason for the change is the volume of information - with the increasing number of Dial Help volunteers and the inclusion of the maps and location information, four pages is too little. The next step up would be to eight too much! Other reasons include: the desire to have centre pages available for advertisers; a wish to expand the SIG section and keep their meeting details and reports close together and the general flexibility of not being limited to four pages.
By now I hope you are used to locating regular departments and data, in general the order is:
Helpers gain insights to problems they are yet to encounter (as well as the old ones they try to forget about) and gain satisfaction from their ability to help other users. In my view, this mutual assistance is the major reason and justification for the existence of "uses" groups-our group, being the fourth or
fifth largest in the world, has an exciting range of talent available. Use it. This month the training schedule is republished, there are a few minor corrections so please use it and not the previous one. Some courses are filling
up - don't leave booking so late you are disappointed. Despite reaching an advertising level that glues us an extra four pages, a number of articles have to be held over for later issues. If your contribution is one of them, please have patience-these are usually the first ones placed in the next issue.
Contributors
Apart from members who write the occasional (and very welcome) article, there is a small band of more or less regular writers, usually only acknowledged with a byline (and photo, when I can prise one out of
them!) These include: Ali Kayn, Ash Nallawalla, Major Keary, Fritz Lang and John Swale. My sincere thanks to them for their patience with a new editor, their adherence to deadlines and service to the group. Without them, our magazine would be greatly diminished.
Dial Help
I have referred to the growing Dial Help listing. I have experience on both ends of this service; whether calling or answering it is a very rewarding experience. Quite apart from the benefits of social contact, the mere action of
discussing - and thus carefully thinking of - your particular problem can bring you an insight, the helper on the other end will often find a workaround, or know another name to contact, even if unable to solve your particular problem.
This Edition
Other Publications
Many members have offered their services to assist with the magazine, reviews and the new
publications - I am delighted. I am also pleased to announce the formation of a new Publications SIG. Would anyone interested in joining this SIG please leave me a message on the
PC Update BBS, indicating their preferred range of meeting times and days. I'll try to organise a time to suit the odd hours many of us work, inability to attend a meeting in no way disqualifies one's membership-it may even be possible to have alternate
times - give me your ideas, constraints and preferred meeting location.
Reprinted from the April 1991 issue of PC Update, the magazine of Melbourne PC User Group, Australia
