Speedscript
Speedscript is a nice wordprocessor. For many, it has proven to be the only wordprocessor they need. It's probably the best thing COMPUTE! has ever done. But COMPUTE! keeps pushing Speedscript to the point of absurdity. Almost every issue of COMPUTE! or COMPUTEl's Gazette includes a new version of Speedscript, or an enhancement, or a version for a different computer, or something. (Even WE jumped on the bandwagon with a SpeedScript ErgCard in INFO #6!) The May Gazette alone had FOUR Speedscript-related type-in programs. If you're not into Speedscript, that's a lot of useless pages. Worse, to maximize Speedscript mileage they have even pulled tricks like printing the most important update of C64 Speedscript in COMPUTE! after printing the original program in the Gazette (so that subscribers had to run out and buy another magazine, or buy the SpeedScript disk in addition to their Gazette subscription): incredible!
SUBSCRIPTION SCAM?
We recently sent in a 1 year subscription for COMPUTE!'s Gazette. Instead of starting us with the next issue, we received the last three back-issues in the mail (1/4 of our new subscription used up by issues we already had and didn't request)! When we called to see what was going on, we were told that it was now the "policy" to backdate Gazette subscriptions by three issues! Since we complained, we were told our subscription would be extended by three issues. This little maneuver, while a clever way to improve cash-flow and minimize surplus inventories of issues which presumably sold less briskly than anticipated, seems ethically questionable at best. If you have been stung by the Gazette's new policy, we suggest you call their subscription number at 1-800-247-5470 and get your subscription properly adjusted (and while you're at it, it wouldn't hurt to tell them how much you enjoy being hustled that way).
COMPUTE'S FOUNDER
COMPUTE! has used a lot of editorial space recently praising its "Founder", Robert Lock, and frankly, we just felt we had to say something to help clarify what we think are some important historical details.
PAli WW.
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