| In this column I hope to foster communication
and support for 8-bit and ST computer owners... presenting a positive and
directive approach that will help to strengthen the users group base and
encourage the executive element.
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| The ATARI USERS GROUPS are the backbone of the Atari community. Someone
once said that without communication there is no community. So true - and
never more so then with the Atari computer platform. While other platforms
seem to have hosts of magazines, products, software, and books readily
available at any bookstore or computer outlet, the Atari platform is limited
in these areas. This limitation makes a lonely existence for the computer
owner without a users group affiliation. Because of this, there are literally
thousands of useful Atari computers collecting dust in an attic or garage,
waiting to be sold at the next yard sale. While nearly forgotten, these
(still) innovative pieces of silicon technology have a very capable use
in this world of computers. Certainly it is true that the main reason some
of these computers is still in use is because the owner is an active member
of a local users group.
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| Atari users groups are interested in the momentum that takes place
on the cutting edge of technology. They follow the ATC stock listings and
watch intently for Atari advertisements in magazines and the TV. They cheer
the advancement of Atari's technical prowess with the Falcon030 and the
Jaguar.However, the users groups are also practical. They're a group who
bought the power with out the price" because they just don't have
the cash to pay more. This group made an investment and must resolve to
use it as it is. They can't buy another computer. They must use the one
they have.
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| Atari users groups provide support, assistance, help, and (most of
all) communication to these owners of Atari computers. This is the Atari
community - a community that is often unknown to many Atari computer owners.
I had owned an Atari 1040ST for two years before I learned that there was
a nearby users group for Atari computer owners. I hear about it from a
local BBS SysOp. I was using my Atari to logon to local Bulletin Board
Systems that supported C-64, TI-99/4A, IBM, and MAC computers. Every board
I logged onto, I queried the SysOp as to the status of ATARI computer support.
One of these SysOps pointed me to a friend of his that owned an Atari.
He said I could meet him at the monthly Atari Boise Users Group meeting.
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| HUH? Atari HAD a users group?! Boy was I surprised to find 20 computer
owners sitting around discussing the merits of database, spreadsheet, and
word processor programs for the Atari, (I still had 1st Word). I saw a
MIDI demo that blew my socks off. And I was introduced to Atari programmers.
This first short visit was the beginning of my experience in the Atari
community. Atari users groups can provide this sort of community and support
because its membership consists of common people who have had the experience
of learning the computer by trial and error. While some lean to the technical,
guru- like status, many are electricians, government officials, students,
plumbers, road construction workers, trucker brokers, grocery clerks, and
librarians. These people have spent hours working on their computer and
have a wealth of good advice and cautions to other computer owners. The
users group prevents the re-inventing of the wheel by sharing these tips
at the local meetings.
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| There is a growing trend in the attitude of users group members that
they are no longer needed. They feel that since Atari Corp. is moving on
to bigger and better technology, they have no need to have a group. Oh,
so UN-true, for then, the users group is needed more then ever. Just because
the product isn't being made any more is no reason to stop supporting those
who own it. When people sell an older Atari computer, someone BUYS an older
Atari computer. Someone who needs all the help and support they can get.
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| In the future we will cover: Meeting agenda,
Newsletters, Membership (methods of increasing it), Demos (where and how),
etc.; and I will share from my own exploits as a users group president
- the frustration and the elation. Stay tuned.
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