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"From a saved backup. . ." |
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"From a saved backup. . ." |
Get it Together. |
| In this column I hope to foster communication and support for 8-bit and ST computer owners... presenting a positive and directive approach. This will help to strengthen the users group base and encourage the executive element. |
| A year ago, I accessed the online service of GEnie for the first time. I had spent many years of using the Atari computer without any concept that support and help was just a phone call away. In the last year I have often wondered how I made it as an Atari computer owner with out contact beyond my local area. Online services, like GEnie, can bring Atari computer owners into contact with others. I was truly amazed at the huge amount of Atari computer owners that used the computer like I did. I was awestruck at the number of people who used it as their primary business computer. But more importantly, I was gratified for the support and assistance I received and passed on the the members of my local users group: Announcements of new products, upgrades, fixes, and work-a-rounds. People helping people use the one computer they all enjoyed. |
| In professional circles there is a concept called networking. This networking has nothing to do with computers, cables, Ethernet, token ring, hardware ports, peer to peer, or client/server. This networking has to do with making and maintaining contacts with people who are in your occupational sphere. While you may not directly benefit from such a contact, they might know someone, who might know someone, who can put you in contact with someone, who will help you. These networked contacts do favors for each other hoping to someday call in the favor to get a particular resource (normally not available without "inside" contacts). |
| In the occupational circle of computer technicians and hobbyists, this has a different name (with different motives). This concept would more correctly referred to as "community" when applied to this realm. The motive is not profit; but rather support, cooperation, and assistance. This community shares freely what it has to benefit others (novice and experienced alike). This is also true of the Atari community. |
| "The Atari Community" |
| This is a phrase I have encountered recently. Some have objected to the term. They seem to think it implies something less then professional. To me it is something more. Both the words "community" and "communicate" come from the same root. Its a social word of unity. Without communication there would be no community, and this is particularly true of the computer world. |
| Although you may own an Atari computer you may not be part of the Atari community. Being part of this community requires communication... interaction. While Atari owners have no dealer or retail outlet in many cities to congregate at, the Atari community exists nonetheless. |
| The Atari community exists here in three locations. The first and most visible location is the local users group meeting place. Once a month Atari computer owners (8-Bit, ST, TT, Falcon, and GEMulator) meet for interaction, sharing tidbits of information, getting help, watching demonstrations of new products, and the social experience of being with friends who share a common interest. |
| The other two locations reside in "cyberspace" on the electrons of telephone circuitry and distant computer systems. Many users groups have a Bulletin Board System (BBS) program running on a computer for the support of the Atari community. Features include technically advanced EMail systems, message areas, database areas, and real-time conference areas that provide an environment for the growth of the Atari community on a local level and the Atari community world-wide. Local Atari owners can communicate information and files (often free of charge). Atari owners can download the Atari Explorer Online magazines, and its companion AEO Programmer's Journal (as well as other online periodicals. This active communication will provide a sense of community. |
| The last location in "cyberspace" is the paid information
services and the INTERNET. GEnie, General Electric's Information Service
Network, probably hosts one of the largest of the Atari communities. [Note:
The author is a subscriber to GEnie and has no experience on the other
quality services like CompuServe, Delphi, or American On-Line]. A large
group of Atari Computer owners have chosen GEnie as their information resource.
Programmers, writers, mathematicians, computer hobbyists, and others gather
here to share helpful information on DTP, utilities, and writing; or to
just "talk." The NTERNET is an emerging media. It is touted by
the press and government alike. Some systems are becoming overburdened
with the multitude of users jumping on the band wagon to see what the INTERNET
is all about. The INTERNET is a great media to contact others with similar
interest and to get the latest news and reviews on your favorite topics.
For the Atari there are Usenet newsgroups:
comp.binaries.atari.st - Atari ST "binary only" postings comp.sys.atari.8bit - Atari 8-bit computer information comp.sys.atari.advocacy - Atari computers debate and discussions comp.sys.atari.st - Atari ST computer information comp.sys.atari.st.tech - Atari ST computer technical discussions |
| The INTERNET also has file archives for the Atari ST using the INTERNET
"Anonymous FTP". The Anonymous FTP allows you to log in to another
system on the INTERNET and copy files to your local system. The atari archives
contain files for all Atari computers including the 8-bit, ST, TT, Falcon,
Lynx, and Jaguar. These files contain programs, source code, sound bites,
pictures, documentation, and magazines:
ADDRESS: wuarchive.wustl.edu PATH: /systems/atari/* ADDRESS: atari.archive.umich.edu PATH: /atari/* |
| Joining the Atari community, whether on the local level or on a world-wide scale, is worthwhile. Whether you use the omputer for games or a full scale business, the sense of community is redeeming. Take the time to make contact with other Atari computer owners. You will learn that the Atari community is a very active group. |
| In the future we will cover Membership (methods of increasing it), Networking with other users groups, 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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