Re: SOFTDISK intervention!

[rubywand@swbell.net]

Marvin wrote:
> 
> Dear SoftDisk Publishing
> 
> I was deeply concerned when I heard that you plan to stop the publication
> of SoftDisk GS, a valuable software subscription. SoftDisk is not just
> another software publisher or Apple II newsletter. SoftDisk is a forum
> for both programmers looking for a market and for Apple II users looking
> for new software. The demise of SoftDisk GS would create a large gap
> between both and this would be a severe hit for the Apple II community.
> 
> Obviously, the reason for Softdisk to cancel SD GS is the lack of
> freelancers who are willed to support new software for the Apple II gs.
> I have noticed that you have had trouble to find enough material for the
> latest issues.
> 
> But there are still programmers left who would like to work for you, like
> Bret Victor and there are still users who would like to see more issues
> of your publication, even if they have a second platform now.
> 
> Thus, I ask you not to cease publication of SoftDisk GS entirely, but
> to switch to a bi-monthly or quarterly publication. Thank you very much
> in the name of the Apple II community.
> 
>                                     Signed,


     This is a nice try. Perhaps the expression of interest will persuade 
SoftDisk to 'hang in there'.

     The main problem with the observations and suggestions in the letter 
is that SoftDisk has no reason to expect any more success as a quarterly 
than as a monthly. SoftDisk is in trouble because it did not satisfy 
subscribers. Consequently, a letter of support should include a few 
suggestions for changes:

 1. SoftDisk should publish programs for 64k Apple II as well as for GS 
in/on the same issue. DOS 3.3 and ProDOS 8 programs should not be 
excluded. (That is, it is not especially vital that every program 
included on the diskette be a pure GSOS application.)

 2. SoftDisk should pay for one-time publication rights only. The 
copyright would remain with the author. This will considerably reduce 
expenditures for new material and make the material easier to obtain.

 3. SoftDisk should include more editorial content-- e.g. reviews, news, 
user tips, game hints, hardware projects, etc..

 4. SoftDisk should publish fewer clipart sheets, Awks-GS spreadsheets, 
artistic pics, etc.. This stuff got out of hand and, really, is pretty 
uninteresting.

 5. SoftDisk should employ ShrinkIt to conserve space.

 6. SoftDisk should aim to publish more games and other entertainment 
wares.

 7. Each SoftDisk diskette should come with a 'Contents Card' which 
subscribers can use to quickly search-for/locate items in a collection of 
SoftDisk diskettes. Depending upon size, the 'Contents Card' could have 
some space which could be sold to advertisers.

 8. Pay for articles, programs, etc. should be consistent with a 'bottom 
line' permitting a subscription price not to exceed $30/yr. for six 
bimonthly issues. Given the low cost of diskette format-- lower, 
actually, than print format-- this is entirely doable.