Software Solutions II: It's Out!

[tribby@cup.hp.com (Dave Tribby)]

I just received the 1st issue of Joe Kohn's newsletter, Shareware Solutions
II. This paper is for real, and it's a great value ($25 for 12 issues). If
you haven't subscribed yet, send your check to Joe (166 Alpine Street, San
Rafael, CA 94091). You can send e-mail to 76702.565@compuserve.com.
 
Perhaps I'm a little biased because I got to meet Joe at Apple Expo West
and found him to be a likable guy. Also, I'd like to see any new outlet for
Apple II information succeed. But if he had only produced a mediocre rag I
wouldn't be giving him my strong endorsement.
 
So what did he include... After a front page introductory editorial, Joe
reprised his InCider/A+ "Grapevine" column, briskly covering bits of news
from the Apple II world. Another feature, "Modem Madness," describes the
latest on-line happenings. The feature article is a 5 page summary of
Apple Expo West: a description of Apple II vendors, their products, and
behind-the-scenes "scoop." He also includes a "First Look" at GS System
Software 6.0.1 and description of "Customized Icons and System 6." Rounding
out the issue are 4 pages describing his Shareware Solutions Library.
 
So...what suggestions would I have for improvement? Maybe a two column
format instead of three for longer articles, to save some space. And it
would be nice if there were other authors...perhaps a "letters to the
editor" column to present additional viewpoints.
 
I do wonder how Joe is going to keep to the high standards he has set and
still charge only about $2 per issue. Running to 20 pages, the first class
postage was 52 cents. Unless he gets a great deal from his printer, or he
has a huge number of subscribers, he's running at a very thin margin.
 
But Joe seems to be an eternal optimist. Fortunately, he isn't an idle
optimist but one who digs in and gets things done. His optimism may be
contagious.
 
 -- Dave Tribby (tribby@cup.hp.com   GEnie: D.TRIBBY)