Disappointed by II-Alive editing

[spec@vax2.concordia.ca (Mitchell Spector)]

    Several months ago, I was approached to write a game review for
Scantron Quality Computers' II-Alive magazine. Despite my feelings
that the publication had fallen to a below mediocre level in recent 
years, I decided it still might be fun to contribute.

    Yesterday I opened my mail and found a check from SQC and a copy
of my article as it appeared in the Summer 1996 issue. Although my
name appears above it, crediting me as the author, I have to say I 
almost didn't recognize what followed below it! I don't feel my review 
was "edited", more like it rewritten from scratch using my original 
writing _only_ as a guideline as where to go. Only a few lines of my 
original text seem to have survived, maybe 20%. I'm annoyed since not 
only was wording changed, the editor added his/her own opinions which 
conflict with mine! In some cases two or three entirely new paragraphs 
have been written, adding _someone else's_ opinion! Even worse, in some 
cases incorrect information has replaced what was originally correct 
(ie, I stated the game requires 1MB RAM, it was changed to say it 
requires 2MB RAM). I even found the level of grammar to have been 
downgraded overall, generally as if it were edited in reverse. :P

    I'm rather disappointed, I've written for other printed publications 
in the past and never had my writings and opinions reworked so heavily. 
I really feel what was printed bears little resemblance to my original 
review. Perhaps I now better understand why SQC is ceasing publication 
of II-Alive in another issue or two. :/ 

Mitchell Spector
spec@vax2.concordia.ca