Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
- Original Message - From: Malcolm Cadman Sent: Saturday, November 20, 2004 6:42 PM Subject: Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005 So, just to extend the debate around Quanta itself a bit further ... make the effort to attend a local sub-group, where you can. I organise the London Quanta Group ... and we just get on with it. A few members can keep things going. Non-attenders don't ... :-) I did think of extending the Quanta debate to subgroups, particularly as London has such a successful one. If my memory is good, members pay an extra subscription to be a member of the London sub group and they would not do that if it was not worth going to. People complain about the stairs and the lack of parking when you run a London show. What most do not realise is that the London Workshops are the only ones that are not financed by Quanta centrally. You have some magic there in London - what is it? In fact we know very little about sub groups in general and I suspect several are inactive, but others are thriving. But what do they do other than organise the occasional show? Surely some have interesting projects which would provide an article for the magazine. I believe the Manchester Sub-Group sits around and listens to Judy Garland records with the occasional burst of excitement when Elvis has been sighted in the Trafford Centre ;-). If I have a slightly wrong impression of their activities, perhaps they could tell us what they really do, Best Wishes, Geoff ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
Geoff Wicks wrote: So, just to extend the debate around Quanta itself a bit further ... make the effort to attend a local sub-group, where you can. I organise the London Quanta Group ... and we just get on with it. A few members can keep things going. Non-attenders don't ... :-) [snip] In fact we know very little about sub groups in general and I suspect several are inactive, but others are thriving. But what do they do other than organise the occasional show? Surely some have interesting projects which would provide an article for the magazine. [snip] Arnold Clarke egg hatching machine (controlled by QL) might make an article, please persuade Arnie to write one, but when I send articles to Quanta they do not get published. Our next meeting is at 1pm today and is an important one. -- Tarquin Mills ACCUS (Anglia Classic Computer Users Society) http://www.speccyverse.me.uk/comp/accus/ ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
At 10:56 21/11/2004 +, you wrote: Arnold Clarke egg hatching machine (controlled by QL) might make an article, please persuade Arnie to write one, but when I send articles to Quanta they do not get published. Our next meeting is at 1pm today and is an important one. -- Tarquin Mills Just the sort of thing I meant under Home (gnome) brew ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
On Sat, 20 Nov 2004 at 10:31:03, Wolfgang Lenerz wrote: (ref: [EMAIL PROTECTED]) On 19 Nov 2004 at 22:47, David Tubbs wrote: No person into computing is without access to the net. Not true. I personally know at least one such person - and he lives in France, has a QXL but only in an older PC without net access at all!. So do I. This may be the same French user, and his only electronic contact is via my BBS. Tony -- QBBS (QL fido BBS 2:252/67) +44(0)1442-828255 tony@surname.co.uk http://www.firshman.co.uk Voice: +44(0)1442-828254 Fax: +44(0)1442-828255 TF Services, 29 Longfield Road, TRING, Herts, HP23 4DG ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
On 20 Nov 2004 at 9:36, Tony Firshman wrote: So do I. This may be the same French user, and his only electronic contact is via my BBS. BC? He came with us to QL2004. Wolfgang www.scp-paulet-lenerz.com ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
Here Here!! - Original Message - From: Duncan Neithercut [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, November 19, 2004 10:04 PM Subject: RE: [ql-users] Re: QL2005 QL internet access via existing software and a UNIX shell account has been there since the mid 1990s. See the DJ Emulators CD rom. Quanta could help by organising access to UNIX shell accounts from existing internet providers, and even financially subsidise the subscription. The longterm solution of a full TCP/IP stack could come quicker with some commercial work sponsored by Quanta. A full internet solution on QL hardware would I think give new life to the scene as there are many PC internet users who would welcome a platform that would give them complete control and privacy on the net. Peter Grafs solution is very very very niche Best Wishes Duncan Neithercut -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of gwicks Sent: 19 November 2004 19:43 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005 - Original Message - From: Brian Kemmett Subject: Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005 as you say in this email, a lot of the membership is probably without internet access, or even access to email.I think the ONE biggest leap forward this community can take is to develop, or finance development of internet access for the native QL/Q40-60/ Aurora, you know, the very machines QUANTA purports to support, yet here we are, all of us on this list, or 99.99% using PC's to communicate on matters QL!! kindest regards.. Brian K I am not sure finance is the real problem in getting QL internet access and that it is rather more technical problems. Remember Peter Graf has achieved what he has done using public domain sources, Best Wishes, Geoff ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
No.. You are so wrong. I know two people in my locale who are happy with their Trump Card QL's - and nothing else! BK - Original Message - From: David Tubbs [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, November 19, 2004 10:47 PM Subject: Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005 At 20:21 19/11/2004 +, you wrote: There was a proposal at the 2003 AGM for the magazine to be distributed by email, but it was reported to the 2004 AGM this was not practical because of the large number of members who do not have internet access. I don't know how the research was done. Do let's put this excuse to bed. No person into computing is without access to the net. For a number of years I used QL PC on a boat, no phone line or satellite dish, but I had POP3 email and web access thru Inet Caffs all over the place. In particular I used , an still do , Eudora which an be invoked with data from floppy disk. ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
Where, where? :) - Original Message - From: Brian Kemmett [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, November 20, 2004 3:54 PM Subject: Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005 Here Here!! - Original Message - From: Duncan Neithercut [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, November 19, 2004 10:04 PM Subject: RE: [ql-users] Re: QL2005 QL internet access via existing software and a UNIX shell account has been there since the mid 1990s. See the DJ Emulators CD rom. Quanta could help by organising access to UNIX shell accounts from existing internet providers, and even financially subsidise the subscription. The longterm solution of a full TCP/IP stack could come quicker with some commercial work sponsored by Quanta. A full internet solution on QL hardware would I think give new life to the scene as there are many PC internet users who would welcome a platform that would give them complete control and privacy on the net. Peter Grafs solution is very very very niche Best Wishes Duncan Neithercut -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of gwicks Sent: 19 November 2004 19:43 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005 - Original Message - From: Brian Kemmett Subject: Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005 as you say in this email, a lot of the membership is probably without internet access, or even access to email.I think the ONE biggest leap forward this community can take is to develop, or finance development of internet access for the native QL/Q40-60/ Aurora, you know, the very machines QUANTA purports to support, yet here we are, all of us on this list, or 99.99% using PC's to communicate on matters QL!! kindest regards.. Brian K I am not sure finance is the real problem in getting QL internet access and that it is rather more technical problems. Remember Peter Graf has achieved what he has done using public domain sources, Best Wishes, Geoff ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
- a real web-page, because the existing one is rather a shame - also web access to the sw-library(sending floppies by snail mail is rather funny nowadays ...) blown up with ALL available freeware shareware wolfgang In principle, I'd have no objection to my PD Library CD being distributed by Quanta, if that was a viable option for Quanta. I don't want to commit myself to being a 'PD software librarian' for them or anything like that (obvious lack of time and fingers in too many pies), but equally if giving Quanta a copy of the PD Library CD to offer alongside the members-only library helps the situation, I'd be happy to pursue that as an option. The PD Library CD is all full of freely distributable stuff anyway, the only possible copyright on it is the format of the collection as a whole and perhaps the large text file catalogue, neither of which I'm bothered about. I've always said anyway that the PD Library CD could be freely copied for the benefit of all QLers. As the PD library is organised as collections of floppy disks, I'd be happy for Quanta to make it into a second (public) library for their members, starting off as I've arranged it, but obviously they can go their own way with it or if they prefer, new PD collections get sent to me as new PD library disks which I add to my collection, keeping both libraries consistent. Just an idea... Dilwyn Jones ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
Jim Hunkins wrote: Yes, a real web site could do the following: 1) current QL activities, shows, etc. 2) ongoing discussions with Quanta 3) mirror this and/or lists 4) distribution of the library (can be done securely by membership ID, etc) 5) offer programming help files (to encourage more programmers) 6) perhaps offer programmers help forum (kind of like the list for developers used to do) 7) etc, etc... I would view this as actually more important than the newsletter however, since many members probably still do not have web access, the newsletter still holds an important role to play. jim I've been on a members forum for the brand of TV Tuner Card I have in my PC where members help each other out with problems (got my more than my fair share of help!) and the company has a 'moderator' (I think that's what he's called ont he list) who often dives in and answers questions, tells people 'you can't discuss that here' etc himself. Might there be a role for a 'Quanta person' on this list to both represent Quanta's interests on this list, help with discussion and queries pertinent to Quanta and inject summaries from this list into the newsletter for the benefit of both the membership who are not on email and also encouraging those members who have email access but are not on this list to join us? Would help to provide some copy for the newsletter as well, of course. A lot of ideas have sprung up in discussions here recently, not all of which I agree with, but nonetheless I hope someone (Geoff? John G.?) is taking note from a Quanta viewpoint. Dilwyn Jones ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
- Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, November 19, 2004 10:13 AM Subject: Re: Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005 The magazine could also be provided (by email) in say pdf form, again saving money. Tony Hmmm, reminds me too much of last night where I was trying to put WinXP onto my PC after having its new hard disk fitted. A couple of error messages came up which left me wondering whether to laugh or cry. I mention these because they show how lucky we are as QLers in some ways and how even seemingly simple suggestions like Tony's can drive fear into my heart. Your CD-ROM is not responding to the standard drivers, please insert the drivers CD to install the manufacturer-supplied drivers. (or message to that effect). (Reminds of me of Keyboard failure, press F1 to continue.) Err, OK, no CD drive to install the CD drivers. Fine. Its next suggestion is get a driver fof the net. Of dear, no internet connections set up yet, because no modem, which needs drivers...off a CD. Newly installed WinXP. The modem needs drivers (this was a modem which came with the PC from its manufacturer) from a CD but it is not at all clear how to do this, because the drivers are buried deep in an obscure folder level. The leaflet says refer to instructions on the CD which turns out to be a PDF file. Where are the two places I can get a PDF file reader? Off a CD, or off the net. Uhelp. Wouldn't it be great if Roy sold us a Qubide with only instructions which say you'll need a driver for this, there's probably one out there somewhere but I'll leave you to sort it out how to get it and everything else, by the way you need a PDF program to read your next issue of QUanta too. In other words, leave PDF out of the QL equation please Tony! Dilwyn Jones Still monitoring. I rather like the ideas which run thus: 1.Develop internet software for all common ql platforms - Black box, (S)GC, Aurora, Qx0 etc. 2.Encourage Quanta members to use the software 1. above and to access the user list, Web Site etc. Provide practical help with this for members who need it - I'm sure I'm not the only one!!! 3.Develop the Web Site so that all Quanta services - Magazine, Software Library, Help line, Back Issues, Advertisements etc. etc. can be accessed by all members. - with up to date links to other websites related to QL. It is the 21st Century. Can we drag ourselves out of the (early) middle ages? Now, it seems to me that the first step is to appoint a Web Master - any offers? The Quanta committee is down to its minimum number of members. As Geoff has said on many occasions, we have the ideas but not the manpower to execute them all. Is ANYBODY offering their help? John Gilpin. ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
On 18 Nov 2004 at 19:53, gwicks wrote: (...) I know a lot of our members do not subscribe to the list, do you know why? Is it a technical problem (no internet access) or are they just not interested? However I am sure the really important thing is to find a way of investing Quanta's money in QL development. When I raised this earlier this year I did not get many suggestions. Now the discussion is much more lively. I don't want to play a game of ping pong with you by bouncing every question you ask back, but what things would you most like to see in your own QL use, and is there any way this could be done via Quanta? That's not ping pong, just common sense. Before asking yourself whether you are going to invest money, you must ask yourself in what... wolfgang ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
James Hunkins schrieb: 1) current QL activities, shows, etc. 2) ongoing discussions with Quanta 3) mirror this and/or lists 4) distribution of the library (can be done securely by membership ID, etc) 5) offer programming help files (to encourage more programmers) 6) perhaps offer programmers help forum (kind of like the list for developers used to do) 7) etc, etc... **ack** in my opinion these should be the most important things for quanta to do I would view this as actually more important than the newsletter however, since many members probably still do not have web access, the newsletter still holds an important role to play. do they really have no web access? or is it just lazyness/missing knowledge (i know myself!)? i mean you can read always the same handful of names here i can't imagine quanta is that samall or most of the members have no web/email access! wolfgang ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
On Fri, 19 Nov 2004 at 10:13:54, wrote: (ref: [EMAIL PROTECTED]) The magazine could also be provided (by email) in say pdf form, again saving money. Tony Hmmm, reminds me too much of last night where I was trying to put WinXP onto my PC after having its new hard disk fitted. A couple of error messages came up which left me wondering whether to laugh or cry. I mention these because they show how lucky we are as QLers in some ways and how even seemingly simple suggestions like Tony's can drive fear into my heart. Your CD-ROM is not responding to the standard drivers, please insert the drivers CD to install the manufacturer-supplied drivers. (or message to that effect). (Reminds of me of Keyboard failure, press F1 to continue.) Err, OK, no CD drive to install the CD drivers. Fine. Its next suggestion is get a driver fof the net. Of dear, no internet connections set up yet, because no modem, which needs drivers...off a CD. Newly installed WinXP. The modem needs drivers (this was a modem which came with the PC from its manufacturer) from a CD but it is not at all clear how to do this, because the drivers are buried deep in an obscure folder level. The leaflet says refer to instructions on the CD which turns out to be a PDF file. Where are the two places I can get a PDF file reader? Off a CD, or off the net. Uhelp. Wouldn't it be great if Roy sold us a Qubide with only instructions which say you'll need a driver for this, there's probably one out there somewhere but I'll leave you to sort it out how to get it and everything else, by the way you need a PDF program to read your next issue of QUanta too. In other words, leave PDF out of the QL equation please Tony! 'Machine readable' was what I meant. Sorry it spurned that reply Dilwyn. It could be offered in whatever forms was best for the user and magazine compiler. Html with links to images where necessary is possible maybe. That one could possibly be viewed on a QL in time! but I said PDF as that could so easily be read by people with PCs as well - ie the majority of us. ... and would be easy to make. It certainly would not be good for some, and has the irony of not being made on a QL. It is just that everyone here is internet enabled, so will probably be able to use a machine readable file. It is just odd that nothing other than paper is offered (other than the well out of date extract on the web site). Even my school old boys association offers electronic only mag by email, and it must save them a lot of money. Tony -- QBBS (QL fido BBS 2:252/67) +44(0)1442-828255 tony@surname.co.uk http://www.firshman.co.uk Voice: +44(0)1442-828254 Fax: +44(0)1442-828255 TF Services, 29 Longfield Road, TRING, Herts, HP23 4DG ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
Tony Firshman schrieb: The magazine could also be provided (by email) in say pdf form, again saving money. no, you could get it on your members area! ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
On Fri, 19 Nov 2004 at 17:03:11, wolfgang mühlegger wrote: (ref: [EMAIL PROTECTED]) Tony Firshman schrieb: The magazine could also be provided (by email) in say pdf form, again saving money. no, you could get it on your members area! You mean download options? Yes that is probably easier to manage. Tony -- QBBS (QL fido BBS 2:252/67) +44(0)1442-828255 tony@surname.co.uk http://www.firshman.co.uk Voice: +44(0)1442-828254 Fax: +44(0)1442-828255 TF Services, 29 Longfield Road, TRING, Herts, HP23 4DG ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
Actually a good way of doing this is to allow users to opt-in for an email reminder that a new magazine copy is available and then they could follow a link to the web site to get it. This reduces the amount of email and helps people with dial up connections. Cheers, jim On Nov 19, 2004, at 8:03 AM, wolfgang mühlegger wrote: Tony Firshman schrieb: The magazine could also be provided (by email) in say pdf form, again saving money. no, you could get it on your members area! ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
On Fri, 19 Nov 2004, Tarquin Mills wrote: How about Quill format (or other QL software format), but why should I pay for a e-zine? Because you're paying for the content. By offering to receive the content electronically, you're graciously saving Quanta money, which they can then direct towards a project. The current project is to collect interest; a conclusion I arrived at by listening to comments about Quanta on this list. Dave ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes SNIP Your CD-ROM is not responding to the standard drivers, please insert the drivers CD to install the manufacturer-supplied drivers. (or message to that effect). (Reminds of me of Keyboard failure, press F1 to continue.) Err, OK, no CD drive to install the CD drivers. Fine. Its next suggestion is get a driver fof the net. Of dear, no internet connections set up yet, because no modem, which needs drivers...off a CD. This very odd and suggests that maybe there is something wrong with the drive. For many years now a standard CD ROM driver, which is built into every version of Windows from 95 on and even appears on most DOS based start-up disks, has been able to cope with any optical device thrown at it. I have not had to load a CD ROM for over five years. As I said. This suggests a problem with the CD_ROM. Newly installed WinXP. The modem needs drivers (this was a modem which came with the PC from its manufacturer) from a CD but it is not at all clear how to do this, because the drivers are buried deep in an obscure folder level. The leaflet says refer to instructions on the CD which turns out to be a PDF file. Where are the two places I can get a PDF file reader? Off a CD, or off the net. Uhelp. Again odd because basic drivers for most things are built into WIN XP for this very reason. I often build a machine from scratch and find everything working by the time Windows has finished installing. It is not a Packard Bell (spit!!) by any chance is it? I do agree with you about PDF files. They are bloated and generally nasty things. I tried to convert one to word recently using the 'Adobe Acrobat Professional' which costs a small fortune and is designed for just this. The result was a mess. -- Roy Wood Q Branch. 20 Locks Hill, Portslade, Sussex.BN41 2LB Tel: +44 (0) 1273 386030fax: +44 (0) 1273 430501 web : www.qbranch.demon.co.uk ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
- Original Message - From: Wolfgang Lenerz Sent: Thursday, October 21, 2004 10:04 AM Subject: Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005 On 18 Nov 2004 at 19:53, gwicks wrote: (...) I know a lot of our members do not subscribe to the list, do you know why? Is it a technical problem (no internet access) or are they just not interested? All sorts of reasons, and some are the fault of those of us on this list. We sometimes have a tendency to behave like medieval catholics and believe that the whole QL universe rotates around this list. Don't forget there are many people who are put off this list because of the personal attacks that sometimes occur in such things as the licence debate. Two members of the Quanta committee formerly subscribed to this list, but found it rubbish. I can respect their viewpoint, but I think they are wrong. Part of the responsibility of holding an office is sometimes doing things you don't like. Apart from this there are many UK QL-ers who do not have internet access, Best wishes, Geoff ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
- Original Message - From: Duncan Neithercut Subject: RE: [ql-users] Re: QL2005 Thanks for the summary below. I have not had the time this week to monitor all this discussion - that is a big job for the weekend. Can I remind everyone again. You don't have to convince John Gilpin and myself of the need for changes. You do have to convince 4 committee members who do not read this list. The words were not intended for the committee or you: but to summarise so far the debate you have sparked has produced the following suggestions to benefit Quanta members - apologies to anyone who's contribution I have forgotten and not listed, happy to add it: 1 Reducing the subscription by £4 or so 2 Send floppies with selected library programs with newsletter 3 Create a profession shop window site for Quanta members where software can be downloaded, and www interest generated 4 Help QL users access the www through already existing software 5 Commission articles for the newsletter to make it worth reading 6 Chase up copyright holders for non supported but still widely used QL programs - append your own list 7 Nag/bribe/arm twist/pay/flatter some of the previously heavy weight QL programmers to contribute to current needs 8 Eliminate the differential between UK and overseas subscribers All are good ideas - none are exclusive - it is unlikely that there is a single simple solution to regeneration - at the moment all should be explored. There is a will on this forum there is a way in Quanta's coffers. Duncan Neithercut ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
- Original Message - From: Brian Kemmett Subject: Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005 as you say in this email, a lot of the membership is probably without internet access, or even access to email.I think the ONE biggest leap forward this community can take is to develop, or finance development of internet access for the native QL/Q40-60/ Aurora, you know, the very machines QUANTA purports to support, yet here we are, all of us on this list, or 99.99% using PC's to communicate on matters QL!! kindest regards.. Brian K I am not sure finance is the real problem in getting QL internet access and that it is rather more technical problems. Remember Peter Graf has achieved what he has done using public domain sources, Best Wishes, Geoff ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
Tarquin Mills schrieb: How about Quill format (or other QL software format), but why should I pay for a e-zine? bcause you pay not only for printing but also for the writing it is much more work to get your thougts written down than to print a couple of magazines. wolfgang ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
On Fri, 19 Nov 2004 at 19:39:23, Roy wood wrote: (ref: [EMAIL PROTECTED]) In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Tony Firshman [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes SNIP In other words, leave PDF out of the QL equation please Tony! 'Machine readable' was what I meant. Sorry it spurned that reply Dilwyn. I don't think 'spurned' is the word you mean. (8-)# - OK spawned. Sounds similar with a few pints inside. Tony -- QBBS (QL fido BBS 2:252/67) +44(0)1442-828255 tony@surname.co.uk http://www.firshman.co.uk Voice: +44(0)1442-828254 Fax: +44(0)1442-828255 TF Services, 29 Longfield Road, TRING, Herts, HP23 4DG ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
On Fri, 19 Nov 2004 at 20:58:49, Bruce N wrote: (ref: [EMAIL PROTECTED]) Take a look at www.quanta.org.uk , there is a new item on the main page. Nice one. This is a -paper- questionnaire, and clearly not designed for the website. It actually says -on the website page- : The questionnaire is also available for download on the Quanta website at http://www.quanta.org.uk; (8-)# Doesn't John S realise that if he has it on the website as a form, then he is one click away from receiving the results. It doesn't even mention an email address. It seems laughable to me that one is expected to print it out and post it. That alone will discourage many. Still I suppose it is better than nothing. Tony -- QBBS (QL fido BBS 2:252/67) +44(0)1442-828255 tony@surname.co.uk http://www.firshman.co.uk Voice: +44(0)1442-828254 Fax: +44(0)1442-828255 TF Services, 29 Longfield Road, TRING, Herts, HP23 4DG ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
- Original Message - From: gwicks [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, November 19, 2004 8:21 PM Subject: Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005 - Original Message - From: Tony Firshman Subject: Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005 The magazine could also be provided (by email) in say pdf form, again saving money. There was a proposal at the 2003 AGM for the magazine to be distributed by email, but it was reported to the 2004 AGM this was not practical because of the large number of members who do not have internet access. I don't know how the research was done. I think Brian Kemmett makes a good point about not creating a two tier membership. As you know Tony sends out notices of shows by email. We also send out a snailshot to QL-users (ie not necessarily Quanta members) for whom we do not have an email address. There were 73 such people in the Byfleet catchment area. Best Wishes, Geoff I did an analysis from the membership database mid 2003 only to find that at least 50% of our members had not given an email address on their latest renewal form. Those members who pay by Standing Order and therefore do not fill in an annual renewal form should contact me direct if the want their email address adding to their membership profile. John Gilpin. Membership Secretary. ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
- Original Message - From: wolfgang mühlegger [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, November 19, 2004 8:54 PM Subject: Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005 gwicks schrieb: Can I remind everyone again. You don't have to convince John Gilpin and myself of the need for changes. You do have to convince 4 committee members who do not read this list. ok - so how can i reach them? wolfgang Just because some committee members don't respond to each and every email on this list does not mean that they are unaware of your comments. Just continue to post your comments HERE, they ARE being monitored by more people on the committee than you think, and some inter-committee discussion is also being held. As I said a few days ago, there is much agenda material here for the next Quanta meeting. John Gilpin. ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
- Original Message - From: Brian Kemmett Sent: Wednesday, November 17, 2004 9:29 PM Subject: Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005 The problem is Quanta IS JUST sitting on a stack of cash - I have contributed to their coffers since 1986! To Geoff Wicks, thanks for the concern, but you tell me, what can Quanta do for me? - I live in a QL World black hole! The monthly mag was like a lifeline but now I rely on QLToday because it is a vabrant, upbeat and altogether more informative tome - and it gives breaking news on all things QLish. QUANTA mag has become a shrivelled prune of its former self, and as I have already said, the news is already old. So Geoff, what can Quanta do for outlanders such as me? At the moment sod all. And what worries me as a member of the Quanta committee is that people in a similar situation to you represent about one third of our membership. I think if Quanta is to reform it must make more use of new technology, like actively participating in this list which is the quickest way of sounding out opinion. I know a lot of our members do not subscribe to the list, but I think it would make the committee more aware of what is happening in the QL community at large and provide topics for the magazine that would be of interest to members who do not have access to the internet. At the moment the magazine editor is a member of the committee and perhaps we now also need a website editor on the committee. (That's a idea I have just had as a result of the discussion on this list.) However I am sure the really important thing is to find a way of investing Quanta's money in QL development. When I raised this earlier this year I did not get many suggestions. Now the discussion is much more lively. I don't want to play a game of ping pong with you by bouncing every question you ask back, but what things would you most like to see in your own QL use, and is there any way this could be done via Quanta? I believe an organisation of 300 members with an income of £6000 a year and a capital of £16,000 is a highly viable organisation. Our problem is how to make it work more effectively for its members, Best Wishes, Geoff ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
On 16 Nov 2004 at 23:10, John Gilpin wrote: Quanta sponsored Workshops are covered by Public Liability Insurance until 16th April 2005 when the policy is due for renewal. And it is still getting more expensive every time we renew!! Even though, I presume, you never had to call on the insurance. Ha, who said Lawyers were leeches? Wolfgang ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
On 16 Nov 2004 at 20:11, gwicks wrote: The trouble is that you can't trust any damn lawyer! (Quickly dives under desk.) No, of course not, only trust the good ones... grin Wolfgang ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
On Tue, 16 Nov 2004 14:24:42 +0100, you wrote: On 16 Nov 2004 at 12:02, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I think isnurance might be a major reason why(...) Just a quick question: was QL 2004 insured? Wolfgang Yes, the school took full responsibility. We were, in the school's opinion, trustfull people enough to look after safety. Sjef (secr. sin_QL-air) The following statement is false The above statement is true ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
In a message dated 17/11/2004 11:50:33 GMT Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I would have thought that with that hat on the question would not be necessary. Not necessarily easy - you can get a list of the email addresses subscribed to the user list, but Quanta does not necessarily have those on its members database. But seriously, what does the QDOS SMSQ population consist of ? How many :- Traders Users of Emulators High end machines Thors Atari Expanded QLs Originals Hard to judge - people do not respond to many questionnaires unfortunately - it is hard enough getting traders to supply copy for the mailshots, let alone get QL users to respond. I know that in the past year or so, I have sold QL membranes to over 90 different people, so there are still quite a few out there who have the original QLs. However, whether they want them as something to look at or sell, who knows?? I have also sold quite a bit of software on microdrive - in fact so much so, that I am looking at re-releasing Cartridge Doctor !! I do however, try to persuade these users that they need at least a disk interface... Of each :- Use in anger Hobby Shelved A questionnaire to all members , list supplemented with further names provided by traders lists ? Is a printed mag' needed, the time and costs must be a big chunk of expenditure. The same info could more easily be made available by email or on a web site. Not everyone has internet access - I still get quite a few orders by post rather than people emailing me for information.. I think it would be wrong to assume that everyone who has a QL can access the internet for information - that is where printed magazines have their market. The problem is (as I stated in a previous email - wonder where that went...), QL Today is beyond the understanding of many Quanta members and the Quanta magazine does not really have much new to tell its members I find it hard to visualise where and why the system is wanted to go ? Surely everyone using any QL system has access to a mainstream m/c and access to the web - even Inet Caff ! Why then I wonder in the 21st year a maybe browser, or is it just for the hell of it ? Exploiting the virtues of 256 colours ia again a bit like reinventing the wheel unless it is principally a hobby thing (nothing against that). DT a long time ex QLer -- Rich Mellor RWAP Services 26 Oak Road, Shelfield, Walsall, West Midlands WS4 1RQ TEL: 01922 691607 Visit our website at URL:http://www.rwapsoftware.co.uk Stuck with ordinary dial up internet connection ?? Read our review of internet accelerators and broadband at: URL: http://www.rwapadventures.com/Services/reviews.html ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
Resending this email cos it does not appear to have appeared on the list for some reason. In a message dated 16/11/2004 20:19:27 GMT Standard Time, dent freesurf.ch writes: How about testing if a £10 subscription would bring in new members by launching a special offer for new subscribers at £10 ? Jon. A good idea, but I think the main problem with attracting new members is that they do not see any sort of return for their subscription. It does serve one important function, in that it appears that many Quanta members still have original QLs and very little else... What do people actually want from Quanta - at the moment, all I see is - A library which has very few programs post 1995 - Quanta could take over the Public Domain software function (not sure if Dilwyn would mind) - providing it for free to members, or maybe small cost to non-members, equivalent to what Dilwyn currently charges. Problem is that no-one in Quanta seems willing / able / to have the expertise to run such a service and ensure that it is kept up to date - A magazine which is published infrequently and has few articles. The problem is that most of its membership do not seem interested in new QL technology and therefore articles in QL Today are beyond them or of no interest. On the other hand, all the basic functions of the QL have been done to death. -- No real support for members - instead the members tend to turn to traders. Quanta has access to quite a lot of second hand hardware and software (some of which I have) and I have suggested to John Gilpin that they should actually advertise this in their magazine themselves - especially low cost ways of upgrading standard QLs to give them more memory and disk drive access - A website which has very little information - it needs an overhaul, with links to current QL traders, some of the older articles, such as upgrade options, and above all, a means of applying to become a member - Shows - now Quanta has a long record of organising shows - however, they seem to have run out of steam and / or the incentive to organise these and it is now left mainly to the traders to organise and promote. I cannot see QL2005 happening if left to Quanta at the moment... - A stash of money which is sat there - it should be used towards the development and promotion of the QL. At the moment, it is sitting there and the longer it is left, the harder it is going to be to find a project to spend it on -- Rich Mellor RWAP Services 26 Oak Road, Shelfield, Walsall, West Midlands WS4 1RQ TEL: 01922 691607 Visit our website at URL:http://www.rwapsoftware.co.uk Stuck with ordinary dial up internet connection ?? Read our review of internet accelerators and broadband at: URL: http://www.rwapadventures.com/Services/reviews.html ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
Geoff Wicks wrote : I don't think a reduction to £10 would bring in any new members, but £4 per member invested in QL development might encourage one or two more people to join. I suspect it might have been better for a 'first year £4 off your membership' offer, but it isn't so long ago that Quanta were actively looking at 'living within their means' and cutbacks like bi-monthly newsletters and fewer workshops and so on were under consideration. It was often said that Quanta had money banked for the leaner times. I don't think the membership is goign to rise by large numbers soon, so it would seem to make sense to retain the same priceas it hasn't gone up for so many years and bank any 'profit' (if the consitution and Quanta's legal status allows it) for the benefit of membership, whether it be as money to draw on in later years or to sponsor projects, e.g. my original suggestion of commissioning Tony Tebby or someone else to enhance SDUMP and take a good look at the future of printing which looks like being the significant crisis ahead of us in years to come when we can no longer rely on Mssrs Epson, HP et al to produce printers we can still use f rom a QL. Even my Windows PC here at work runs into a problem. I needed to get a list of files to wade through a huge pile of files I found from my predecessor hidden away on this machine. No problem, DIR C:\FOLDER\*.* PRN (at least I think from memory that was the DOS command). Oh oh, same problem. Nothing at all happened - it was a Windows only printer and DOS command line didn't seem to go to the Windows printer (I thought DOS command line from Windows was supposed to be able to print, but maybe I'm mistaken), so I ended up DIR to a file (something like DIR C:\FOLDER\*.* C:\TMP.TXT - the directories and so on are fictitious but you get the idea) and importing the C:\TMP.TXT into Quill (which itself was running via QPC2 off a plug in mobile disk thingie) or Word just to be able to print a list of files! Some other ideas : Internet access on QL systems : It is possible using a UNIX shell account software that already exists according to an article on the DJ emulators CD : - The QUANTA committee could identify a provider bundle access to this sort of account plus software with membership. I'm not sure, I think one of the earliest QL Todays carried something on this from an American writer. The magazine : shortage of articles but healthy finance : why not commission some show piece articles to make the magazine worth reading again - eg an idiots guide to using Ghostscript, line design etc etc. Assuming you can get someone to write, paid or not, that's always the problem. I'm glad there is discussion on all this. And so far it's been reasonably friendly and constructive apart from the odd pot shot at passing Quanta names - although they are the committee, remember they are unpaid voluteers before you get ttoo harsh with them! If you are unhappy, do what Geoff did, get yourself elected to the committee next year, I'm sure the committee would welcome new faces from time to time. Dilwyn Jones (trying to be constructively critical without being too harsh). ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
On Wed, 17 Nov 2004 at 07:15:23, wrote: (ref: [EMAIL PROTECTED]) In a message dated 17/11/2004 11:50:33 GMT Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I would have thought that with that hat on the question would not be necessary. Not necessarily easy - you can get a list of the email addresses subscribed to the user list, but Quanta does not necessarily have those on its members database. more pretty unfathomable mixed quoted and reply text snipped Sorry, Rich. I know you are tied into an unconfigurable AOL mailer, but I reckon you could handle the problem of quoting text a mite better. How about : DT: blah blah blah blah RM: more blah blah etc DT: even more blah and so on. The quoted text above looks actually -slightly- better than it appeared when I was reading it. What I saw was --- I would have thought that with that hat on the question would not be necessary. Not necessarily easy - you can get a list of the email addresses subscribed to the user list, but Quanta does not necessarily have those on its members database. --- ... and ditto for the rest of the email. It was, I am afraid, pretty impossible to work out what was what. Tony -- QBBS (QL fido BBS 2:252/67) +44(0)1442-828255 tony@surname.co.uk http://www.firshman.co.uk Voice: +44(0)1442-828254 Fax: +44(0)1442-828255 TF Services, 29 Longfield Road, TRING, Herts, HP23 4DG ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
Quanta sponsored Workshops are covered by Public Liability Insurance until 16th April 2005 when the policy is due for renewal. And it is still getting more expensive every time we renew!! Even though, I presume, you never had to call on the insurance. Ha, who said Lawyers were leeches? Wolfgang While you have insurance, you'll never need to claim. One day after you let it expire, you'll be hit with a massive compensation claim. See my Murphy's Law compilation on my website ;-) Dilwyn Jones ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
Quite agree Rich.. I have cancelled my standing order to Quanta as it has nothing to offer me for my subscription. The mag, now it is only produced bi-monthly, (and then late) only gives half the information that has already been published in QLToday! I have no transport, so getting to a workshop is nigh on a major undertaking, especially since the Bristol sub-branch folded... so, dead right, there is no return for the hefty financial outlay - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, November 16, 2004 8:35 PM Subject: Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005 In a message dated 16/11/2004 20:19:27 GMT Standard Time, dent freesurf.ch writes: How about testing if a £10 subscription would bring in new members by launching a special offer for new subscribers at £10 ? Jon. A good idea, but I think the main problem with attracting new members is that they do not see any sort of return for their subscription. It does serve one important function, in that it appears that many Quanta members still have original QLs and very little else... What do people actually want from Quanta - at the moment, all I see is - A library which has very few programs post 1995 - Quanta could take over the Public Domain software function (not sure if Dilwyn would mind) - providing it for free to members, or maybe small cost to non-members, equivalent to what Dilwyn currently charges. Problem is that no-one in Quanta seems willing / able / to have the expertise to run such a service and ensure that it is kept up to date - A magazine which is published infrequently and has few articles. The problem is that most of its membership do not seem interested in new QL technology and therefore articles in QL Today are beyond them or of no interest. On the other hand, all the basic functions of the QL have been done to death. -- No real support for members - instead the members tend to turn to traders. Quanta has access to quite a lot of second hand hardware and software (some of which I have) and I have suggested to John Gilpin that they should actually advertise this in their magazine themselves - especially low cost ways of upgrading standard QLs to give them more memory and disk drive access - A website which has very little information - it needs an overhaul, with links to current QL traders, some of the older articles, such as upgrade options, and above all, a means of applying to become a member - Shows - now Quanta has a long record of organising shows - however, they seem to have run out of steam and / or the incentive to organise these and it is now left mainly to the traders to organise and promote. I cannot see QL2005 happening if left to Quanta at the moment... - A stash of money which is sat there - it should be used towards the development and promotion of the QL. At the moment, it is sitting there and the longer it is left, the harder it is going to be to find a project to spend it on --- Rich Mellor RWAP Services 26 Oak Road, Shelfield, Walsall, West Midlands WS4 1RQ TEL: 01922 691607 Visit our website at URL:http://www.rwapsoftware.co.uk Stuck with ordinary dial up internet connection ?? Read our review of internet accelerators and broadband at: URL: http://www.rwapadventures.com/Services/reviews.html ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
Yes Duncan .. Its all gone VERY QUIET about that one again ... Flurry of hot air a few weeks back, but I've given up all hope of ever seeing it resurrected Brian Kemmett - Original Message - From: Duncan Neithercut [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, November 16, 2004 8:18 AM Subject: RE: [ql-users] Re: QL2005 BTW what happened about the upgraded Perfection that is limited to a few individuals because of worries about ownership of this no longer for sale WP by a defunct company - Duncan Neithercut -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of gwicks Sent: 15 November 2004 19:48 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005 - Original Message - From: Tarquin Mills Subject: Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005 Let me remind everyone once again that the Quanta subscription is currently £4 per year higher than is necessary to run the organisation. If Quanta are not prepared to spend this £4 on QL2005, what are they going to spend it on? There are other things the £4 could be spent on, like making the magazine colour, projects like printer software, a better SGC or a lottery bid for a portable case, USB, ethernet etc. etc. I think Quanta members are price innerlastic and therefore after over 10 years at £14 we should be raising the price. How many members will the reduction to £10 generate, have you got a plan to target poor QLers and potential poor QLers (say a free QL scheme)? Does the £14/£17 cost differential have to be kept? Lets not fade away. Thanks for this contribution, Tarquin, it is the sort of discussion we should be having. I would like to see the subscription stay at £14 with the differential removed. (The £3 extra for overseas members only brings in £150 from an income of £6000). I don't think a reduction to £10 would bring in any new members, but £4 per member invested in QL development might encourage one or two more people to join. Best Wishes, Geoff ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
On 17 Nov 2004 at 14:08, Tony Firshman wrote: Sorry, Rich. I know you are tied into an unconfigurable AOL mailer, but I reckon you could handle the problem of quoting text a mite better. Oh yes, please! Wolfgang www.scp-paulet-lenerz.com ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
In a message dated 17/11/2004 16:10:24 GMT Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: In a message dated 17/11/2004 15:59:25 GMT Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: On 17 Nov 2004 at 14:08, Tony Firshman wrote: Sorry, Rich. I know you are tied into an unconfigurable AOL mailer, but I reckon you could handle the problem of quoting text a mite better. Oh yes, please! Try again - should be better now... Bloody thing is still no better really - offers a blue bar (which doesn't show on a non AOL client), NONE, or indent for quoted text - none of them are much good !! Roll on the days when I don't use AOL any more -- Rich Mellor RWAP Services 26 Oak Road, Shelfield, Walsall, West Midlands WS4 1RQ TEL: 01922 691607 Visit our website at URL:http://www.rwapsoftware.co.uk Stuck with ordinary dial up internet connection ?? Read our review of internet accelerators and broadband at: URL: http://www.rwapadventures.com/Services/reviews.html ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
In a message dated 17/11/2004 16:17:24 GMT Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: ... and ditto for the rest of the email. It was, I am afraid, pretty impossible to work out what was what. Tony RM said: I agree - when I type the reply in AOL browser I see quoted text as either indented or with a blue line against it... Wonder if that formatting is being removed by the ql-users server - have copied this to you privately so you can compare the results... -- Rich Mellor RWAP Services 26 Oak Road, Shelfield, Walsall, West Midlands WS4 1RQ TEL: 01922 691607 Visit our website at URL:http://www.rwapsoftware.co.uk Stuck with ordinary dial up internet connection ?? Read our review of internet accelerators and broadband at: URL: http://www.rwapadventures.com/Services/reviews.html ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
On Wed, 17 Nov 2004 at 11:09:35, wrote: Rich Mellor---^ (ref: [EMAIL PROTECTED]) In a message dated 17/11/2004 15:59:25 GMT Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: ^ I hope the user group archive removes these email addresses. On 17 Nov 2004 at 14:08, Tony Firshman wrote: Sorry, Rich. I know you are tied into an unconfigurable AOL mailer, but I reckon you could handle the problem of quoting text a mite better. Wolf: Oh yes, please! Rich: Try again - should be better now... Separated now, but still no way of seeing which is sender and which is reply (8-(# -- QBBS (QL fido BBS 2:252/67) +44(0)1442-828255 tony@surname.co.uk http://www.firshman.co.uk Voice: +44(0)1442-828254 Fax: +44(0)1442-828255 TF Services, 29 Longfield Road, TRING, Herts, HP23 4DG ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
RE: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
Yes, I dont quite understand that if you already own a legal copy of Perfection why cannot be allowed to get hold of the upgrade. Happy to provide proof of purchase. DP are not trading so loss of profit should not be an issue, loss of support for previous commercial programmes is an issue to me for many of us but that is disregarded by traders that have disappeared - hats off to those who remain. How about this : whoever has it send me a copy please. I will look at the code compare it with the original copy I have and then try to create a program that will patch anyones legal copy upto the style of the upgraded version. To avoid copyright issues I will endevour to use different code in the patch - no problem for me as I am a menace as an assembler programmer and could never produce the polished code that the experts have done. Thanks to whovever sends a copy in advance. Duncan -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Brian Kemmett Sent: 17 November 2004 16:00 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005 Yes Duncan .. Its all gone VERY QUIET about that one again ... Flurry of hot air a few weeks back, but I've given up all hope of ever seeing it resurrected Brian Kemmett - Original Message - From: Duncan Neithercut [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, November 16, 2004 8:18 AM Subject: RE: [ql-users] Re: QL2005 BTW what happened about the upgraded Perfection that is limited to a few individuals because of worries about ownership of this no longer for sale WP by a defunct company - Duncan Neithercut -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of gwicks Sent: 15 November 2004 19:48 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005 - Original Message - From: Tarquin Mills Subject: Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005 Let me remind everyone once again that the Quanta subscription is currently £4 per year higher than is necessary to run the organisation. If Quanta are not prepared to spend this £4 on QL2005, what are they going to spend it on? There are other things the £4 could be spent on, like making the magazine colour, projects like printer software, a better SGC or a lottery bid for a portable case, USB, ethernet etc. etc. I think Quanta members are price innerlastic and therefore after over 10 years at £14 we should be raising the price. How many members will the reduction to £10 generate, have you got a plan to target poor QLers and potential poor QLers (say a free QL scheme)? Does the £14/£17 cost differential have to be kept? Lets not fade away. Thanks for this contribution, Tarquin, it is the sort of discussion we should be having. I would like to see the subscription stay at £14 with the differential removed. (The £3 extra for overseas members only brings in £150 from an income of £6000). I don't think a reduction to £10 would bring in any new members, but £4 per member invested in QL development might encourage one or two more people to join. Best Wishes, Geoff ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
RE: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
Dont walk away : Quanta is sitting on a stack of cash that should be used for the benefit of Quanta members and QL users in general, I guess that most who are left on the scene must have been members at one time. Geoff Wicks is right to try to identify a way of spending some of that cash to help the scene along at the moment. Duncan Neithercut -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Brian Kemmett Sent: 17 November 2004 16:06 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005 Well, I was(am) until the current subscription ends. Brian Kemmett - Original Message - From: John Gilpin [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, November 16, 2004 11:17 PM Subject: Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005 - Original Message - From: Stephen [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, November 16, 2004 10:30 PM Subject: Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005 Dent wrote: How about testing if a £10 subscription would bring in new members by launching a special offer for new subscribers at £10 ? This could lose as many members as it gains. I suspect a fair proportion of the current paying membership members through inertia. A pound or so a month is not much to pay for a bit of nostalgia when (and if!) the Quanta newsletter arrives, although we are not active users any longer. Most don't even bother to lurk here. A change in the sub would only draw attention to the direct debit I don't think there is a crowd out there who refrain from joining for the sake of a penny a day! I am happy to continue to contribute a little financially. I even had a flush of enthusiasm when Jimmy Montesinos updated Qlay, and I wrote an piece for Quanta. Frankly, however, I am not even prepared to pay the cost of an emulator to further my interest. I agree that my investment in Quanta over the years should be spent to further the cause, before it's too late and the Red Cross get it. -- Regards, Stephen Just as a passing thought, does anyone have any idea as to how many of you guys who contribute to this list are current members of Quanta? Regards, John Gilpin. With my Membership Secretary's hat on. ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
The problem is Quanta IS JUST sitting on a stack of cash - I have contributed to their coffers since 1986! To Geoff Wicks, thanks for the concern, but you tell me, what can Quanta do for me? - I live in a QL World black hole! The monthly mag was like a lifeline but now I rely on QLToday because it is a vabrant, upbeat and altogether more informative tome - and it gives breaking news on all things QLish. QUANTA mag has become a shrivelled prune of its former self, and as I have already said, the news is already old. So Geoff, what can Quanta do for outlanders such as me? - Original Message - From: Duncan Neithercut [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, November 17, 2004 8:42 PM Subject: RE: [ql-users] Re: QL2005 Dont walk away : Quanta is sitting on a stack of cash that should be used for the benefit of Quanta members and QL users in general, I guess that most who are left on the scene must have been members at one time. Geoff Wicks is right to try to identify a way of spending some of that cash to help the scene along at the moment. Duncan Neithercut -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Brian Kemmett Sent: 17 November 2004 16:06 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005 Well, I was(am) until the current subscription ends. Brian Kemmett - Original Message - From: John Gilpin [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, November 16, 2004 11:17 PM Subject: Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005 - Original Message - From: Stephen [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, November 16, 2004 10:30 PM Subject: Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005 Dent wrote: How about testing if a £10 subscription would bring in new members by launching a special offer for new subscribers at £10 ? This could lose as many members as it gains. I suspect a fair proportion of the current paying membership members through inertia. A pound or so a month is not much to pay for a bit of nostalgia when (and if!) the Quanta newsletter arrives, although we are not active users any longer. Most don't even bother to lurk here. A change in the sub would only draw attention to the direct debit I don't think there is a crowd out there who refrain from joining for the sake of a penny a day! I am happy to continue to contribute a little financially. I even had a flush of enthusiasm when Jimmy Montesinos updated Qlay, and I wrote an piece for Quanta. Frankly, however, I am not even prepared to pay the cost of an emulator to further my interest. I agree that my investment in Quanta over the years should be spent to further the cause, before it's too late and the Red Cross get it. -- Regards, Stephen Just as a passing thought, does anyone have any idea as to how many of you guys who contribute to this list are current members of Quanta? Regards, John Gilpin. With my Membership Secretary's hat on. ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
Watch this space - Your disbelief and mine will ammount to ... well, no action. and I believe that is why the QL World is dying, or as I said before on this issue, elitist. best wishes.. BK - Original Message - From: Duncan Neithercut [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, November 17, 2004 8:42 PM Subject: RE: [ql-users] Re: QL2005 Yes, I dont quite understand that if you already own a legal copy of Perfection why cannot be allowed to get hold of the upgrade. Happy to provide proof of purchase. DP are not trading so loss of profit should not be an issue, loss of support for previous commercial programmes is an issue to me for many of us but that is disregarded by traders that have disappeared - hats off to those who remain. How about this : whoever has it send me a copy please. I will look at the code compare it with the original copy I have and then try to create a program that will patch anyones legal copy upto the style of the upgraded version. To avoid copyright issues I will endevour to use different code in the patch - no problem for me as I am a menace as an assembler programmer and could never produce the polished code that the experts have done. Thanks to whovever sends a copy in advance. Duncan -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Brian Kemmett Sent: 17 November 2004 16:00 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005 Yes Duncan .. Its all gone VERY QUIET about that one again ... Flurry of hot air a few weeks back, but I've given up all hope of ever seeing it resurrected Brian Kemmett - Original Message - From: Duncan Neithercut [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, November 16, 2004 8:18 AM Subject: RE: [ql-users] Re: QL2005 BTW what happened about the upgraded Perfection that is limited to a few individuals because of worries about ownership of this no longer for sale WP by a defunct company - Duncan Neithercut -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of gwicks Sent: 15 November 2004 19:48 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005 - Original Message - From: Tarquin Mills Subject: Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005 Let me remind everyone once again that the Quanta subscription is currently £4 per year higher than is necessary to run the organisation. If Quanta are not prepared to spend this £4 on QL2005, what are they going to spend it on? There are other things the £4 could be spent on, like making the magazine colour, projects like printer software, a better SGC or a lottery bid for a portable case, USB, ethernet etc. etc. I think Quanta members are price innerlastic and therefore after over 10 years at £14 we should be raising the price. How many members will the reduction to £10 generate, have you got a plan to target poor QLers and potential poor QLers (say a free QL scheme)? Does the £14/£17 cost differential have to be kept? Lets not fade away. Thanks for this contribution, Tarquin, it is the sort of discussion we should be having. I would like to see the subscription stay at £14 with the differential removed. (The £3 extra for overseas members only brings in £150 from an income of £6000). I don't think a reduction to £10 would bring in any new members, but £4 per member invested in QL development might encourage one or two more people to join. Best Wishes, Geoff ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
Rich, I find your quoting - or rather lack of it - difficult to follow. Please could you do something about it? Per - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, November 17, 2004 12:15 PM Subject: Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005 In a message dated 17/11/2004 11:50:33 GMT Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I would have thought that with that hat on the question would not be necessary. Not necessarily easy - you can get a list of the email addresses subscribed to the user list, but Quanta does not necessarily have those on its members database. But seriously, what does the QDOS SMSQ population consist of ? How many :- Traders Users of Emulators High end machines Thors Atari Expanded QLs Originals Hard to judge - people do not respond to many questionnaires nfortunately - it is hard enough getting traders to supply copy for the mailshots, let alone get QL users to respond. I know that in the past year or so, I have sold QL membranes to over 90 different people, so there are still quite a few out there who have the original QLs. However, whether they want them as something to look at or sell, who knows?? I have also sold quite a bit of software on microdrive - in fact so much so, that I am looking at re-releasing Cartridge Doctor !! I do however, try to persuade these users that they need at least a disk interface... Of each :- Use in anger Hobby Shelved A questionnaire to all members , list supplemented with further names provided by traders lists ? Is a printed mag' needed, the time and costs must be a big chunk of expenditure. The same info could more easily be made available by email or on a web site. Not everyone has internet access - I still get quite a few orders by post rather than people emailing me for information.. I think it would be wrong to assume that everyone who has a QL can access the internet for information - that is where printed magazines have their market. The problem is (as I stated in a previous email - wonder where that went...), QL Today is beyond the understanding of many Quanta members and the Quanta magazine does not really have much new to tell its members I find it hard to visualise where and why the system is wanted to go ? Surely everyone using any QL system has access to a mainstream m/c and access to the web - even Inet Caff ! Why then I wonder in the 21st year a maybe browser, or is it just for the hell of it ? Exploiting the virtues of 256 colours ia again a bit like reinventing the wheel unless it is principally a hobby thing (nothing against that). DT a long time ex QLer -- Rich Mellor RWAP Services 26 Oak Road, Shelfield, Walsall, West Midlands WS4 1RQ TEL: 01922 691607 Visit our website at URL:http://www.rwapsoftware.co.uk Stuck with ordinary dial up internet connection ?? Read our review of internet accelerators and broadband at: URL: http://www.rwapadventures.com/Services/reviews.html ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
At 14:08 17/11/2004 +, you wrote: The quoted text above looks actually -slightly- better than it appeared when I was reading it. What I saw was --- I would have thought that with that hat on the question would not be necessary. NO PARA BREAK MAKES FOR CONFUSION. Not necessarily easy - you can get a list of the email addresses subscribed to the user list, but Quanta does not necessarily have those on its members database. --- ... and ditto for the rest of the email. It was, I am afraid, pretty impossible to work out what was what. Hearty endorsements ! ! ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
RE: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
Geoff Wicks wrote : I don't think a reduction to £10 would bring in any new members, but £4 per member invested in QL development might encourage one or two more people to join. So reinvigorating Quanta - Some other ideas : Internet access on QL systems : It is possible using a UNIX shell account software that already exists according to an article on the DJ emulators CD : - The QUANTA committee could identify a provider bundle access to this sort of account plus software with membership. The magazine : shortage of articles but healthy finance : why not commission some show piece articles to make the magazine worth reading again - eg an idiots guide to using Ghostscript, line design etc etc. BTW what happened about the upgraded Perfection that is limited to a few individuals because of worries about ownership of this no longer for sale WP by a defunct company - Duncan Neithercut -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of gwicks Sent: 15 November 2004 19:48 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005 - Original Message - From: Tarquin Mills Subject: Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005 Let me remind everyone once again that the Quanta subscription is currently £4 per year higher than is necessary to run the organisation. If Quanta are not prepared to spend this £4 on QL2005, what are they going to spend it on? There are other things the £4 could be spent on, like making the magazine colour, projects like printer software, a better SGC or a lottery bid for a portable case, USB, ethernet etc. etc. I think Quanta members are price innerlastic and therefore after over 10 years at £14 we should be raising the price. How many members will the reduction to £10 generate, have you got a plan to target poor QLers and potential poor QLers (say a free QL scheme)? Does the £14/£17 cost differential have to be kept? Lets not fade away. Thanks for this contribution, Tarquin, it is the sort of discussion we should be having. I would like to see the subscription stay at £14 with the differential removed. (The £3 extra for overseas members only brings in £150 from an income of £6000). I don't think a reduction to £10 would bring in any new members, but £4 per member invested in QL development might encourage one or two more people to join. Best Wishes, Geoff ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
On 16 Nov 2004 at 12:02, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I think isnurance might be a major reason why(...) Just a quick question: was QL 2004 insured? Wolfgang www.scp-paulet-lenerz.com ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
In a message dated 16/11/2004 20:19:27 GMT Standard Time, dent freesurf.ch writes: How about testing if a £10 subscription would bring in new members by launching a special offer for new subscribers at £10 ? Jon. A good idea, but I think the main problem with attracting new members is that they do not see any sort of return for their subscription. It does serve one important function, in that it appears that many Quanta members still have original QLs and very little else... What do people actually want from Quanta - at the moment, all I see is - A library which has very few programs post 1995 - Quanta could take over the Public Domain software function (not sure if Dilwyn would mind) - providing it for free to members, or maybe small cost to non-members, equivalent to what Dilwyn currently charges. Problem is that no-one in Quanta seems willing / able / to have the expertise to run such a service and ensure that it is kept up to date - A magazine which is published infrequently and has few articles. The problem is that most of its membership do not seem interested in new QL technology and therefore articles in QL Today are beyond them or of no interest. On the other hand, all the basic functions of the QL have been done to death. -- No real support for members - instead the members tend to turn to traders. Quanta has access to quite a lot of second hand hardware and software (some of which I have) and I have suggested to John Gilpin that they should actually advertise this in their magazine themselves - especially low cost ways of upgrading standard QLs to give them more memory and disk drive access - A website which has very little information - it needs an overhaul, with links to current QL traders, some of the older articles, such as upgrade options, and above all, a means of applying to become a member - Shows - now Quanta has a long record of organising shows - however, they seem to have run out of steam and / or the incentive to organise these and it is now left mainly to the traders to organise and promote. I cannot see QL2005 happening if left to Quanta at the moment... - A stash of money which is sat there - it should be used towards the development and promotion of the QL. At the moment, it is sitting there and the longer it is left, the harder it is going to be to find a project to spend it on --- Rich Mellor RWAP Services 26 Oak Road, Shelfield, Walsall, West Midlands WS4 1RQ TEL: 01922 691607 Visit our website at URL:http://www.rwapsoftware.co.uk Stuck with ordinary dial up internet connection ?? Read our review of internet accelerators and broadband at: URL: http://www.rwapadventures.com/Services/reviews.html ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
- Original Message - From: Duncan Neithercut Subject: RE: [ql-users] Re: QL2005 Geoff Wicks wrote : I don't think a reduction to £10 would bring in any new members, but £4 per member invested in QL development might encourage one or two more people to join. So reinvigorating Quanta - Some other ideas : Internet access on QL systems : It is possible using a UNIX shell account software that already exists according to an article on the DJ emulators CD : - The QUANTA committee could identify a provider bundle access to this sort of account plus software with membership. The magazine : shortage of articles but healthy finance : why not commission some show piece articles to make the magazine worth reading again - eg an idiots guide to using Ghostscript, line design etc etc. BTW what happened about the upgraded Perfection that is limited to a few individuals because of worries about ownership of this no longer for sale WP by a defunct company - Thanks for these further ideas. Let's hope others can suggest more! Best Wishes, Geoff ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
- Original Message - From: dilwyn.jones Subject: Re: Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005 I think isnurance might be a major reason why it's best done under the Quanta banner, although there might not be any reason why the committee couldn't delegate it's organisation of the QL2005 to Geoff and a couple of other co-opted members to do the organising? Especially as Roy Brereton seems to be the show organiser without really having the time on his hands to do it as effectively as he'd like, especially as he's got the newsletter to worry about as well. Of course, it might just be possible that I could still be on the Quanta Committee. I am still considering all the options. To misquote some USA president, I forget which, when asked why kept critics in his cabinet. Is it better to have them inside the tent pissing out, or outside the tent pissing in? Best Wishes, Geoff ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
- Original Message - From: Wolfgang Lenerz Subject: Re: Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005 On 16 Nov 2004 at 12:02, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I think isnurance might be a major reason why(...) Just a quick question: was QL 2004 insured? That's a question for Sin_QL_Air. I assume they, or the school, were covered. The problem with the UK is that there is a growing compensation culture so that you have to be doubly certain with insurance. The trouble is that you can't trust any damn lawyer! (Quickly dives under desk.) Best Wishes, Geoff ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
Dent wrote: How about testing if a £10 subscription would bring in new members by launching a special offer for new subscribers at £10 ? This could lose as many members as it gains. I suspect a fair proportion of the current paying membership members through inertia. A pound or so a month is not much to pay for a bit of nostalgia when (and if!) the Quanta newsletter arrives, although we are not active users any longer. Most don't even bother to lurk here. A change in the sub would only draw attention to the direct debit I don't think there is a crowd out there who refrain from joining for the sake of a penny a day! I am happy to continue to contribute a little financially. I even had a flush of enthusiasm when Jimmy Montesinos updated Qlay, and I wrote an piece for Quanta. Frankly, however, I am not even prepared to pay the cost of an emulator to further my interest. I agree that my investment in Quanta over the years should be spent to further the cause, before it's too late and the Red Cross get it. -- Regards, Stephen ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
- Original Message - From: Stephen [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, November 16, 2004 10:30 PM Subject: Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005 Dent wrote: How about testing if a £10 subscription would bring in new members by launching a special offer for new subscribers at £10 ? This could lose as many members as it gains. I suspect a fair proportion of the current paying membership members through inertia. A pound or so a month is not much to pay for a bit of nostalgia when (and if!) the Quanta newsletter arrives, although we are not active users any longer. Most don't even bother to lurk here. A change in the sub would only draw attention to the direct debit I don't think there is a crowd out there who refrain from joining for the sake of a penny a day! I am happy to continue to contribute a little financially. I even had a flush of enthusiasm when Jimmy Montesinos updated Qlay, and I wrote an piece for Quanta. Frankly, however, I am not even prepared to pay the cost of an emulator to further my interest. I agree that my investment in Quanta over the years should be spent to further the cause, before it's too late and the Red Cross get it. -- Regards, Stephen Just as a passing thought, does anyone have any idea as to how many of you guys who contribute to this list are current members of Quanta? Regards, John Gilpin. With my Membership Secretary's hat on. ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
- Original Message - From: gwicks [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, November 16, 2004 8:11 PM Subject: Re: Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005 - Original Message - From: Wolfgang Lenerz Subject: Re: Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005 On 16 Nov 2004 at 12:02, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I think isnurance might be a major reason why(...) Just a quick question: was QL 2004 insured? That's a question for Sin_QL_Air. I assume they, or the school, were covered. The problem with the UK is that there is a growing compensation culture so that you have to be doubly certain with insurance. The trouble is that you can't trust any damn lawyer! (Quickly dives under desk.) Best Wishes, Geoff Quanta sponsored Workshops are covered by Public Liability Insurance until 16th April 2005 when the policy is due for renewal. And it is still getting more expensive every time we renew!! Regards, John Gilpin, Quanta Treasurer. ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
Just as a passing thought, does anyone have any idea as to how many of you guys who contribute to this list are current members of Quanta? Regards, John Gilpin. With my Membership Secretary's hat on. I would have thought that with that hat on the question would not be necessary. But seriously, what does the QDOS SMSQ population consist of ? How many :- Traders Users of Emulators High end machines Thors Atari Expanded QLs Originals Of each :- Use in anger Hobby Shelved A questionnaire to all members , list supplemented with further names provided by traders lists ? Is a printed mag' needed, the time and costs must be a big chunk of expenditure. The same info could more easily be made available by email or on a web site. I find it hard to visualise where and why the system is wanted to go ? Surely everyone using any QL system has access to a mainstream m/c and access to the web - even Inet Caff ! Why then I wonder in the 21st year a maybe browser, or is it just for the hell of it ? Exploiting the virtues of 256 colours ia again a bit like reinventing the wheel unless it is principally a hobby thing (nothing against that). DT a long time ex QLer ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
Hello, Roy wood wrote: Just to put another issue into the mix here, John Mason called me last week and asked if I would organise the 2005 Hove show so it could be the AGM. I have looked into dates for this that would fit Quanta's schedule and I am preparing to book the hall for 17th April. This may have some bearing on the likely date for QL 2005 so I thought I should let you all know now. I would also welcome input from any traders would have a problem with that date. Sounds fine. If Quanta cannot organise the QL2005 why don't we do it ourselves and charge a small admission fee? Indeed, better have *A* solution than no show at all. Jochen ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
Geoff Wicks wrote: In other words two thirds of the committee can be passive and get away with it. The result is that you have disasters like the famous Oct/Nov/Dec/Jan 2003/2004 magazine. It was easy to make Paul Merdinian the scapegoat for this. In fact the committee were far more culpable than they admitted. Another victim was QL2004 and now it is QL2005. If members want QL2005 then they will have to work for it and not just wait for the committee to do something. I have promised to do the organisation of the publicity and programme, but someone else has to organise the venue, catering and facilities. (This is a recognition of my own areas of strength and weakness.) Let me remind everyone once again that the Quanta subscription is currently £4 per year higher than is necessary to run the organisation. If Quanta are not prepared to spend this £4 on QL2005, what are they going to spend it on? I hear rumblings that could mean a robust AGM. For example, a resolution to reduce the subscription or to demand that Quanta organise and finance QL2005. There have even been suggestions of a coup d'etat. There are other things the £4 could be spent on, like making the magazine colour, projects like printer software, a better SGC or a lottery bid for a portable case, USB, ethernet etc. etc. I think Quanta members are price innerlastic and therefore after over 10 years at £14 we should be raising the price. How many members will the reduction to £10 generate, have you got a plan to target poor QLers and potential poor QLers (say a free QL scheme)? Does the £14/£17 cost differential have to be kept? Lets not fade away. Please do not use this as an excuse to leave Quanta. We still need an organisation like Quanta, but it has to start working more effectively. Think carefully what you would like Quanta to become and make your voice known at the next AGM. If I can get to it, I wanted to be at this years AGM, after the 4 month magazine episode. [snipped bit about QL2005] While on the subject of shows is ORSAM 2004 going to be covered in the magazines? -- Tarquin Mills ACCUS (Anglia Classic Computer Users Society) http://www.speccyverse.me.uk/comp/accus/ ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
- Original Message - From: Tarquin Mills Subject: Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005 Let me remind everyone once again that the Quanta subscription is currently £4 per year higher than is necessary to run the organisation. If Quanta are not prepared to spend this £4 on QL2005, what are they going to spend it on? There are other things the £4 could be spent on, like making the magazine colour, projects like printer software, a better SGC or a lottery bid for a portable case, USB, ethernet etc. etc. I think Quanta members are price innerlastic and therefore after over 10 years at £14 we should be raising the price. How many members will the reduction to £10 generate, have you got a plan to target poor QLers and potential poor QLers (say a free QL scheme)? Does the £14/£17 cost differential have to be kept? Lets not fade away. Thanks for this contribution, Tarquin, it is the sort of discussion we should be having. I would like to see the subscription stay at £14 with the differential removed. (The £3 extra for overseas members only brings in £150 from an income of £6000). I don't think a reduction to £10 would bring in any new members, but £4 per member invested in QL development might encourage one or two more people to join. Best Wishes, Geoff ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
- Original Message - From: Roy wood Subject: Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005 Just to put another issue into the mix here, John Mason called me last week and asked if I would organise the 2005 Hove show so it could be the AGM. I have looked into dates for this that would fit Quanta's schedule and I am preparing to book the hall for 17th April. Fine by me. Seems to me to be a sensible solution for next year's AGM. If Quanta cannot organise the QL2005 why don't we do it ourselves and charge a small admission fee? -- I have been wondering whether it would be possible to do QL2005 without Quanta. I get the impression that with Quanta we are dragging a reluctant bride to the altar and that rarely makes for a happy marriage. Problem is that there is a hefty capital expenditure before the event, plus you have to be sure there is insurance cover. We would be talking a minimum of £200 for the hall and possibly a lot more unless someone knows an Eindhoven solution, that is a school or similar we could use for nothing. If anyone has any suggestions I would be pleeased to hear them, Best Wishes, Geoff ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
Just to put another issue into the mix here, John Mason called me last week and asked if I would organise the 2005 Hove show so it could be the AGM. I have looked into dates for this that would fit Quanta's schedule and I am preparing to book the hall for 17th April. This may have some bearing on the likely date for QL 2005 so I thought I should let you all know now. I would also welcome input from any traders would have a problem with that date. I realise it is hard to firmly predict where one will be at a set date in the future because, in spite of my agreeing the Byfleet date some time ago, I find that I have to be in Chepstow on that day doing a diving exam. I would like to take this opportunity to apologise for my absence. This is the first Byfleet show I have missed in the 10 years of QBranch's existence. If Quanta cannot organise the QL2005 why don't we do it ourselves and charge a small admission fee? -- Roy Wood Q Branch. 20 Locks Hill, Portslade, Sussex.BN41 2LB Tel: +44 (0) 1273 386030fax: +44 (0) 1273 430501 web : www.qbranch.demon.co.uk ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
