Re: [ql-users] QL2004 Eindhoven - PROVISIONAL DATE
I'll be there. François Van Emelen gwicks wrote: I now have a provisional date for the QL2004 Eindhoven show: Saturday 16th October 2004. As I have said before, we have very little leeway about alternative dates. The show calender can get quite busy in the Autumn. Also we get the venue free of charge. It is a school that other groups sometimes use on Saturdays so even Sin-QL-Air are restricted on suitable dates. Jochen I will meet the Sin-QL-Air committee probably sometime in March and from then on we can start to make detailed plans. I'm feeling happy! Geoff Wicks
Re: [ql-users] QL2004 Eindhoven - PROVISIONAL DATE
I will come anyway. Arnould gwicks a écrit: I now have a provisional date for the QL2004 Eindhoven show: Saturday 16th October 2004. I'm feeling happy! Geoff Wicks
Re: [ql-users] QL2004
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], gwicks [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes PRESENT STATE OF PLAY On New Year's Eve I posted a message on this list about a possible QL2004 show in Eindhoven. The reaction to this has been disappointing - only two replies. Fortunately one of these was a reaction from QUANTA, which gives a lot more clarity to the state of play, but still leaves us with a very fluid situation. Q Branch, as usual, make every effort to be there and, if there is anything I can do that is within my reach to help things along I will do so. I am completely in favour of celebrating this anniversary. I may well be that there will have to be two separate shows one in the UK and one on the European Mainland. Keep me posted about dates. I will try to attend both events. -- Roy Wood Q Branch. 20 Locks Hill, Portslade, Sussex. Tel: +44 (0) 1273 386030fax: +44 (0) 1273 430501 web : www.qbranch.demon.co.uk
RE: [ql-users] QL2004
Absolutely correct autorun.inf is windows only -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Dilwyn Jones Sent: 16 August 2003 14:16 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [ql-users] QL2004 The autorun.inf only works on Windows systems though, surely? I don't mind adding an autorun.info which would boot iit into a DOS or Windows text viewer to show the readme.txt, that should be simple enough, I could even use the free Word viewer to boot the readme.doc file. Ideally needs to be made bootable for Amiga, Mac, Windows, ST and Linux systems though, as there are emulators for all of them. -- Dilwyn Jones - Original Message - From: Malcolm Cadman [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, August 11, 2003 9:29 PM Subject: Re: [ql-users] QL2004 In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Duncan Neithercut [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Autorun CDs on a PC are possible. When a CD is inserted into the CD drive when windows is running Windows looks for a file on the CD called Autorun.inf This is a text file. Info about this can be found on the web. Basically all that the file needs to contain is the statement : open=Program.Exe : to execute a program like QPC2 or open=document.html : but this assumes that there is an appropriate browser available in windows and that a Windows program start.exe is available. This is apparently not available in Windows NT 2000. There is on the web an alternative freeware program called avvia. It can be used as a substitute for start.exe. It seems to work OK. I use it to make autorunning CDs with powerpoint presentations sometimes needed for my job, but after reading this thread I have just made - 2minute job an autorunning CD that boots up QPC2 with a small QXL.win file on the CD as well. The CD contains : Autorun.inf QPC2 avvia Register.key QXL.win SMSQ/E So if thats the sort of thing you are looking for its probably feasable. Dilwyn could make an auto running PC CD rom that boots one of the freeware QL emulators which launches a QL text viewer with his readme file a browser to give instant access to the software in for example his excellent PD CDROM. I can supply the zip file containing avvia if anyone wants to try it. Magic Duncan ! There is always someone who can give the answer in this community :-) I hope Dilwyn can take this forward when he has the time. It would be a real way to get some 'old' users back, and introduce some new ones too. Duncan -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Dilwyn Jones Sent: 10 August 2003 23:57 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [ql-users] QL2004 The QL Emulators CD that Dilwyn and Darren produced, for example, was a great idea. Once the GUI's area available it would be good to do this again ... and more. Thanks. I hadn't really thought of using Launchpad or QDT in this context, but who knows? Have CD that would 'auto magically' produce and set up a QL environment on a MAC or PC, etc. It will have to be easy and 'done on a plate' to get new users involved. They won't have the time to catch up on all the things that those of still involved may know about. This is one of the shortcomings of the present CD, I didn't know enough about the 'other computers' to do auto-setups etc, which is why it's only a home brew-DIY tinkerers setup and readme.txt's etc. Anyone who'd like to do this is welcome to have a copy to provide such a setup, but please make it flexible enough to allow for whatever might happen, for example, the latest CD (v1.24) now has QL2K and the Windows version of uQLx, just added as is with additions to the readme files. -- Malcolm Cadman
Re: [ql-users] QL2004
Subject: [ql-users] QL2004 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] From:Malcolm Cadman [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date:Mon, 4 Aug 2003 18:36:38 +0100 (Copied from Malcolm C's email - he cannot send to the gorup for some reason) In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Tony Firshman [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes On Sun, 3 Aug 2003 at 20:54:54, Roy wood wrote: (ref: [EMAIL PROTECTED]) In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], gwicks [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes SNIP I won't quote back any of the long and detailed list Geoff has just given us but I have a great tendency to agree with him on ninety percent of it. If we are to be honest with ourselves we could add a few lines to the list as well. Only one I don't agree on. A loss of £100 a year is nothing. That is a small price to pay for membership of the QL club. If only my loss was that small. There is a story which is one of quite a few which keep me with the QL. Someone sent me their 'beloved' QL for repair just before Christmas last year. I had told her on the phone that it was a standard price, but forgot to mention that did not include microdrives. Of course, the problem she had was microdrives! I replaced both and did not charge her 'It was my fault for forgetting - it is your lucky day' She then wrote back a delightful letter, saying that she was quite old and my letter had arrived at a very low point in her life. She was not looking forward to Christmas, as she really had very little money. Reading between the lines, I think she had just lost her husband. Anyway, it was just before a QL show, so I asked her whether she could come, as I had a Trump Card I could give her. At the show, Malcolm Cadman added disks and a double floppy disk drive. ... and I have never cashed her cheque for the repair. That is why I stick with the QL. I think Tony has got the essence of what makes the QL well worth staying with. A computer passing its twentieth birthday and beyond has inevitably got 'older' people amongst its users. It was great to be able to help out the person mentioned at the last London Quanta Workshop. The equipment was 'donated' to the group by another QL user moving on with their own computing needs. So, someone else has really benefited. The donations of equipment that I have had since organising the London Group have made it very financially viable. We now have enough funds to continue for several years into the future. So my thanks again to anyone who has donated anything to us. However, we have now sadly lost three of our long serving members through illness - all of them very well known to other QLers and Traders. Also, other people have 'retired' from the scene to the rich pastures of the modern PC ... For me. the QL is still really enjoyable to be associated with. I know how to use it from the command line, with the Pointer Environment, etc. Why throw that away ? It doesn't stop me using other types of computer systems too. In fact the excellent emulators that we now have really help to keep the spirit of the QL going on other platforms. Most of all the people involved in the QL scene are great to meet with. Everyone is friendly, helpful and often multi-talented. I do think we are finally entering a phase when we will have all the elements for a QL environment that has the potential to win back some users, the QL will never be a mass market product again ... yet we will have to promote it ... with the GUI's that are being developed, the internet access and tools, the new hardware, etc. Those of us who are expert will have to make the QL environment accessible again to older returnees as well as newly interested enthusiasts. The QL Emulators CD that Dilwyn and Darren produced, for example, was a great idea. Once the GUI's area available it would be good to do this again ... and more. Have CD that would 'auto magically' produce and set up a QL environment on a MAC or PC, etc. It will have to be easy and 'done on a plate' to get new users involved. They won't have the time to catch up on all the things that those of still involved may know about. -- 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
RE: [ql-users] QL2004
Autorun CDs on a PC are possible. When a CD is inserted into the CD drive when windows is running Windows looks for a file on the CD called Autorun.inf This is a text file. Info about this can be found on the web. Basically all that the file needs to contain is the statement : open=Program.Exe : to execute a program like QPC2 or open=document.html : but this assumes that there is an appropriate browser available in windows and that a Windows program start.exe is available. This is apparently not available in Windows NT 2000. There is on the web an alternative freeware program called avvia. It can be used as a substitute for start.exe. It seems to work OK. I use it to make autorunning CDs with powerpoint presentations sometimes needed for my job, but after reading this thread I have just made - 2minute job an autorunning CD that boots up QPC2 with a small QXL.win file on the CD as well. The CD contains : Autorun.inf QPC2 avvia Register.key QXL.win SMSQ/E So if thats the sort of thing you are looking for its probably feasable. Dilwyn could make an auto running PC CD rom that boots one of the freeware QL emulators which launches a QL text viewer with his readme file a browser to give instant access to the software in for example his excellent PD CDROM. I can supply the zip file containing avvia if anyone wants to try it. Duncan -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Dilwyn Jones Sent: 10 August 2003 23:57 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [ql-users] QL2004 The QL Emulators CD that Dilwyn and Darren produced, for example, was a great idea. Once the GUI's area available it would be good to do this again ... and more. Thanks. I hadn't really thought of using Launchpad or QDT in this context, but who knows? Have CD that would 'auto magically' produce and set up a QL environment on a MAC or PC, etc. It will have to be easy and 'done on a plate' to get new users involved. They won't have the time to catch up on all the things that those of still involved may know about. This is one of the shortcomings of the present CD, I didn't know enough about the 'other computers' to do auto-setups etc, which is why it's only a home brew-DIY tinkerers setup and readme.txt's etc. Anyone who'd like to do this is welcome to have a copy to provide such a setup, but please make it flexible enough to allow for whatever might happen, for example, the latest CD (v1.24) now has QL2K and the Windows version of uQLx, just added as is with additions to the readme files. -- Dilwyn Jones
Re: [ql-users] QL2004
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Dilwyn Jones [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes The QL Emulators CD that Dilwyn and Darren produced, for example, was a great idea. Once the GUI's area available it would be good to do this again ... and more. Thanks. I hadn't really thought of using Launchpad or QDT in this context, but who knows? Have CD that would 'auto magically' produce and set up a QL environment on a MAC or PC, etc. It will have to be easy and 'done on a plate' to get new users involved. They won't have the time to catch up on all the things that those of still involved may know about. This is one of the shortcomings of the present CD, I didn't know enough about the 'other computers' to do auto-setups etc, which is why it's only a home brew-DIY tinkerers setup and readme.txt's etc. Anyone who'd like to do this is welcome to have a copy to provide such a setup, but please make it flexible enough to allow for whatever might happen, for example, the latest CD (v1.24) now has QL2K and the Windows version of uQLx, just added as is with additions to the readme files. I hope someone will have the skill and time in a packaged way ... it -- Malcolm Cadman This is an Idea I had some time ago. Actually, back when the late Colin Baskett was editor of QUANTA Magazine, I came up with a version of QPC1 demo (the old original DOS version) that went on a floppy, and had its own boot file and autoexec.bat file, and would boot up as a QL and also ran a little boot file and loaded up some PD programs, including Xchange and some useful freeware stuff, and so ran directly when inserted into the floppy drive of a PC and reset the machine - most PC's will try to boot from the floppy first by default (this is set in the BIOS) and then the hard drive, with newer BIOSes adding the option to boot directly from CD too. My floppy didn't even use MS-DOS - I used a freeware alternative called free-dos AND THIS MADE THE ENTIRE THING FREELY -DISTRIBUTABLE :-)) I gave a copy to Colin, but don't think it ever ended up in the library. The latter might be the way to go - have a bootable CD and have it load maybe QPC2 or QL2K - although this would be harder to do as Windows must be initiated and running first!! I'm on hols next week so will try and look into it...hopefully can get something that works. I also have a bootable disk that does the same thing on an amiga (any version) and will boot the kick rom and the amiga/QL emulator from asingle floppy disk direct from a reset too, so no user knowledge is needed to get it up and running., Darren, This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify us immediately at [EMAIL PROTECTED] and delete this E-mail from your system. Thank you. It is possible for data transmitted by email to be deliberately or accidentally corrupted or intercepted. For this reason, where the communication is by email, the Bank of Ireland Group does not accept any responsibility for any breach of confidence which may arise through the use of this medium. This footnote also confirms that this email message has been swept for the presence of known computer viruses.
Re: [ql-users] QL2004
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Dilwyn Jones [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes The QL Emulators CD that Dilwyn and Darren produced, for example, was a great idea. Once the GUI's area available it would be good to do this again ... and more. Thanks. I hadn't really thought of using Launchpad or QDT in this context, but who knows? Have CD that would 'auto magically' produce and set up a QL environment on a MAC or PC, etc. It will have to be easy and 'done on a plate' to get new users involved. They won't have the time to catch up on all the things that those of still involved may know about. This is one of the shortcomings of the present CD, I didn't know enough about the 'other computers' to do auto-setups etc, which is why it's only a home brew-DIY tinkerers setup and readme.txt's etc. Anyone who'd like to do this is welcome to have a copy to provide such a setup, but please make it flexible enough to allow for whatever might happen, for example, the latest CD (v1.24) now has QL2K and the Windows version of uQLx, just added as is with additions to the readme files. I hope someone will have the skill and time in a packaged way ... it makes such a difference in getting a critical mass of users. -- Malcolm Cadman
Re: [ql-users] QL2004
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Duncan Neithercut [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Autorun CDs on a PC are possible. When a CD is inserted into the CD drive when windows is running Windows looks for a file on the CD called Autorun.inf This is a text file. Info about this can be found on the web. Basically all that the file needs to contain is the statement : open=Program.Exe : to execute a program like QPC2 or open=document.html : but this assumes that there is an appropriate browser available in windows and that a Windows program start.exe is available. This is apparently not available in Windows NT 2000. There is on the web an alternative freeware program called avvia. It can be used as a substitute for start.exe. It seems to work OK. I use it to make autorunning CDs with powerpoint presentations sometimes needed for my job, but after reading this thread I have just made - 2minute job an autorunning CD that boots up QPC2 with a small QXL.win file on the CD as well. The CD contains : Autorun.inf QPC2 avvia Register.key QXL.win SMSQ/E So if thats the sort of thing you are looking for its probably feasable. Dilwyn could make an auto running PC CD rom that boots one of the freeware QL emulators which launches a QL text viewer with his readme file a browser to give instant access to the software in for example his excellent PD CDROM. I can supply the zip file containing avvia if anyone wants to try it. Magic Duncan ! There is always someone who can give the answer in this community :-) I hope Dilwyn can take this forward when he has the time. It would be a real way to get some 'old' users back, and introduce some new ones too. Duncan -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Dilwyn Jones Sent: 10 August 2003 23:57 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [ql-users] QL2004 The QL Emulators CD that Dilwyn and Darren produced, for example, was a great idea. Once the GUI's area available it would be good to do this again ... and more. Thanks. I hadn't really thought of using Launchpad or QDT in this context, but who knows? Have CD that would 'auto magically' produce and set up a QL environment on a MAC or PC, etc. It will have to be easy and 'done on a plate' to get new users involved. They won't have the time to catch up on all the things that those of still involved may know about. This is one of the shortcomings of the present CD, I didn't know enough about the 'other computers' to do auto-setups etc, which is why it's only a home brew-DIY tinkerers setup and readme.txt's etc. Anyone who'd like to do this is welcome to have a copy to provide such a setup, but please make it flexible enough to allow for whatever might happen, for example, the latest CD (v1.24) now has QL2K and the Windows version of uQLx, just added as is with additions to the readme files. -- Malcolm Cadman
Re: [ql-users] QL2004
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Dilwyn Jones [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes The QL Emulators CD that Dilwyn and Darren produced, for example, was a great idea. Once the GUI's area available it would be good to do this again ... and more. Thanks. I hadn't really thought of using Launchpad or QDT in this context, but who knows? Have CD that would 'auto magically' produce and set up a QL environment on a MAC or PC, etc. It will have to be easy and 'done on a plate' to get new users involved. They won't have the time to catch up on all the things that those of still involved may know about. This is one of the shortcomings of the present CD, I didn't know enough about the 'other computers' to do auto-setups etc, which is why it's only a home brew-DIY tinkerers setup and readme.txt's etc. Anyone who'd like to do this is welcome to have a copy to provide such a setup, but please make it flexible enough to allow for whatever might happen, for example, the latest CD (v1.24) now has QL2K and the Windows version of uQLx, just added as is with additions to the readme files. I hope someone will have the skill and time in a packaged way ... it -- Malcolm Cadman This is an Idea I had some time ago. Actually, back when the late Colin Baskett was editor of QUANTA Magazine, I came up with a version of QPC1 demo (the old original DOS version) that went on a floppy, and had its own boot file and autoexec.bat file, and would boot up as a QL and also ran a little boot file and loaded up some PD programs, including Xchange and some useful freeware stuff, and so ran directly when inserted into the floppy drive of a PC and reset the machine - most PC's will try to boot from the floppy first by default (this is set in the BIOS) and then the hard drive, with newer BIOSes adding the option to boot directly from CD too. My floppy didn't even use MS-DOS - I used a freeware alternative called free-dos AND THIS MADE THE ENTIRE THING FREELY -DISTRIBUTABLE :-)) I gave a copy to Colin, but don't think it ever ended up in the library. OK ... trust you ! So my idea is not that original :-) The latter might be the way to go - have a bootable CD and have it load maybe QPC2 or QL2K - although this would be harder to do as Windows must be initiated and running first!! I was thinking of the CD booting up when installed in the drive ... as is common ... when Windows or MAC OS10, etc, already running. I'm on hols next week so will try and look into it...hopefully can get something that works. I also have a bootable disk that does the same thing on an amiga (any version) and will boot the kick rom and the amiga/QL emulator from asingle floppy disk direct from a reset too, so no user knowledge is needed to get it up and running., OK, enjoy the 'hols' :-) Incidentally has everyone tried the QPCdemo on Marcel's site ... this loads the QPCdemo and a small QXL.WIN with lots of software on it. Indicative of what can done. Give it a try ... -- Malcolm Cadman
Re: [ql-users] QL2004
Jochen Merz wrote: Most of the things you say I agree with. And we do not just lose a QL Trader if you stop, we lose much more. And we also lose YOUR view of the QL scene - in talk and in your articles, often a critical view, often saying something which needs to said .. you too are part of the equilibrium you mention! Absolutely, well said. A very unique scene, impossible to describe, but definitely something I do not want to miss! Over the years, I nearly left the QL scene a couple of times too, but stayed with it for the usual reason, it had a social side and I made some great friends through it, and writing software and magazine articles gives me great pleasure - I've spent the best part fo two years (off and on) writing Launchpad to give the QL a GUI of some form with little or no chance of making a profit out of it, it has been a labour of love. I can't see me abandoing ship yet, although reading Geoff's letter makes me understand his reasons fully for planning his future the way he has done.. Geoff, I hope you will make the most of your remaining times with us and thank you so much for all your hard work and excellent software over the years. To think, Just Words probably started from comments I made after DJC came to an end :-) -- Dilwyn Jones
Re: [ql-users] QL2004
- Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [ql-users] QL2004 That's pretty sad - both that you are leaving the QL World, and that you should feel such a relief in doing so! You will be missed! Care to enlighten us about your reasons? Wolfgang As promised, some detailed reasons. It is a long piece, about 1,700 words, so I have done it as an attachment. It is in four sections, which can each be read separately. One of the sections is positive. Geoff Wicks I am a proactive person. When I look back on my work life, I am proud of the two years that I sat on the National Executive of my trade union/professional association. Although I was not a nationally known figure, I increased membership in my region by 20% - 30% at a time when the union was in severe financial difficulties. I am proud of the number of times in my work life I transformed non-functioning committees into working bodies. It goes without saying that I would relish the challenge to transform the QL scene. The QL is in serious decline, but I am confident it could remain viable for some years yet. QUANTA has over 300 members. Most of us know about 50 to 100 of them. They are the usual suspects who attend shows. This means there are 200 - 250 QUANTA members about whom we know little. They are remain loyal to their QLs and continue to subscribe to QUANTA. Strange because PCs are now dirt cheap and, if you are not an active member, QUANTA is frankly a waste of money. The survival of the QL means getting these people back into the main stream. It means having shows that are more than a room, coffee and tea. A person on the peripherals of the QL community does not travel 10, 20, 30, or whatever, miles to come to a show and drink a cup of tea. He will come if he wants to buy something from a trader. He might come if there is a program to interest him. People act differently in a group than in one to one contacts. Activities, talks and demonstrations get people reacting as a group. Ideas breed ideas and ideas generate enthusiasm. Over the last few weeks, I have initiated a discussion on QL shows that some may think has been too provocative. The main benefit of this discussion is the clarity it has given about what QL-ers in the UK expect from shows. Tony Firshman gave the game away (and this is not intended as a criticism of Tony) when he said the best show he has ever attended was last year in Ireland when just 6 people were present. I think Tony echoed what the majority of UK-QL-ers want. I am now convinced the lack of activity at shows is not negligence; not laziness; and not a lack of skill in running shows. It is what most UK QL-ers actively want. This goes against all my instincts as someone who enjoys reviving moribund bodies, but I find it quite understandable, particularly when I look at the present state of QL businesses. Probably no QL trader now makes a profit. What I suspect has now happened is that a point of equilibrium has been reached in which the businesses tick over and the losses remain sufficiently constant to be absorbed in the other activities of each trader. Anything that upsets this equilibrium is a threat, not just a perceived threat, but a material threat. A threat that genuinely could spell the final death of the QL. There are many signs that this is an accurate analysis. Scarcely any traders' adverts change from month to month. The UK has the largest QL community in the world, but, apart from D D systems, nothing exciting has come out of the UK for about 5 years. I am satisfied that I am so out of tune with the rest of the UK QL community that my continued presence would also upset that equilibrium. - Many of the people with whom you have to do business as a QL Trader are unreliable. This is not just my opinion, but that of other traders. In volume 7 issue 3 of QL Today Jochen wrote of his difficulty in getting replies to emails from some QL traders. He gave as an example cases where he had placed orders with third parties on behalf of customers. If that third party did not react to emails or failed to send the goods promptly, then his (i.e. Jochen's) reputation as a trader was at stake. Does he then tell the client he cannot get the goods because the company is too unreliable. Jochen referred to Tony Firshman having similar problems. About three years ago, Tony invested hours of his time in building up an electronic database of QL members, which has been to the benefit of every QL trader. It saves the expense of sending flyers by snail mail, and is a form of free advertising for traders who cannot make it to shows. Some traders never reply to his first request for copy, and he usually has to send two more emails to get the copy in. His anger and frustration are clear from the text of the second and third emails. A few months ago a QL trader lost an order from me worth
Re: [ql-users] QL2004
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], gwicks [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes SNIP I won't quote back any of the long and detailed list Geoff has just given us but I have a great tendency to agree with him on ninety percent of it. If we are to be honest with ourselves we could add a few lines to the list as well. The point about the support given to users is well made but then you also have to take into account the fact that many of us traders are also human being with busy lives and commitments. I suspect that two of the examples may refer to me and I can only say in my defence that one of the people who I know went to Geoff at one of the shows was a major source of irritation to almost all of the traders one after the other. I was the third in line. He had a habit of calling between 9 and 11 pm. At first I answered his questions and explained at length what he had to do. He also came round to my house and we sat and sorted it out. Two months later he called again and said 'I know you explained this once but...' I explained again. a while later he called again with the same question. After a while it wears thin and the elastic snaps. After me complaining about repeated phone calls and explanations he wrote a long email telling me I should not be so short with him and listing his problems. Each one was clearly explained in the manual so I just listed the page and paragraph numbers. His reply was 'oh I never read manuals' What can you do? The other user was a failure of mine and I fully admit he caught me on a bad day - well have those. I would counter these with a story of one customer who did not want to buy anything just wanted to retrieve his files from some ED disks. He had QPC2 but the PC would not see ED disks. I found a drive, built a box with a PSU and retrieved all the files onto HD disks for him for free. He was not alone in being helped for free. We are all saints and sinners in equal measure. As a trader I have often found that new versions are available that I have not been informed of or sent copies of. Clearly, after all these years we have all ceased to communicate properly. When I came back to the UK and started QBranch 9 years ago I felt that there was much that could be done to improve the QL scene. I would like to think that QBranch has done some of those things but I would be the first to admit that, with 9 years of it under my belt and two young children, I am now guilty of some of the things I was angry with the older traders for. I met up with Jochen this weekend to collect the next issue of QL Today and have a social day on the beach at Calais. We discussed a lot of QL issues and the lack of new software / hardware is one of the things that alarms us the most. I am no programmer so I can contribute little here but who do we have to write new stuff ? Nasta is working on some new hardware but his personal situation has been hard and he has little money to spend on prototyping - maybe QUANTA could help with this and then have the first batch for sale ? Both Q Branch and TF Services make a loss each year. Just keeping the phone line and equipment maintained is bad enough but going to shows is expensive. We do it because we enjoy it and because we enjoy the users - on the whole. Tony may have meant that the Irish show was 'the best' because it had a big social element missing from other shows. If you take little or no money at the show you cannot afford a hotel or overnight stay and so the social element goes. I would rather see some effort being put into refreshing the community than lose a good writer of both words and programs. This has to come for the customers too. I was trying to get some idea of what systems people used and how they rated them if they had multiple ones. After two issues of QLT mentioning this I had five replies! -- Roy Wood Q Branch. 20 Locks Hill, Portslade, Sussex. Tel: +44 (0) 1273 386030fax: +44 (0) 1273 430501 web : www.qbranch.demon.co.uk
Re: [ql-users] QL2004
On Sun, 3 Aug 2003 at 20:54:54, Roy wood wrote: (ref: [EMAIL PROTECTED]) In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], gwicks [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes SNIP I won't quote back any of the long and detailed list Geoff has just given us but I have a great tendency to agree with him on ninety percent of it. If we are to be honest with ourselves we could add a few lines to the list as well. Only one I don't agree on. A loss of £100 a year is nothing. That is a small price to pay for membership of the QL club. If only my loss was that small. There is a story which is one of quite a few which keep me with the QL. Someone sent me their 'beloved' QL for repair just before Christmas last year. I had told her on the phone that it was a standard price, but forgot to mention that did not include microdrives. Of course, the problem she had was microdrives! I replaced both and did not charge her 'It was my fault for forgetting - it is your lucky day' She then wrote back a delightful letter, saying that she was quite old and my letter had arrived at a very low point in her life. She was not looking forward to Christmas, as she really had very little money. Reading between the lines, I think she had just lost her husband. Anyway, it was just before a QL show, so I asked her whether she could come, as I had a Trump Card I could give her. At the show, Malcolm Cadman added disks and a double floppy disk drive. ... and I have never cashed her cheque for the repair. That is why I stick with the QL. I would counter these with a story of one customer who did not want to buy anything just wanted to retrieve his files from some ED disks. He had QPC2 but the PC would not see ED disks. I found a drive, built a box with a PSU and retrieved all the files onto HD disks for him for free. He was not alone in being helped for free. We are all saints and sinners in equal measure. Both Q Branch and TF Services make a loss each year. Just keeping the phone line and equipment maintained is bad enough but going to shows is expensive. We do it because we enjoy it and because we enjoy the users - on the whole. Tony may have meant that the Irish show was 'the best' because it had a big social element missing from other shows. If you take little or no money at the show you cannot afford a hotel or overnight stay and so the social element goes. I am sleeping in a tent this year (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
Re: [ql-users] QL2004
Geoff Wicks wrote: François Van Emelen wrote: Hi Geoff, Sad news. I hope these are only 'Just Words' François Van Emelen Thanks for the kind words - I shall miss seeing you. I decided about 10 days ago to get out of the QL world and then spent two days working on the timetable to do it. When I had done that I had a tremendous sense and relief and relaxation. I realised I should have done it a year ago. I am sad to hear that you are thinking of giving up. -- Tarquin Mills Bring back YS http://www.planet14.sonow4u.co.uk/
Re: [ql-users] QL2004
On 30 Jul 2003 at 19:12, gwicks wrote: I decided about 10 days ago to get out of the QL world and then spent two days working on the timetable to do it. When I had done that I had a tremendous sense and relief and relaxation. I realised I should have done it a year ago. That's pretty sad - both that you are leaving the QL World, and that you should feel such a relief in doing so! You will be missed! Care to enlighten us about your reasons? Wolfgang
Re: [ql-users] QL2004
Geoff Wicks wrote:- I can see that Geoff would prefer a UK show, Actually Darren you are misquoting me. I have already indicated my theoretical preference for a continental show. What I doubt is the practicality. Sorry Geoff. Though I don't think practicality comes into it anymore. A significant number of QL'ers have gone west in the last 3 years since QL2000, so much so that in my belief you'd get as much attendees in a hyped up show either side of the channel. Granted, there are more QL'ers in the UK, but how many of these will attend a show? Will probably be the same attendees as always and a few extras that come for the hell of it - especially now, 3 years after QL2000. Holding it on the continent would I think have the effect that although the number of available attendees is smaller, a higher proportion of these would attend because of its uniqueness - ie. I'd rather have 80% of the continental QL'ers attending in Eindhoven than 20% of the UK contingent attending in Portsmouth. Of course I am guessing these figures, so I am opening myself up to be proven wrong... Don't get me wrong either, I'd like to go to Eindhoven, but I just want it to be a success - (and by success I'd put FUN before a profit, although I wouldn't complain if the latter occurred too!) you can hold it in a toilet cubicle on an oilrig for all I care, just as long as it is enjoyed by all. The Irish Show last year had about seven or eight attendees including traders, and was the most fun I've had in years, which is why we're doing it again. I think a poll is a EXCELLENT idea - this maybe should be in the next QUANTA and QL today - An online poll is a good starting point. Though again, how many will actually make an effort to register their opinion? It might just be best to pick a venue, and promote the hell out of it in the coming months - make a case for QL2004 and the people will come wherever it is. In any case it is all very theoretical as I do not expect to be in the QL community this time next year. Well, thats very sad indeed. You are an excellent programmer, and a nice bloke and you'll be missed as a trader and QL'er. Also sad that you are thinking this way... Darren. This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify us immediately at [EMAIL PROTECTED] and delete this E-mail from your system. Thank you. It is possible for data transmitted by email to be deliberately or accidentally corrupted or intercepted. For this reason, where the communication is by email, the Bank of Ireland Group does not accept any responsibility for any breach of confidence which may arise through the use of this medium. This footnote also confirms that this email message has been swept for the presence of known computer viruses.
Re: [ql-users] QL2004
On 29 Jul 2003 at 16:05, Dilwyn Jones wrote: Europe or UK? There have only been a few voices so far, so what are the rest of you thinking? Eindhoven is a good venue, of course, for those in Europe. It would definitely make it better for me and feasible to come. Wolfgang
Re: [ql-users] QL2004
Hi Geoff, Sad news. I hope these are only 'Just Words' François Van Emelen gwicks wrote: - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [ql-users] QL2004 I can see that Geoff would prefer a UK show, Actually Darren you are misquoting me. I have already indicated my theoretical preference for a continental show. What I doubt is the practicality. In any case it is all very theoretical as I do not expect to be in the QL community this time next year. Geoff Wicks.
Re: [ql-users] QL2004
- Original Message - From: François Van Emelen [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [ql-users] QL2004 Hi Geoff, Sad news. I hope these are only 'Just Words' François Van Emelen Thanks for the kind words - I shall miss seeing you. I decided about 10 days ago to get out of the QL world and then spent two days working on the timetable to do it. When I had done that I had a tremendous sense and relief and relaxation. I realised I should have done it a year ago. Best Wishes, Geoff PS To our American friends. Eindhoven is in the Netherlands, not Germany. Quite easy to get to from Schipol (Amsterdam) Airport.
Re: [ql-users] QL2004
Europe or UK? There have only been a few voices so far, so what are the rest of you thinking? Eindhoven is a good venue, of course, for those in Europe. It would definitely make it better for me and feasible to come. Wolfgang Same for me, even if QL2000 was relatively easy from Paris. I will definitely visit this show. If if was in around November 20, then my QL would be 20 at the same time. Arnould
Re: [ql-users] QL2004
Geoff Wicks wrote: So we are all going to converge on Eindhoven from all over the world in October 2004 for a major international show. I don't want to be a killjoy, but there is a very slight, relatively unimportant, complication. Who is going to organise it? I understand that Roy Brereton is already doing a feasibility exercise involving the two venues proposed and I think he is prepared to put every effort into the overall organising (Rather like he did in 2000). Thanks Roy. It would be nice for him to have a list of people who would be prepared to help him if needed and I would like to put my name - together with other Nemqlug members - at the top of that list. Nemqlug meets on Thursday night this week and I am sure that we could add to the proposed venues with a little thought. Any one else willing to join in? John Gilpin. Quanta Treasurer.
Re: [ql-users] QL2004
I too would like to think Roy Brereton for his efforts - QL2000 was a milestone in QL history that will stand out in my mind for many years to come - probably forever, and I think we have Roy to thank for a lot of it. I recall Roy even managed to reorganise the dinner to a new location at the last minute, as he only found out hours earlier that the restaurant beside the Marriot and travel lodge were we where all staying in was closed for refurbishment - and the management never told him depite him booking it weeks earlier. Again, like John Gilpin, if there is anything I can do to help organise it, then just let me know. As you are aware, I'm in Ireland, but anything I can do regarding contacting people or emailing, running adverts in the QLl publications etc. I will gladly do. Cheers, Darren Branagh, Bank of Ireland - Cards And Loans Business, Nassau House, 33/35 Nassau Street, Dublin 2. Ireland. Tel: 1850-530-530 Fax: 01-6706813. BOI Group Data Classification - thegilpins [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] nworld.com cc: Sent by: Subject: Re: [ql-users] QL2004 [EMAIL PROTECTED] .uk 29/07/2003 09:46 Please respond to ql-users Geoff Wicks wrote: So we are all going to converge on Eindhoven from all over the world in October 2004 for a major international show. I don't want to be a killjoy, but there is a very slight, relatively unimportant, complication. Who is going to organise it? I understand that Roy Brereton is already doing a feasibility exercise involving the two venues proposed and I think he is prepared to put every effort into the overall organising (Rather like he did in 2000). Thanks Roy. It would be nice for him to have a list of people who would be prepared to help him if needed and I would like to put my name - together with other Nemqlug members - at the top of that list. Nemqlug meets on Thursday night this week and I am sure that we could add to the proposed venues with a little thought. Any one else willing to join in? John Gilpin. Quanta Treasurer. This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify us immediately at [EMAIL PROTECTED] and delete this E-mail from your system. Thank you. It is possible for data transmitted by email to be deliberately or accidentally corrupted or intercepted. For this reason, where the communication is by email, the Bank of Ireland Group does not accept any responsibility for any breach of confidence which may arise through the use of this medium. This footnote also confirms that this email message has been swept for the presence of known computer viruses.
Re: [ql-users] QL2004
Geoff Wicks wrote:- So we are all going to converge on Eindhoven from all over the world in October 2004 for a major international show. Yep looks like it... :-)) I can see that Geoff would prefer a UK show, and in many ways this is probably a better idea, but I am unsure about wether you really would get a bigger attendance these days at a UK venue rather than Eindhoven - the last few UK shows I was at had a handful of attendees. I think no matter where you hold it, a lot of attendees will come if put on the same scale at QL2000 was, purely on the basis its a big thing to be there - the 21st anniversary of the QL. Eindhoven appeals to me as I can combine it with a family holiday in the area, and cut my costs. Plus we could see a lot of the continental QL users that never/seldom come to a QL show in the UK, as it would be on their (relatively speaking) doorstep - People like Wolfgang, Francois, Dieter, Claude, Jimmy, etc... and would be cheaper for them to get to. I don't want to be a killjoy, but there is a very slight, relatively unimportant, complication. Who is going to organise it? Quanta of course. They did a great job last time. Can't see what the problem would be this time round. OK, its in a foreign location, but all the booking and much of the organisation can be done with phone calls and email. Cheers, Darren. This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify us immediately at [EMAIL PROTECTED] and delete this E-mail from your system. Thank you. It is possible for data transmitted by email to be deliberately or accidentally corrupted or intercepted. For this reason, where the communication is by email, the Bank of Ireland Group does not accept any responsibility for any breach of confidence which may arise through the use of this medium. This footnote also confirms that this email message has been swept for the presence of known computer viruses.
Re: [ql-users] QL2004
John Gilpin wrote: I understand that Roy Brereton is already doing a feasibility exercise involving the two venues proposed and I think he is prepared to put every effort into the overall organising (Rather like he did in 2000). Thanks Roy. Good news. It would be nice for him to have a list of people who would be prepared to help him if needed and I would like to put my name - together with other Nemqlug members - at the top of that list. Nemqlug meets on Thursday night this week and I am sure that we could add to the proposed venues with a little thought. Any one else willing to join in? As someone who's done history of the QL articles in QL Today and on my website, I'd be very happy to help in this respect if I can, or to allow my articles to be reproduced as a mini-exhibition there or something like that which I could do from being so far away from both venues. Small idea, John: as the AGM is likely to be held in your area IIRC, could NEMQLUG do a promotional for QL-2004 at the AGM? Perhaps a display or whatever with a few posters and information to publicise the meeting to see if anyone from your area would like to join any possible mini-bus trip from the north or whatever? As possibly one of the last major events before QL-2004, I think it would be a good move to make a strong attempt to publicise QL-2004 at the AGM. -- Dilwyn Jones
Re: [ql-users] QL2004
Europe or UK? There have only been a few voices so far, so what are the rest of you thinking? Eindhoven is a good venue, of course, for those in Europe. I suspect though that attendance would be considerably less than for a UK show. Even though development activity is better from continental Europe, the vast majority of QLers still live in the UK. However maybe a coach (coaches) could be organised - as long as it visited the London Wine Beer warehouse warehouse in Calais (now owned by Majestic) (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 Both are good venues, and an organised coach or minibus trip would be a good idea if enough people expressed interest in time. Horizon centre might be better attended, but both venues would make excellent event sites for QL2004. -- Dilwyn Jones
Re: [ql-users] QL2004
Hi, I, probably like most UK QL users, would not go to Eindhoven, my enthusiasm, after all these years does not stretch that far! Cheers Colin
Re: [ql-users] QL2004
- Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [ql-users] QL2004 I can see that Geoff would prefer a UK show, Actually Darren you are misquoting me. I have already indicated my theoretical preference for a continental show. What I doubt is the practicality. In any case it is all very theoretical as I do not expect to be in the QL community this time next year. Geoff Wicks.
Re: [ql-users] QL2004
Since it is more than a year away I have no idea about whether I could come to the show at this point but I think that Oct is a good time of the year for us here in the states to make such a trip. It would be great to attend or even read about a show where the traders made a profit. Since the location seems to be narrowed down to 2 places and the traders would likely go either place a survey should be done among QLers to see if one place could produce significantly more attendance than the other. The survey should ask for definite and possible attendance at each location. For me Germany is preferable also but I think if significantly more would attend a UK show then that is where it should be. -- Bill
Re: [ql-users] QL2004
Quoting Bill Cable [EMAIL PROTECTED]: Since the location seems to benarrowed down to 2 places and the traders would likely go either place a survey should be done among QLers to see if one place could produce significantly more attendance than the other. The survey should ask for definite and possible attendance at each location. For me Germany is preferable also but I think if significantly more would attend a UK show then that is where it should be. I set up a poll at www.sinclairql.net if anyone's interested... Mark - This mail sent through IMP: http://horde.org/imp/
Re: [ql-users] QL2004
On Tue, 29 Jul 2003 at 14:43:25, Mark Martin wrote: (ref: [EMAIL PROTECTED]) I set up a poll at www.sinclairql.net if anyone's interested... Well I tried. It is no wonder there are zero votes. I registered - and it provided me with the complicated and instantly forgettable password. I then tried to log on without success. Hrmmm By the time it is working I will have forgotten that password. Pity it doesn't allow me to choose my own. -- 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
Re: [ql-users] QL2004
Tony Firshman Wrote:- However maybe a coach (coaches) could be organised - as long as it visited the London Wine Beer warehouse warehouse in Calais (now owned by Majestic) (8-)# Warehouse warehouse? A bit like New York Tony - so good they named it twice? :-)) You're probably right about the attendance being smaller in Eindhoven though. What about all those people who are quite active on this list yet haven't been to a show in ages? (I'm not looking at you Norman...:-))) really...though, Come on, will you come this once? Ahhh, go on What is it that keeps you guys away? Darren Branagh,. This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify us immediately at [EMAIL PROTECTED] and delete this E-mail from your system. Thank you. It is possible for data transmitted by email to be deliberately or accidentally corrupted or intercepted. For this reason, where the communication is by email, the Bank of Ireland Group does not accept any responsibility for any breach of confidence which may arise through the use of this medium. This footnote also confirms that this email message has been swept for the presence of known computer viruses.
Re: [ql-users] QL2004
On Mon, 28 Jul 2003 at 09:18:10, wrote: (ref: [EMAIL PROTECTED]) Europe or UK? There have only been a few voices so far, so what are the rest of you thinking? Eindhoven is a good venue, of course, for those in Europe. I suspect though that attendance would be considerably less than for a UK show. Even though development activity is better from continental Europe, the vast majority of QLers still live in the UK. However maybe a coach (coaches) could be organised - as long as it visited the London Wine Beer warehouse warehouse in Calais (now owned by Majestic) (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
RE: [ql-users] QL2004
-Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Warehouse warehouse? A bit like New York Tony - so good they named it twice? :-)) Wasn't it New Amsterdam first then ? What about all those people who are quite active on this list yet haven't been to a show in ages? (I'm not looking at you Norman...:-))) Am I so ugly then that nobody wants to look at me ? :o) really...though, Come on, will you come this once? Ahhh, go on What is it that keeps you guys away? 1) Being married to a woman who has *no* interest in computers at all and wouldn't want to go anywhere near a show that has anything to do with the *damned* things ! 2) Only having our weekends together means that it has to be something really important to 'part us from each other' at the weekend. Truthfully, I have attended a couple of shows in the past - one in Chester and the other in Newcastle, when I lived up in Aberdeen, and while they were fun, I didn't come away feeling I had had a really great time. However, this is exactly the case when I attend anything to do with my other interests in life - I just don't get anything out of 'user groups' or 'club' meetinigs etc. Maybe I'm too boring . So there you have it, my sad story. I do admire and respect the traders and regulars who attend these shows regardless of cost and location (worldwide) - you people have my deepest admiration for your dedication to a cause/club/etc - I'm afraid I don't have anything like your dedication. Cheers, Norman. PS. I got Darren's reply before Tony's original email. Oh hum ! - Norman Dunbar Database/Unix administrator Lynx Financial Systems Ltd. mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Tel: 0113 289 6265 Fax: 0113 289 3146 URL: http://www.Lynx-FS.com - This email is intended only for the use of the addressees named above and may be confidential or legally privileged. If you are not an addressee you must not read it and must not use any information contained in it, nor copy it, nor inform any person other than Lynx Financial Systems or the addressees of its existence or contents. If you have received this email and are not a named addressee, please delete it and notify the Lynx Financial Systems IT Department on 0113 2892990.
Re: [ql-users] QL2004
- Original Message - From: John Taylor [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [ql-users] QL2004 I have had a long discussion with Roy Brereton, secretary of Quanta, and the outcome is that QL2004 will go ahead. Highly favoured is October 2004 and the venues under consideration are the Horizon Centre Portsmouth or St Joris College Eindhoven. Combining the event with the AGM is not an option as one would detract from the other. I would opt for Eindhoven as there is local support, an excellent motel within walking distance and it may influence attendance from mainland Europe. Thank goodness something is happening at last. I have a couple of comments. The first is not so important, but I disagree with you that the AGM and QL2004 would detract from one another. I think that QUANTA does not profile itself strongly enough for its role is supporting and financially backing shows. How many people realise, for example, that QUANTA provides the insurance. Not important, of course, until one day there is an accident. Having the AGM and QL2004 together would reinforce the connection. I would like to see the QUANTA AGM become the major UK QL event each year with a fully organised social and QL programme on the lines of the North American show. Then local groups would then be free to organise what they want, when they want and on the scale they want. Market forces would apply and if they want the punters and traders it will be up to them to provide a workshop that will attract them. I like the idea of a continental QL2004 because I think they deserve it more than we do. With the exception of D D systems, who have made the Q60 a reality, all the major QL advances in recent years have come from outside the UK. This is a bad record when the UK has the highest number of QL users in the world. Unfortunately I doubt the practicality of Eindhoven. It is about 5 years since QUANTA was last at Eindhoven and about the same time since Eindhoven has hosted a major international show. In that time SinQLair has become a poor shadow of its former self and the Eindhoven shows I have been to recently had attendance that could be counted on your fingers and thumbs. Pity because it really is a fanastic venue, both for facilities and accessibility. Best Wishes, Geoff
