Msg: 5661 *Conference*

02-08-95 23:26:53

From: COMET _

To : RICHARD HANSON

Subj: REPLY TO MSG #5649 (USER COUNT)

You asked for suggestions...
 
Well, I think that with the current user load that having four lines is too
many.  :)  I'd suggest eliminating two phone lines from this service.
 
I read the latest newsletter; it seems that users still log on, but that you
are still getting asked Very Basic Questions.  I do *not* think that you should
"waste your time" answering them repeatedly.  HOWEVER, I do think you should
follow-up on what you started, and finish the Whole Enchilada series; it seems
that this would answer most all the -naive- questions, and perhaps even some of
the -tricky- questions (like the ones *I've* posted).  Also, having the
FAQ/Technical Area updated with the answers to these questions would help a
bit.  :)
 
I know you are a Very Sweet person, Rick, and I know that you REALLY CARE about
the Model 100 community.  *hug*  I appreciate your running this board.  The
fact appears to be that you have time to answer the easy questions [and this
helps the new users] but do not have TIME to research difficult questoins--I
honestly don't think that you haven't been getting challenging questions, but
that you've not risen to that challenge.  HOWEVER, your kindness and sympathy
in responding to people who are new to the Model 100 is *undoubtedly*
instrumental in making this quaint and useful computer a Working Companion for
people who have no idea at all about the technology.
 
I am interested in contributing, but at a higher level than novice.  I looked
in the technical section and found that your documentation on how to program
the LCD was plain wrong.  *sigh*  Furthermore, I bought the Cleuseau, but have
not been able to procure any programming books yet for which I've advertised
(admittedly recently) in the Classified Section.
 
I appreciate your having given me "staff" level, and I take the time (when I
log on) to answer other users questions.  I've checked out the program library,
and found interesting examples of programs, NONE of which I found desireable
enough to save.  This is because I got this machine as a *hack* engine; I like
programming.  :)
 
Unfortunately, the user community here has not been able to answer my
questions.  (e.g.  What IS the ESC/X routine FOR, anyhow???)  And has anybody
verified my conjectures regarding opcode hex CB, called "RST V", which makes
the program branch to address 0040 (hex) if the "V" flag is set?  [maybe useful
if you change the system ROM--only good for serious hackers, I guess.]
 
The fact that you are swamped with back orders indicates to me that there is
still sufficient demands for you to continue your newsletter (and the BBS),
even with the relatively small user count.
 
I congratulate you on your apparent success with PCLD; I recommend that you
continue this BBS, but cut your own time commitment down on some of the
maintenance.  Maybe you could do everything here -every other day-, etc.  In
other words, do half the work.  {I know, you will do the SAME work...  but
still, it will be virtually as if there was TWICE the activity rate, since
you'll be sampling it at half the frequency!!)  I think that this would be a
more productive use of your time.  Besides, it will give the other users a
chance to answer the newbies' questions; there are still a number of us who log
in who can answer ALL the queries you reposted in your newsletter.  :)  And you
can always amplify anybody's incomplete/incorrect response, educating TWO (or
more) people.  :D
 
Let me conclude, now, with an expression of deep gratitude and thankfulness for
all that you have done and continue to do for the Model T community.
[*applause*]
 
--- Comet