franco@iuvax.UUCP (05/20/86)
The number of STarter kits copied and mailed is fast approaching 100.
That gives you an idea of the amount of copying required by this operation.
In order to speed up the copying I am requesting that people sending disks
to me format those disks SINGLE SIDED and not double sided. I am afraid I
only have single sided disks.
Some people have asked if they could return the favor. The answer is yes.
If you are about to send me disks and have some PD software lying around I
would be grateful if you put it on your disks before you send them. Some
people have already sent me some fine pieces of software and some of these
have found their way into the STarter kit. Also, if you have any SONY disk
labels or equivalent (gloosy appearance - pencil doesn't show well) that you
don't need I would appreciate receiving some. If you send 5 yellow and 5 green
labels to me I will pay for the return postage (in US and Canada only).
Remember, I do not expect to receive anything in return for the copying so
don't feel you shouldn't send any disks because you don't have software or
labels to give me.
Finally two notes on the objective of this operation.
1. The main objective is to provide new ST users with some working software
that immediately makes their machines useable. The software provided in
the STarter kit is, with a few exceptions, good but not quite finished
products - mostly everything has some (nearly always non-serious)
deficiency. It is expected that users receiving the STarter kit will
eventually acquire commercial grade software that replaces the material
in the STarter kit. I mention this because I have sensed that a few
people were disappointed with some pieces in the kit. Please don't be
disappointed - remember that the objective is to get people off the
ground quickly.
2. Another objective is to provide this software to a significant number of
new users. This is most efficiently accomplished if people receiving
the kit spread it around locally - perhaps through ST user groups. Many
of you have already done this. In a few cases, however, I have received
copying requests from people working in the same building or living
within blocks of each other. In one case someone sent a second set of
four disks without a note - presumably checking to see if any new stuff
had been added lately. This copying is not easy. Please help me by
being local distributors and by not requesting copying if you already
know someone who has received the kit (unless, of course, he is a dirty
rat and won't let you have the stuff).
Thank you, all.
franco@indiana.csnet