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    compt.sys.editor.desk     By:  Jason Compton

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...

It seems like what should be our greatest assets are our greatest detriments.

Take, for example, the horrifying distribution of AR 3.13. It totally overloaded the listserv. Some people got 80 copies, others got none. Those that DID get it who didn't have OS 3.x ran into a slight problem because we made an AmigaGuide error that only affects pre-3.0 AmigaGuide (BTW, guys, delete line 1991. It'll work then.) We're returning to the manual-script method of distribution. Hey, it's slower, but it's less hassle for readers.

And then there's Amiga Technologies. What was originally cause for great rejoicing is now sending some Amiga users packing. Not everyone is pleased with the strategic decisions and marketing plans the company has laid out.

Still, all hope is not lost. Amiga Technologies has shown they will listen to a mass user revolt. The force of negative energy that responded to the projected US$3500 price of the 4000T brought the company to hold a distribution conference, and the new price, reported in a dealer letter sent out by CEI, is roughly $2700.

Certainly, nothing to write home about. Still uncompetitive in the home computer market. But it's an improvement. And if Amiga users can continue to join together to make good things happen-then the fight is never over. Take AmiJAM '95 and the upcoming Amiga Convention '95. Two grassroots organizations putting on shows. Of course, it would be great to have a parent company willing to organize such events, but for now, we'll live.

Make no mistake, though. The clock on Amiga Technologies' borrowed time is ticking, and that time is running out rapidly. We need a bonanza. We need an event. Amiga Technologies MUST show the Amiga community, and the world, that they will be a serious player in the world of computing for the rest of this century and beyond. Everyone else is vying to make this statement. It's do or die time.

Jason

P.S. For those who didn't get AR 3.13 and would still like to get a hold of it, any Aminet site will carry it in the directory pub/aminet/docs/mags. If you do not have direct FTP access, there is an excellent FTP-Mail server on src.doc.ic.ac.uk. To use it, send mail to ftpmail@src.doc.ic.ac.uk and ask for HELP. (This site is also an Aminet mirror site, making it doubly convenient.)