Editorial

The bumper issue of SynTax last time was enthusiastically received
by everyone who has mentioned it. Since the contributions are
still coming in so well, I've decided to keep doing large issues.
This means the 5.25" PC version will continue to come on two disks
and the main limit to the magazine will be the menu limit of 17
items/section on the PC and Amiga versions. The price will, of
course, remain the same ... but obviously if I start running out
of reviews, articles etc, I'll have to go back to the 'old' size
disks. So please keep the contributions coming! Wherever possible,
I like to print a review and some hints one issue, then a solution
in the next, or a future, issue so if you send a review, a few
hints to go with it would be handy.

I was reading an article in the paper recently about a science
fiction convention which had taken place in Jersey. It said that
many of the people there, as well as wearing outlandish costumes,
sported badges with various sayings on them. One that really
appealed to me was 'The one who dies with the most books wins.' I
reckon I should be in with a chance to win that award! One of the
reasons we talk about moving is to have more space to house my
collection of books. There are some in each room, most of them in
the spare room where there are 12 shelves covering two walls and
containing both books and a range of software. But the bulk of the
books is in the loft - 29 boxes containing over 800 books at the
last count. I have a database now, listing where they all are, and
some are so old that they are priced in pre-decimal currency. I
can't consider getting rid of any of them and often dig out old
favourites from a box to re-read. Remember, if you've read any
books lately, a write-up for Bookshelf would be very welcome.

Still on the subject of books, I'm a great fan of the BBC2
programme, Quantum Leap. When the series first started, I saw two
books on it in Smiths and, stupidly, didn't get them. I've been
looking for them ever since! I've recently managed to get two
other books, Too Close For Comfort and Carny Knowledge, based on
the series but I'd love to get hold of the original ones which now
seem to be deleted. If you've got them and are willing to sell
them, or loan them to me, please let me know - thanks.

Jean Childs has suggested that programming help should be included
on the Helpline. Good idea! A few names have been added already
but if you have any knowledge of AGT, TADS, STAC or any of the
other utilities and are willing to help, please let me know. Also
any routines for any of these languages will be very welcome.

Another new section this issue is Football Management Sims. I know
several of you have expressed an interest in this topic and,
luckily, our man in Poland, Piotr Tyminski, has offered to do a
series on the available packages. Any other suggestions for new
sections will be appreciated. We have the space!

Well, I'll keep this short(ish) and let you get on with reading
the magazine - there's lots to keep you busy.
                                                   Sue