Questionnaire Results

Thanks again to everyone who sent a response to last issue's
questionnaire, by post, email or phone. Exactly 50 came back which
is around half the regular readership.

Generally the choice between disk or paper was split down the
middle.

      Disk was considered better for storage and for searching for
      help.  The screenshots section was popular. Disks stay clean
      whereas books can get dog-eared.

      Paper was more portable. Several people said they'd like to
      be able to carry an issue with them or read it in bed. You
      also don't have to switch off your computer mid-game to get
      help! However, some of you said you automatically print out
      solutions for games you're about to start so you have it on
      paper ready.

The fact is that since files would need to be typed up to get into
printable format anyway for a paper version, it is relatively easy
for me to produce both versions.  For the same reason, the CD
version will continued - more info on that in this issue's
Editorial.

So, paper AND disk it is - but what about the monthly / bimonthly
question?

The vast majority of you want SynTax to stay bi-monthly, which is
fine by me!  You look forward to it, enjoy getting a bumper issue
every two months rather than something slimmer every month. So,
we'll stay bi-monthly.

Other changes? There have been a few suggestions which I'm
considering in one form or another and some questions asked.

What about adding 'abandonware' to the library (full games no
longer supported) for the benefit of non-Net users?
@~I'm happy to do that, and I'll check out some sites.

How will the magazine be bound?
@~Probably spiral bound. It gives a much nicer finish than
@~staples, though it is dearer, and you can open the book flat
@~without damaging it.

How about an irregular series on games designed more for children?
@~I guess you mean adventure games? Sure.  Contributions will be
@~welcome, of course, since I don't have kids of my own!  But I
@~have a few Sierra titles which would be suitable such as
@~Pepper's Adventures in Time and games like Holiday Island which
@~could appeal to all ages.

Could it be produced A4 on paper?
@~Not really feasible, I'm afraid. A5 is more practical for me for
@~binding.

Can you include an order form on the disk so it can be printed
off?
@~Right - that'll be in from next issue.

What about emailing the mag to people, or using a password
protected site on the Net?
@~Hmm, I prefer to send *real* disks out. That way I can also
@~control the look of the disk, labelling etc

Can we have more short stories?
@~Jean Childs has got the ball rolling this issue with a great
@~story - who's going to be next?

One thing that I would like to especially mention is that almost
everyone gave the impression, even if they didn't actually say 
so (though most of you did) that whatever I did, you'd keep 
taking SynTax. That unreserved support really means an awful 
lot to me!

Well, thanks to you all again, and don't forget to tell me if you
want to swap to the paper version from Issue 61.
                                                         Sue
                              - o -