Editorial

This is a landmark issue of SynTax as it is not only the last one
before the mag also goes onto paper, but it's the last one before
we start the eleventh year of SynTax. Amazing ... how the time has
flown. I'm getting very excited about the paper version and have
already made a start on it - as I put files into Issue 61's
folder, I also add them to the Publisher file. Thanks, Bev, for
pointing out that we're starting year 11, not 10 as I keep saying!
I've never been any good at maths, but it means I missed our 10th
anniversary, which is rather a shame.

But first, the Contributor of the Year 1998-99 award - which has
been won by Bev! She has been awarded a Myth and Magic 'egg' with
a wooden base and a specially engraved plaque plus a year's free
copies of SynTax. Well done Bev! You always contribute
enthusiastically and I'm very grateful to you, as I am to all the
winners - Alex, Julian, Vic and Phil - and everyone else who has
sent in files during the year. Well done and thanks to all of you.
I hope you'll like your figures and enjoy your free issues of the
magazine.  Incidentally there will only be three prizes next year.
The cost of the figures has risen steadily over the last six or so
years that I've been making the awards and the SynTax coffers just
can't take the outlay of about œ100 any more without losing money.

So, a few things looking ahead to next issue. First, and
importantly, can I remind you to let me know if you want to change
to the paper version next issue? Otherwise I will assume you want
the disk version. There will be NO increase in charge until your
new subs are due so don't worry that you're going to be asked for
more money! It's all part of the service.

Secondly, the SynTax CD will have been updated by MerC once he
gets this issue so anyone wanting to exchange their CD should send
it to me with a cheque for œ1.50 made out to me and I'll forward
everything to MerC. As before there will be a charge per issue if
you HAVEN'T taken all the issues since you bought the original CD
- this is explained fully in the new Order Forms section - this
section was suggested by a few of you when you returned your
questionnaires last issue.  The new CD covering Issues 1 to 60 is
available for purchase to those of you who haven't yet bought the
old one, again, see the 'Order Forms' section.  The new CD will
also contain the index and solution list - another questionnaire
suggestion.

I've also tidied up the contributions list, removing the names of
anyone who hasn't taken an issue of the mag since about Issue 55.
They can always have their points back if they start taking it
again!

I've been busy with work but still managed to get into
Rollercoaster Tycoon, which I've reviewed this issue. It is a
great game, I can thoroughly recommend it.

There was a bit of a shortage of reviews this issue. Thanks to
everyone who responded when I sent round emergency emails asking
for contributions. Can I put in a plea ready for NEXT issue? If
you're enjoying or hating a game, please write and tell us - you
don't have to write a lot, but please put your views forward.
Recycled reviews also welcome!

Just as I was finishing the mag, I had a leaflet from John Wilson
listing a limited offer of Zenobi CDs for just œ4.99 each. These
include the 3 Megamix CDs, the 6 CDs in the Arcade series, Micro 1
to 3, Adventure 1 and 2, Shareware 1, Zenobi Collection and the
Peg-Leg Pete Project.  For full details send a stamped SAE to
Zenobi at 26 Spotland Tops, Cutgate, Rochdale, Lancs OL12 7NX.

Finally, I would like to dedicate this issue of SynTax to Clive
Bradley whose name will be familiar to ex-Prestel users who were
on MicroNet's ClubSpot 810 Helpline. He passed away at the end of
April, having been ill for some time but I don't think any of us
realised just how ill he was. Though Clive and I never met over
the 13 or so years we knew each other, we wrote regularly and
spoke occasionally on the phone. I was very shocked and saddened
to hear from his sister that he had died and I will miss his
friendship.
                                         Until next issue,
                                                      Sue
                              - o -