Viator/RUSH>
Despite my appreciation and good attitude towards Kvazar, I must note that I disagree with some of his judgments. However, an interview is an interview, so it is published without changes.
DUX:
I took this interview from KVAZAR - the largest swapper from Gomel, one of the members of the RUSH I.S.P.A. association. Once, when I visited him to record new software, I took a dictaphone with me. Alexander agreed to answer a few questions. What came out of it is for you to judge. The interview was conducted shortly before the FUNTOP'98 festival.
DUX: Introduce yourself to start.
KVZ: Seleznev Alexander Leonidovich, age - 22 years, place of residence - Gomel, occupation - swapper & trader of the RUSH association, in the world - KVAZAR...
DUX: And why KVAZAR, if it's not a secret?
KVZ: It just happened that way. If anyone is interested, I can recommend referring to an astronomical reference book...
DUX: A standard question: tell me how it all started for you?
KVZ: It all started somewhere in 1991. I got acquainted with computers when I studied at our Gomel UPK-1 in the specialty "Computer Operator". The very first computer in my life was "Korvet". By the way, at that time it was a cool machine - 256K with a flexible architecture, exceptionally convenient for programming. About six months later, we formed a small team - 6 people and began developing software for this machine.
DUX: What kind of software?
KVZ: First of all, we developed educational programs for our UPK, a number of schools and colleges in the city. When we mastered the C language, we started making games. Moreover, we received quite decent money for our work. At that time, there was a huge demand for programs for "Korvet", and the software itself was practically non-existent. Very quickly, we established contacts with many cities that were interested in acquiring quality programs and signed contracts with their training centers. We also made systems. Then the popularity of "Korvets" began to decline, and by around 1995 the group finally disbanded: some bought PCs, while others lost interest in computers altogether. In general, from all of KVAZARSOFT, only I remained. Sad but true...
DUX: Did you work with other computer platforms?
KVZ: After "Korvet", I actually wanted to buy a more or less cool machine, but I didn't have money even for a 286, which at that time was quite expensive and seemed to me almost the pinnacle of computer technology. So I gradually started mastering various IBM PC-compatible machines: "ES1842", "Iskra". For some time, I programmed on "Yamaha". I spent a long time communicating with "DVK-2", and I still remember the RT-11 operating system with shudders. I wrote programs in Pascal. Once, I tried to learn the Forth language, but nothing good came of it... :-)
DUX: How did you end up on the Spectrum?
KVZ: Somewhere around the end of 1993, our stores were flooded with various "Vectors", "Santakis". A little later, the well-known and now popular "Bytes" appeared. One of my acquaintances bought one. So I decided not to lag behind, so to speak, from life. After a couple of months, I bought a "Byte-48K", of course "tape only!". Like everyone else, I loaded cassettes and played games. I tried my hand at hacking, made simple loaders. After six months, painfully and with significant financial costs, I installed a disk drive, then a music processor, and two months later I changed the board to "Compact-128K". I still use this machine to this day.
DUX: What does your activity on Speccy consist of?
KVZ: As I mentioned, I am a swapper and, in addition, a trader. I also collaborate with the team of the magazine "ZX-ELEMENT", write articles for them, help with music, and critique. The third issue should be out soon.
DUX: Tell me how you met DMS and how did you become a swapper of the RUSH association?
KVZ: Interesting question... Well, how do Spectrum enthusiasts usually meet? I load a cassette and suddenly see the inscription: "Disked by Vladimir Hropov". I got interested, called, came over. That's how we met. At that time, DMS was actively working on "ECSTASY MD". I sometimes visited them, evaluated IMP's music, and helped with advice. Then there were such masterpieces as: "MENTAL MASTURBATION", "VIBRATIONS", and "BRAIN SURGERY". I was directly present at their birth... Once, as I remember, it was at the end of January 1997, IMP called me and offered to join the RUSH association as a swapper. Thus, I have been engaged in this activity for a year and a half. Even after the disbandment of DMS, I continued to send packages signing as "DMS/RUSH", as if by inertia. Partly, this was explained by a faint hope for the revival of the group, but my expectations were not destined to come true... :-(
DUX: So, the DREAM MAKERS group no longer exists?
KVZ: That's right, and it's no secret to anyone... :-(
DUX: But the RUSH association still exists, doesn't it?
KVZ: With the departure of IMP, SHAMAN, and EVOLVER from the scene, the association lost its leaders, its most hardworking members, who were, in a sense, the driving force of all RUSH as a whole. Therefore, it is simply unrealistic to talk about the continuation of the association's work, at least at the same level. Of course, there are groups like AVALON, ETC, BROKIMSOFT, LAVERS, but they are unlikely to achieve the same results as before. We need to face the truth. Too much time has been lost. Although, maybe I'm wrong? Time will tell...
DUX: What is your relationship with other RUSH members?
KVZ: The most normal and friendly. There were some tensions in the relationship with VIATOR from AVALON due to a regrettable misunderstanding, but now everything is in perfect order. We correspond, discuss scene problems, exchange software. Everything as it should be.
DUX: Do you think RUSH will last long?
KVZ: I can't say anything definite. Of course, the departure of DMS was a tremendous shock for the association, the consequences of which are still felt today. One thing is for sure: achieving the same level as before will be infinitely difficult.
DUX: Which groups do you keep in touch with at the moment?
KVZ: Considering my short experience in this field, the number of my correspondents is not very large. After all, studying and other problems take up a lot of time, but the list is constantly growing. I prefer to have a small number of contacts, but long-term and strong ones. First of all, of course, with RUSH members. I also keep in touch with ZERO, ANTARES, ETERNITY INDUSTRY, FLASH, ZX-LEGION, and many others. In the future, I plan to establish contacts with DIGITAL REALITY, COPPER FEET, and other potential software producers. However, lately people prefer to connect via Fido and the Internet. Regular mail can no longer satisfy the growing needs of people for communication, both due to low speed and material issues... :-(
DUX: How did you end up collaborating with the "ZX-ELEMENT" editorial team?
KVZ: Quite by accident. Once, I received a package from SMOKERS HACKERS GROUP from Minsk (I was corresponding with them at that time), and on one of the disks, I found several issues of the newspaper ENERGY. I liked the newspaper overall, especially its design. However, there were serious problems with the content. I came, met the editor. Sergey Shturm asked for help with materials. I immediately agreed. And when the newspaper grew into a magazine, there was an additional incentive to work...
DUX: And what does working in the magazine give you?
KVZ: Just don't think it's about money :-). It's hard to answer your question definitively. First of all, the opportunity to bring some benefit to the scene, some moral satisfaction, so to speak... It's hard to say. Probably, journalism is exactly the area where I can maximize my creative potential, since I didn't become an artist or a musician, and I'm a rather poor coder.
DUX: What happened to your project "Polesye"?
KVZ: The main ideological developers were MOUN, MIX, and the ELSSLAND group. My role was mainly editorial. "Polesye" was supposed to become the first Belarusian electronic magazine. But unforeseen circumstances intervened: ART from ELSSLAND was unexpectedly drafted into the army, and this project was frozen until better times. However, most of the materials have already been published in "ZX-ELEMENT".
DUX: Have you written anything on the Speccy, and do you plan to?
KVZ: I tried to do something. In January 1996, I wrote an economic game "Oil Magnate". There was also an idea to port my developments from "Korvet" and PC to Speccy: ALLES CAVE, ZODIAK, SPACE-2000, and others, but it was hard to work alone, especially on graphics. Also, partly due to poor knowledge of assembly, and partly due to a lack of free time, I couldn't implement most of what I intended at that time... At the moment, I'm trying to bring RUSH back to the scene, but so far I'm not having much success. And I doubt it will ever happen. :-(
DUX: Where does such pessimism come from?
KVZ: I'm a rather pessimistic person by nature and always prepare myself for the worst. In any case, then I won't be disappointed.
DUX: How do you assess the development of Speccy in the near future?
KVZ: Slow and painful extinction. I believe that the peak popularity of this computer was in 1997, after which came the agony. In any case, in Belarus, that's the situation, and there is no hope for change. Time shows that all my fears are confirmed. But let's not predict the future, let's wait for FUNTOP'98. Although there are strong reasons to believe that this will be the last serious event for Speccy.
DUX: Don't say that! For example, let's take the music from the last ENLIGHT. You won't deny that the level of musicians is constantly rising?
KVZ: Yeah, today they squeeze everything they can out of AY. For comparison, download some foreign demo from England or Slovakia. And then load S4B or VIBRATIONS. Feel the difference... ;-)
DUX: But various hardware add-ons are constantly being released for the Spectrum. For example: General Sound... Perhaps this is the key to saving Speccy, don't you think?
KVZ: About GS... I don't even know. Apparently, this device will not gain sufficient distribution, partly due to cost, and also due to the lack of software support. After all, not everyone has the opportunity to get MODs from PC or AMIGA. The "Sprinter" computer is also not a solution, again for many objective and subjective reasons. In general, looking at all these Sprinters, countless sound cards, one can't help but shout: "Where were you five years ago?" Too much time has been lost...
DUX: Do you plan to switch to another platform? I mean "AMIGA" or "PC"?
KVZ: Regarding AMIGA - definitely NO! I have no need for this machine, as I am not engaged in ray tracing, video image processing, or creating demos. Moreover, we practically have no scene on Amiga. A fancy computer will cost you no less than $1000. It's an elite machine for people engaged in professional work with video and sound. As for PC, I have a fairly powerful machine at work, and I can say that there is no question of any dumb architecture. The stupidity of PC software is a separate conversation, and here programmers are likely to blame. Of course, if in two years MICROSOFT releases WINDOWS'2000 written in Clipper, then no megahertz will help you. Speccy is truly a people's computer, as two ENLIGHTs have proven. And I do not plan to abandon this machine in the near future.
DUX: Are you planning to visit FUNTOP?
KVZ: Absolutely. I really want to see the Spectrum scene, and I need to support Gomel's honor. I'm not even talking about the works from RUSH.
DUX: Can you say something about the modern scene? For example, about musicians, artists, coders. Whose creativity do you like the most?
KVZ: Among Spectrum composers, I especially like the work of people like: SLASH, KSA, DOC, JAAN, VOXON, IMP, LAV, MASTSOFT. PANDA and McMAKER also write good music. Let's wait for FUNTOP'98. Maybe it will reveal new, unknown talents... Artists: the graphics of VIATOR and FIL leave a pleasant impression. KAMIKAZE drew quite originally, but he has long abandoned Speccy. By old memory - SHAMAN - was drawing quite well for his time. I consider Vyacheslav Mednonogov to be the best programmer, and I think many would agree with me. The most promising groups: DIGITAL REALITY, but for some reason they are slowing down with their global projects. I can also particularly mention ANTARES, X-TRADE, PROGRESS, E-MAGE...
DUX: What electronic publications do you prefer?
KVZ: I love reading magazines and newspapers, often several times. I usually look at the appendix last, as for me, a publication is primarily useful and timely information. Unfortunately, I have to note that most of our publications, whether magazines or newspapers, suffer from a lack of useful information. I'm not even talking about release dates. More and more space is taken up by reprints of the same jokes, and typos and elementary grammatical errors can drive one crazy. By the way, "ELEMENT" is not without its faults either. Among magazines, I give undisputed leadership to the old good SPECTROFON, as I believe that in terms of the level of material presentation, it leaves all competitors far behind. No, even the most sophisticated shell can be a decisive factor if the information in the publication is poorly presented or simply absent. Since I am a co-author of the magazine "ZX-ELEMENT", I can only wish my colleagues from Minsk to take an example from this veteran of computer journalism.
Recently, "ZX-FORMAT" has started to lose ground due to its lack of interest, although they continue to enhance the shell. I can especially mention such magazines as: "ADVENTURER", "OBERON", "SPECTRUM EXPERT". Numbers 8 and 9 of "FAULTLESS", released without Joker and his mind-boggling demagoguery, are also relatively good. Among newspapers: "ASPECT", "OPTRON", "NICRON", but the latter is gradually focusing exclusively on the Moscow ZxNet.
DUX: What are your plans for the future?
KVZ: First of all, to visit FUNTOP'98. I will also continue to engage in correspondence, collaboration with other RUSH members, trading, and of course, working in "ZX-ELEMENT". Additionally, there is an idea to organize a modem network in Gomel. The ELSSLAND group has developed its own CDOS modem scheme, and there are already some advances in this direction. After returning from F'98, I plan to focus on this issue. In general, I will do my best to ensure that Speccy does not die out on our watch.
DUX: What would you like to wish to everyone reading this magazine?
KVZ: Just one thing: GUYS, DON'T ABANDON SPECCY!!!
DUX: Thank you, Alexander, for the interview.
KVZ: Likewise.
04.08.98
Contents of the publication: Rush #01
- AMIGA NEWS
Amiga Inc works on Amiga OS 3.5 with enhancements like CD drive and PowerPC support. Split development for M68K and PPC processors. Delayed release to late 1999 or early 2000.
- AMIGA NEWS
Description of the 'Fast JPEG 1.10' viewer for Amiga, focusing on its features, installation, and usage. It highlights advantages like fast processing without quality loss and provides user tips. Readers are encouraged to share their software experiences.
- AMIGA NEWS
Basic programming for classic Amiga, discussing challenges and sharing knowledge in Amiga coding. Overview of Amiga graphics capabilities and processor features. Introduction to Amiga assembly language specifics.
- AMIGA NEWS
Overview of events related to the Amiga platform from early to mid-1998. Highlights include new hardware, software releases, and notable company collaborations. Future updates and developments are scheduled for the next issue.
- AMIGA NEWS
Collection of cheats and secrets for classic Amiga games compiled by Postcard Man. Readers encouraged to share their findings on complex games. Selection of tips and level codes provided for various games.
- AMIGA NEWS
Discussion of Phase-5's graphics cards and Permedia 2 processor capabilities. Details on Permedia 2's 2D/3D acceleration and compatibility. Mention of GLINT Delta processors and comparison of prices and availability.
- AMIGA NEWS
Analysis of Amiga's survival in the 90s, highlighting community efforts and technological advancements. Discussion on hardware improvements and software development. Encouragement for further exploration and learning about the Amiga platform.
- Spectrum Programming
Explanation of a fast method for real-time 3D graphics on the ZX Spectrum. Introduces efficient rotation and deformation techniques for 3D objects. Emphasizes improvements over traditional methods with practical examples.
- Spectrum Programming - Ticklish Jim
Discussion of combining sound effects with music for Spectrum's AY chip. Examples from development of 'CSC: Deja Vu' and technical challenges faced. Contains practical guide and code examples.
- Spectrum Programming
Discussion on byte mirroring and background restoration in ZX Spectrum programming, with examples.
- Spectrum Programming
Comprehensive guide for system programmers with practical tips for creating efficient and user-friendly software, including coding techniques, device compatibility, and program testing strategies.
- Spectrum Programming
Advanced coding techniques and modern graphics methods for ZX Spectrum. Tips for optimizing graphical procedures and coding on assembly. Useful advice for programmers to improve performance and efficiency.
- The End
Reflections on the creation of the first issue of the magazine 'Rush', its goals, audience, and future development.
- ZX-SOFT - Вячеслав Медноногов
Development updates on Vyacheslav Mednoy's new game 'Black Raven II', including gameplay changes, new spell introductions, and performance improvements.
- ZX-SOFT
Overview of new features in the updated commander from REAL software for ZX Spectrum, including file management, autodetection, and media viewing. Improvements in text, font, and music handling. Questions addressed regarding future updates.
- ZX-SOFT
Debate on which demo deserved the top spot at Funtop'98: Forever by DR or Refresh by XTM. Discussions in the demoscene community highlight the clash between technical prowess and conceptual depth. Different opinions reflect on the evolution of demoscene preferences.
- Authors
Acknowledgment of contributors and partners in creating Rush magazine. Detailed roles of each author and collaboration insights. Recognition of technical support and media partnerships.
- Virtual Specky
Discussion on converting graphics from PC to Spectrum, featuring insights from various experts. Techniques for improving conversion quality and tools like Photoshop are detailed. Emphasis on post-conversion refinement in Spectrum graphics editors.
- Virtual Speccy
Discussion on the CBSpeccy emulator for ZX-Spectrum on Amiga, highlighting its features, community opinions, and technical performance. Criticisms and praises for its emulation capabilities, particularly compared to PC emulators. Examination of potential improvements and community debates around version updates.
- Virtual Speccy
FAQ on ZX-Spectrum emulation on PC, covering popular emulators and file formats. Instructions for using different emulators and managing file types like Hobeta and TR-DOS. Discussion on Russian ZX-oriented servers and resources for enthusiasts.
- Introduction
Introduction to the Rush magazine, emphasizing creativity, progressive scene, and the goal to create a superior information source. The magazine seeks to gather promising groups and offer a unique perspective. Focuses on content and atmosphere, welcoming creators to contribute.
- Introduction - Grunge
Introduction to Rush, a new scenemag for Speccy/Amiga enthusiasts, aims to provide quality content and news while encouraging reader feedback.
- Interview - Konex
Interview with ANTARES group after FUNTOP-98. Discussion on their demos, challenges, and future plans. Insight into the group's formation and dynamics.
- Interview - Kvazar, DUX
Interview with Alexander Seleznev (KVAZAR), discussing his history with computers, the state of the ZX Spectrum scene, and future plans.
- Interview - Kvazar
Interview with Vitebsk group POWER on demo 'Crazy Love', development experiences, and future projects.
- Informatorium
Exploration of a CD with emulators for various platforms, highlighting Spectrum. Details the content organization and diversity. Concludes with insights from the CD-ROM Project's Spectrum software collection.
- Informacrium
Compilation of interesting and useful Internet addresses related to Amiga resources, including magazines, hardware manufacturers, and software companies.
- Informacrium - Viator
Overview of existing and upcoming publications on the Amiga platform. Discussion of the availability and distribution challenges for Amiga literature. Appeal for collaboration with new publications.
- About the Magazine
Discussion on creating a multi-platform magazine focusing on Spectrum, Amiga, and PC. Emphasis on broader understanding of computer scene. Encourage professionalism and adaptation to changing technology.
- Parallel Worlds
Overview of the evolution of Windows OS and PC processors from 1981 to 2000. Development milestones of MS-DOS, Windows, Intel processors, and competition with AMD and Cyrix. Challenges in maintaining compatibility with new processor technologies.
- Parallel Worlds
Overview of Macintosh models and their relevance in design and graphics fields, covering prices and specifications from 1997-1998. Discussion includes the evolution of Apple's hardware, notably the PowerMac series, and compares new G3 processors with PC counterparts. It highlights the resurgence of Macintosh post-crisis and its ongoing influence in the market.
- Development of the Spectrum - Slider
The article discusses a new graphical extension for the ZX Spectrum that enhances color palettes without increasing resource demands. By using a modified flash signal, new colors are created without interfering with existing software compatibility. The article provides implementation details and addresses practical usage concerns.
- Development of Spectrum
Connecting a CDOS modem to the 'Compact-128' computer by addressing keyboard port conflicts. Description of hardware modifications to solve the issue. Solution includes automatic blocking using a transistor inverter.
- Development of Spectrum - Ars
Discussion on AZX-Monstrum 512K development, its hardware compatibility, processor options, and potential enhancements in graphics and OS.
- Development of SPECTRUM
Discussion of Clive Sinclair's new computer platform, the ZX2000, designed to outperform PCs with enhanced speed, affordability, and battery efficiency.
- Development of Spectrum - Андрей Савичев
Examination of the evolution and ongoing relevance of the Z80 processor, and its role in embedded systems. Comparison of Z80 with its successors, highlighting advantages like energy efficiency and command enhancements. Overview of integrated Z80-based CPUs and their peripherals.
- Advertisement
This article is an advertisement for Scorpion products including hardware for ZX Spectrum and Amiga software, along with pricing and ordering details.
- Advertising
Collection of advertisements for Amiga and ZX Spectrum hardware and software, with contact information for sellers and details about the new Amiga magazine subscription.
- Advertisement
Advertisement for X-TRADE's General Sound music board. Includes pricing, technical details, and purchase instructions. Features a FAQ section and compatibility info.
- Meaning Without Meaning - Viator
Philosophical reflections on existentialism, immortality, and human destiny. The narrative weaves through stories of ambition, the quest for eternal life, and a utopian downfall. A blend of introspection and speculative fiction.
- Scene vs Professionals
Exploration of the demoscene's creativity versus commercial game development. Discussion of potential for professional-quality programs by scene members. Call for collaboration with leading scene groups.
- Scene Chronicle - Андрей Савичев
Reflections on ZX Spectrum's enduring appeal, its community's resilience, and its potential resurgence in Russia.
- Scene Chronology
Overview of the Rush group's activities, including past projects, current endeavors, and future plans, with emphasis on software development and gaming.
- Scene Chronicles
The article discusses various ZX Spectrum scene news, including game releases, demoparties, and updates from developers and teams.
- Chronicles of the Scene
The article discusses the FUNTOP'98 international computer art festival held in Moscow, highlighting key events, notable attendees, and the various competitions held during the event.
- Scene Chronia
Discussion on Amiga scene development through collaboration, addressing user isolation and promoting network expansion.
- Shell Management
Статья описывает управление оболочкой для ZX Spectrum и Amiga, включая клавиши и функции для навигации. Упоминаются особенности работы на Amiga с PAL монитором и предоставляется контакт для поддержки. Также отмечено, что текстовые файлы имеют стандартную MS-DOS кодировку.
