SoundTrack: COMPOSITION BY RLA/CRG 1998
__________________________________________
(C) VIATOR/AVALON/RUSH/ASM
(C) GRUNGE/SMASH/ASM
(C) MIGHTY/SMASH/ASM
__________________________________________
CHARTER OF THE AMAZING SOFT MAKING ASSOCIATION
Second edition,
corrected and supplemented
Issues regarding the functioning of the association, its main areas of activity, admission rules, "press law," restrictions imposed on released programs...
ATTENTION, ATTENTION! EVERYTHING STATED BELOW CANNOT CLAIM TO BE THE FINAL VERSION OF THE CHARTER. WITHOUT A DOUBT, ALL OF THIS WILL BE SUBJECT TO CRITICISM AND SUBSEQUENT EDITING BY MALICIOUS AMAZING'OVTSY... ;-)))
1. The main goals pursued by the association:
AMAZING SOFT MAKING (hereinafter ASM) is created with the aim of uniting the largest number of groups and individual producers of programs for ZX-SPECTRUM and AMIGA computers. Currently, the priority platform is SPECTRUM.
The association is intended to assist its members: to coordinate global and prospective projects, to provide adequate advertising support for all programs released under the guidance of the association.
The second priority area of ASM's activities is to assist in the distribution of authors' projects released under the copyright of the association.
2. Principles of the association's functioning:
The composition of the association is divided into two types: active participants (active) and general composition (unactive). The active composition has priority in all matters, has the right to priority advertising, but these privileges also impose their obligations (see below). The general composition has the right to distribute its projects through the ASM association, advertising on the pages of the association's publications, and participating in joint projects. Whether a specific group/individual is included in the active or general composition depends solely on their desire and compliance with all the rules and provisions of the charter.
The association is not narrowly focused and closed, like RUSH, PROGRESS, ZER0, but is free and open. Belonging to other associations is not an obstacle to joining ASM.
The ASM association is not limited by any territorial or political boundaries. Anyone wishing to join has the right to do so, provided they comply with this charter and follow the admission procedure outlined in point 6.
3. Coordination of the association's activities:
The main producer of ASM is MIGHTY HACKER/SMASH/ASM (hereinafter MH). Co-producers are SOI/CRYSTAL DREAM/ASM and VIATOR/AVALON/RUSH/ASM. They coordinate the activities of ASM and determine priority areas of work and development of the association.
The change of producers can be carried out at the request of the _MAJORITY_ of the association's members.
The producer composition can be increased, in particular, by organizing producer branches in other countries. The decision to increase the producer composition is made only by the currently active producers.
Each participant of the ACTIVE composition of the association has the right to participate in the life of ASM and has a vote in all disputed matters.
The general (unactive) composition DOES NOT HAVE a guaranteed right to interfere in the affairs of the association, but its opinion can also be taken into account.
The state of affairs in ASM will be regularly reported in the association's electronic publications. Through these publications, ALL will be informed about current projects and the advertising of the soft distributed by ASM.
4. Obligations imposed by the association on the GENERAL composition:
A group in the GENERAL COMPOSITION informs about the state of affairs (State of projects, changes in team composition, etc.) every 1.5 months. This point is fulfilled by sending a "report on the work done" to the main producer or co-producers in written or electronic form. It is also possible to notify the producer composition by phone. A group that does not make contact for three months is considered to have left the scene.
Mandatory release of all COMMERCIAL projects, the distribution of which is carried out by ASM, with copyright (C) ASM.
Compliance with all requirements for software products, which are described in point 7.
Compliance with all other rules of the association (on non-disclosure of information and professional etiquette).
Violation of the charter will be punished up to exclusion of the offenders from the association, without the right to rejoin (!).
5. Additional obligations imposed by the association on the ACTIVE composition:
All obligations for the general composition also apply to the active composition.
Each group must inform about the state of projects and the situation in the group. The report is sent no later than the last days of each month and is addressed to MH. If the "report" is sent on a diskette, it will be returned with the last issue of the association's information publication recorded on it; if the necessary amount for return shipping is attached to the report, this process will occur much faster;). Monthly information about the work done is sent to the main producer or his assistants. If the report is not sent in a time exceeding 2.5 months, the group is automatically transferred from the ACTIVE COMPOSITION.
Members of the active composition must take an active part in the life and development of the association (sending interesting and useful material for associative publications, providing available musical/graphic/program material for the needs of the association). In case of prolonged inactivity, the group may be transferred to the general composition.
The active composition of ASM must respond as quickly and fully as possible to all questions and requests for help from other members of the association. Remember that the association is based on the principles of mutual cooperation and assistance! Today you may help collect a game or demo in response to someone's request, and tomorrow you will be provided with the music or graphics you need.
6. Rules for admission to the ASM association:
Each group or individual spectrumist must send a request to the main producer (MH) to join the association. This request must specify which composition you want to join, active or general.
Detailed information about the group members must be sent, including contact addresses/phones/network addresses of at least the group organizer (detailed information about each group member is desirable). Information about the hardware used in the group, including machines from other platforms, must also be sent. Attached to this should be data specifically about each group member (specialization, role of each individual in the life of the group, etc.).
It is also desirable to send completed questionnaires; the "form" was published in the third issue of the magazine "ZX-NEWS."
In addition to the report on the composition and hardware, detailed information about the group's current projects and what it can do for the benefit of the association and the SPECTRUM & AMIGA platforms must be sent.
If you intend to join the active composition, it is advisable to send useful material right away.
The decision to accept or reject someone into the association is made by the producers and can only be reviewed at the request of the active composition.
Groups will be notified of the decision within a month from the date of receipt of the request.
7. Requirements for software products released by the association:
Mandatory copyright AMAZING S.M.! In programs that have information about the authors, the contact phone number of the main producer of ASM must also be indicated, but it is preferable to indicate the coordinates of the entire active composition.
A nice touch would be greetings to the Amazing'ovtsy;-) Need I say, friendship rules 4eva!
7.1 Technical requirements:
Use full addressing of the segment switching port (pages) - #7FFD (with rare exceptions for simply awesome fx in demo or intro, as well as digital muzak player, then the 6th bit should be set, that is, to the number loaded into the accumulator, you need to add 40).
If using Kempston Joystick/Mouse control, in addition to the auto-detection, provide for disabling polling of these devices!
In disk loaders, either use only interrupt mode IM 1, or place the interrupt vector in "fast" memory areas. Also, if disk procedures work directly with 'BГ93', place them in fast (usually regular) memory.
When using a stack for fast data retrieval, interrupts must be disabled! This is necessary to avoid glitches on slow machines. Constructs like EI: HALT: DI are welcomed.
All possible measures must be taken to ensure that your program works on all types of SPECCY (fight discrimination, use the second screen, work correctly with all ports and disk operations, etc.).
When connecting a second interrupt mode, a 257-byte table MUST be created.
Programs that do not comply with these rules will not be produced and distributed by the association!
7.2 Additional requirements and recommendations for cracks:
- first of all, find all possible versions of this prog/game.
Example: some (mostly rulez) games circulate in the country in several Polish versions (Goody).
a) check scr for (mostly) hidden inscriptions & if it'z Poles, then mercilessly/carefully erase (or beautifully correct to your own;-)). If it's not Poles but something interesting, then during/after loading poll the keyboard and remove/set attributes (for example, with the "J" button-;)).
Example: Robocop 2, Heartland, Chronos.
b) review the entire dump of the prog, as even in gfx/mfx you can find txt and quite useful ones... not to mention that it doesn't hurt to read all txt.
c) look for keyboard polling regarding finding the official cheat & etc.
Example: Robocop 2, Indy 2, Renegade 3.
d) look for checks on the input in the records table regarding the above.
Example: Robocop 2, Total Recall, Chronos.
e) correct (if necessary) the polling of the Kempston Joystick.
Example: many Spanish games: Rescate Atlantida, Navy Moves.
8. Distribution of authors' soft:
All soft distributed by the association is divided into two types:
FREE distribution - programs are sent to all willing members of ASM for free.
COMMERCIAL distribution - programs are distributed ONLY to customers and regional distributors.
8.1 Commercial distribution:
The association engages in distribution and producing only projects created by ASM members and only if these programs fully comply with the requirements outlined in points 7; 7.1; 7.2 of the charter.
All conditions and obligations are discussed in advance.
When taking on the distribution of any projects, the association independently chooses the best distribution paths.
To avoid unpleasant situations, any distribution of this product by the authors themselves is prohibited for a certain period. All distribution rights are transferred to ASM. Only in this way can the distribution paths of programs be fully controlled. The association decides with which regional distributors to cooperate.
More precise agreements will be discussed and accepted in each specific case with the mutual consent of the authors and producers.
9. Acquisition of authors' and commercial programs from the association:
Distributors and individual buyers contact the main producer and through him conclude all contracts.
The end buyer does not have the right to distribute programs and use the intellectual property contained in them, both for profit and without.
10. Management of projects coordinated by the association:
Some projects may be conducted under the production and coordination of ASM itself. In this case, it will not be simple assistance with music and graphics, but large joint projects involving dozens of groups.
Producers of ASM will carry out all organizational activities.
Approximate specialization of producers:
MIGHTY - any projects.
SOI - publishing activities, games.
VIATOR - games, demos, system soft.
11. Electronic publications of the association:
The magazine "DEPTH" is published under the management of the association. The main publishers are CRYSTAL DREAM. The magazine publishes, alongside regular materials, advertising data about the association's projects (novels, demos, price lists).
All members of ASM participate in the creation of the magazine and the collection of material. The magazine is irregular and is published as needed.
A constant and regular publication of the association is the newspaper "...Spark :-)". It will be published every month and will be compiled based on data received from all members of ASM. It will contain operational information about the works of the association and its current composition. All announcements, requests, and requirements from association members will also be published in the newspaper.
NOTE: T.K. at the moment the situation has changed, there is a possibility that DEPTH will be published regularly, i.e. once a month, while taking on the above-mentioned functions of the newspaper. Consequently, there is a possibility of the newspaper's creation being unnecessary...
This charter can only be changed or supplemented with the agreement of the producers of the ASM association.
Please respond to the questionnaire not briefly, but rather as detailed and comprehensively as possible (on both sides of the sheet or on double-sided disks :-)).
Now some more nuances:
I believe it is advisable to join the project and ASM, as I have already suggested. In addition to distribution, it is necessary to help the authors create their projects. I am attaching the preliminary charter of the ASM association to this text. I am interested in your opinion on this matter. By the way, some of the points of the beta charter of ASM may also be used as a basis for SOS.
Important and controversial aspects that need to be discussed include: aligning the activities of the association with the laws in force in the CIS, the method of transferring money from users to producers and from producers to authors, the best ways to send programs both by mail and through electronic networks, criteria for selecting soft and assessing the amount paid to authors, what producers of the association will receive for their work, and much more...
In any case, the project needs to be advertised and users need to be familiarized with it. Even our demo "HALLUCINATIONS IN OPERA" can be considered an advertising product. After all, thanks to it, many became interested in the project and inspired me to continue this idea, instilled optimism in me! THANKS!
Therefore, all your actions to develop the project are extremely desirable - from writing advertising demos to simply discussing this topic with friends. Act right now! The fact that we live in countries with a dull-headed government and a grim economic situation does not mean we cannot do everything to make our beloved business prosper! :-)
And one more thing... If you are ready to engage directly in the activities of the association, if you value the scene and want to act for its and your benefit by becoming a producer of the project - contact me. I will pass you the results of the survey, the charter projects, and other material! After all, I am only ready to collect material at the initial stage. All those interested should know what they can do right now.
Please inform me about any discussions of the project in the network and electronic publications, if possible.
Please!
How to contact me:
250005 Ukraine,
Chernigov,
Kievskaya St.,
House 6, Apt. 34
Onishchenko Viktor / VIATOR
Tel. (04622) 5-36-08
(Request - call on holidays or weekends :-).
How to contact the producer of ASM:
335040 Ukraine, Crimea,
Sevastopol,
Khrjukina St.,
House 3, Apt. 44
Kosychenko Anatoliy / MIGHTY
Tel. (0692) 57-57-80
Now I gladly send greetings and thanks to those who have already shown interest in the project! :
MIGHTY/SMASH
GRUNGE/SMASH
SOI/CRYSTAL DREAM
SQUIZER/X-PROJECT
ALOS JUNIOR/SPARK
SERGEY NOVIKOV (SPIRIT/DR)
ANDREY SAVICHEV
ALEXANDER GOFMAN
ETERNITY INDUSTRY
BEERMANS
OUTLAND
BYTEX
ENTIRE
FL VBI
SILICON BRAINS
Of course, all RUSH & ASM and all others!
This text is intended for mass distribution and use. Its publication in electronic publications is welcomed!
See you on the A/BOX platform!!! Just kidding!
Though in every joke there is a share... of hope. :-)
Act right now!!!
GOOD LUCK!
February 25, 1998
Contents of the publication: Deja Vu #05
- Аперативчик - Max
Detailed instructions on managing the DEJA VU interface, highlighting different input methods and navigation commands. Explanation of the new and old interfaces for enhanced user experience. Discussion on additional features like frame scrolling and music management.
- Аперативчик - Max
Discussion on supporting machines with more than 128k memory, leading to separate shells for 128k and 256k systems. Testing was mainly done on Scorpion and Profi, with functionality on other models anticipated. Article includes guidance on unpacking source files and insights on using improved algorithms.
- Тема - M.M.A
This article explores the theory behind digitizing sound on ZX Spectrum, focusing on sampling and quantization processes. It provides practical insights into converting sound files using specific hardware and software. Additionally, it offers methods to enhance sound quality while working within the hardware limitations.
- Theme
The article discusses the Save Our Scene initiative aimed at uniting Spectrum users and developers to promote software distribution and enhance the scene's development.
- Charter of the Amazing Soft Making Association
Discussion of the founding charter of the Amazing Soft Making association, detailing its goals, membership criteria, and operational principles.
- Theory of Magazine Creation
The article provides a detailed guide for aspiring magazine creators, focusing on technical aspects such as interface design, memory management, text formatting, and music integration for ZX Spectrum publications.
- Solder Drop
The article provides a personal account of purchasing and using the General Sound device for ZX Spectrum, detailing installation and sound performance. It discusses the initial issues encountered and praises the enhanced audio experience in compatible games. The author encourages further software adaptation for the device and reflects on multimedia capabilities with simultaneous hardware use.
- Solder Drop
The article discusses the capabilities of Sound Forge 4.0c for professional audio processing on PCs, highlighting its extensive features such as sound editing, effects, and restoration tools.
- SOFTWARE
The article reviews the latest software developments for the ZX Spectrum from Samara, including updates to MAXSOFT SCREEN PACKER, File Commander, and new applications like S-Terminal.
- SOFTWARE - Card!nal
Review and walkthrough of the logical graphic adventure game 'Operation R.R.' with detailed level instructions. Discussion on game elements like music choice and graphic design. Mentions new coder MAX/CYBERAX/BINARY DIMENSION's involvement.
- SOFTWARE
Discussion on the current state and evolution of the demoscene, highlighting the rise of 4K intros and upcoming competitions like FUNTOP'98.
- CODING
Article discusses assembly language coding techniques for optimizing screen scrolling on ZX Spectrum, featuring example code and performance analysis.
- CODING - RLA
The article explores stack manipulation techniques during second type interrupts for graphical effects on ZX Spectrum. It discusses solutions for preserving data integrity when interrupts disrupt graphical operations. Practical examples are provided to handle stack issues efficiently.
- CODING
The article describes the MS-PACK packer and its DEPACKER, detailing usage scenarios and providing BASIC and assembly code examples for handling packed files. It emphasizes optimizing performance by allowing unpacking with interrupts enabled and separating the DEPACKER from packed files. Additionally, it includes insights on programming techniques for loading and executing BASIC files on ZX Spectrum.
- CODING
The article discusses various coding techniques for ZX Spectrum, focusing on sprite rendering, rotation algorithms, and optimization methods to enhance performance.
- ANOTHER WORLD
Discussion on the evolution of multimedia technologies and their impact on various fields, including education and entertainment. It covers advances in computer hardware and software that have facilitated the integration of audio, video, and text. The article reflects on past developments and speculates on the future of multimedia systems.
- ANOTHER WORLD
Comparison of PC and Amiga systems highlighting performance, software costs, and user experience with multimedia capabilities.
- Honor Roll
Interview with PROGRESS discusses their creative journey on ZX Spectrum and AMIGA, addressing challenges in demomaking and the current state of the scene.
- Honor Roll
The article details the activities and future projects of the Eternity Industry team, based in Kovrov, including successful releases and collaborations with other groups.
- Honor Roll
Discussion of the Artcomp'98 festival, focusing on its mail-in format and guidelines for various competitions, including demo, graphics, and music categories.
- Honor Roll
The article provides a glossary of terms used in the demo scene, explaining roles such as musician, coder, and graphician, as well as different types of demos and effects. It serves as a useful resource for understanding the terminology and dynamics of the community. This is a descriptive piece aimed at educating readers about the jargon of the demo scene.
- Honor Roll
The article discusses the issues with mouse support in various ZX Spectrum magazines and the frustrations of users when encountering compatibility problems. It critiques developers for not adhering to standards, leading to poor user experiences. The author expresses the importance of consistent improvements in software for the ZX Spectrum community.
- Honor Board
The article discusses the process of creating tricolor images for ZX Spectrum using Photoshop and a simplified approach. It outlines how to divide an image into RGB channels and convert them for use on the Spectrum. Additionally, it provides tips on how to manage the files for optimal results.
- Honor Roll
The article discusses the comparison and perspectives on various computer systems, particularly emphasizing the strengths of AMIGA over PC and advocating for appreciation of all machines.
- Seven and a Half
Article discusses the humorous absurdities and peculiarities of military training and academia, blending satire with real anecdotes and witty observations.
- Seven and a Half
The article provides a satirical manual on programming methodologies, mocking the rigidity of formal programming practices and advocating for a more creative approach to coding.
- Seven and a Half
Instructions on safe sex practices, including guidelines on eligibility, preparation, and actions during and after the sexual session, along with handling emergency situations.
- Seven and a Half
The article discusses a call for a talented artist in Krasnodar for a ZX Spectrum group, raises concerns about the unethical practices of Scorpion regarding software rights, and critiques a video review of E'97.
- Seven and a Half
The article 'Семь и 1/2' narrates a humorous picnic adventure involving the editorial team of Deja Vu, highlighting their camaraderie and mishaps while preparing a barbecue.
- Trial of the Pen
The article is a humorous take on the fictional adventures of Winnie the Pooh as he interacts with computers and friends, discussing the absurdities of technology and daily life.
- First Pen
The article discusses the new section in Deja Vu dedicated to fantasy and science fiction literature, featuring book reviews and reader participation in content creation.
- Advertisement
The article is an advertisement section from Deja Vu #05, promoting collaborations with designers and musicians for future issues, and offering various software and hardware for ZX Spectrum.
- News
The article announces the launch of a new magazine, AMIGA RULES, focused on the AMIGA computer, addressing the lack of quality Russian-language publications. It aims to provide information on programming, hardware, software, and gaming, while fostering a community among AMIGA enthusiasts. The magazine will include contributions from readers and regular updates on the AMIGA scene.
