A vital resource for like-minded computer owners is
flourishing in the Atari RoundTables on GEnie. One
result of this is reflected in a level of sharing
and caring which I've rarely had the pleasure of
experiencing anywhere. This feeling of camaraderie
extends between Atari sysops, software publishers,
dealers, and computer owners alike. The Atari
RoundTable provides a vital link for us all.
  
The Difference
  
When I mention sharing, I am speaking of
information relevant to our Atari systems, whether
we're involved with 8-bit products, the VCS 2600,
or the latest Atari Falcon. Perhaps it was the
Atari TT that first captured our imagination, the
handheld color Lynx or the latest and best in
64-bit game technology, the Atari Jaguar. As anyone
who owns an Atari computer will tell you, we ARE
just a bit different. After all, we do not own the
latest clone and do not feel deprived because of
it!
  
Relationships that have matured over the years are
often demonstrated during the Monday night Desktop
Publishing and Wednesday's Open House Conferences.
These gatherings feature many special guests,
including most leading Atari software developers
and, on several occasions, even the President of
Atari Corp. himself. The monthly "Dateline Atari"
with Robert Brodie of Atari Corp. has been a
favorite in the RoundTable for the past 18 months.
  
Many participants have become friends over the
course of time. This includes Atari sysops who host
the RoundTables -- Lou Rocha [ST.LOU], Mike Allen
[MIKE-ALLEN] and Brian Harvey [BRIAN.H] -- and
regulars like Dorothy Brumleve [DABRUMLEVE], Dave
Smith [D.SMITH200], Damien Jones [DMJ], Sean
Dougherty [P-DIRECT], Dr. Bob [W.PARKS3], Rob
Anisko [R.ANISKO], Jim Allen [J.ALLEN27], John
Brenner [J.BRENNER1], and a couple of dozen others.
These people sign on from provinces and states all
over North America; occasionally we even get Phil
Reeves typing to us live from Australia or Jon
Clarke from New Zealand!
  
Another example of the close-knit Atari community
involves John Tarpinian [JOHN.KING.T], who happens
host the largest Atari User Group show in North
America, held each year in Glendale, California.
John's year-round interaction on the Atari
RoundTable is one of the reasons the Glendale show
consistently enjoys an excellent turnout of
developers and attendees. We're all friends,
acquaintances and associates.
  
Real-Time Friendships
  
When the recent earthquake hit the west coast, John
posted immediately to let us know that he was okay,
as did many others. We were relieved to hear from
them because we worry about our friends. We
definitely enjoy a sense of community here, one of
which we are justifiably proud. This is something
bigger than Atari, something we've created
ourselves by sharing our common interests, based on
our computer or game machine or both.
  
The Bulletin Board is another place where the Atari
community thrives. Over time, names become familiar
and friendships develop. How do they start? It may
be a post that explains a vital option when
deciding on a new printer, the best paper to use in
our current printer, how to complete a project
using specific software, or even finding that
elusive clue in the latest and most exciting game
we've ever played. All these things help develop
relationships that endure off-line as well as on.
  
Over time, we often gain insight into the true
nature of someone online. Perhaps we find a
lifelong friend or the opposite, an antagonist. I
know I've discovered both. Either way, we expand
our horizons and are better for it.
  
Over the years, I've met many old friends
face-to-face for the first time. What a thrill! At
the last Glendale show I had the pleasure of
finally being able to spend some real-time with
many people who identified themselves to me by
their GE Mail addresses. Stephen Samuels
[S.SAMUELS] and Daniel Galent [VORoundTableEXT]
needed no introduction as they are both long-time
regulars in my own Calamus support area in Category
16. Although I had to first travel from Toronto to
California, when I got there, I found myself among
friends thanks to GEnie and the Atari RoundTable.
  
Join us in the Atari RoundTable, where we are are
proud to be just a little bit different!