MacSense has undergone much change since its inception. Originally,
it was the founding goal of MacSense to cater to Ottawa area Macintosh
users, bringing important news and valuable information to the community. It began as a double-sided paper publication with little interest in being electronic. This would all change when I met Renzo Piche, and became a Helix Online user.
The previous five issues have been electronically constructed to mimic the contents of the hard copy version. While I had always respected the DocMaker‚Ñ¢ issues of MacSense, I felt that it was of paramount importance to construct the paper publication. It's design was a way of expressing myself and my interests. Producing a hard copy publication, however, requires toner, paper, time and energy, and limits the publication to two pages. Being as busy as I (and my associates) have been, distribution of the paper version has been limited to the Carleton University Computer Store.
I have noticed that the people who pick up MacSense when in stores are not generally a faithful readership. Most of these individuals are looking to purchase items and simply regard MacSense as a point-of-purchase selling tool. As such, it has come to our conclusion that it no longer makes sense to produce the hard copy version of MacSense. Until we get advertising and/or corporate sponsorship, we do not have the resources to successfully distribute the paper publication to such a reader base.
With a conference on Helix Online, MacSense began its foray into the electronic netherworld. Electronic distribution is an environmentally friendly (and virtually free) means of distri-
buting, and promises a much greater reader base than any paper distribution channel we could afford. Currently, we are working toward establishing a MacSense conference on The Familiar Spirit, a New Jersey based FirstClass™ bulletin board system serving New Jersey and New York. We are also actively considering putting MacSense on both OneNet and the Internet. With our DocMaker™ format we are hoping to become a renown North American electronic Macintosh publication, which is as respected as Adam C. Engst’s TidBits.
With this issue, you will notice a few major changes. For copyright reasons, we have decided to avoid using Apple’s menu bars as footers. As well, since we are no longer bound by the space limitations of the hard copy, MacSense will tend to be considerably larger. Finally, in addition to periodic editorials, there will soon be a Letters to the Editor column.
Before going any further, however, I must acknowledge those who have helped me get this far: Renzo Piche, for being a persistent dog at my heels, who pressured me to continue when I saw little point; to Tim, Don, Stephen, and William, who have willingly volunteered to help me with my quest; and to my position at the Carleton University Computer Store, which has given me access to a great deal of first-hand Apple information.
Finally, I must give a heartfelt thanks to Neil Yates and the other Helix Online Administrators for giving me a conference and helping me to launch MacSense Electronic. Without their help and support, MacSense would be another stifled dream.
