From: kempkec@fog.CS.ORST.EDU (Christopher Kempke)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.games
Subject: Re: MacinPlay Digest Concerns- Please Read me!
Date: 22 Aug 92 22:20:30 GMT
Article-I.D.: CS.1992Aug22.222030.4606
Organization: Oregon State University, Computer Science Dept.

In article <1992Aug22.214843.11734@usenet.ins.cwru.edu> an780@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Travis Grundke) writes:

	[lots deleted]

>games magazine, but users have stated in around 200 
>requests for information, that MacinPlay be a professional
>publication, much to the likings of Computer Gaming World
>and other games magazines. We're trying as hard as we can
>to accomodate everyones' requests and suggestions to
>incorporate them into the magazine. Many replies *I've*
>received have stated that "For a paltry $12.00 per year,
>it's worth it." Again, that is the opinion of many, so

	I know, I know -- it's hard even to FIND your article among all
	the advertisements for Computer Gaming World, MacUser, MacWorld,
	and other professional magazines littering this space. <major
	sarcasm off>.

	I apologize for posting this rather than mailing it, but the issue
	needs to be addressed and this is information many people will want.
	I will attempt to be polite and explain what "we" see wrong with
	your posting.

	a) Usenet's purpose is to promote free exchange of information, NOT
	to serve as advertising.   Advertising for commercial products is
	for the most part forbidden, (although there are groups for it).

	b) By your own statements, MacinPlay is "a professional publication,
	much to the likings of Computer Gaming World..."  You are 
	placing yourself in this group of your own choice, and one of the
	penalties for such an endeavor is that you must pay for your own
	advertising, not use Usenet to do it.

	c) You do not see advertisements for professional magazines here.
	Simple.   If other people want to talk ABOUT your magazine, that's
	fine -- that's what Usenet is for.  Advertising it is not appropriate.

	d) You're concerned about exposure to your product.  Welcome to the
	business world.  Advertise.  Send a message to comp.sys.mac.announce
	(a moderated newsgroup for mac-related announcements) if you
	really need Usenet exposure.

	Your "bad karma" stems from the fact that when you first proposed
	this idea, people assumed that you were going to generate a real
	electronic magazine.  There are several of these that do exist,
	and they manage to perform their function very well, thank you.  But
	the major difference is that they are NON-COMMERCIAL, not
	pay-per-view magazines.

	Note that all of the above is my opinion alone, but that opinion
	may be shared by others.  Here's a comment which you can take or
	leave as you will:

	By chargning for this magazine and using "conventional" mail
	channels, you are exchanging a little bit of extra flexibility for
	a huge audience (Usenet readers).  If you really want to provide
	the service you claim, an electronic magazine would reach more
	people.

	Anyhow, my two cents worth.  I will not post again on this topic
	unless I'm flamed to death.  None of the above is meant to be
	a personal attack, or even an attack on your doubtlessly excellent
	publication, only an attempt to explain why you're suddenly seeing
	flames instead of high praise.

		--Chris
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.games