
EDITORIAL: A Dream Come True
  by Rick Arnold & Dave Bealer
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  Electronic transmission of information -- the elimination of paper
documents -- has been a longtime theme of science fiction. A quarter
century ago Captain James T. Kirk was confirming orders using what
now looks like a clumsy precursor to the Apple Newton message pad.
Today we live in a world where paper documents are already inferior
to electronic publications, in certain areas such as reference works.
Print books and periodicals won't be going away any time soon, but
change is definitely on the way and it's coming fast.

  In 1992 two Pennsylvania Dutchmen, one living in Maryland, the
other in Missouri, decided to start electronic magazines. Their
reasons were different, as were their visions.

  Dave Bealer struck first, premiering RANDOM ACCESS HUMOR in
September 1992 to less than thunderous applause. Dave, a native of
Northampton in eastern Pennsylvania, was looking for a place to get
his rather odd brand of technical humor published. Rejecting the old
methods of collecting rejection slips, Dave decided to publish an
entire humor newsletter electronically. RANDOM ACCESS HUMOR grew
over the next two years into an electronic magazine which infested
nearly every corner of cyberspace.

  Rick Arnold started RUNE'S RAG in 1992 (the first issue was
published in January 1993) as a vehicle allowing authors to gain the
paid publication credits necessary to obtain government grants. Rick
has been from the San Francisco Bay to the extreme right coast.

  Rick and Dave have been consulting closely with each other on
publishing issues since first meeting electronically in late 1992.
Dave's work (both humorous and serious) appeared in the first issue
of RUNE'S RAG and periodically since then. As time went by the two
editors came to view their emags as sister publications. They even
went so far as to forward manuscripts to each other when a submission
seemed to better fit the other emag.

  Dave had been thinking of ceasing publication of RANDOM ACCESS
HUMOR since spring 1994. The only question was whether he would
start another emag or simply pursue his primary interest -- writing.
Starting another emag as a solo effort was out, so a partner was
required. Dave decided to ask his online friend and fellow editor of
RAH's sister emag.

  Exhibiting his usual poor judgement, Rick Arnold said "yes."  So
in early November Dave ventured forth to the thriving metropolis of
Greenville, PA. At that meeting, and later meetings at Dave's home
in Pasadena, MD. the details of a new electronic magazine were worked
out. Here are some excerpts from the transcripts of the
negotiations:  

DB: I still think we should call it POOR RICHARD'S SILICON
    CYBERDREAMFORGE, WITH A NICE LEMON CURRY SAUCE.

RA: That's one option, certainly. How about simply, DREAM FORGE?

DB: Boooring!

                               *  *  *

RA: Whattya mean you want to pay the authors?

DB: Hey!  I'm an author too, and I want to get paid!

RA: That means we have to charge for the magazine. How much do you
    want to charge?

DB: How about $3,000.00?

RA: Per year or per issue?

DB: Either way it's good money.

RA: True, but I doubt many people would pay that.

DB: Okay... how about $3?

RA: That seems a little more reasonable.

                               *  *  *

RA: Profit sharing!  Are you mad?

DB: Sure, let's share the wealth with the writers for a change.

RA: You're assuming, of course, that there will actually be some
    wealth to spread around.

DB: Are you kiddin'?  *I'M* writing for this magazine. Subscriptions
    will come pouring in!

RA: Yes, well. We'll see.

                             
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Got comments? Send 'em on in:              dbealer@dreamforge.com
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