History of Database's Atari User magazine

[avram]

Is this a magazine you hope to have on the website? And what's the history of this magazine. Wasn't Les Ellingham, the editor of Page 6, offered the position of editor on that title? And why did Page 6 buy the name when it closed (and why did Atari User shut down)?

Thanks!

[prixon]

Hi Avram

I would like to do a similar website for Atari User at some point although there are currently a couple of issues; one is that it's not entirely clear where to get official permission from (even Les wasn't sure whether the agreement with Page 6 included rights over the previous material) and another is that I can't find anyone, anywhere who has all the cover disks containing the type in listings. I don't fancy typing everything in again! I have got all issues of the Atari User mag though.

I am currently working on an archive for Monitor Magazine (UK Atari Computer Owners Club) and it is nearly ready to go - will include some of the PD software the club had in its library. Again I could do with finding someone who has the program listings already typed in!

I don't know too much about the old Atari User and would be grateful if anyone else has some more inside info. Les was certainly offered the job of Editor by Database Publications but he turned it down in favour of continuing Page 6. I don't think it would have suited him anyway - Les was a genuine Atari enthusiast who cared more about serving the Atari community than making a profit from the business. Page 6 would have closed down much earlier if it had run purely on a commercial basis.

Atari User though was just one of many titles published by Database Publications/Europress (with articles written by staff writers) to capitalise on the home computing boom and as soon as it didn't make enough money, they naturally closed it down. The "deal" with Page 6 was really just an opportunity for Les to buy the subscriber list and acquire some new readers. It wasn't a "takeover" in the wider sense.

Paul


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[Dwatson]

I emailed Derek Makin a last year some time and he said that i could do the website and he was also going to an interview, but did not get in touch with me again, and i have sent a few more emails to his address but have not had a replay.

So paul why don't you send him a mail and tell him all about the page 6 website and when he sees what a good job you have done with it and realise what a Atari User website will give to the community (i have lost his address but if you do a search for his name i'm sure you will find the address)

Also i'am willing to do the type-ins if you want i have most of the Atari User's so if you want i could start doing the listings (I think i have done some of the listings i will check), just let me know.

[prixon]

Thanks for that, will have to start this project sometime soon!

[Mort]

 I can donate a complete set of scans of Atari User if you need them ?

Cheers Mort   

[prixon]

yes please!

Paul

[Mort]

Pm Sent Paul 

[paulhollins]

I remember Andre Willey used to be one of the main staff at Atari User (in fact, I think he became the editor).

I stumbled across his website a little while ago (which includes 'Atari User' on his online CV). I'm sure would be able to reveal some of the insider secrets of what actually went on at Database Publications back in the day.

Here's the link: http://www.compulink.co.uk/~neverland/index.htm

Cheers,

Paul.

[prixon]

Hey that's a good find, I might drop him a note at some point ...

Paul