Compute!'s Gazette, a beloved magazine for Commodore 8-bit computers, has been revived after a 35-year hiatus. The new publication will maintain its focus on retro computing, specifically covering Commodore 64, VIC-20, PET, Plus/4, and 128 systems. Readers can expect articles on programming, hardware modifications, game reviews, and interviews, aiming to capture the spirit and enthusiasm of the original magazine while offering fresh content for both veteran users and newcomers to the Commodore scene. The magazine will be available in both digital and print formats.
After a dormancy spanning more than three and a half decades, Compute!'s Gazette, a periodical once revered for its coverage of 8-bit and 16-bit home computing during the golden age of personal computers, has been resurrected from the digital graveyard. This revival seeks to recapture the spirit and enthusiasm of the original magazine, focusing its editorial lens once again on the realm of retro computing. The publication, which originally graced newsstands and mailboxes from 1983 to 1995, provided a vital source of information, tutorials, and programming insights for owners of popular platforms such as the Commodore 64, VIC-20, Amiga, Atari, and Apple II. Now, in the 21st century, Compute!'s Gazette aims to cater to both seasoned veterans who fondly recall these classic machines and a new generation of enthusiasts discovering the joys of retro computing for the first time. The resurrected publication promises a rich tapestry of content, including articles delving into the history and technical intricacies of vintage hardware, in-depth reviews of classic software titles, interviews with prominent figures from the early days of personal computing, and potentially even newly developed programs and games crafted specifically for these legacy systems. This revitalization represents not simply a nostalgic throwback, but rather a dedicated effort to preserve the legacy of these foundational computing platforms and to cultivate a vibrant community around them. The digital landscape may have dramatically evolved since the magazine's heyday, but the passion for these pioneering machines clearly endures, and Compute!'s Gazette is poised to once again serve as a central hub for all things retro computing. The publication's website, computesgazette.com, serves as the primary portal for accessing this wealth of information and joining the renewed community.
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https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43671861
Hacker News users reacted to Compute's Gazette's return with a mix of nostalgia and cautious optimism. Several commenters fondly recalled their childhood experiences with the magazine, specifically mentioning the included type-in programs and the excitement of getting it in the mail. Some expressed concerns about the viability of a print magazine in the digital age, and questioned the focus on retro computing. Others wondered about the target audience and the content's relevance to younger generations. Despite these reservations, there was a general sense of goodwill and hope that the revived publication could capture some of the magic of the original. A few users questioned the business model and suggested exploring digital distribution alongside print. The most compelling comments highlighted the unique community fostered by early computing magazines and expressed hope that the new Compute's Gazette could recapture that spirit.
The Hacker News post about the return of Compute!'s Gazette magazine after 35 years, with a focus on retro computing, generated a fair amount of discussion with a generally positive and nostalgic tone.
Many commenters expressed excitement and fond memories of the original Compute!'s Gazette, recalling typing in programs from the magazine, the thrill of getting a new issue, and the impact it had on their early computing experiences. Several people specifically mentioned the educational value of the publication, teaching them about programming, hardware, and the inner workings of computers. One commenter described it as their "gateway drug to programming." The feeling of community fostered by the magazine was also highlighted.
Some commenters discussed the challenges of recreating the experience of Compute!'s Gazette in a modern context. The tactile experience of the physical magazine, the anticipation of waiting for the next issue, and the shared experience of typing in programs with others are difficult to replicate digitally. However, some suggested that the online format offers advantages, such as the ability to easily copy and paste code, access to a larger community, and the potential for interactive elements.
Several commenters expressed interest in seeing coverage of specific retro platforms or aspects of retro computing, including the Commodore 64, Amiga, Apple II, and early PC gaming. There was also discussion of the potential for the revived magazine to cover modern retro-inspired projects and the demoscene.
A few commenters questioned the viability of a print magazine in the digital age, but others argued that there is still a market for physical publications, particularly among enthusiasts of retro computing. The tactile nature of a physical magazine and the collectibility aspect were cited as reasons for supporting a print edition.
Some discussion focused on the content of the website linked in the post, computesgazette.com. Commenters noted the presence of PDF downloads and the ability to subscribe, indicating that the project appears to be actively producing content.
Overall, the comments reflect a strong interest in the return of Compute!'s Gazette and a sense of nostalgia for the original publication. While there are some concerns about adapting to the modern media landscape, there is also optimism about the potential for the revived magazine to capture the spirit of the original and reach a new generation of retro computing enthusiasts.