Back in 1979 I knew nothing about magazine publishing, but a fair amount about micro-computers and video games. Michael DesChesnes and I launched A.N.A.L.O.G. Computing in February, 1980. ANALOG was the first magazine dedicated to the Atari 8-bit personal computer, which was the number one selling computer in the U.S. during the early '80s. Soon after the first issue rolled out, ANALOG quickly became one of the largest personal computer magazines in the 80's. Every issue contained terrific editorial and several type-in software features, many of which rivaled commercial software. Our crew was probably the best in-house computer magazine staff in computer magazine history. It included Tom Hudson (who went on to author Studio 3D for Autodesk) and Brian Moriarty (author of Infocom's Trinity and LucasGames Loom).

ST-Log was launched to keep up with Atari ST 16-bit computer and the rapid release of software to support it. ST-Log started out as an insert in ANALOG, then spun off into a separate publication. The ST computer found a home in the MIDI (music) segment, as well as in the graphics and primordial days of desktop publishing. Both ANALOG and ST-Log were sold in 1988.

VideoGames & Computer Entertainment was the best of the current wave of video game magazines. When I started it, we covered the 8-bit game consoles such as the Nintendo and Sega, then later the TuboGrafx, Genesis, and Super NES. Computer-platform and arcade games were also covered. VG&CE was also the first mag in the U.S. to include detailed strategy guides on popular games. Our covers were the best at the time frequently featuring the work of Alan Hunter. VG&CE was eventually split-up into several separate video and computer gaming magazines.





For 6 months I commuted from Boston to Los Angeles nearly every week. During my travels I noticed more and more laptop computers being used on planes. PC LapTop Computers Magazine was born! This was more than a year prior to portable computers becoming popular, so we were really in on the ground floor. (386 machines were a dream at the time we released the first issue in February of 1989.) Our second year laptop computers were outselling desktop machines, and the magazine was accepted as the leader in its category. Every issue reviewed the latest machines, offered tips on the use of various software, contained a detailed buyer's guide of every portable computer on the market.

When I got my hands on a Japanese "PC Engine" video game system, I knew it had the best graphics of any system at the time. We released Turboplay to cater to the U.S. version of the PC Engine, the NEC TurboGrafx-16. NEC packaged a brochure for Turboplay with every TurboGrafx game system. At first, most of the editorial came from the Japanese PC Engine Fan magazine, published by Shogakukan. We translated the text to English and augmented the graphics with Alan Hunters wonderful illustrations. Having played video games since the early '70s, I've gotten board with "shoot 'em up's" Ð The TurboGrafx offered one for my favorite all time games, Military Madness (Nectaris in Japan). Two follow up games to Nectaris were NeoNectaris and (on the SNES) Earthlight.

VISIO was my favorite magazine launch. Covering the spectrum of consumer electronics, gadgets, cool automobiles, and other hi-tech lifestyle products, the magazine was always different and on the cutting edge. The layout and graphics were clean and trend settingÐNewsweek and Business Week were just some of the publications to copy our look. We also utilized some of the top writers in their fields: C. Van Tune (now the Editor-in-Chief of Motor Trend), Jim Martin (Kit Plane Magazine), Kevin Space (Hot Boat), and Thom Harrop (Camera & Darkroom). Our photography was frequently used by manufacturers for use in their advertising and PR (Casio, Technics, etc.).

Picture This! is the how-to photography magazine for everyone. Our easy-to-use before-and-after style teaches photo techniques through pictures, minimizing text. Careful research provides us with the most frequently photographed subjects, making the magazine useful and timely... and fun! Some of our issues have covered vacation photography, pets, portraits, children, and fun photos for kids. Regular contests let readers submit their pictures for a chance to win cameras, film, and other gifts.

A publication for the do-it-yourselfer, Popular Home Automation covers home theater, home automation, and other practical electronics projects around the house. Step-by-step instructions and useful examples guide readers through every stage of a project. Other features include using a computer to run your home via lighting, heating and air conditioning, security, and entertainment.

Home Theater Builder represents the first publication by Flying Cloud Press. Geared towards anyone who wants to install a surround sound system all the way up to media room aficionados, HTB shows how-to do it. Articles by well known writers in the AV field, as well as professional installers provide clear, easy to follow instructions's, as well as ideas on upgrades and future expansion. www.hometheaterbuilder.com

Other recent magazine-related projects include:

A series of advertorials for Discover Magazine, part of the Walt Disney
Magazine group, featuring computers, consumer electronics, and EPCOT Center.

Various consulting and hands-on projects including custom magazine inserts for
The Boston Globe and Anniversary Publishing.

Consulting for The Cinema Source catalog,
a home theater mail order company.

Writing for Electronic House, HA Pro, The Intelligence Report, Archi-Tech, Robb Report, and several other national publications.

Spring 2002: Founded Flying Cloud Press. Our first new title due in this June is Home Theater Builder. Contact http://www.hometheater builder.com for info.