Propaganda 21 ch01
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|PROPAGANDA |ISSUE 21|
|PROPAGANDA | |
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| Intelligent and | | \/ |
|freethinking journalism| | |
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Dear readers,
It has been far too long since I last
met you. Entering the new year, there
were problems occuring in launching the
magazine, and keeping a clear focus we
have noone to blame but ourselves for
the fact. My steady compagnion and co-
editor DEFF has during a long period
been unable to call out, thus not being
able to finish the releasecharts at de-
sired time. There were days when I was
dambling with the idea of downloading
all released software for him, but with
all my efforts already in progress,
there was no possibility I could find
time for this. Instead, our readers
had to be set aside, left waiting im-
patiently for the most controversial
magazine on the market today.
During our slight period of absence,
I was startled seeing magazines dupl-
icating our ideas and concepts, but
with THE PULSE being released, I know
you have been supplied a fine source
of information and a stimulating read.
However, we are focusing on a new year.
Looking back at 1995, I regard it as one
of the most intense years ever on the
market. What made the year particulary
interesting in my eyes, were 5 evident
factors. Together, they have continued
the progress of our civilized structure
and triggered an energetic boost for
the parts involved. Let us together
make 1996 just as good.
Yours sincerly,
Newscopy
Editor
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|WHAT REPRESENTED 1995?|
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THE IMPORTANCE OF MAGAZINES
The value of competitive, qualified
magazines grew immensly. During the
year we saw some pieces of very int-
elligent and freethinking pieces of
journalism. Never before have groups
bothered as much about being covered
in the public spotlight. Never before
have debates been battled on a more
stimulating level and never before
have we been able to obtain such a
wide range of magazines that not
only cover their work with one-liner
news, charts and advertisements.
______________________________________
THE POLISH EXPLOSION
1995 was the year when Poland came
through a pubertic phase and entered
the market internationally. With an
activity similar to the one many
other countries experienced in late
1988, early 1989, most wellestablish-
ed groups have added Polish sections.
Naturally, there is also a handful
Polish-based groups that race for
the top. Looking at the disks I re-
ceived through the year, I'd say that
almost 6O% of the demos, music and
graphics have their roots in Poland.
I cannot help to gasp at the state-
ment and hope that the trend will
maintain.
______________________________________
THE AWARENESS OF THE INTERNET
Most established groups found their
way to the net. The boardscene has
been on a steady decline over the
past 3 years, and the need for a new
powerful medium came naturally. Even
though, we are at a fairly early
stage, public FTP's have been set up,
and people visit the 64-channel on
the IRC on regular basis. I'd say
that during 1995, there was as much
action taking place on the net as
there were on the boards, and being
at an early phase, that is very im-
pressive. Quite easily, a new net-
user can find his fellow compagnions
from the 64 - in a whole new world.
_____________________________________
DEMODIVISIONS
It is interesting looking at the
trends in history. In the early days,
crackinggroups cracked and demogroups
made the demos. During the late 8O's
and early 9O's the trend changed and
merged the two. Over the past years,
we have been heading for the older
system, since demogroups very rarely
release on an intense basis. During
1995 things changed dramatically.
ONSLAUGHT, F4CG, AVANTGARDE and MOTIV8
reinforced their productive sections,
and it leaves room for discussion,
whether we will experience further
expansion of the same kind during
1996.
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COMEBACKS
It may very well be a sense of nost-
algia sweeping over our world, but
many faces and establishments have
returned to the 64. During the year
HITMEN, ARROGANCE, THE PULSE, TRISTAN,
VIBRANTS, COUNT ZERO, ANTITRACK,
and BINJINX among others rocked the
boat again, and the trend has so far
continued throughout the new year.
Also focusing on Internet, it will
be easier for many to find their
way back to their roots - be it on
an active or friendly basis.
______________________________________
These factors, my friends, are what I
would say made the year 1995 a stimu-
lating year. Knowing we have never
showed signs to cease our activities,
but instead increase them, I gather
1996 will be just as entertaining.
Evaluating the possible signs that will
be evident during 1996, I have conclud-
ed 4 somewhat trembling factors. Please
keep in mind, that this is not a guide-
line, but a possible evalution of what
to expect.
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|WHAT WILL REPRESENT 1996?|
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CZECH REPUBLIC - A NEW MARKET
With Poland being established on the
map, the market is seeking new blood.
THE RULING COMPANY & SUCCESS recently
added a section in the Czech Republic
and the concept has already atrract-
ed other groups. During 1995, there
was quite a remarkable sign of move-
ment taking place. It is highly pro-
bable that we will see the establish-
ed groups adding new sections, as
well as new Czechian groups only.
Games from the Czech Republic have
already started to appear on the
market, and according to our sources
the amount will grow steadily during
the year.
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INTERNETADAPTION
Most groups are already working on
an intense basis to establish them-
selves on the Internet. With a ste-
ady decline boardwise, the value of
the net will continue to grow on the
scene. Most probably, the releases
will be as highly credited as on the
boards, and the amount of FTP's will
rise. Compensating the subs from the
boards, we will probably experience
a flood of mailinglists for the 64-
scene in the not too far distant as
well as an increased interest in the
64-channel on the IRC. During 1996,
my guess is that the net will finally
be entertaining for us.
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NOSTALGIAWAVES
The nostalgic factor started quite
long ago. TRIBUTE 1994 was one of
the fist public signs, but we have
also seen groups concentrating on
old-school software, floods of come-
backs and an oldtimer-mailinglist on
the Internet. Mainly due to the net,
I sense a flood of comebacks and a
more established trade of old soft-
ware. In fact, plenty of people are
already exchanging old software, and
also keeping in mind there is a new
generation of sceners (and countries)
that have not experienced much from
the past, the concept will continue
to grow.
______________________________________
DEMODECLINE?
I am slightly skeptical concerning
this evalution. REFLEX are rumour-
ed to be focusing on the PC, and we
will never see anything from fine
old labels like LIGHT, CENSOR or
FAIRLIGHT again. Still, OXYRON, CREST,
BYTERAPERS and even ORIGO are promi-
sing to continue during the new year.
Looking at old collections, I con-
sider the demos being the best of
memorables from my years on the scene,
and I can only hope we will continue
being fed with new, intruiging re-
leases.
______________________________________
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|I | [Debate]
_|Intelligent and |______________
|freethinking journalism|
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It has been both a stimulating and
entertaining debate to follow over the
past few months. Headlining PROPAGANDA,
VANDALISM and DOMINATION, it became
clear that ONSLAUGHT took great offence
in being criticized for their intense
recruitment and dismissal of members.
Furthermore, the concept behind PROPA-
GANDA was officially questioned and I
was criticized for my abilities to pro-
vide the scene with a solid piece of
journalism. Now, PROPAGANDA has over
the past years had a freethinking, and
intelligent concept. The issue has not
only been to report on happenings and
events, but to make our readers stim-
ulated and not leave every issue just
shrugging shoulders. Looking at us to-
day, I'd say we succeeded in doing so.
We have never done this to gain more
readers. We have never done this to
rocket the charts. Today there is an
incredible variety of magazines, all
of various quality, and it is obvious
that every scener picks a favorite of
his own. Still, we believe in our con-
cept and will continue to write the
truth - scandal or not. We will con-
tinue to criticize, question and accl-
aim what we find probable - be it on
the expense of friend, enemies or even
the entire magazine. That is what we
consider being intelligent journalism,
and as long as we receive support for
what we do, we will continue with it.
Wouldn't it be incredibly dull having
1O different magazines, reporting the
same news, the same way? Would there
even be need for 1O different magazines
reporting the same news, the same way?
The answer is no.
In DOMINATION 6, the editor JAZZCAT
continued the debate and questioned the
entire ONSOAP-AFFAIR. "HOW CAN AN EDIT-
OR TALK ABOUT SCANDALS WITH FIRSTHAND
EXPERIENCE WHEN THE EDITOR DOESN'T EVEN
CALL THE USA-BOARDS ON ANY REGULAR BAS-
IS?". JAZZCAT is correct in his state-
ment, and fact is I do not call the
American boards on a regular basis, as
I can cover all my needs for PROPAGANDA
on a weekly call as well as support over
the Internet. However, at the time when
the ONSLAUGHT-AFFAIR (later titled the
ONSOAP-AFFAIR) saw light of day, through
the launch of PROPAGANDA #19, I was fre-
quenting the American boards twice a
day, and since it also was a time when
people could call over AT&T using credit
cards I had all my staff on the boards
on a daily basis as well. Furthermore,
communicating over the IRC as well as
with my entire staff (Speaking to DEFF
3 times a week and TRANZIIE daily), I'd
say we have solid grounds to stand on.
During 1996, the effects of the debate
have been particulary interesting to
follow. Both IRC and the boards have
been subject of the affair, and other
people have involved themselves in the
widely discussed topic. HOMEBOY was at
one point very entertaining criticizing
us; "PROFESSIONALISM? YOU MISSED CYBORG
IN THE AVANTGARDE MEMBERSTATUS AND MIS-
SPELLED VENGEANCE'S NAME SEVERAL TIMES.
PROFESIONALLISM?", which showed just
how weak some people's arguments were
in the debate. As if I ever complained
that JAZZCAT nominated JOE/WRATH DESIGNS
as artist of the year 1995 for his work
in COURTSEY OF SOVIET, that was releas-
ed late 1994? (Now I did!) As if I ever
complained that HOMEBOY couldn't take
the heat himself when we were discussing
the issue on IRC and instead rushed of
to tell JAZZCAT how naughty we were? As
if I ever complained about the fact they
chose not to confront DEFF in person
when complaining about the releasecharts
in PROPAGANDA? As if I ever complained
that JAZZCAT forgot HITMEN in his re-
leasecharts and said "I will never edit
a magazine again when I'm stoned."
PROPAGANDA will continue to write the
truth - scandal or now. We will continue
to offend, acclaim and report. We be-
lieve in our concept and trust our
readers will continue to appreciate
what we do - intelligent and free-
thinking journalism.
Yours sincerly,
Newscopy
Editor, Propaganda
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|O|PEN LETTER |by Jayce of Hitmen|
|O|PEN LETTER | [The Minsitry] |
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|C |
|Concerning what was written in the|
| latest issue of Vandalism News |
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F
First of all, let me say that the turns
in this matter have been quite few. In
the beginning, the PROPAGANA-staff act-
ually were accused for protecting us by
writing what they call the truth. Let's
get to it.
JAZZCAT writes that I and MARCUS (THE
MINISTRY) got kicked out of ONSLAUGHT
for not being able to crack the game
MEGA THRUSTABALL, an old game that
LEGEND had released earlier. The
"original" that I received from JAZZ-
CAT was to begin with, already cracked.
Furthermore it was old - what any ser-
ious cracker would call a re-release.
ONSLAUGHT refered to it as a "new sales-
version". What the difference was, I
do not know.
The fact is, that we didn't even attempt
cracking this game. As some of you might
know, we are both in the last year of
school, and those who actually finished
school know that the last year is a
tough one. There are many tests. We have
many times give up our social lives to
study, so why should the scene be more
important? JAZZCAT knew this, as I told
him myself on DOWN BY LAW.
He also says "we are an international
based group" meaning that I and MARCUS
shouldn't be used to this, but to a
Swedish based core. GENESIS*PROJECT
was actually the -first- group of this
kind we were in, and for what it seems,
also the last. We have been in many
groups over the years, and I speak for
both of us when I say that we never
experienced such a bad organization
- ever. Sometimes you could see a new
face on the boards claiming to be in
ONSLAUGHT, and when you asked who he
was, the answer was: "he joined up two
weeks ago - didn't you know?" Commun-
ication is the keyword, while in ON-
SLAUGHT there was no such thing.
______________________________________
Before we got kicked, JAZZCAT claims
to give us a "second chance" by giving
us a firstrelease-original to put out.
But reaching us in person was, as he
says, very tough. This is another big
lie. We are both available by phone
every monday through friday between
22-O8 cet, and that is a fact. We might
not be awake, but we are there. All
other times I can be reached on my
cellular phone, so you see we were
- not- hard to reach, not at all.
Anyway, JAZZCAT e-mailed me on WARE'S
AQUARIUM asking how to give me the ori-
ginal. My answer was to put it on the
drives under a fake name and when I
would have leeched it, I'd let the sys-
op delete the file. JAZZCAT'S reaction
to this was as he says: "...how lame,
and so they were kicked". This I cannot
understand. If he had wanted us to put
that game out, he would have done as I
suggested as noone would have been able
to spot, see or download the original
on the drive anyway. This shows he's
full of shit. At last, he defends his
group by saying "we contain(ed) members
such as MAJESTY, CHRYSAGON, IGNORANCE,
DEEKAY and LA STYLE". That's impressive,
but why have names on the memberlist
that weren't active in any way, but
just being names to brag? Or as in the
case of DEEKAY, as stated on the US
boards in mid 1995 : "he is not con-
sidered a member of our group, but will
do grapchis for us".
This is what I had to say about this
matter, and I hope it made things a
bit cleare, as it's what - we - exp-
erienced, and not what JAZZCAT claims
to have happened.
Faithfully,
Jayce/Hitmen
One half of the both
loved and hated
- The Ministry -
PROPAGANDA
__________
_________________________
ORGANIZATION
____________
EDITOR.......NEWSCOPY
CO-EDITOR........DEFF
_________________________
REPORTERS
_________
THE LIST.............DEFF
NEWS & ANALYSIS..NEWSCOPY
PUBLIC AFFAIRS...TRANZIIE
PUBLIC AFFAIRS.......DRAZ
WANTED...........INTRUDER
_________________________
_________________________
PRODUCTION
__________
CODE(C64)...........DEVIL
CODE(SNES).........GEGGIN
CODE(SNES)........SLAYGON
CODE(SNES).......ALFATECH
CODE(P.MUSIC)......ARISTO
HOMEPAGE...........MOTLEY
FONTS.................SES
ICONS...............SCOPE
PROPAGRAPH..........SCOPE
LOGOS...............SCOPE
MUSIC........MITCH & DANE
_________________________
_________________________
DISTRIBUTION
____________
MAIL.................SIXX
MAIL...............NEOTEC
MAIL.............INTRUDER
MAIL.............TRANZIIE
INTERNET...........MOTLEY
INTERNET........CROSSFIRE
INTERNET..........PLAYBOY
_________________________
______________________
FOR SUBSCRIPTIONS,
ARTICLES, COMPLAINTS
AND BACKISSUES.
______________________
PROPAGANDA HOUSE
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PHONE XXXXXXXXXXXX
FAX XXXXXXXXXXXX
MOBILE XXXXXXXXXXXX
NEWSCOPY@ALGONET.SE
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