If you really like this site then maybe I can help you set up one of your own. I can give very basic
advice and do some simple (but I hope effective !) web design for you for a modest charge -
this entire site was hand-coded in raw HTML for fun (great learning experience !). Up until Xmas
2001 I was a full MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) so I know a bit about Windows and NT -
just don't ask me anything about Macs or UNIX/LINUX !
Although my interests in computing and information design/layout are only hobbies, I'm SERIOUSLY
open to interesting UK job offers if you feel you, your firm or someone you know could use an extremely
proficient editor/proof-reader with design and web skills !!
Why should the browser wars leave users without the latest technology out in the cold, and should we
actually need dozens of plug-ins and Java scripting to view the Web anyway ? Make your voice heard
for a universally compatible and viewable Web !
Indispensible utility to scan your computer for, remove and even prevent the loading of the
pernicious adware/spyware that is commonplace on the Web - highly recommended !
Even more indispensible utility to remove distracting banner advertising and pop-up windows -
as shareware Adsubtract Pro can be bought bundled with the excellent easy-to-use personal firewall
utility ZoneAlarm Pro from this link. No surfer should be without this !
Possibly an even better firewall utility, more configurable if a little less user-friendly, but
version 2.0 (hunt carefully for it on their site now they are selling v3.0) is ABSOLUTELY FREE !!
Check your computer's Internet security with the highly regarded "Shields UP !" and
"LeakTest" testing routines here, and read the highly interesting account of one man's
crusade to improve online security for us all, against the apparent unwillingness of many ISPs and
Microsoft in particular to take any responsibility for it
Provide free personal email certificates for signing and encrypting mail, but sadly incompatible with
PGP Freeware. Strongly recommended, although you may need to upgrade your email software to use these,
and they are not compatible with webmail accounts in any case. PGP is your best bet there. Check the
encryption section of my site FAQ for more information.
Search for "Philip and Alex's Guide to Web Publishing" by Philip Greenspan, probably the
best primer on simple and effective web design around (how-to and how-not-to !) with great
resource links
Can you help me ?
I'm hoping readers of this site, especially in the UK, may be able to help me in a few ways.
Firstly, I mention in my reminiscences that I subscribed to two British CP magazines in the 1980s
and early 90s - "SIR" and "REPORT". I have a long-term goal of adding to the
few back issues I currently have of these in order to edit and collate them here on this site so that
they finally reach a wider audience. Many of the stories and artwork/cartoons were very good and
deserve to be seen again.
I now have a nearly complete set of "SIR" to work from, but I'm URGENTLY missing the last
few issues: 54 and 56 to 59. If you have any of these, or other magazines of the time such as
"Corporal Contacts", lying around and feel you could spare them for a few weeks while I
scan them, then return them, then I would be exceedingly keen to hear from you and maybe arrange some
quid pro quo ! Check
The SIR archive for current progress.
If you are the copyright owner or author of any of the articles or artwork that appeared in those
magazines then obviously I would like to hear from you too to clear republication. I am also aware
that some of the stories were edited and the opportunity to work from your originals (especially in
the case of artwork) would be much better for all.
Secondly, I am very keen to track down an old school vaulting horse, my ultimate CP fantasy prop,
just like the one in this superb old Royale Studios photo, to fulfil a long-held ambition to own and
be whipped over one ! There is also the possibility that it may become the "star" in
future photos and perhaps videos that are currently a gleam in my eye . . .
If you have a lead on such an item or know how I might best go about tracking one down (what does
happens to old school equipment - does it end up at UK Government auction ?) or are even
willing to part with one that you own for a price, then please, please contact me !
Please refer to my
site FAQ for further contact information.
