Alchemist PD Information

The following document was supplied by Andy Davis (Alchemist PD), I just turned it into HTML for my Web pages.

PD WORLD
The 1995 CATALOGUE

Thanks to all who helped with the new 1995 catalogue, from advice on labelling programs to, most importantly, those of you who supplied it. I really must also thank Womo PD who supplied a great deal of it. How many titles? Well, give or take a dozen, the number is:

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As far as is known, this is still the largest collection of Spectrum PD in the UK.

The new catalogue has a revised information sheet. It was while compiling this that made me think about some guidelines for 8 bit libraries, in particular the Spectrum. As you know, if you have any problems with any program, it is recopied for you free of charge. Prism PD didn't do this for some time and when one person received his disk back, it didn't work so reformatted it and sent it back for re-recording. But, all he got back was an insulting letter accusing him of somehow trying to cheat Prism PD! Quite how he is doing so by requesting the SAME titles is beyond me! I can understand if he asked for DIFFERENT titles!

Anyway, when I questioned Mr Sherwood about it, he said "NO MAJOR library (8 bit or 16 bit) worth their salt will entertain people under these circumstances unless they pay." He later said "D. Sinclair did not like abiding by my terms of trading and complained at guidelines commonplace in the 16 bit market - not my fault" Durrrr! STOOPID! Spot the obvious faults:

1. The customer is ALWAYS right!
2. The Spectrum is NOT 16 bit! If he contacted any other 8 bit library, he may be surprised to hear that they would honour their customers. If Prism PD is oprating under sixteen bit guidelines, this could be why there is so much friction against them.

So, expanding from my PD catalogue I've decided to pen some "8 BIT GUIDELINES". Now, they don't HAVE to be accepted by Prism PD or any other groups but they are in effect from Alchemist PD and are guarantee on a high degree of service.

8 BIT LIBRARY GUIDELINES

ARRIVALS: When orders arrive, requests will be followed to the letter if possible, from requests of where to put programs on disks etc.

PROCESSING: Programs are loaded into the Spectrum and saved independantly. In some cases, programs may be archived on master disks and transferred to required medium where they are tested.

STANDARD LOADERS: 99% of our programs are saved via standard SAVE methods. WE avoid using Multiface or disk SNAPSNOT routines except for programs which were sent to us on this format and cannot be "un-snapped".

PACKAGING: Media is covered in foil and wrapped in bubble wrap and / or cardboard for protection. Packaging is securely fastened. With large envelopes and jiffy bags, the media may be placed in a smaller sealed envelope and address labelled. Then, if the package splits, the media is still safe.

ADVICE: Advice on almost any program is available. We welcome information from customers on any programs they have so we can use it for future customers. quite a growing number of programs come with help files for wordprocessors. These files come with the program as standard but can be printed out by us if required. This is done with GAC, YS Megabasic and several others as seen in the AlchNews tutorials.

PAYMENT: Like all good, trusting businesses, your cheques and PO's will not be cashed until you safely have the programs. Normally the cheques are cashed 14-21 days after sending.

REFUNDS: Many orders do not take advantage of our free software service or discounts in effect. So, you may find a cheque refund with your order, or some of your cash returned.

MISSING TITLES: Should we not be able to complete your order becuase of one or two files, we'll add twice as many second choices you add.

UNHAPPY: If you are justifiably unhappy with any aspect of the service, your money will be refunded.

FAULTS (Incoming): If your tape or disk is damaged on arrival, we will do our best to repair it. Snapped tapes can be easily fixed. Disk corruption can be cured with our programs, or simply reformatting.
But, if the disk is physically damaged and would pose a threat to our equipment by using it, we will return it and, if possible, will send your order on our own media where you can copy it to your own or send us replacements in your own time.

FAULTS (Outgoing): If any of the above occurances happen on their way back to you, your order will be redone - COMPLETELY FREE and treated as if it were any other order and not relegated. Since you have already paid for the programs you wanted, how can you be ripping us off by asking for them again?

GUARANTEES: Should you order any software on our media, including titles from Alchemist Software, there is a LIFETIME GUARANTEE with the titles. This means that should the disk or tape become damaged, even some years from when it was ordered, the program will be re-supplied again free of charge. This also covers updates to programs you may have already purchased.

UPDATES: An update sheet is available to anyone. If it's been some time since you had any updates to your existing catalogue, we'll supply the latest copy to you.

I think that covers everything. Should you have any further comments or guidelines to offer then please let us know and we'll cover it next issue.

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File last updated: 24 April 1996 (by John)
Author: Andy Davis