Sinclair Club #03 19 июня 2000

Демопати

Paradox 2000 - report Cusick with a trip to Paradox'2000.

         A trip to Paradox'2000



         (C) Cusick / Sinclair Club



     Once almost a year ago I went to
The first South-Russian festival of Paradox.
I watched the contest works, talked with
different Lyudmila, on which learned a lot
about the lives of southern ZX scene. Despite
to various hitches from
committee, party I liked it. Then
I was determined to come back and
must take an active
part ...

     Time flew by unnoticed, with each
month, picking up speed. Remained
approximately thirty days prior to
Paradox'2000. It is time for
preparations for the contest works. Personally, I
began his main work - to
drawing pictures on the ZX Graphics compo.
Creative work progressed slowly, work
remained for eight hours. But already on the
Next it was necessary to take the train and
go on a road full of adventure and
surprises.

     To the city of Rostov-on-Don path
was coming no closer. Rode for two days,
transplanting from one train to
another: Voronezh Liski Liski-Rossosh,
Rossosh-Chertkovo, Chertkovo-A bold,
A bold-growth. In a way it was not boring,
constant communication with the homeless and
overseers brightened up the monotony
trip. Overcoming all obstacles
that typically arise when stowaways
travel, I moved farther and farther
to the south. Without paying the fare or the ruble, with
sense of awe I stepped onto the
Rostov land.

     Family Semen'a greeted me as
always welcome, especially since it was already
My third visit to the right to temporarily
place of residence. Tired of the way, I
slept until noon. Felt a surge of energy and
inspiration, he began his dorisovyvat
competitive work. Drew no more
fifteen minutes, until a study had not returned
Semen. He tried for the umpteenth time
Connect a color modulator for
projector, but again to no avail. Imperceptibly
passed the whole day, evening anxiously
the phone rang. It was necessary to bring ZX
Spectrum Center Internet. We packed
bags and a three-person (Semen,
Cusick and PST) went to the bus
stop. They arrived quickly, were in place to
21:00. When the rest PC'eshnaya brethren
was assembled, we went inside. Place
of the party stationed at Vtorma
floor and introduce to a very respectable
room. White wallpaper, blinds,
furniture of modern design - all
created an overall impression of the holiday. By
perimeter of the hall stood PC and a little spoiled
overall picture. The Centre has worked and was
filled with enthusiastic game'rami that are not
pay any attention to us and
continued their fun.

     Poskromnichav and standing around
half an hour, organizers have finally decided
take the initiative in their hands and begin
to install the equipment. In their confusion
voice notes could feel fear
contacting them, ask
move the table or take another nekolko
chairs. Chair was really very
small - about 50 pieces. Projector spit
long searched for the most optimal point for
installation and location for the projection
image. Lacked
elektroudlinniteley. Administration Center
Customized us. Hastily apart and not
having time to really check out the equipment, we
went home. Before leaving, I
met Serzh Soft'om, which has already
long time has arrived and did not know where you can
pass the night. Semen, a little
posoveschavshist with me and PST, reluctantly
agreed to host a second
guest.

     Once home to Semen'u, we long
apart, it was something to talk about and
argue. We exchanged business cards
and addresses. Serzh gave me a diskette with
competitive work, which today is downloaded
from the internet. At first, the second night I put together
with PST went to his house. I had planned
to finish the picture in the emulator and
at the same time extract the contents of the disc
Serzh'a with subsequent transfer to
Spectrum. With the PC were busy for a long time, I again
broken off with his picture, but with a disk
everything turned out. Daylight. In the depressed
feelings at the beginning of the sixth morning, I returned
to Semen'u, fell on its creaky
cot and tried to sleep.

     I have long aroused, but did not wake up
like not looking at what has already been through
some three o'clock to begin the long-awaited
party. Without waiting for me, they left.
Slowly came together and had breakfast with
sister, Tatiana, we went behind
them.

     The festival was in full swing. We
climbed the marble steps,
listening to bring us
sounds. At the entrance to the hall filled the questionnaire
visitor. Girl, record my
coordinates, recognized me and even remembered
whence I came. It was a strange,
because I do not remember it.
Friendly atmosphere and sweet
fills the soul. The hall was full of people,
About 120 people, all carefully
listen to music and put the points in his
sheet for a vote. Demonstrations of work
Platform ZX Spectrum was not. K
completion of fit plays are full of
PC music compo, but I do not
worried and did not care. Going into the
depths of the crowd, I'm glad to see old
Friends: Disabler, Dimon, Snake, Wild,
Phantom Lord, M.O.T, Flying Skull, Mr.Nut,
Maxx, VTS. They enthusiastically shook my hand and
spoke words of welcome. Little
calmed down from the excess of emotion, I
looked around. Corner of the hall was
fenced off the table, on which stood
equipment for the festival: two RS and
a Spectrum. Over all construction
stood alone on a chair projector
which produces an image on a white
wall. On the left and right sides on
floor standing stereo speakers sullen look.
At a separate table in two meters
opposite the organizers back to the audience
sat behind the board sound and a smart
views moved the sliders. Leading Oleg held
viewers informed of all developments. Except
Conventional oyavleniya next compo, a former
KVNschik amused the audience by various
jokes and derision than fully
brought to the party atmosphere of friendly humor
and raskeposcheniya. More than half of the audience
voted standing, but it's not particularly their
upset. All were smiling and joking, someone
hotly debated contest works.

     Armed with a tape recorder and
camera, I started to collect
information. The first step took a few
general shots of the hall, and recorded in advance
scheduled dispute Serzh Soft'a and Accept
Corp. Then there were several itervyu with
most active Spectrum'istami. We are so
conversation that I almost missed ZX
Graphic compo. Unexpectedly for me and for
organizers of the show Spectrum'ovskoy
graphic was on the verge of collapse. All emulators
and utilities, which lay on the PC, steel
inaccessible. Hard drive stopped working.
I realized that I probably ZX Graphics
compo will be in black and white and I'm
did not suit. I turned to Semen'u
with a request to withdraw my work from the competition.
Tensions mounted, any attempt to
change the situation were fruitless. But
Here, as Christ came Serzh c
floppy disk in his hands. The graph shows a
color. In the process I had to show
jittery, it was a lot of decent and
quality work. At that moment I did not
thought of first.

     Paradox was in full swing, everywhere
crowd of people, of which a good 1 / 3
occupied by the fairer sex,
that is rare in such
events. Maybe This important
fact influenced tsivilizovonnuyu situation.
Of course, like anywhere in the cluster
people without the complexity could not have done. Was
two spotted visitor frequenter
Centre buyout would very much like that on them
pay attention to. And they drew
attention. First, the leading reassured them
sore throat funny jokes, and
then, after some confusion,
administration called the police, who from
knowledge of their business taken away in the ranters
site.

     Tension eased, people calmed down and
Oleg again announced another PC
compo. For me, it was appropriate
opportunity to continue interviewing
participants, accompanied by vigilant
supervision of the camcorder with which to
enthusiasm and ability uprovlyalsya
Constantine. Was declared a short break
after which promised to ZX AY
music compo. The people went out to breathe
fresh air.

     Adjournment passed unnoticed, and that's all
anticipation of the long-awaited compo pricked up
ears, and prepared to listen and vote.
The guiding announced the track number and the
columns poured sweet music.
It's unclear, for whatever reason all the melodies
lost within one minute that
did not like the representatives ZX
scene, but it is very suited
organizers of the PC. Their disregard for the ZX
Spectrum was evident long before
festival. The third tune was surprised by his
lingering sound of one note. As
it turned out, this was marred kopozitsiya
Startup Disk. Best Viewer
avtomatichkski read it with
neglect that led to the deterioration
melody. Semen was clearly unhappy with his
bad choice in selecting players.

     It was noticeable that all have decent
tired to make so many nominations
could only be elected. With each passing hour
people remained less and less.
Everywhere lay abandoned ballot papers
owners Kotra, and not waiting
graduation party, just went on
homes. Why, there's more from the police returned two
stupid loudmouth, which are all the same
forced security to the action. In
result of such actions of the violent
spifflicate decently in the toilet. C
raskrovavlennym face, he quietly withdrew.

     Fortunately, it's almost funny zrelesche
no one saw, but the administration center
was informed of all developments. On the second day
Paradox'a already could not imagine.
Was instructed to hurry all
to finish and get out. Unexpectedly
host announced that the second day Paradox'a
will be held at the restaurant "Europa"
where all participants will take free
bus. Then I learned that this option
was planned in advance, just in case
emergencies.

     Still had a few contests. In
ZX intro was only three of which
very quickly ran out and did not cause a
principle, nor any positive emotions.
Maybe because I have long chunks
bored. Or maybe from the fact that
black and white intro looked like
monotonous and pale. Frankly, I myself
was already decently exhausted, hungry and
sleep. After graduating from a PC compo
finally have stated the closure of first day
demo party. All deposited their ballots, and
ballots of those who have long been absent.
This decent greasy pile of paper
PC organizers took with them to
identify the winners. The technique was quickly
collected and packed into bags, the organizing committee
silently withdrew, and I also went along with
all.

     Once home to Semen'u, we sat down
on the couch, from exhaustion nobody
wanted nothing to say. On the evening
I almost did not remember, I remember only as
much stuffed.

     The next day, 12 hours, we
came to the Center of the Internet. Here, all
participants expected a custom bus, buyout
will take us to the restaurant "Europa".

     Before the arrival of the bus while it was still.
For the convenience of all Spectrum'isty
steel in an intimate circle - so it was better
Heard, who was talking about. Before leaving
Serzh invited all together
photographed. As it turned out
This iconic image forever
deteriorated.

     By the roadside bus arrived
"Harmonica", a small for our
delegation, it was obviously too big, some
Seats were svobodnmi. Road
was short. After passing through the city and making
loop when moving across the Don, we were on
place. At the entrance to the restaurant all confused
and no one wanted to enter.

     Maybe because the restaurant "Europa"
looks a little like all of his
represented. I would rather call it
eatery. It was a basement
room with low ceiling, consisting
from the hall with two pool tables and
barmenovskoy stand. A small mirror
room with a huge table made of
Fresh sheets of particle board. Splinters and sawdust were
prudently covered with white linen
tablecloths. About the business premises
I can not say, I was not there.
Everywhere reigned mud and devastation. Of course,
there were positive aspects. Was
quite sturdy and comfortable chairs,
The walls were decorated with artificial flowers
and piquant lamps. All of this
the situation calmed, and after some
time, I thought only about the results ZX
compo.

     Did not have time to think, it was found
It is estimated that not all. Organisers PC
counted only what they most
wondered about the winners of Spectrum'ovskoy
the scene was not anything quadrupeds. To start
awarded the winners podschitanyh compo.
Awarded only the first place, second and
the third is not even mentioned. Results
other contests were not yet known.
Me and asked for a little Serzh Soft'a
to help count the votes.

     The organizing committee pulled the time, it was decided
arrange a home video room and a little
entertain all presutstvuyuschih. Configured
technique, previously brought from the Center
Internet, on the wall hung a white
tablecloth, set the projector and started
demonstration of the cult movie "The Matrix.
All were delighted. Only we, the counting
Commission was not in the movie, in the shade under
one light bulb, we mumbled numbers. I
dictated the points, and Serzh counting them on
calculator, occupation rather
tedious. We always someone knocked
and distraction, and therefore we are all counted
several times. Did not want that to
someone has been harmed because of our
inattention or frivolous
relations. Disabler so much like
take first place in ZX Graphic compo,
that he personally several times recounted
scores for this contest.

     Finally, everything was calculated and
the time for awarding prizes and
diplomas. What would have to arrange another
Break for registration certificates and
complete set of prizes, staged
mini-competition in armwrestling. I like this
the idea did not like and do not uchavstovat
wanted. I was hiding, shielding face
posters of the festival, but it is not
helped. I noticed and began to
chant: - Let Cusick! - Cusick from
Voronezh, come out! Out of a sense of respect and
solidarity, I agreed, and in the first same-
I filled up a fight. Participants were
a lot, about 16 people. All this
riot of muscle and emotion does not cause me
hardly any interest. It seemed that I
came to sports, "Merry
starts "rather than on Paradox demo party. From
All of these handshakes I liked
only one thing: before the start of the bout Serzh'a
asked: - What do you believe? Not
hesitation he replied: - I believe in the ZX!!!

     The second day came to an end,
remained to reward all participants
Platform ZX Spectrum. Lead announced
ZX compo name and the name of the winner. Prizewinner
modestly appeared, leading shook hands with him,
handed a diploma and a big blue bag with
prize. These were mainly active
Stereo Speakers "Sound Level". During 16kb
intro MOT / Accept corp got simatichny
ryukzachek for CD and a few
discs in the bargain. Announced the latest,
remainder of the nomination ZX Graphics compo and
call me nic. Such a surprise I did
did not expect even a little confused, but
When I was handed a diploma natpisyu: Name
- Cusick, I was infinitely happy. For
me, this was the most colorful kortonka
expensive and priceless prize. Saying in
microphone a few words of thanks and
having retired at the table, I looked into the
prize package. It flaunted stereo
column and t-shirt with a cap. Latest
textile gifts were decorated
logo Publishers Computerra. As
it turned out I got them as a gift from
Organizing Committee for their active assistance conditional to
conducting Paradox'a and film.
Self-satisfaction and
pride warms the soul. Congratulated me,
clap on the shoulder and shook his hand, it was
very trogotelno and childish pleasure.
Then I thought that I would do everything
possible to repeat this moment
again. Ahead demo party Chaos
Constructions 2000!

     At this Paradox'2000 was completed,
everyone was happy and in no hurry
diverge. But the celebration could not
continue indefinitely, it's time to part
home. Someone immediately went to the station for
tickets. I'm in no hurry to return as were
some more things. Tickets I'm not
needed, trains - is the most
stsenovy form of transport. Unfortunately we do not have
all have the courage to go to
unexpected journey.

     The days passed quickly and I did not notice
stayed in Rostov for a whole week.
Obev decently good-natured hosts and
bothered them, I went to her hometown
Voronezh, where I have long been waiting.
Arrived without too much difficulty, even
managed to pass on half way
train, for free, of course.


     P.S. In conclusion I wish to express their
opinion on this party. K
Unfortunately, there were many unpleasant moments.
In the first place, not satisfied with the mix
platforms, need a PC and ZX held separately
from each other. After all, there to direct
Example - Chaos Constructions.

     The first day of ZX, the second day of PC, Amiga.
On the first day everything was cool and no one
prevented me from relaxing various
pout and statements in
Address Speccy. The second day I CC'99
did not have - gone for a walk in
Nevsky. Just returned to the ceremony.

     As concerns what Paradox'a, there
simply have nowhere to get away, sit and think:
Well, when will ZX compo! Well, that
I was busy - filming and
interviews with participants. For the PC at all
did not vote, simply rewrote the score for
neighbor and all. About the organizers say one thing.
If you do not like the ZX Spectrum, why
then just do it to arrange competitions,
spend only a PC. The level of work in all
OK, but there was no demo at all, and this
very bad and no excuses are not
help. The results were in shock. About
I can only say one thing: if I took
third place, I'm also would suit.
Honestly, I never relied. The second
place in the ZX Graphics compo - direct
svedetelstvo that voted just
left-wing people, there's nothing not to smyslyaschie
Spectrum'ovskoy chart, which just
came poprikalyvatsya and tsifirki pee.

     Such a phrase as "one
Work from the author "to Paradox'u no
applies, although the rules of this specification
was prescribed. The organizing committee is simply obliged to
more scrupulously refers to the competitive
works and authors. The rest was all
cool, I especially liked
restaurant. There was a home furnishings and
there were almost no people left.


     PPS Warhawk / T-rex looks
newsletters and displeasure surprised: "Oh,
What is it? Someone gave me 3 points, and
More here 3 points! Well all, never
I will participate in this Paradox'e !!!".