INLIGHT - A SOber VIEW.
LYRICAL DISTRACTION.
Shortly before INLIGHT I(DANGEROUSy)
organizer of the Spectrum part of the pro-
grams VOLODYA LARKOV (VL)
prepared the technical organization of the event
tiya, that is, setting up the Spectrum
equipment and bringing it to work
ability in extreme conditions
demo-party. Therefore, on the eve of INLIGHT we
came, or rather trudged along thirty-
tiger-degree heat in Voenomekhanichesky
institute, on the 1st Krasnoarmeyskaya
located on the street.
We looked around. O-o-o, very not bad-
but! The administration of the institute kindly
provided for INLIGHT
the assembly hall is very impressive in size
ditch, with comfortable chairs, and, most importantly,
it was, if not cool, then completely
in any case it's not so hot, so there
it was possible to live. While we were looking around
mansion, wondering how all this
they must have arrived in timefriends-rs-
shniks with their belongings, even in microcars
bus. They had a lot of things
how much, so the organization of the spectacle
the room part of INLIGHT began with the
loads of PC accessories. Well yes
nothing. that means they helped the PC people, and
straight to the stage, which should-
la to provide a springboard for based
development of inlight equipment.
We started installing computers and
laying communications. Our Pentagon
turned out to be completely fine (I had to
really need to solder something), so he
the entire INLIGHT was plowed properly. Obrado-
Satisfied that there were no problems,
we began to observe how PC specialists set up
they provide a party video system.
And the system was as follows:
The signal from the Spectrum is encoded in
"PAL" built into Spectrum pal-
encoder, then fed to a special
PC card (video blaster, I suppose),
and on the SVGA monitor screen in the window
so disliked by many "Windows'95"
is the SPECTRUM so beloved by many.
After which the Windows window expands
full screen - and here he is, darling
spektrumchik, in person on
PC screen! After which the monitors
are installed in different places of the hall and
display Spectrum (and PC and Amiga) for
everyone present. After whichscene
fenced off from the rest of the room
a thick curtain so as not to distract
party visitors with their work. Along the way
solved minor problems like: why
there is no one of the sound channels, why is it always
but not reach the socket, etc. For-
so weVL began test scrolling
all sorts of old demos for quality
displayability of Spectrum on SVGA-mo-
nitore. Quality was rated 4
points, since the ba-
lance white, and on small objects
there were noticeable color beats from the pal-
coder. However, if you don’t nod off
monitor, and move two meters away from it,
that image seemed quite satisfactory
worthy.
So, that means we look through all sorts of
demos and suddenly we discover the archipelago
damn glitch! In one of the demos onscreen
PC monitors absent part
objects!!! (it should be added that
Spectrum was directly connected
still your own, native monitor, on which
was the correct image).
“Wow, this is a glitch,” we think and
We turn to the RS people for clarification.They are no less surprised than we are and also indicate
they talk to each other about the incomprehensible
natural phenomenon. Indeed, before
set yourself at the same time
native Spectrum monitor spinning
cube with a triangle, and on the PC -
just a cube! The triangle seems to be forgotten
tinkering in the tangle of wires piled
under the tables. How we didn't judge, how we didn't
dressed up, no explanation for the phenomenon
they didn’t find it then. I had to blame it all on
drum Oooh, if only we knew how
this little drummer will go on a rampage next
breezy day!
And so far everything was fine, and we, everything
Having prepared, we went home, wishing
good night to the organizers of INLIGHT,
who stayed overnight in place and
protect equipment from anyone.
What will it be like tomorrow?..
SO, DAY ONE.
In the morning, on the way to the institute, I had already
until there was pandemonium near a nearby
metro stations. At the very entrance to the in-
a hundred people gathered at the institute (and
every second person held a bottle of pi-
va). “Wow, that’s the beginning,” I thought.
and, quickly rushing past the crowd,
correctedinto the room. It's been about
half an hour, and still no official opening
it was. To occupy those gathered in the hall,
I did not deny myself the pleasure of starting
"GS", and at the same time demonstrate a demo
version of the music editor for it.
Judging by the fact that rotten tomatoes are from
the audience did not fly, this spectacle of its own
Those who liked it liked it.
Well, it's finally opening! On stage
Presumably, the rector of the institute came out.
Having greeted those gathered, he began
talk about how wonderful
their institute, how many smart people it sees
faces, and all that stuff.. Approximately
CODERIPPER - the main one spoke about the same thing
organizer of the party. Naive, they were not
house, why are the guys gathered here!
And you, dear readers, know why
are they gathered here? Do you think that on
Should I watch demos and pictures? Nothing like
Well, they're going to get drunk! Not
all, of course, but many. It became clear
about a couple of hours after
INLIGHT started. It was enough to walk
wandering along the corridors and stairs of the institute.
Here and there we came across not very hard
to comrades standing on their feet. Pores are crumpled
old cigarette packs, beer bottles
and khabariks covered the floors in some places.
The toilet was quite interesting. There
concentrated completely (as they themselves
called themselves)Spectrum elite.
Cigarette smoke stood like a yoke. What
They should watch Sinclair's demos! This
let the dummies watch! Heated debates about
about which is better - ZX, PC or Amiga
didn't calm down for a minute. Sometimes tipsy
the authorities were so carried away by the debate -
that we were starting to get personal
ty, sometimes forgetting about the elementary propriety
chii.
Among this very "elite" RUSTER
(ZX-FORMAT) like a lynx hunting for "in-
bitches" from reputable spektrumists.
Interviews were given willingly, but abruptly,
tangled tongues or, conversely, with
pathos and conceit (depending on
how alcohol affects someone or
other "elite" authority. At the very
intriguing question: “What has your group done?”
lala for the last year?" were received
almost identical answers like: “Well,
oh, what’s his name, huh! yes! here! Demo version
released! And, in general, the process is going on quickly.
We'll release one more... or two... uh...
in short, almost everything is ready, the rest
it was possible to fix and release...". A RST7
generally made it clear that more on the Spectrum
He’s not going to write anything: “Why am I going to-
I'll write, tomorrow everyone will have it! I
I’m writing purely for myself... I’m writing for myself...
and I don’t give it to anyone. If only I had money for this
paid..." The show of the best dems on SPECTRUM has begun.
Thanks to INLIGHT'96, "the best dems"
noticeably increased, and they were turned. And
Here, the first damn thing is lumpy! Not immediately
demo "ACTION" - disk eggog!
While the demos were spinning, the amizhs came
nicknames neither RS nor SPECTRUM have much of them
interested in whether they are deliberately averted from the RS
are cheering, showing off T-shirts with
in writing "INTEL OUTSIDE". Nobody knows this
is surprised, everyone knows - it’s in their style
le. But PC people are clearly interested in SPECTRUM
resent since none of them saw
INLIGHT level demo'96. When will
there was a demo "EYE ACHE" (the part where
plasma supposedly 256 colors), they generally
their mouths opened, saying: “Nevermind
Imagine what the Spectrum people have come to!"
In general, the show of the best dems went wild
"with a bang!"
It should be noted that computers
all sorts of people tried to get in there...
third parties, who are initially corrected
but they sent me away, and then they spat, so
how, as events unfolded, all these
third parties behaved more and more
glo, and the small number of "security" is no longer in
were able to copetheir obligations
preoccupations.
Around this time guests arrived from
friendly Czech Republic (KЗL group). Sober
you, they brought with them a branded
SPECTRUM+2A,knowing that our SPECTRUM
not SPECTRUMS at all, but numerous
clones, which, in addition, work with
completely different and unclear how (for
Chekhov). I had to promptly
how to distill their demo into the TR-DOS system
(luckily they had a tape version
demos). So, my Czech colleagues and I
ran to distill the demo, and VL, taking in
assistants HACKER CHRIS (CRIS), began
accept registrations from spektrumists
to participate in demo, graphics and music som-
ro, at the same time slowly pumping up on beer.
And long lines stretched towards them
those who want...
The next few hours of INLIGHT were
dedicated to the presentation of various
spectrum-compatible computers Peters-
who produced, showing demos on Amiga,
drinking alcoholic beverages on the sidelines and
throwing beer bottles out of windows.
At times it disappearedelectricity - yes
the administration of the institute reminded that
Smoking in unauthorized places is prohibited, nit-
You can’t paint on the walls with rock paint either,
no, but you have to go to the toilet to puke, not
on the stairs.
And so, in an atmosphere of complete freedom, no
catine and alcohol beganSPECTRUM
GRAPHICS COMPO. It was pre-
there was an eerie number of paintings, approx.
lo 150 pieces. It’s not entirely clear
lies like among so many
choose the best paintings, especially since
one picture was kept on the screen for about
10 seconds, and in the end all 5. With everything
this from the presenter who announced the new
measures of the picture, to the middle GRAPHICS COMPO
began to get tongue-tied, saying: “Picture
number sixty four, picture number
sixty-five" etc. Naturally, everything
they laughed even more in the hall and on stage
confusing the presenter. As for themselves
paintings, their level was at its best,
some of them were simply wonderful
work. In my opinion, first place
should have divided, at a minimum,
5-6 works. after GFX immediately on-
started MUSIC COMPO.
there is also a terrible amount of work, about
80. Starting MUSICCOMPO, we are slowly
began to realize that
MUSIC COMPO represents something
impossible. According to the condition, for the audition -
Each music is given 3 minutes.
We count: 80*3/60=4 hours! This is impossible!
Firstly, there won’t be enough time (and after all
There was no DEMO COMPO yet), secondly, yes-
but if over time everything was in order -
ke, listen to music for 4 hours straight
AY-8910 and then choose something better
unreal! We need to do something. Listen-
The number of each music is reduced to 2x
minutes.
At approximately the 20th song (and
everyone was already dizzy) like a bomb
news breaks: SECOND OF THE DAY AT IN-
THERE WILL BE NO LIGHT!!! Nobody knew then
more reasons adopted by the organizers
solutions. But in any case, if so,
then DEMO COMPO necessary swipe
right now!
MUSIC COMPO is interrupted without any
explanations to angry music authors.
Simply put, when the authors are not announced
tried to find out the most popular compositions
why did they stop compo, they were simply
asked to go to...one of the presenters.
The spat upon musicians leave.
DEMO COMPO begins promptly.
And here are the problems! At first it disappeared somewhere
gives one channel of sound, then the ill-fated
inscription - disk eggog! Next demo
freezes halfway - what a nightmare!
There is a suspicion thatVL and CRIS,being
seriously under beer, in the turmoil of affairs
Something went wrong when copying. B
The authors' floppy disks are torn off in a hurry,
doc following dem, naturally, out-
hesitating. Well, the demos seem to be working.
And then the same evil one appears
the crazy lady I was talking about
at the beginning of the article! About a third
the demo reaches the audience in distorted
in a feminine way! Again at times from-
some objects are missing, multicolors
don't look like themselves, in one demo
even the whole picture disappeared! One
in a word, complete chaos and devilry. K
Fortunately, the audience in the hall did not guess -
were worried that they saw on the screens the full
bullshit, otherwise there will be a scandal! Here
That's how all the demos went.
As it turned out, the "Spectrum elite"
were not particularly interested in even the latest de-
we! RST7, SLASH and othersright on
in the background DEMO COMPO began to jingle something
on the piano, and the rest were hanging around from the monitor
torus to the monitor.
Thus ended the first day. Participants
INLAYTA (some are already starting sober
vet) disperse in all directions, and from the hall
The organizers are clearing out mountains of garbage...
Why did the INLIGHT organizers cancel
the second day, it’s not hard to guess without knowing
outside help.
DAY TWO.
According to the memories of those present...
It's strange, but after what happened on
improvised "day two" memories
knowledge, as a rule, does not exist.
So, very briefly.
Since the decision to cancel the second day
INLIGHT was not officially announced, since ut-
A lot of people had gathered in front of the closed door.
too many people who were upset.
Having expressed everything they think about the organiza-
congestion in the most frank form, all
the crowd went to a nearby garden and
staged such a collective drinking party that
attracted the attention of police officers.
Having searched everyone for prevention for the presence
drugs and weapons, law enforcement officers for-
tooka few particularly insensitive
bodies where needed, and the rest were released with
peace.
This is how it actually went
the long-awaited DEMO-PARTY ENLIGHT'97,not
leaving behind, apart from sadness, nothing
what's special.
* * *
After everything that happened, it would be nice
think about: "A RIGHT OR GO GOOD,
COMRADES?" If you trace the path of development
the only DEMO-PARTY in our country,
then it looks like we are going with our alcoholics
naked inclinations, to put it mildly,
in...
Let's see how IN developed
LIGHT:
95th year. For the first time in our post-
in secular society a remarkable
great idea - to create a hedgehog in our country
a valid programming competition,computer artists and musicians.
Computer scientists exchange experiences for-
joint projects are being established, etc.
INLIGHT'95 was like that. Everything is quiet and peaceful
watched demos, drank beer in the corridor -
chick, and not just anywhere, everywhere was clean
and civilized. Therefore, INLIGHT'95 remains
I left behind the best associations.
96th year. INLIGHT is widely advertised.
There, in addition to PC and Amiga, they also include
SPECTRUM, and most importantly, they invite
come everyone. And so, on INLIGHT
lil mass user. It immediately became clear that
there will be no INLIGHT'95 atmosphere. The people on-
started drinking. And saved INLIGHT'96 from collapse
only what is in the immediate vicinity
there were no numerous points of pro-
selling alcohol, but worked indoors
buffet with refreshments. But
someone brought alcohol anyway, and
Some people got drunk after all. And the lawn is not
near the building of the shipbuilding institute
Tuta (where INLIGHT'96 took place) was very
littered Here it is, the first swallow!
97th year. Hurray! Will come to INLIGHT'97
many acquaintances! Haven't seen each other for a whole year!
It will be necessary to note. To hell with my mother
all computers, the main thing is to note! This
no longer DEMO-PARTY, but who knows?What. K
in addition, the place was chosen in relation to the
relevant retail outlets are extremely un-
successful. Almost in the center of the alcoholic
trade is located our INLIGHT.
That's it, collapse...
And the saddest thing is, they ruined everything
namely people who have direct or indirect
new attitude towards the ZX-SPECTRUM computer.
trade is located on our INLIGHT.
That's it, collapse...
And the saddest thing is, they ruined everything
namely people who have direct or indirect
new attitude towards the ZX-SPECTRUM computer.
Indigenous rsshniks and amizhniki in most
They all retained their dignified appearance.
As it later became known, the organizers
express great doubts about the testing
Deniya INLAYTA'98. In any case, in
existing form. What can they change?
thread? What's better - hire an army of bouncers
or remove SPECTRUM from the INLIGHT program?
Or maybe only con-
cadets? Or give it all up and
not to spoil your nerves? It remains for us
just guess and hope...
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