Over the past few months, I've been reading through PDFs of several Commodore 8-bit related magazines from the 80s and 90s. So far, I've read through several issues of Ahoy!, Compute!'s Gazette and RUN magazine, from cover to cover. I've come to the conclusion that from what I've read, I think RUN magazine was probably the best written and covered the most useful information for the “average” home and small business Commodore user.

What I've noticed about RUN, that the other Commodore magazines lack, was their general enthusiasm for Commodore products in general and the desire to help the novice user get the most out of their investment. The articles published in RUN are written really well and seem to break down the technical aspects of using a computer in a way that, I think, a non-technical person can grasp. They also covered a wide range of topics in each issue. They didn't just discuss gaming, or business related apps, or do-it-yourself hardware projects; they tried to cover it all. The same went for the range of Commodore computer coverage.

In the beginning, they focused on the VIC-20 and C64. Then, in 1984, they embraced the Plus/4 and C16, adding them to the article roster. And in 1985, they began covering the C128, as well. I have to say that, as I read issue after issue, I was very impressed with RUN's enthusiasm and optimism for every new piece of hardware Commodore produced. They really tried to make all Commodore owners feel like “part of the corporate family”. In fact, I noticed that even as late as 1986, I still saw code variations for some of their type-in programs for the VIC-20! And I think they took the time to do such things as to not let those few readers that still used their VIC-20s to feel left out; and I think that's great.

When the Plus/4 hit the market, RUN was the only magazine that seemed to understand and embrace the new TED systems. In fact, over several sequential issues, RUN published extensive articles covering the purpose behind the Plus/4 and how to effectively use the integrated software. I actually learned a lot about the TED machines from those articles and the train of thought that lead to their creation.

As I kept reading issues from 1985 and on-wards, I also discovered how much content RUN published exclusively for the C128. They really went “all out” for the C128 when it was released, and they continued to do so in the years that followed. Not only did they review software that was published for the computer, but also a wealth of information regarding coding tips-and-tricks, programming techniques for BASIC 7.0 and VDC mode. I just haven't found this sort of coverage in the other Commodore magazines of the time (or today). If you owned a C128, then RUN Magazine was the subscription to have.

The editors of RUN even make mention of the “nay say-ers” in other computing circles (even in the Commodore camps, themselves) a few times in the magazine and their misunderstanding of Commodore's efforts with the TEDs and C128 and their potential for useful productivity. This is clearly a demonstration to me on RUN's dedication to their reader-base and their efforts to help Commodore prosper in a very competitive market. This was a very refreshing perspective to see, especially for the TED line of micros, as most every other publication I've read seemed to chastise both Commodore for, and anyone who bought, the Plus/4 or C16. And today, popular opinion seems to remember the C128 as a pointless entry by Commodore. Yet, I remember it differently over here (in North America) and RUN magazine seems to support that point of view. The C128 really was a better C64 (which is what the market wanted), but unfortunately, most people just wanted to play games. And the C128, although could play all the games of the C64 and then-some, was really meant to be an affordable home/small office productivity micro. People today just seem to lose sight of that, as well as the true purpose of the Plus/4.

The other thing I noticed about RUN is how they seemed to have a better rapport with their readers then the other magazines were able to convey. I guess it's just a matter of perspective on my part, but I just felt like the RUN writers and editors put extra emphasis on reader submitted information and feedback than the other magazines. I also have to say that, even though I do enjoy gaming on my C64 and C128, there's a lot more things I enjoy doing with them. So, reading a magazine, like RUN, that actually tried to help you DO things with your Commodore is such a nice thing to have; especially this day and age, where everything seems to be game-related. In fact, I still enjoy doing REAL things with my C128, like writing this blog post, or doing my home finances, or keeping track of my movie collection. There's more to do with you Commodore 8-bit than just playing games.

I still have a large backlog of magazine PDFs to read, but I've really enjoyed my time with RUN magazine. I think I'll be referencing these old issues for sometime to come. There's just so much good information locked inside of those pages. It makes me wish I spent more money collecting the magazine when it was being published.

It's also reassuring to read that, not only did the RUN magazine staff write about the C64 and C128, but they also used the computers do to their work. So, they don't just talk the talk, but walk the walk.

A clipping from RUN Magazine's Mail Bag section, Issue #42

Composed with Archetype on my C128

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