M A K E I T M O V E Review by Bill Moes While sifting through the ST software, searching for something special, we've all had to put up with disappointments. The highly rated duds. The big name bombs. The dogs of ware. Yet there is an occasional prize. A program that somehow captures a personal fancy. And it often comes from a nowhere place or a who's-that name. Yes. It's that time. Let there be a roll of drums. A pause. Think about that special graphic you've created. Too long standing still? Well, standing still time is over. The description sounds almost dull: "Make It Move" (MIM) is designed to move graphics around on the monitor's screen. That's pretty much it. But the implementation is enjoyable to use. And the potential is yours. MIM does not include any tools to actually create the graphics. Other programs which save in "NEOChrome" or "DEGAS" compatible files are necessary. After the plans have been formed and the graphics developed, the first of two programs from MIM is used. The Objects program defines the individual graphics you plan to place or move. Simply click the large cross-hair cursor on the top left and the bottom right of each graphics block and key in a name. Interested in something eye-catching and special? Create the zoom of a graphic. Flashy. A zoom is very memory intensive, so it's best to keep the zooming objects somewhat small in size. The time spent in the Objects program will be quite minimal. Once the objects have been defined and saved in either a standard (NEO/Degas) or a compressed format, it's time for the second program. The Script program ties it all together and appropriate tools are clearly offered. Load the files you plan to use. Full screens may then be displayed by fades, a quick cut, or wipes across the screen in any of the four major directions and at variable speeds. Individual graphic blocks may be zoomed on or off, shown, hidden, or moved point-to-point at variable speeds. You may also move one object in front of another, fade the screen to black or white, insert a delay timer, or have the script wait for a mouse click before continuing the display. In preparing your script, the mouse is used throughout. The menu is shown on the lower section. Icons for the script are displayed on the top part of the screen. The icons show what is happening, at what speed, and for how long. With the opportunity to alter the speed of the objects in increments of a single pixel-per-step and delay times in 1/60 second, a clear amount of control is offered. The script will be linear, with only one object in motion at a time. Other than repeating the entire script over and over, it's not possible to do programming loops. MIM operates in low-res only and offers no provision for sound. This is not a top-gun animation program. You won't run into such esoterica as in-betweening or tweening or anything called cel or metamorphic animation. While it is possible to create the illusion of animation with MIM, it will require detailed effort. The smooth movement of objects about the screen, however, is easily and quickly accomplished. A click or two. That's all. Moving an object over other objects, though, does cause a perceptible change in the object's speed. The uses for MIM include business and educational presentations, promotional displays, video titling, or personal enjoyment. Create your own electronic comic strip. Influence your customers, amaze your friends, entertain your family. We already have the graphics-producing software, text fonts, and clip art. Combine them with MIM and even the most untalented may develop sophisticated productions. Those with a creative touch have the tools to step up and dash a little dazzle. The disk-based documentation (about 5000 words) clearly explains the program and offers ideas and techniques to improve your efforts. The $49.95 program from Avila Associates is not copy-protected. MIM was written by Rene De La Briandais. In talking with De La Briandais, I was impressed with his enthusiasm and eagerness to listen and help. He hopes to include additional features in future revisions. The just-released version 1.2 of MIM adds some helpful flexibility in the use of certain Script statements and corrects several minor bugs. It also includes a Viewit program to use in distributing your scripts. A 5-lesson set of scripts is part of the 2-disk package, demonstrating the capabilities of the software to new owners. So that non-owners will have the chance to take a free look, a copy of Viewit and demos from MIM should now be available on ST Bulletin Boards. The early (1.0) version of MIM did not include the Viewit program or the 5-lesson set in its single-disk package. Owners of v.1.0 may receive the v.1.2 update, with its increased Script flexibility and bug-fixes, for a nominal fee. If its capabilities mesh with your interests, you'll enjoy MIM and its no-puzzlement approach to creating or editing a script. I could all too easily spend time detailing a special effect, and the ease of MIM's use encourages this effort. It was also possible to do a quickie show without a hitch. Like a movie, the software gives a stylish look even to those reel efforts backed with little of those real efforts. So in that sifting way, I found that occasional prize. This one has power. This one is easy to use. And this one means we now can really Make It Move. [Reprinted from the March, 1987 issue of CURRENT NOTES. CURRENT NOTES is the nation's leading Atari newsletter. To subscribe ($20/year), order from CURRENT NOTES, 122 N. Johnson Rd., Sterling, VA 22170.]