14/02/1991                                            (SM)
                                   user supported ͼ Ȼ 
                                   software       ͼ Ȼ ͻ
                                   association    ͼ ͹




Dear Author:

We'd like to issue this double invitation to you:

1. Join the user supported software association (ussa) and support and 
   encourage the 'glasnost' way of software from within. 

2. Upload the latest versions of your software to the European Home BBS of 
   ussa:  Almac PCBoard			8N1 Grangemouth		
   +44 324 665460 (HST DS),    665449 (Hayes V32),    665371 (SpeedModem)

   Since all ussa members (libraries, BBS's and users) are directed to this 
   BBS, this will be the fastest, cheapest way to get your software into 
   wide European circulation!

Our association was started last year to provide a broad forum for all
interested in 'glasnost' rather than 'KGB' software. All have their part
to play - authors, users, BBS's and libraries - in ensuring that good 
software flourishes. 

Perhaps because we are NOT just an authors organisation, we make no attempt
to dictate marketing methods; we believe that the final decision lies with
the copyright holder. (This is not to say that we do not try to pass on the 
practical experiences of our members as to what worked for them...)

Another practical area we can help with is registrations:
The proportion of people registering Shareware in Europe is pathetic. This
is not because we're all cheapskates and thieves. Even if the user has a
credit card, they may pale at the prospect of making transatlantic 
telephone calls; almost nobody in Europe is able to 'send US dollar cheques
drawn on a US Bank Account', bank drafts are expensive.
It is for this reason that ussa asks you to consider appointing us as your
registration agents.
Our London 'phone number is easy to remember - and because it is answered
directly at the telephone exchange before diversion, there is no possibility
of callers getting an engaged tone: 081-500 5000
Our address is equally memorable: 	ussa
					Box 1000
					LONDON
					SE17  2UA
We can accept all forms of payment from the users of your software -
Credit Cards, Cheques, Eurocheques, Postal Orders and Foreign Currency.

Finally, let me try and answer a question we're often asked: How do I qualify
for the coveted  Approved Author       (SM)
                   of the user	   ͼ Ȼ 
                supported software ͼ Ȼ ͻ
                   association     ͼ ͹        logo?

The procedure is simple and quick:
1. Join ussa
2. Convince any officer of ussa that you observe the letter and spirit of
   the guidelines AND your programs are good. (This will always be a
   judgement call... (grin))
3. Your probationary Approved status is then posted on Almac BBS (national
   ILink hub) for 7 days in the ussa conference. If no ussa member objects
   you're home and dry. If another ussa member objects then:
	a) objector and objectee are asked to resolve the issues directly
	b) if the issues cannot be resolved and the objections are not
	   deemed frivolous then an adjudication fee of 30 is paid and an
	   adjudication committee is appointed by the President.


Ewan MacIntyre
ussa President