The Apple II+ was the first computer I ever owned, and Softalk was my first magazine subscription. As a high school student, I used the Apple II for homework, to learn programming, and to play games. I remember reading each issue of Softalk as soon as it arrived. I was mostly interested in the more technical articles like Assembly Lines or Graphically Speaking, but I read all of the "human interest" stories as well.

Looking back now, I think that is really what set Softalk apart from other tech magazines - it didn't just focus on the technical aspects or the business side. It had great articles about the actual people and companies who were making the products, or using their Apple computers in creative ways.

I still remember being surprised when the magazine first grew thicker and thicker with each issue, and then slowly dwindled away until it just stopped arriving. So sad. What is even sadder is that I recycled them about ten years ago, never thinking that I would get back into the hobby.

I really hope that this project succeeds. It will be great to be able to read all of the old issues. Plus, the FactMiners project opens up even more possibilities to explore the roots of our modern computer systems.