Date   : Wed, 23 May 1984 10:56:00-PDT (Wed)
From   : ihnp4!ihu1e!nowlin@Ucb-Vax.ARPA
Subject: Flipping Floppies

     I recently got my update to Aztec C (Version 1.06B).  One  of  the  disks
had  a  bad  side,  but  they're  going to send me a new one right away.  They
distributed this version on two double sided disks that have to be turned over
on  my  Apple.   Besides  Manx  I've  also purchased Microzine from Scholastic
Software and Graphics Magician from Penguin Software in this form.

     That brings me to a question.  Have you ever cut a WP notch  in  the  off
edge  of  a floppy and turned it over to use the other side?  I tried this for
backing up Penguin's Graphics Magician.  I just used an  Exacto  knife  I  had
laying around and measured the spot with a ruler.  It worked just great as far
as I can tell.

     Then I read an article about  why  turning  over  disks  is  not  a  good
practice.   According  to  the  article,  when  the disk spins in the opposite
direction dirt drops out on the disk instead of being picked up by the  jacket
liner.   Is  this  a  real matter for concern?  If it is then why do companies
like Manx, Penguin, and Scholastic distribute their software on floppies  that
have  to  flipped  over?   Even if the disks they use are certified for double
sided use, they still spin in opposite directions when you turn the disk  over
to use the other side.

     They might rationalize that you will back your new software up right away
and  never use the original disks enough for this to be a problem.  That can't
Scholastic's reasoning since their stuff is protected.  If  this  is  truly  a
problem,  and  not  just  propaganda  written by some disk manufacturer, would
Scholastic be responsible for a disk drive  head  problem  since  their  disks
could contribute to the failure?  Anyone have any thoughts on this topic?

Jerry Nowlin
ihnp4!ihu1e!nowlin