''Sinclair User'' was a magazine dedicated to the
Sinclair Research range of
home computers, most specifically the
ZX Spectrum
The ZX Spectrum () is an 8-bit home computer that was developed by Sinclair Research. It was released in the United Kingdom on 23 April 1982, and became Britain's best-selling microcomputer.
Referred to during development as the ''ZX81 Colou ...
(while also occasionally covering
arcade games). Initially published by ECC Publications, and later
EMAP
Ascential plc, formerly EMAP, is a British business-to-business media business specialising in exhibitions & festivals and information services. It is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 250 Index.
History
Ri ...
, it was published in the
UK between 1982 and 1993, and was the longest running Sinclair-based magazine. The magazine contained news, game reviews, previews, tips, help guides, columns, readers' letters, and cover-mounted
game demos.
History
In earlier years, the magazine built up personality cults around some of its "hilariously" monikered staff, including Bill "Incorruptible" Scolding, John "Disgusting" Gilbert, Chris "Lunchbreaks" Bourne, Claire "Ligger" Edgely, Richard Price (writer of the "Gordo Greatbelly" adventure tips section), and columnist Andrew Hewson (founder of
Hewson Consultants software).
Under David Kelly's editorial tenure, the magazine began to focus more on the gaming scene, and featured more colour graphics under designer Gareth "the Mad Celt". By the time of editor Graham Taylor, the magazine included the cartoon character Kamikaze Bear, and the tone of the publication changed from a semi-serious magazine to something aimed more at children.
In May 1992 the former rival publication ''
CRASH'' was notionally subsumed into ''Sinclair User'' but in practice this meant little more than the addition of the ''Crash!'' logo to the magazine's cover page.
''Timex Sinclair User''
A short-lived
spin-off known as ''Timex Sinclair User'' was also published for the
American market, where versions of Sinclair computers were marketed under the
Timex Sinclair name.
See also
*''
Sinclair Programs''
*''
Your Sinclair''
References
External links
*
Archived Sinclair User magazines on the
Internet Archive
The Internet Archive is an American digital library with the stated mission of "universal access to all knowledge". It provides free public access to collections of digitized materials, including websites, software applications/games, music ...
Mag-Slag humorous analysis of a typical ''Sinclair User'' review
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Video game magazines published in the United Kingdom
Defunct computer magazines published in the United Kingdom
ZX Spectrum magazines
Magazines established in 1982
Magazines disestablished in 1993
Monthly magazines published in the United Kingdom
1983 establishments in the United Kingdom
1993 disestablishments in the United Kingdom
Magazines published in London