TableMaster: The Spare Time Generator
Author:      Jean McGuire
Publisher:   WinterTree Software
Price:       $25, $3 s&h in USA, $5 s&h eleswhere
 
Introduction:
 
        TableMaster is a program that is a computer gaming aid for IBM
users. The program allows you to translate tables from your favorite role
playing game to your computer. The package includes GENERATE; the core
table engine, TMASTER: a front end program to manage and run tables. Also
included are an assortment of ready-to-use tables, a tutorial, and a
reference manual. Access to the support BBS is also provided. On the
support BBS you can found upgrades, product support, and new tables to
use with the TableMaster product.
 
The Manual:
 
        The manual is well written and full of examples. The package has
two pull out sections. One pull out for the main screen functions and
the other for the example tables given with the software. In the tutorial
section plenty of examples are laid out for the user to practice with. The
examples start out easy and grow to be complex by the end of the
tutorial. The rest of the manual is used for 'Language Reference'. The
Language Reference section goes into the definitions and syntax of the 
commands used with the Generate program. All the commands are listed 
with the proper syntax, description, and example(s). 
 
        The manual is clear and understandable. While programming skills
are not necessary to use TableMaster, people with experience with Basic
and other higher level languages will have an advantage. TableMaster is
easier to use if one already understands the common concepts in
programming. Another positive feature of TableMaster is the customer
support policy. The owner/author of TableMaster Jean McGuire offers four
ways to get support from email to calling by phone. The limited warranty
is also very generous compared to others I have seen. I have called the
Support BBS and Jean answered all my questions.
 
The Program:
 
        The user interface is simple and easy to use. There are no "bells
and whistles" here. The insert for the TableMaster program provided was
very useful. It explains in detail with examples what you need to know to
use TableMaster product. The help provided by TMaster is very basic and I
found it not to be that useful. One advantage is that you can change the
default editor to one of your choice. Another advantage is that you can
edit and create table files while inside TMaster and then run them.
 
        The way to get results from a table is simple. First pick the
number of items you want the table to create. Then you pick the letter of
the table you want to use from the Active Table list.  The GENERATE
program then executes and you are then placed in the editor. The table
results can be saved to file if desired. The whole table generation
process is that simple believe it or not. You can load tables not on the
list by using the Table List menu. You can also edit table descriptions
and delete tables from inside TMaster as well.
 
Conclusion:
 
        TableMaster is a great program. It is simple in design but
provides the power and versitility that gamers need in a utility program.
With a little work, you can put any table from a role playing game into
the computer. "TableMaster lets you do the things you need to do, for your
game, not what some programmer somewhere needed to do for his game!" is
claimed on the back of the manual. I believe that Jean McGuire, the
author lives up to this claim. Tables can be easily modified to do what
you want them to do. Plenty of example tables are provided as a good
starting point to learn how to make tables yourself. More tables are
avaiable on the support BBS. The customer support is a very big plus. The
author Jean McGuire makes herself very accessible for questions and
problems.
 
From an phone interview with Jean McGuire:
 
 
Craig : When will the next version of TableMaster/Generate be released?
Jean  : TableMaster version 1.5 is currently out. 2.0 version will be
        released at the end of Feburary.
Craig : What are some of the new features of the future version(s)?
Jean  : Automated table numbering system
        Complete equations
        Direct input (various variations)
        Expanded Maunal
        Floating point variables (rounding/place setting)
        New output formating features:
        Plurals
        Automatic capitalization
        A/An addition
        Open-ended rolls
        Page through tables
Craig : Do you plan to release TableMaster/Generate on other computer
        systems?
Jean  : A version is in the works for the Windows platform ("Windows
        Native"). A version might be released for the Mac sometime in the
        future.
Craig : Where can you currently get TableMaster pgm?
Jean:   Only by Mailorder order right now.
 
        Jean McGuire also stated that there are some licensing deals in
the works for some rpg systems. If you have questions about the program
or need technical support, Compuserve is the best place to ask (GO
RP_GAMES) timewise. Jean said, she checks her Compuserve account, even
when she is at conventions.