I enjoy "Panak strikes!" and was glad to see a review of Autoduel in the September issue. In the review, Steve Panak included Origin Systems, Inc. as an affiliated label of Electronic Arts. As of August, we are an affiliated label of Broderbund Software. This announcement may not have arrived at ANALOG Computing before press time.
    I had some additional thoughts on the column. Consolidation of publishers helps balance the power of concentrated distributors like Ingram, Softsel, MicroD, etc. This shouldn't affect opportunities for small companies or individuals, though. Most of the best products to come out the last few years have come from small development organizations. Concentrating on development instead of marketing may be a large part of their advantage.
    We at Origin participate in an affiliated label program because it allows us to concentrate on product development efforts. However, we are always actively searching for new authors, often in competition with companies like EA or Broderbund. Competition for authors should help a lot of good products make it to market-and help unknown authors make it in the industry.
    Kathryn A. Roy, Director of Marketing
    Origin Systems, Inc.