Loadstar (magazine)
| Company type | Disk magazine |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing, Software |
| Founded | 1984 |
| Founder | Softdisk |
| Defunct | 2007 |
| Headquarters | Shreveport , United States |
Area served | Commodore 64 users |
Key people | Fender Tucker (editor), Jeffrey L. Jones, Scott E. Resh, Barbara Schulak, Dave Moorman, Sheri Moorman |
| Products | Disk magazine issues, software programs, Loadstar Letter newsletter, DigitHunt game |
| Owner | Softdisk (until transfer), J&F Publishing (after transfer) |
Loadstar () was a disk magazine tailored for the Commodore 64 system, with its publication spanning from 1984 through 2007. An unofficial 250th issue appeared in 2010. The title originated from the Commodore 1541 disk command LOAD "*",8,1, taking inspiration from the term "lodestar."
Conceived as a companion title to Softdisk based in Shreveport, Louisiana, Loadstar represented Softdisk's second disk magazine initiative following their Apple II edition. The Commodore 64 gained widespread appeal due to its cost-effectiveness combined with enhanced graphics and sound capabilities.
Initial editions were primarily crafted by Softdisk personnel with Apple computer expertise, frequently adapting content from Apple platforms. Gradually, contributors specializing in Commodore content became involved. Loadstar functioned as the official disk magazine complementing Commodore-produced publications such as Power/Play and Commodore Magazine, incorporating type-in software programs sourced from these outlets.
In 1987, Fender Tucker assumed the editor role, establishing the signature identity of Loadstar and introducing the imaginative "Loadstar Tower" branding, despite the actual offices being located in a basement. The editorial team grew to include Jeffrey L. Jones and Scott E. Resh, while Barbara Schulak managed the well-liked interactive "Puzzle Page" feature.
During Tucker’s tenure, a quarterly spin-off titled Loadstar 128 was launched targeting the Commodore 128. Jeffrey L. Jones also contributed to the printed companion newsletter known as the Loadstar Letter. In 1989, the magazine released DigitHunt, an early home computer adaptation of Sudoku.
Some early editions contained software disks providing access to Quantum Link, an online service vigorously promoted by marketing leader Steve Case that eventually evolved into America Online.
As the Commodore 64 platform declined, Softdisk redirected its efforts toward developing software for Windows and Macintosh systems and later embraced Internet technologies. Nevertheless, Loadstar continued publication longer than disk magazines for more recent platforms. When Softdisk ended its support, Loadstar was transferred to J&F Publishing, co-owned by Tucker and his spouse Judi Mangham, who co-founded Softdisk. The magazine maintained its focus on a specialized audience of Commodore fans and users running C64 emulators.
In 2001, editorial responsibilities were assumed by Dave and Sheri Moorman from Holly, Colorado. The publication persisted until 2008 across various media including traditional Commodore 1541 floppy disks and files distributed via email for emulators. Although J&F Publishing remained the proprietor, editing and distribution duties were franchised to eTower Marketing operated by the Moormans—Dave oversaw editorial content while Sheri handled business management. Concurrently, Tucker engaged in other projects such as reissuing Harry Stephen Keeler’s literature through his Ramble House imprint.
Altogether, 249 issues were officially released. Issue 248 was made available free of charge in November 2007 preceding an intended conclusion at issue 256. However, Moorman exited in 2008 before issue 250 could be published; after completion by an assistant, this issue was unofficially issued in June 2010.