Hey, Herman!

 > #include 
 > #include 
 > #include 


 > char *text;


 > int main()
 > {
 >    FILE *fp = fopen("CRAP.C", "r+");

 >    fgets(text, 100, fp);

 >    return 0;
 > }

 > // this fails to run. If i declare `text' inside
 > main() it does work.
 > // why does this happen? Is there something about
 > globally declared pointers
 > // that make them function differently from internally
 > declared pointers?

    Try dclaring text as char text[101], Herman. Then you will actually
reserve storage for 101 bytes, and not just for the two that the pointer
needs. Alternatively you can allocate 101 bytes to text by using malloc()
(and free() when you've finished with it). Allocate storage space somehow,
though, before you try to fill it up - otherwise the data will be written
at random all over the programm - or wherever text happens to point. :-)

    The primary difference between an array and a pointer *is* automatic
allocation of storage space for data. Arrays have it - pointers don't.

Best wishes,
Bill.

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