ech@pegasus.ATT.COM (Edward C Horvath) (02/08/89)
Well, I just got my "Goodbye Certified Developer, Hello Apple Partner" mailing from Apple. After a moderately careful reading, it is my considered opinion that a number of folks on this net have shot from the hip -- and may be missing a toe or two. First, money alone is not enough (it never was): you have to have a product in production or in development. Apple want a copy of the former or the plans and schedules for the latter. Second, contract programmers are eligible. Various folks have complained about being excluded in the past; for whatever reason, I'd suggest they try again if still interested. Finally, the $600 annual fee includes + APDA membership, ($20/year otherwise) - Technotes, ($25) - System software updates ($100 nominally, but you also get the release notes, so you know WHAT got fixed) + AppleLink account and minimum charges ($300) - various marketing materials ($0 for techies?) - invite to the Spring Developer's Conference (I like this) - Access to MacDTS (via AppleLink) (I like this, too) (The + is stuff that used to be unbundled from CD status, i.e. I had to pay for it separately anyway). In short, about 75% of the fee is stuff you wanted anyway, plus whatever use you want to make of MacDTS. If you buy ANYTHING through the program you will, of course, recoup the rest of the fee... So I fail to see the problem for "the little guy," at least with the $600. If you have a problem with item one, you never had CD status in the first place: Apple want PRODUCTS developed, and telling them what you have done or are doing should not be a barrier for a professional, large or small. Yes, I'm going to re-up. It's still a bargain, even for a "little guy." =Ned Horvath=
topping@laurel.cis.ohio-state.edu (brian e. topping) (02/09/89)
Well Ned, I really feel good now that I know someone out there can speak for me without me even posting! As a "little guy", I really enjoy the thought of spending four (yes, FOUR) months of rent on something that I really could use now. Again, thanks.
desnoyer@Apple.COM (Peter Desnoyers) (02/11/89)
In article <2576@pegasus.ATT.COM> ech@pegasus.ATT.COM (Edward C Horvath) writes: >Well, I just got my "Goodbye Certified Developer, Hello Apple Partner" mailing >from Apple. ... > >Finally, the $600 annual fee includes > ... > + AppleLink account and minimum charges ($300) > ... Now, do you REALLY want to pay that $300 for Applelink? What good is it? Especially if you have USENET news and mail access? If you are a one-man shop and worried about $600 then it seems like applelink would just be a pointless waste of money. Peter Desnoyers These are my opinions only. My employer obviously finds Applelink more valuable than I do.
pozar@hoptoad.uucp (Tim Pozar) (02/13/89)
In article <25605@apple.Apple.COM> desnoyer@Apple.COM (Peter Desnoyers) writes: >In article <2576@pegasus.ATT.COM> ech@pegasus.ATT.COM (Edward C Horvath) writes: >>Well, I just got my "Goodbye Certified Developer, Hello Apple Partner" mailing >>from Apple. ... >> >>Finally, the $600 annual fee includes >> ... >> + AppleLink account and minimum charges ($300) >> ... > >Now, do you REALLY want to pay that $300 for Applelink? What good is >it? Especially if you have USENET news and mail access? If you are a >one-man shop and worried about $600 then it seems like applelink would >just be a pointless waste of money. Agreed. The only time I use apple link is to download the latest prices. And for that I could call up Apple. Also, last I saw, there was a gateway for UUCP <=> AppleLink. I've sent a couple of message from my FidoNet BBS via UUCP to AppleLink, and have receive messages back... For info you may want to contact fair@apple. Tim -- ...sun!hoptoad!\ Tim Pozar >fidogate!pozar Fido: 1:125/406 ...lll-winken!/ PaBell: (415) 788-3904 USNail: KKSF / 77 Maiden Lane / San Francisco CA 94108
fred@howtek.UUCP (Fred Giuffrida) (02/14/89)
In article <25605@apple.Apple.COM> desnoyer@Apple.COM (Peter Desnoyers) writes: >In article <2576@pegasus.ATT.COM> ech@pegasus.ATT.COM (Edward C Horvath) writes: >>Well, I just got my "Goodbye Certified Developer, Hello Apple Partner" mailing >>from Apple. ... >> >>Finally, the $600 annual fee includes >> ... >> + AppleLink account and minimum charges ($300) >> ... > >Now, do you REALLY want to pay that $300 for Applelink? What good is >it? Especially if you have USENET news and mail access? If you are a >one-man shop and worried about $600 then it seems like applelink would >just be a pointless waste of money. > > Peter Desnoyers > >These are my opinions only. My employer obviously finds Applelink more >valuable than I do. This is a serious note about why it is important for developers to get on Applelink. That is my way of saying that I don't post here very often so don't flame me to a crisp if this posting comes out bizarre. There are some very good reasons for getting on Applelink. It is, as its name implies, the only direct link between Apple and you. Apple does, contrary to popular belief, send information directly to developers on issues which they feel you may be concerned with. They do that via Applelink. If you care, Applelink is also the only official means of contacting Apple Developer Tech Support. If you can afford to get information a couple of weeks after the rest of the world Applelink is not for you. It's the first place to find stuff like tech notes, developer tools, product announcements, price changes, new system software, etc., etc. It also gives you a quick way to email anyone at Apple and most of the Apple developers out there. I have no connection with Apple and don't want to sound like an ad for Applelink, but I feel you shouldn't discount it totally. I find it a useful tool and end up dialing in there about once a day. - Fred Giuffrida Macintosh Project Mgr. Howtek, Inc. Disclaimer: I have my opinions. Howtek has it's opinions. Any connection between the former and the latter is in your imagination. -- -Fred.