hzink@alchemy.UUCP (Harry K. Zink) (10/15/90)
It is time to add a little bit of my own 2 cents to this discussion on how users' bitching and moaning on this newsgroup has presumably 'killed' the Apple II support and the Apple II. First of all, if the discussion raging on this medium has the capability to indeed cause such a consequence, then I have to admit that the Apple II is in much worse shape than even I have assumed. "Gee, MattD left this newsgroup, ergo the Apple II line is really dead!" I implore people like Randy Miller to please not insult our collective intelligence with his inane ravings. All I would like to ask to all those 'blame the victim' doomsayers is the following: - Do you deny apple's support for the Apple II line is marginal at best? - Do you deny that this lack of support (and subsequent push for the Mac) has caused many dvelopers to lessen development on the Apple II and concentrate more on Macintosh? - Do you deny that any computer is only as good as the support it receives? All various individuals on the newsgroup have done is voice their opinions on a well threaded subject, hoping maybe for some constructive discussion and/or replies from the people at apple who are on this group. Instead we get stuff like "We build computers to empower people -- and that's all!" (with liberties to MattD), or "Shut up with your negativity!" type replies. Now, I do not consider this in any way constructive or rational discussion. A brilliant example of an intelligent approach to this issue came from Morgan Davis (of the Morgan Davis Group), who gave us a very good explanation of the situation and of apple's philosophy. Ironically enough I would have expected this type of reply from an apple affiliated source more than anything else. This was precisely the type of message that spells it out as it is (as that IS the way it is) and it did so in a manner that is neither offensive nor patronizing (as was the tone of most messages from higher up), or insulting (as was the tone of such posts as the one by Mr. Miller). Let me ask you: What is so negative about users pointing out what they believe to be faults within apple? Why does their outcry presumably hurt the apple II? Sure, it might turn some customers away from the Apple II because some people might not recommend them anymore. Is that so bad? After all, how would you feel if your friend steered you on to some computing platform that you will end up getting NO support for from the manufacturer or even the authorized dealers? Would you be happier by getting a recommendation towards a platform that will be supported and thus help you be more productive? Of course, responding by stating that "I will not recommend ANY apple product, and definitely not the Mac", is just as immature and childish. It accomplished nothing. Worse, the only alternative left is the MS-DOS jungle and that is usually a fate worse than death. Steering people towards Macintosh, in many ways, is not bad, quite the opposite. The Mac is a very good machine that can empower people (average people) much better that the Apple II (currently) can or the PC ever will. Now, with low-cost Mac around the corner, there is no reason why the machine no longer is not affordable. Of course, you'll still be stuck with monochrome at the lowest level, but hey, we don't *NEED* color, we need productivity and ease of use more. I'm sorry to say so, but I have to agree with Mr. Davis in many ways that it is essential to remain open to new technology and new vistas on the horizon. Macintosh technology *IS* here to stay and in many ways it is the Apple II of the 90's (conceptually, that is) in being an easy to use, fun computer that is (finally) accessible to the masses and will empower us. Most of all, it is the most viable alternative to the PC. So, while I will not ask for the (justifiably so) disgruntled users of the Apple II line "To shut up or ship out" (I remember similarly constructive comments being made during the '38-45 era in Germany), I would like to remind the vocal group of immature yellers and screamers that their offerings are not only empty and hollow, but in fact reflect on them as the obviously immature kids that they are. Before you flame me (like I really care), please do that the relatively small amount of time and brainpower required to actually ponder what I have just said and reflect back on your previous comments. After having duly done so (do it twice to be sure) feel free to let me know what you think. Harry uucp : ucrmath!alchemy!hzink | Achieve True Wealth and Financial Independence! INET : hzink@alchemy.uucp | Intrigued? - Send E-Mail! -----------------------------+------------------------------------------------ Wesley: "Captain, this doesn't look like the holodeck to me." Worf: "Ready to cycle airlock, Captain." Picard: "Make it so."