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From: eve@ssc-bee.UUCP (Michael Eve)
Newsgroups: net.micro,net.micro.apple,net.flame
Subject: Re: Apple Shafts America; or, The Computer For the Rich of Us
Message-ID: <194@ssc-bee.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 21-Sep-84 12:44:38 EDT
Article-I.D.: ssc-bee.194
Posted: Fri Sep 21 12:44:38 1984
Date-Received: Wed, 26-Sep-84 01:39:38 EDT
References: <755@ihuxk.UUCP>
Organization: Boeing Aerospace, Seattle
Lines: 52

...
	While the prose in the original flame waxed a little
	excessive, I agree with the substance: Apple Computer
	Company is no longer the computer company for the rest
	of us.

	As a longtime owner of an Apple ][, I am very disappointed
	by the evolution of Apple's corporate philosophy.  The
	early Apple believed in the masses.  A general purpose
	machine was offered, and complete specs were given with
	the machine to ENCOURAGE independent work.  Now, except
	for the ][e, Apple is attempting to force a closed
	architecture upon the market, and the thought of
	telling the mere, average person what is going on
	inside sends shudders through the corporate structure.
	Detailed specs are sold at a hefty price.  Substance
	in manuals has been replaced with Madison Ave, gee-whiz
	fluff.   Software developers are "certified" because
	everyone knows John Q. Public can't program and shouldn't
	be encouraged to program.

	[2 paragraphs of execessive prose deleted.]

	What really takes the cake, is Apple's refusal to
	stand behind the consumer.  First, there was the
	rev. A/ rev. B ][e where the owner had to prove 
	he needed the rev. B board.  More recently, ][c
	owners find the serial port is improperly designed,
	and Apple says "Prove you need it" before they will
	fix it.  Now, the poorly conceived memory board of
	the Mac has finally proven to be inadequate, and the
	user must pay the price (and then some). 

	Having vented my wrath, I have a suggestion for
	Apple (who is on the NET, right?):
	Form a review board of users to comment upon the
	design at various steps.  Keep honest reviewers,
	and don't get rid of the strident voices.  (As
	a public service, I reluctantly volunteer :=)

	To the Apple apologists on the net:  What Apple doesn't
	need now is a pat on the back.  They have made several
	obvious mistakes both in design and support.  Only a
	mass outcry and consumer boycott can penetrate their
	smugness.

	mike eve

-- 
	Mike Eve     Boeing Aerospace, Seattle
	...uw-beaver!ssc-vax!ssc-bee!eve