Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!asuvax!mcdphx!hrc!force!covertr
From: covertr@force.UUCP (Richard E. Covert)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.atari.st
Subject: Re: Still searching...
Summary: Registered Developers
Keywords: ste, help
Message-ID: <471cd37a.14a1f@force.UUCP>
Date: 28 Nov 89 20:49:57 GMT
References: <2352@pkmab.se> <1830@atari.UUCP>
Organization: gte
Lines: 42

In article <1830@atari.UUCP>, kbad@atari.UUCP (Ken Badertscher) writes:
> Atari Corp. policy is that we offer developer support to registered
> developers, not to end users.  I know how you feel about the issue,
> and I'm sorry if you feel "left out."  It seems to me, though, that it
> just wouldn't be cost effective for us to offer the level of technical
> support we give to developers to end users.
> 
> -- 
>    |||   Ken Badertscher  (ames!atari!kbad)
>    |||   Atari R&D System Software Engine
>   / | \  #include <disclaimer>


Ken, I know that you are the wrong person to ask but since you read
USENET here goes. I have asked John Townsend on GEnie the same (only
yesterday) and I expect him to respond there.

I understand that REGISTERED developers can buy Atari hardware at a
discount ( I heard 50%). I have been investigating IBM PCs, Amigas,
and Macs, and I still feel that GEM/AES/VDI is easier to program on
than the systems on the other machines. I own a Mega ST4 (etc) and
might be interested in buying a TT/p (even with all of its shortcomings)
if I could get it at a Developer's 50% discount.

But, while I am writing some ShareWare programs (mainly to support FoReM
ST) I haven't tried to develop COMMERICAL programs. So, would my ShareWare
programs qualify me as an Atari Developer?? Or would I have to go to the
trouble (and expense) of selling my programs?? I make enough money at my
fulltime job that the small amount I would make off of my FoReM utilities
wouldn't mean much to me. The programs are only of interest to FoReM system
operators. 

But, it would be nice to buy a TT/p at the developer's price. In fact, that
is the ONLY way I would buy a TT/p. And maybe I coulf think of some commerical
applications for it once I get it.

So, what are the requirements for a registered developers?? John Townsend
has said on GEnie that RDs need to submit a Business Plan and Products to
Atari, or already have sold ST products. That leaves me out, as all I want 
is to sell some small ShareWare programs.

Rich Covert