Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!clyde.concordia.ca!mcgill-vision!snorkelwacker!usc!ucsd!ucrmath!alchemy!hzink From: hzink@alchemy.UUCP (Harry K. Zink) Newsgroups: comp.sys.apple2 Subject: Re: A low blow from Apple Message-ID: <150@alchemy.UUCP> Date: 12 Sep 90 05:28:34 GMT Reply-To: hzink@alchemy.UUCP (Harry K. Zink) Organization: Alchemy Software Designs Lines: 62 Matt, Even though I understand your defensive position towards apple, and your valiant efforts to fend back any rumors or murmurs that could indicate the demise of the Apple II series at the hand of Apple Computer, we can not possibly ignore certain facets of Apples moves that do tend to support the idea that Sculley and Co. are not really very interested in pushing the Apple II series - at least not as much as Macintosh. Let us look at the facts: - During the rather pathetic on-line conference several months back on several services, users were told to look for a new and aggressive marketing startegy for the apple II line from Apple. Queried as to print and TV ads, the response was 'we do not believe them to be effective' (or something to that effect). Now I have seen quite a few TV ads for Macintosh and a multitude of print ads for Macintosh - yet none in the same or similar publications for the Apple II. I guess Apple prefers to use ineffective advertising methods solely for Macintosh... Furthermore, I recall that after the 'Gasee-Fiasco', several full page 'state-of-the-apple' ads graced the pages of MacWorld and Macuser and other publications. The 'Open Letter From Sculley' appeared in the GS buyers guide because it was 'free', yet I have not seen any similar efforts or ads with Sculley's letter in A+/Incider, Nibble, or any other Apple II specific publication. Then there is apples presence at the AppleFest (which I hear will be corrected in Dec.) because "it is too costly to attend so many shows". Yet, Apple is there in full force at almost all Macintosh Shows. Need I remind you that there is but one Apple II show, yet several Macintosh shows each year... - A videotape is circulated to 10,000 teachers with Sculley on it that stresses the importance to deliver a loc cost Macintsoh with color to schools, and that Apple will do so. No mention of the Apple II gs, or any evolutionary development on that one... In the wings are the new low-cost Macintosh, which is rumored to have an Apple //e emulation card available for it. As an older issue of Develop stressed, Apple IIe compatibility is much more important for schools that Apple IIgs compatibility. What does that leads us to believe that Apple plans for schools - in my humble opinion, more Macintosh penetration, and less Apple II presence... Need I go on? I do not think so! Now, don't get me wrong, I believe that Macintosh is wonderful technology, and I also think that Sculley has done a pretty decent job in the past to make Apple what it is now. Neverthless, I do believe that the two-faced treatment Apple Computer of this decade is giving the Apple II and its customers deserves the pointing finger and the cry of "J'accuse!". Unless apple is deliberatiely engaged in a policy of disinformation (now, that would be a new one) I believe the signs are rather clear. Furthermore, the apathy of Apple Computer towards its installed Apple II user base, and the lack of education of its user base has created too big a rift, in my opinion, to be bridged by any miraculous new CPU or new development. If Apple had less of a chicken-shit attitude (typical of the corporate mind) and more of the innovation and dedication that gave it its start, maybe we would be better off, and Apple II and Macintosh machines would be in a state of harmony and integration (as they could be). Unfortunately, Apple believe strongly that Macintosh=68000 based, and Apple II=65xxx based - ignoring the fact that both names concern a concept, not an architecture. I respect your efforts, Matt, but I just wish you would be right in your optimism. Unfortunately, we both know what goes on... Harry