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From: waltrip@capd.jhuapl.edu
Newsgroups: comp.sys.next
Subject: Re: Reward for NeXT's response on the net.
Message-ID: <1991Jan22.172811.1@capd.jhuapl.edu>
Date: 22 Jan 91 22:28:11 GMT
References: <TY.91Jan19194345@springs.cis.ufl.edu> <1991Jan20.214014.18419@uncecs.edu> <4152@mentor.cc.purdue.edu> <1991Jan21.203407.12952@nntp-server.caltech.edu>
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In article <1991Jan21.203407.12952@nntp-server.caltech.edu>,
 madler@pooh.caltech.edu (Mark Adler) writes:
> 
> NeXT should participate on comp.sys.next, if for no other reason, because
> comp.sys.next is the most extensive and most effective example of the idea
> of "interpersonal computing" that NeXT is trying to push.  Admittedly, the
> signal to noise ratio here could be a little better, but the signals are
> damned useful.
>
	While I agree the NeXT posters have been quite helpful and agree that
	I would like to see NeXT participate, I hate to see good technical
	people get caught up trying to deal diplomatically with the sort of
	fuss that can get started in one of these newsgroups.  My
	recommendation would be that all net communications from NeXT come
	from a designated person skilled in handling marketing communications
	(and perhaps changing diapers:^)  Such a person would know when to
	followup, when to reply and when simply to lie low.  S/he could also
	go to whatever technical resources were needed to respond to postings.
	And, in those instances where policy matters were involved, might
	occasionally be able to post an official policy statement.

	Most of the readers of newsgroups and posters to newsgroups are
	responsible, mature, intelligent, informed and desire to be helpful.  A
	few others--probably just as desirous to be helpful, etc.--can't help
	grinding axes.  This is true of any newsgroup.  I suspect that when
	too much of this occurs, it can be harmful to the company whose people
	are trying to be helpful.  Accordingly, I would recommend leaving net
	communications to the professionals and let the technical gurus do
	real work.  Of course, few companies are going to assign someone to do
	this so it's probably our loss if anyone DOES take my advice (but how
	likely is THAT:^)

	But, anyway, thanks to all you NeXT employees for your help.  All of us
	are grateful whether we sound like it or not.

c.f.waltrip

Internet:  <waltrip@capsrv.jhuapl.edu>

Opinions expressed are my own.