Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!swrinde!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu!gaynor From: gaynor@magnus.ircc.ohio-state.edu (Jim Gaynor) Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.hypercard Subject: Re: HyperCard 2.1 Message-ID: <1991Apr3.150710.20988@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu> Date: 3 Apr 91 15:07:10 GMT References: <1991Apr3.004628.7204@ims.alaska.edu> Sender: news@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu Organization: The Ohio State University Lines: 78 Nntp-Posting-Host: top.magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu In article <1991Apr3.004628.7204@ims.alaska.edu> ffdkl@acad3.alaska.edu writes: >As described in MacWeek this version deals with IAP (Inter Application >Communication). >I guess that we could get it from Claris but could we get just the application >from Apple dealers? Or other sources? >Could someone knowledgable respond? Well, the same article says that it will be available to registered owners of HyperCard 2.0. My question is, how are you registered? Sure, if you bought the $49 upgrade, or the Dev Kit, you got a nice registration card to send in to Claris. But what about those folks that just got the 2.0 binary and "starter" stacks (Address, Datebook, crippled Home) with their Macintosh? How can they be registered? I've got a nasty feeling that the "registered" users are just going to be the people who bought it. I'll throw this out, as my idea of a "reasonable" distribution policy, and we'll see what folks think: 1) For those who received HyperCard with their Mac, regardless of version, they could pick up a "starter upgrade" from their local user group/dealer/whathaveyou. This "starter upgrade" would be the same thing that is shipped with the new Macs - HyperCard 2.x binary, and the "starter" stacks. That way, everyone could at least use 2.x, and run stacks made with it. Proof of registration? Your original HyperCard disks that shipped with your Mac. 2) For those who bought the upgrade or the Dev Kit for 2.0 and registered themselves, a "full upgrade" would be available. This would be the full 5 disk distribution: HyperCard 2.x binaries, support stacks, and a stack describing new features and such. This upgrade would be available through Claris or (maybe) your local dealer. Printed upgrade documentation available at a hopefully reasonable cost. Proof of registration? Original disks, and/or the Claris user ID you get when you register. What does this get us? 2) is probably what Claris plans to do with 2.1 and future releases. (I claim no special knowledge, these are just educated guesses). But 1), which probably isn't planned, will do plenty of things: a) Speed up the general acceptance of HC 2.x as the new standard by increasing the number of people who can run 2.x stacks. b) Help Claris sales of HC 2.x full packages by giving a fully-functional taste of HC 2.x to users who aren't willing to buy a full package without a taste. c) Increase general goodwill towards Claris. Hey, let's face it, since this fiasco with HC, and the problems with FileMaker Pro, Claris' previously shiny image has become a tad tarnished. Tokens of goodwill are important. Remember Public Folder? Basically, anyone who owns a Mac ought to have the ability to run a Hypercard 2.x stack. HyperCard was initially established at "System Software", and even though it's not quite in that category anymore, it's a product that has become too much a part of the Mac to relegate completely to the commercial realm. The "starter upgrade" plan would allow people to continue to use Hypercard with most of the functionality they have in the past, while still allowing the elevation of "full Hypercard" to the commercial world. The only difference is the stacks that are bundled. The binary, the engine for HyperCard, is still the standard that all Mac users have access to. But hey, I'm babbling idealistic nonsense. >Dieing to take over the world with my home stack. Bwha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha... -- Jim Gaynor - Systems Analyst 1 + "This is Serious. He is Lost. The Ohio State University ACS-FMS-OCES | We must begin the Search at once." gaynor@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu | -Rabbit, from gaynor@agvax2.ag.ohio-state.edu + "The House at Pooh Corner"