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From: kenh@eclectic.COM (Ken Hancock)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.programmer
Subject: Re: We need a student developer program
Keywords: student developer
Message-ID: <102@eclectic.COM>
Date: 22 Apr 91 22:19:31 GMT
References: <1164@ub.d.umn.edu>
Distribution: usa
Organization: Isle Systems - Waltham, MA
Lines: 56

In article <1164@ub.d.umn.edu> serickso@ub.d.umn.edu (Scott L. Erickson) writes:
>
>To whom it concerns:
>
>   In regards to the recent discussions in comp.sys.mac.programmer in support
>of a student developers program, I agree totally.

Don't get me wrong, but I really can't see something like this happening.
Once upon a time, anyone could be a developer, given that they were serious
about doing Macintosh development.  Nowadays, it'll run you $600.  This
is peanuts for any large company, but even for non-college students, this
is a hefty chunk of money for individuals.

What do you think a developer program for college students will really get
you?  Developer prices on hardware?  In some cases the academic prices
are just as good, if not better in some cases.  As for all the miscellaneous
programming aids, you won't gain anything.  If your university has a bookstore
or computer store, you should be able to get equivalent discounts on books.
Other development aids are available form ADPA.  As for programming
environments, you're best off going for THINK C or THINK Pascal if
you're concerned with limited budgets -- they're definitely the best
bang for the buck.

Other sources such as the tech-notes are available in Hypercard format
fairly widely.  Speaking as a developer, I'd say the only real benefits
of being a developer are: 

1) Being seeded with new hardware/software
   For students, the lack of this shouldn't be a problem, since your
   needs will obviously be fewer.

2) DTS support via Applelink.
   Often, there's someone on Internet who will answer questions
   just as easily, if not faster.

3) Development Tools
   CD-ROMs such as ETO cost extra for subscriptions, so even for
   limited budgets, it's not applicable.


Hence, having a developer program aimed at students really won't gain
you much unless they'd provide the same things at a substantially
cheaper price.  (Which I can't see since the majority of student
developers won't be doing earth-shattering things...not that other
developers do...)  I can sympathize with you, 'cause that's how I
started off as well.  It costs lots 'o bucks to program the Mac.

Ken


-- 
Ken Hancock             | INTERNET: kenh@eclectic.com 
Isle Systems            | Compuserve: >INTERNET: kenh@eclectic.com
Macintosh Consulting    | AOL: KHancock 
                        | Disclaimer: My opinions are mine,
                        | your opinions are yours.  Simple, isn't it?