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From: granroth@iowasp.physics.uiowa.edu (Larry Granroth)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.misc,comp.misc
Subject: Re: Data-PCS (Apple) Petition - Please Comment!
Message-ID: <1991May9.214446.818@iowasp.physics.uiowa.edu>
Date: 10 May 91 02:44:45 GMT
References: <52469@apple.Apple.COM>
Distribution: usa
Organization: Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Iowa
Lines: 38

In article <52469@apple.Apple.COM>, bsteven@Apple.COM (Bill Stevens) writes:
> . . . 
> If created, Data-PCS will enable all computer
> manufacturers to produce high performance wireless communications products
> for the United States.
> . . .

The article goes on to point out the wonderful benefits of this great new
idea that Apple has come up with, and includes a form letter for computer
users to send to the chairman of the FCC supporting Apple's petition
for radio bandwidth.

Now, it seems to me that posting such a thing to comp.sys.ibm.pc.misc
was just asking for some less-than-gracious replies.  I couldn't help
myself.  I replied with a somewhat modified version of their form
letter suggesting that, judging from recent history, Apple's motives
should be assumed to be more monopolistic than altruistic.  I wondered
how long it would be before Apple was sueing HAM packet radio operators
for patent infringement.  I didn't give the whole thing more thought
than the time it took to type it in, and the result was (I thought)
obviously frivolous.

Apple's well-known legal department didn't agree.  Both the chairman
of my department and the departmental computer system manager have been
subjected to lengthy discussions concerning the wisdom of my representing
the University of Iowa.  (Silly me.  Not only did I forget to include
the smiley, but forgot the standard disclaimer line.)  None of this
is going to cause me any difficulty, but I was wondering if anyone else
has been receiving such personalized attention to their comments.
Have any of you who have submitted positive comments had your credentials
verified by phone calls from Apple representatives?

"Enquiring minds want to know."

-Larry    Granroth@IowaSP.physics.UIowa.edu    IOWASP::GRANROTH

(I don't speak for the University of Iowa,
 but for all other sentient life in the galaxy.  :-) :-) :-)