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From: kim@analog.UUCP (Kim Helliwell          )
Newsgroups: net.micro.mac
Subject: Switcher 2.0 Posting
Message-ID: <172@analog.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 16-Apr-85 13:00:58 EST
Article-I.D.: analog.172
Posted: Tue Apr 16 13:00:58 1985
Date-Received: Fri, 19-Apr-85 01:40:54 EST
Organization: Analog Design Tools, Menlo Park, CA.
Lines: 32


It is my understanding that the switcher 2.0 was posted to Compuserve with
Apple's permission in order to have a large beta test base with a fairly
standard method for the beta testers to give feedback to Apple about problems
with it.  Hence, the posting of the switcher to net.sources.mac was 
inappropriate.  It is a beta release, not a finished product, and it is most
definitely NOT public domain!

Aside from that, the posting to Compuserve included three other files: a 
MacWrite file of user documentation, a file of hints for application
developers and a file giving information on who and how to give feedback
on bugs.  The net poster of Switcher ought at least to have included those
files as well, as long as he was breaking the contract! (In for a penny, in
for a pound!).

I don't work for Apple, and I am not particularly attempting to defend any of
Apple's policies or actions here.  I assumed that the Switcher would in fact
be posted here as soon as it made the appearance on Compuserve.  But I lodge
a mild protest, because of the message this sends to Apple about the community
of users it is looking to to provide this beta test feedback.  This method
of distribution (on Compuserve) is unprecedented in the software community,
and I happen to like it and want it to continue.  I fear that more such
examples of disregard for  the ground rules will cause Apple (not to mention
others) to reconsider this decision and pull the plug on us all.

To anyone who downloads the switcher from the net: Please get on to Compuserve
and get the other files that go with it, beat it around a bit, and give
Apple the feedback on bugs that will help make this a better product!


Kim Helliwell
hplabs!analog!kim