Part of the DaveNet Mail website. San Francisco CA USA. 12/27/96.

Let's Have Fun -- Now! YOUR APPLE MERGER STORY

Sent:12/27/96; 1:03:51 PM
From: yeidel@wsu.edu

Dear Dave,

I liked your story "A developer's perspective: Dave Winer on the merger " posted at news.com. You said a lot of things that need to be said. The people at Apple have settled very little by this move -- even less than they would have via Be.

Your point about Steve Jobs cashing out is great. It's clear that NeXT had already lost the opportunity to change the world (if it ever had that opportunity). Since that is Jobs' chief interest, I wonder how he will fare in an Amelio/Hancock Apple which is clearly *not* interested in revolution. As you say, he can bail at any time...

I find it interesting and disheartening that you, of all people, are hesitant to endorse this move. It suggests that the hubbub and ferment of the Mac community will suffer, unless the needs you identify can be met by Apple.

The next twelve months will determine whether there is going to be a Macintosh. The key factor will be confidence -- from developers and users -- that Apple can deliver what they need. The very first step for Apple is to convince both audiences that Apple is _interested_ in what they need -- and they failed to do that with this recent announcement.

As you say, they'd better get their act together for January 7 -- it's come down to that.

Thanks for listening -- no reply needed.

-- Joshua Yeidel

Let's Have Fun -- Now!

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