TweetFollow Us on Twitter

December 93 - Letters

LETTERS

NEW CD & PACKAGING: GOOD
I just received develop Issue 14 in the mail (a little late, but worth the wait!). As usual, the articles are enlightening and entertaining. The Bookmark CD is an excellent idea as well (although the former student in me doesn't like the idea of missing out on system software). I enjoyed opening up the journal to find my CD in a case that could not be broken, even by the worst of mailmen! And, as always, the CD contains a great wealth of information. I would even go so far as to say I'd pay more than the price of a yearly subscription with or without the CD; it's really worth it! So, I'd like to congratulate you and everyone else on the develop staff (as well as all the contributors) for creating an amazing journal for me (and I guess other developers!) every three months.

Keep up the good work, as I look forward to future issues. (I just renewed my subscription.)
--David A. denBoer

Thanks for the good words about develop and especially about its CD. We've received a number of letters from developers who are less than thrilled about our recent changes (see below). It's wonderful to hear from a happy subscriber.
--Caroline Rose

NEW CD: BAD
I subscribed to develop after reading the MacWeek article that pointed out what a good deal it was, especially with respect to the Developer CD Series. APDA told me on the phone that my subscription would start in a few weeks, and promptly debited by VISA account. After a few weeks had gone by, I phoned ADPA to ask why I hadn't received anything. I was told that they had been swamped with orders as a result of the MacWeek article.

Now I find out that there's been a "change" to develop's CD. What bothers me is the apparent motivation behind all this. You knew that you were swamped with orders, which were generated by a specific MacWeek article. What did this article say? Simply that readers should subscribe to develop to get the system software. So what did you do? Take away the software! Didn't it occur to anyone making this decision that loyal customers might be angered?

I, for one, am not a happy camper.
--Ken Ribet

Regarding the CD change: We basically took only Inside Macintosh and system software off the CD. We have since restored Inside Macintosh; that decision was made a bit hastily. But I think the decision to discontinue essentially giving away the system software was a sound one. We're making every effort to give developers the best support possible, but compromises are sometimes necessary.

The decision not to supply the system software on the CD accompanying develop was made independently of the MacWeek column and before it appeared. The timing was unfortunate, but it's not easy, or particularly practical, to reverse company decisions based on what MacWeek chooses to publish. (I hope you don't really think the column motivated us to remove the software from the CD!) We informed the MacWeek columnist immediately of what was about to happen, and he let his readers know. It did occur to us that developers subscribing in response to that column might be angry. But most of them turned out to be happy to receivedevelop and all it does have on its CD for $30 a year. The majority of our subscribers have been understanding about the CD change, saying it always did seem like too good a deal to be true.

I'm always sorry to hear from an unhappy camper. But thanks for writing.
--Caroline Rose

NEW CD PACKAGING: SO-SO
Your new packaging for the Bookmark CD sent with develop Issue 14 shows an appreciated effort for environmentally conscious packaging.

Unfortunately, this packaging is not U.S. Postal Service-friendly. I was able to flatten the CD enough so that it's working fine. Using a stiffer mailer and including the words "DO NOT BEND" clearly visible for the mail carrier would help prevent the CD from being damaged.

develop has been a great assistance to my business. I look forward to each and every issue.

Thank you for your assistance.
--Edward Salm

Sorry about your delivery problem. We've had a couple of other complaints about this, though not enough to justify the expense of implementing a solution like the one you suggest. We'll keep your words (and the unsuspecting mail carrier) in mind as we continue searching for packaging options that work without increasing the price of a develop subscription.
--Diane Wilcox

WHITHER THE DOGCOW?
I can't fight it anymore; I have to ask. In the Letters column in develop Issue 10, you say the story of the dogcow is hidden in Tech Note #31 on the CD. I found Tech Note #31; it was funny, but contains no references to "dog" or "cow" or "Moof!" What gives? I need to know the story of the dogcow!!!!
--Gary Robinson

The Tech Note you saw is actually #31A, "GestaltWaitNextEvent," which indeed is not on the subject of dogcattle. The original Tech Note #31, "The Dogcow," is no longer available, but I can give you some clues on where you might find a copy. It used to be hidden in the Technical Notes Stack on the early versions of develop's CD (most notably "Phil and Dave's Excellent CD"), although no one here seems to be exactly certain when it stopped. It appeared on paper only once, as part of the monthly mailing to Apple Associates and Partners back in April of 1989. Assuming you're not that far behind on reading your mail, you may want to try trolling the net. Macintosh programmers are an unusual breed, and I'm sure you'll find someone who has a copy.

Why the continued secrecy? The answer has a little bit to do with history and a lot to do with tradition, and may or may not have to do with an exchange of spies during the Cold War. But there's good news: your letter has inspired me to write up how the dogcow furor and Tech Note originated -- Apple cultural minutiae that may be of interest to other crazed Macintosh developers. The editor threatens to publish it in a future issue, assuming it passes by our censors.
--Mark ("The Red") Harlan Author, Tech Note #31

DO THE WRITE THING
We welcome timely letters to the editors, especially from readers reacting to articles that we publish in develop. Letters should be addressed to Caroline Rose (or, if technical develop-related questions, to Dave Johnson) at Apple Computer, Inc., 20525 Mariani Avenue, M/S 303-4DP, Cupertino, CA 95014 (AppleLink CROSE or JOHNSON.DK). All letters should include your name and company name as well as your address and phone number. Letters may be excerpted or edited for clarity (or to make them say what we wish they did). *

 

Community Search:
MacTech Search:

Software Updates via MacUpdate

Latest Forum Discussions

See All

Combo Quest (Games)
Combo Quest 1.0 Device: iOS Universal Category: Games Price: $.99, Version: 1.0 (iTunes) Description: Combo Quest is an epic, time tap role-playing adventure. In this unique masterpiece, you are a knight on a heroic quest to retrieve... | Read more »
Hero Emblems (Games)
Hero Emblems 1.0 Device: iOS Universal Category: Games Price: $2.99, Version: 1.0 (iTunes) Description: ** 25% OFF for a limited time to celebrate the release ** ** Note for iPhone 6 user: If it doesn't run fullscreen on your device... | Read more »
Puzzle Blitz (Games)
Puzzle Blitz 1.0 Device: iOS Universal Category: Games Price: $1.99, Version: 1.0 (iTunes) Description: Puzzle Blitz is a frantic puzzle solving race against the clock! Solve as many puzzles as you can, before time runs out! You have... | Read more »
Sky Patrol (Games)
Sky Patrol 1.0.1 Device: iOS Universal Category: Games Price: $1.99, Version: 1.0.1 (iTunes) Description: 'Strategic Twist On The Classic Shooter Genre' - Indie Game Mag... | Read more »
The Princess Bride - The Official Game...
The Princess Bride - The Official Game 1.1 Device: iOS Universal Category: Games Price: $3.99, Version: 1.1 (iTunes) Description: An epic game based on the beloved classic movie? Inconceivable! Play the world of The Princess Bride... | Read more »
Frozen Synapse (Games)
Frozen Synapse 1.0 Device: iOS iPhone Category: Games Price: $2.99, Version: 1.0 (iTunes) Description: Frozen Synapse is a multi-award-winning tactical game. (Full cross-play with desktop and tablet versions) 9/10 Edge 9/10 Eurogamer... | Read more »
Space Marshals (Games)
Space Marshals 1.0.1 Device: iOS Universal Category: Games Price: $4.99, Version: 1.0.1 (iTunes) Description: ### IMPORTANT ### Please note that iPhone 4 is not supported. Space Marshals is a Sci-fi Wild West adventure taking place... | Read more »
Battle Slimes (Games)
Battle Slimes 1.0 Device: iOS Universal Category: Games Price: $1.99, Version: 1.0 (iTunes) Description: BATTLE SLIMES is a fun local multiplayer game. Control speedy & bouncy slime blobs as you compete with friends and family.... | Read more »
Spectrum - 3D Avenue (Games)
Spectrum - 3D Avenue 1.0 Device: iOS Universal Category: Games Price: $2.99, Version: 1.0 (iTunes) Description: "Spectrum is a pretty cool take on twitchy/reaction-based gameplay with enough complexity and style to stand out from the... | Read more »
Drop Wizard (Games)
Drop Wizard 1.0 Device: iOS Universal Category: Games Price: $1.99, Version: 1.0 (iTunes) Description: Bring back the joy of arcade games! Drop Wizard is an action arcade game where you play as Teo, a wizard on a quest to save his... | Read more »

Price Scanner via MacPrices.net

Our MacBook Price Trackers will show you the...
Our Apple award-winning MacBook Price Trackers are continually updated with the latest information on prices, bundles, and availability for 16″ and 14″ MacBook Pros along with 13″ and 15″ MacBook... Read more
Amazon is offering a 10% discount on Apple’s...
Don’t pay full price! Amazon has 16-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pros (Silver and Black colors) on sale today for 10% off Apple’s MSRP. Shipping is free. These are the lowest prices currently available for 16... Read more
13-inch M4 MacBook Airs on sale for $150 off...
Amazon has new 13″ M4 MacBook Airs on sale for $150 off MSRP right now, starting at $849. Sale prices apply to most colors and configurations. Be sure to select Amazon as the seller, rather than a... Read more
15-inch M4 MacBook Airs on sale for $150 off...
Amazon has new 15″ M4 MacBook Airs on sale for $150 off Apple’s MSRP, starting at $1049. Be sure to select Amazon as the seller, rather than a third-party: – 15″ M4 MacBook Air (16GB/256GB): $1049, $... Read more
Amazon is offering a $50 discount on Apple’s...
Amazon has Apple’s 11th-generation A16 iPads in stock on sale for $50 (or a little more) off MSRP this week. Shipping is free: – 11″ 11th-generation 128GB WiFi iPads: $299 $50 off MSRP – 11″ 11th-... Read more
Clearance 13-inch M1 MacBook Airs available f...
Walmart has clearance, but new, Apple 13″ M1 MacBook Airs (8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) available online for $649, $360 off original MSRP, in Space Gray, Silver, and Gold colors. These are new MacBooks for... Read more
iPad minis on sale for $100 off Apple’s MSRP...
Amazon is offering $100 discounts (up to 20% off) on Apple’s newest 2024 WiFi iPad minis, each with free shipping. These are the lowest prices available for new minis among the Apple retailers we... Read more
AirPods Max headphones on sale for $479, $70...
Amazon has AirPods Max with USB-C on sale for $479.99 in all colors. Shipping is free. Their price is $70 off Apple’s MSRP, and it’s the lowest price available today for AirPods Max. Keep an eye on... Read more
14-inch M4 Pro/M4 Max MacBook Pros on sale th...
Don’t pay full price! Get a new 14″ MacBook Pro with an M4 Pro or M4 Max CPU for up to $320 off Apple’s MSRP this weekend at these retailers…they are the lowest prices available for these MacBook... Read more
Get a 15-inch M4 MacBook Air for $150 off App...
A couple of Apple retailers are offering $150 discounts on new 15″ M4 MacBook Airs this weekend. Prices at these retailers start at $1049: (1): Amazon has new 15″ M4 MacBook Airs on sale for $150 off... Read more

Jobs Board

All contents are Copyright 1984-2011 by Xplain Corporation. All rights reserved. Theme designed by Icreon.