Re: The earth is flat!

[ag471@yfn.ysu.edu (Eric S. Ford)]

In a previous article, chance@liberty.com (Chance) says:
>Did you know there's a group operating in the United States claiming
>that the earth is flat? Regardless of the pictures returned from
>missions in space, mathematics, and seeing the horizon at 32,000 feet,
>these people still insist that the earth is flat.
>
>I find it quite amazing that AppleII users can hang on to a computer
>that is not only dying, but has been dead for some time. And not only do
>they continue hanging on by what's left of their fingernails, they even
>defend Apple Computer. Absolutely, completely, amazing!!!

I don't normally like to get involved in pointless discussions such as this
but I'm in a bad mood today so here goes.  WHAT AN ELITEIST PIECE OF CRAP!
What could it possibly mean to you whether someone uses an Apple II or some
other system?  That is, unless you're a salesman for a competitor.  

>First of all, Apple Computer promised to support the AppleII well
>into the 90's. However, at the beginning of this year, it was announced
>that Apple Computer would no longer manufacture the AppleIIgs.

By your definition Ford Motor Co is not supporting its customers since it
closed the production line for the 1957 T-bird.  Get real!  Support has
nothing to do with selling additional units, it has to do with insuring
those already sold continue to be useable and useful.  In that regard
Apple is keeping their word.  I can still buy parts and peripherals, I
can still get repair service, and my operating system has been upgraded
to allow me to expand the utility of my systemand interface with new
products not available when my system was new.  Some of these improvements
were introduced AFTER the production line was closed.
  
>Second of all, the new technologies of which I speak are not available
>for the AppleIIgs. For example, in WordPerfect 6.0 (which is only $279
>incidentally) I can type a letter and FAX it to anyone with the touch of
>a button - all from within WordPerfect!!!

This is not "new technology" but merely an example of the implementation 
of existing technology through a software program.  The fact that it has
been incorporated within one program is irrelevant.  Consider the user
who doesn't deal in wordprocessing as his main tool.  Is this FAX capability
available in Powerpoint for sending charts or slides?  How about in 
Microsoft Project for sending essential program management information and
resource requirements?  Your focus is too narrow, sir.  In the example you cite
it is simply a nice utility, not the end all item which obviates the need 
for additional software.
  
>This type of blind mentality is not only amazing, it makes one wonder
>how man ever emerged from the dark ages. At least some of us have moved
>on and entered the age of enlightenment!

By this declaration I suppose you are declaring yourself to have made that
move, eh?  Let's see then, I expect you already have a High-definition TV
set?  Surely a video-phone, as well?  Certainly you don't drive a car 
manufactured earlier than 1993!  Or better yet, an electric car!  All of
these things represent "mature" technology but not everyone needs them.  
That is clearly the case with most of us Apple II users.  That system was
first and foremost a home computer and still fills that niche quite nicely.
I, for one, have never needed a FAX capability at home.  I certainly don't
need it so much that its access "with the touch of a button" determines
not only the software I use but the system I buy to host it on.  If you
had suggested that anyone now entering the market for a computer consider
these features then you might have had some credibility.  But to attack
people for their determination to continue to get benefit from their
prior investment is frankly stupid on your part.  Rather than admonish us
to enter some poorly defined "age of enlightenment" you ought to admonish
yourself to grow up and mind your own business.



-- 
Eric S. Ford    ag471@yfn.ysu.edu