Re: WestCode's response to InWords 1.1.1 message

[joko@well.sf.ca.us (Joe Kohn)]

I'd like to speak up on behalf of WestCode and point out that they do
provide incredible, and fast, assistance.

After installing System 6.0.1, I experienced problems using Pointless
v2.0.1. After re-installing 6.0.1 numerous different ways, and experiencing
problems each time, I contacted Tony Gentile of WestCode via email. I
explained the problem, but he could not duplicate it. But, he didn't give
up, and within 24 hours was able to duplicate the problem, and within
several more hours, offered a work-around solution.

Thanks to WestCode, I now have 6.0.1 installed, and am happily using
Pointless. I feel that Tony Gentile proved that WestCode is a service
oriented company. I salute him for helping.

His solution was really quite simple. If you want to use 6.0.1 and
Pointless, just save a 1 point bit map for each TrueType font you have
installed. That works perfectly, and Mr Gentile has contacted Alan Bird
to determine if/when a Pointless update is possible.

Let me get up on my soapbox for a bit, and point out to people (in case they
hadn't noticed) that many developers of Apple II hardware and software have
abandoned the Apple II market. For those that remain, it is very important
to support those that support you.

As a person who has made my living with the Apple II, and who knows many of
the remaining Apple II developers, let me just point out that the companies
that remain developing for the Apple II are doing so out of love and
devotion. Sure, they want to make a profit, and much much bigger profits can
be made these days from other platforms, but they remain with the Apple II
because they love the machine as much as any Apple II hobbyist.

Let me put it this way. I was offered a position with Mac Computing (the son
of inCider) and turned it down. It would have paid me more $$$ than I got
working for inCider, but I decided that I'd rather be poorer but doing what
I love to do. The same is, I'm sure, the case with other Apple II
developers.

Be kind to them, and give them the benefit of the doubt. Or, in a year, they
might just decide to pack it in and go where the big bucks are.

Off soapbox...

Joe Kohn