More Apple Commentary....

[bslog@pro-scat.cts.com (Bill Logsdon)]

The Shock Therapy
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Well, I have mixed emotions about this project, its goals and results. 
While I
believe its _very_ important to make sure Apple Computer Inc. knows how
strongly we feel about the Apple II line, emotions don't pay the bills. 
Apple
Computer Inc., is not a not-for-profit organization and must continue to be
profitable and provide a reasonable rate of return to its stockholders and
investors.  We as Apple II fanatics have a well earned reputation for being
tight with the wallets.  Apple has certainly not capitalized on the
"installed
user base", which could certainly be construed as a mismanagement of a
considerable non-tangible asset.  However, we need to demonstrate the
commercial viability of Apple II line.  Certainly from an R&D and
manufacturing
standpoint the costs should be low.  (The bulk of development is done, and
the
tooling, etc. for production long amortized.)
 
Rather than presenting a list of whines and complaints about how Apple has
abandoned us,  we should present ideas of how Apple can win while
continuing to
capitalize on the massive investment and potential unrealized in the Apple
II
community.  Business is business, and no matter what we may think of John
Skulley and crew, they are smart business men.  I think that if a realistic
business plan is presented (like maybe using the Apple II line to
strategically
combat the influx of import and low-end computers into the small business
and
home computer markets while avoiding debasing the "flagship" Macintosh line
directed at power users and business applications) we may be able to direct
Apple into a path of mutual satisfaction.