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From: Matt Slot <fprefect@umich.edu>
Newsgroups: comp.os.linux.advocacy,comp.unix.bsd.netbsd.misc
Subject: Apple and Linux/NetBSD Ports
Date: 16 Dec 1995 15:31:18 GMT
Organization: University of Michigan
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[ Forwarded from my original post to the "Semper Fi" mailing list at
<mailto:semper.fi@solutions.apple.com> ]
First, I have been in contact with Guy and others at Apple who have
expressed an interest in the project. They are currently looking for
resources within Apple that could be assigned to the project... but with
the big push for Copland (and trimming of other projects), its pretty
tight. But... they ARE listening.
Second, I want to build up a document that describes how helping Linux
helps Apple. Specifically, I am looking for information of the form
"If the Macintosh supported Linux...":
* 10,000 more people would by a Mac
* Average active lifetime of a Mac would double
(the SE/30 as a server in the corner)
* 3% more Macs would be used as Internet Servers
* Apple would make an additional $1,000,000
Technical merit is great for convincing other engineers/programmers,
but the 'droids in the bureaucracy need facts and figures to motivate
them. No manager is gonna read a plea "if you guys supported Linux,
me and my 2 buddies would consider buying a Mac" and immediately
assign thousands of dollars and/or a few hundred man-hours to it.
Next, it would be great if some Apple engineers would volunteer to
gather this information in their (copious) spare time. Say a
couple of resourceful people put together a packet of information,
then present it (and with the "benefits" document above) -- that
would stand a much better chance than any efforts solely from the
outside. I don't know any such Apple employees, but I am always
hoping!
Finally, I think that this conversation should be kept in the
appropriate advocacy newsgroups, where it can break into the necessary
pleading and arguing that help people feel better. Of course, if you
have any hard facts and figures, or you have ideas on alternate paths
to proceed ... MAIL ME. I am just an engineer trying to be the glue
between the Linux/MacBSD people and Apple.
Don't flood Apple or its net-visible employees with your complaints
or pleas, It's easy to convince them that Linux-supporters are just
whining about Apple and the Mac, rather than focusing on making it
work. If you feel you have to vent, post it to the advocacy group (I
lurk there), mail me directly, or take a brisk walk -- don't generate
bad feelings all around.
Matt
ps: I would love to present Apple with a list of 500+ people who
have promised to buy a Mac if it runs Linux. Maybe I should start one.
pps: The OpenMac page is at <http://puma.bevd.blacksburg.va.us/openmac/>
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ======================
* Reality: Matt Slot * Time is an illusion.
* E-Mail: mailto:fprefect@umich.edu * Lunchtime doubly so.
* Web: http://www.sils.umich.edu/~fprefect/ * -- Douglas Adams
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ======================