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References: <1155@atari.UUCP>
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Reply-To: rob@kaa.eng.ohio-state.edu (Rob Carriere)
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Distribution: comp
Organization: Ohio State Univ, College of Engineering
Keywords: buggs, ethical_behaviour, appearances
From: rob@kaa.eng.ohio-state.edu (Rob Carriere)
Path: kaa.eng.ohio-state.edu!rob

In the last couple of weeks, this newsgroup has seen various people
comment about the ``calm'' approach Atari representatives have to
(perceived or real) flames.  It would seem though, that this is the
calmth of a steamroller or some similar ``impressive'' device.  Casu
quo: there is a person, Mr. Drapal, who has posted what he clearly
believed to be some bugs in the new beta-test ROMs.  Atari's response
so far has been to spew out large amounts of lawyer-speak giving the
impression (which may or may not be correct, that's what impressions
are all about) that they aren't at all interested in dealing with the
facts (or possibly lack thereof) Mr. Drapal is bringing up, but
instead want to silence him as fast as possible, and, as indicated in
the posting this posting refers to, in the worst possible way.  This
behaviour on the part of the Atari representatives has already
prompted one reader to post that he cannot help but believe that where
two parties are creating so much smoke, there's got to be a fire.

I do not want to make or imply a statement of condonement or
condemnation of Mr. Drapal's methods and style of communication; I can
envision scenarios in which he would be perfectly justified doing what
he is doing, and I can see circumstances under which his actions would
be very unethical.  Since I do not know the background, I will not
make judgements.  However, ethical or not, Mr. Drapal's communications
allege bugs in both the beta-ROMs and in Atari's development methods.
Further, at least one reader of this newsgroup seems to be of the
opinion that Mr. Drapal knows enough about these things to be worth
listening to.  Yet, Atari representatives seem unwilling to do much
more than publish statements synonimous to ``Of course this is all
unfounded.''  I find this very disturbing.

I know it is very difficult to remain calm when someone is shouting in
your face (and I won't claim to always, or even most of the time, be
able to do that), but when you are the company mouthpiece (no slur
intended, quite the contrary) you have to try and do that, or your
customers will get restless.  It may be that all the problems Mr.
Drapal mentions and insinuates are figments of his imagination, or
irrelevant for other reasons, but we (your customers) do not and
cannot know that.  Please take our peace of mind into account when you
compose your future postings.  Thank you very much.

Rob Carriere
The above are my opinions and feelings on the matter discussed, they
should not in any way be attributed to or associated with, The Ohio
State University, its College of Engineering or the Department of
Electrical Engineering.