🚀 go-pugleaf

ETO & MacApp Friends,

I think ETO has been a good value and I like the MPW environment very
much.  I really don't think there's better development environment
around.  Certainly not in the PC/Windows world.  The integration of tools
is as good as can be found in UNIX.  New tools are easy to incorporate. 
The scripting beats anything else I've ever seen and I, personally, would
never use Component Workshop if it took away my MPW scripting.  (I would
like to see AppleScript built into development products as soon as
possible, though; which, if Component Workshop supported, might actually
reduce the need for MPW.)  SADE is scriptable, too, and after one figures
out how it works it becomes a mighty fine tool.  Blah.  Blah.

ETO, as a subscription service is a good deal; a little steep on the
sign-up side but very reasonable on the annual fee.  Who else provides
such a plethora of choices and tools?  Not Borland, Microsoft or
Symantec.  Why their early developer programs for just one new technology
usually costs as much as the annual ETO subscription fee.

Of course we are all anxious about the upcoming changes in the
development tools vis-a-vis Bedrock, PowerPC, Newton, etc.  None of us
know whether these environments are going to be supported by ETO and a
statement from Apple clarifying the situation would be nice.  

In lieu of such a commitment it is human nature to expect the worst. 
What's the worst?  "Apple announces a new or several new ETO-like
programs for each intended environment the cost of which will likely put
the opportunity to develop for any or all environments out of range. 
And!  None of the environments are consistent with each other."

And I believe it's true that there's trouble in River City.  I have
personal knowledge that this uncertainty has caused a number of Macintosh
developers to switch their efforts to Windows.  Apple used to be renown
for their open communication with developers; they knew developers were
key to their success.  I'm beginning to wonder if they understand how
important their developers still are.

So what's my point?  It's not ETO that's flawed.  It's the whole Apple
'thing' that's in question.

When will we know what to really expect?  Probably not before the WWDC in
May.  I urge those who care to go to the various feedback sessions with
some emphasis on the very last session of the conference: "Fry the VPs"
and make specific comments and ask direct questions.

These are my personal opinions only.

Michael D. Rossetti                Internet:       mikey@wicat.com
Jostens Learning Corporation       AppleLink:      WICAT
WICAT Division                     CompuServe:     71102,475
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