🚀 go-pugleaf

Well, I just got my "Goodbye Certified Developer, Hello Apple Partner" mailing
from Apple.  After a moderately careful reading, it is my considered opinion
that a number of folks on this net have shot from the hip -- and may be
missing a toe or two.

First, money alone is not enough (it never was): you have to have a product
in production or in development.  Apple want a copy of the former or the
plans and schedules for the latter.

Second, contract programmers are eligible.  Various folks have complained
about being excluded in the past; for whatever reason, I'd suggest they
try again if still interested.

Finally, the $600 annual fee includes
	+ APDA membership, ($20/year otherwise)
	- Technotes, ($25)
	- System software updates ($100 nominally, but you also get the
	  release notes, so you know WHAT got fixed)
	+ AppleLink account and minimum charges ($300)
	- various marketing materials ($0 for techies?)
	- invite to the Spring Developer's Conference (I like this)
	- Access to MacDTS (via AppleLink) (I like this, too)

(The + is stuff that used to be unbundled from CD status, i.e. I had to pay
for it separately anyway).

In short, about 75% of the fee is stuff you wanted anyway, plus whatever use
you want to make of MacDTS.  If you buy ANYTHING through the program you will,
of course, recoup the rest of the fee...

So I fail to see the problem for "the little guy," at least with the $600.
If you have a problem with item one, you never had CD status in the first
place: Apple want PRODUCTS developed, and telling them what you have done
or are doing should not be a barrier for a professional, large or small.

Yes, I'm going to re-up.  It's still a bargain, even for a "little guy."

=Ned Horvath=