CompuServe Messages

Victor- I think the problem is that Amiga folks know that they are using a machine that could become extinct before it completely realizes its full potential. This is (obviously) not due to brand loyalty, but to the brand itself – CBM. Commodore is probably its own worst enemy, at least when it comes to R&D, marketing, support, etc. The Amiga tends to take many a black eye in the computing press, and this is mostly undeserved. So, what you have is a lot of very frustrated people. I feel the same way. When someone comes along and tells us that they are writing an article about computer orphans, and they are going to include my machine of choice, I become a bit defensive. This is mostly because it just ain't so. The Amiga is blessed with very innovative third-party support, praise Jah. In addition, CBM seems to push things a bit further in fits and starts, although those seem to come all too seldomly, and never push the envelope enough. The machine is selling relatively well, and new software always seems to be on the horizon. It can still do things other platforms either cannot do, or just don't do very well. A machine with this description does not deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as the word orphan. It has been suggested that the Amiga be written up as a "niche" machine. My honest feeling is that you either split your article(s) into two parts, one for TRUE orphans, one for niche computers, or simply, leave the Amiga out of it altogether. Of course, in three years, the Amiga may actually be orphaned. But right now, its alive, with millions of very loyal users. As such, it is a viable platform. Write about it that light. We'd all appreciate a great deal. Good luck with the article. You probably have the same reaction coming from users of Atari's, TI's, Apple II's, Lisa's, etc. The only difference is that our baby is very much alive! Jonathan Jonathan – from Albany, NY, via whap!