All submissions are; accepted as, described as, and considered to be; in the public domain (unless otherwise noted.) Some ideas that have mixed content may be duplicated on another page.
Send each idea as a separate submission in a single paragraph of 100 words or less:
Apple General Suggestions (110)
(Jot down the numbers of your 3 favorite suggestions and VOTE! at the end of this page)
(Not necessarily listed in order of importance)
Apple needs to remember the early days and return to a time when Apple was an exciting alternative to traditional big business. Ask Steve Wozniak and Jobs if they can help with this. - Entered 7/97. #4 - Vote=1 - THANKS Steve! THANKS Apple! (See the "Think Different" campaign info on first page. Entered 9/97. At the recent Seybold Conference in New York sj said that it is the legacy of Apple Computer to be involved with (low-end) consumer products, and that it is bizarre that Apple has not made a real consumer machine for years, and to expect something along these lines in the fall of '98. Entered 3/98. - All right! "Power to the People!" again. - Ed.)
Apple needs to give Wozniak a little office in the engineering department, with state-of-the-art computers and circuit board equipment. Ask him to put out feelers and network with, amateur radio operators (Hams) and other engineers, programmers, and electronics experimenters. Then leave him alone and see what happens. - Entered 7/97. #5 - Vote=1 THANKS Steve! THANKS Apple! (Steve Wozniak has remained an "Apple Fellow," but should play, once again, a more active role in steering the reborn company in the correct direction.) - Entered 12/97
Apple needs to allow evangelists like Guy Kawasaki the freedom to organize and attract on-line Mac users with lucrative discount offers, and start an Apple/Mac Web ring. - Entered 7/97. #6 - Vote=1
Apple needs to ask the government and funding groups for research grants, and pursue other ways to provide mutual benefits. - Entered 7/97. #7 - Vote=1
Apple needs to find new niches for their technology, such as designing GUIs, and innovative technologies for medical technology and other electronic appliance industries. - Entered 7/97. #8 - Vote=1
Apple needs to start pampering independent software vendors. Your future depends on strong, user-friendly software. ISV's are losing confidence and crossing over to the Dark Side to take advantage of Wintel's market share. - Entered 7/97. #9 - Vote=1 THANKS Steve! THANKS Apple! (Apple has changed some of its channel policies, and has started to overcome some reseller/distribution problems by inventory procedure changes (make to order). Also sj & Apple have put mini stores in CompUSA, and recently started an Apple on-line store.) - Entered 12/97
Apple needs to quietly apologize to people and organizations that it may have wronged with arrogance, big business snobbery, and over-pricing over the years, by bending over backwards to now accommodate their needs. Talk about Original Sin! - Entered 7/97. #10 - Vote=1
Apple
almost became the epitome
of the very thing which was it's original spiritual adversary- uncaring,
unfeeling, bureaucratic big business. Is there still time to revert to
a previously saved version?
- Entered 7/97. #11 - Vote=1 - THANKS Steve!
THANKS Apple! (See the "Think Different" campaign, better company
focus, and the new revitalization brought on by sj)."...Apple
is coming back, and returning to those core values which made it great."
- Steve Jobs,
CUPERTINO, Calif., Sept. 26, 1997 /Newswire/ - Apple Computer, Inc.
- Entered 12/97
Apple needs to do something creative with the design of the box, something that separates you from the pack. The original Macs stood out and were popular because of their innovative look. Make it happen again. Get designers who are known for their new and different approach to design. - Entered 7/97. #12 - Vote=1
Apple needs to start an on-line user group, and an employment matching database of individuals interested in becoming involved with Apple and/or each other on Mac based projects. - Entered 7/97. #13 - Vote=1
Apple needs to offer remote tech support like Sony and others have. This allows the user to talk to tech support while the technician is diagnosing the problem remotely. All this at the same time, on one phone line. - Entered 7/97. #14 - Vote=1
Apple needs to relocate to Mexico, or Bangladesh, or wherever it's necessary, to make it cheap, cheap, cheap! (No one wants to see that, but if it means survival- Do it!) - Entered 7/97. #15 - Vote=1
Apple needs to secure the hearts and wallets of college students through a highly targeted, high profile, low interest, AppleLoan program. - Entered 7/97. #16 - Vote=1
Apple needs to sell itself to Sun, Sony, or Motorola. - Entered 7/97. #17 - Vote=1
Apple needs to buy Gateway or Dell and boost the Mac PC compatibility and Mac clone market. Wouldn't you buy a Mac, if you could (for a competitive price) run all the inexpensive, large selection, of PC software, and hardware add-ons? Customers would have nothing to lose - they would buy a million of 'em! - Entered 7/97. #18 - Vote=1 THANKS Steve! THANKS Apple! (Although the clone makers must take a backseat to Apple's survival, with the acquisition of Power Computing, good inexpensive PC compatibility may yet become a reality.) - Entered 12/97
Apple needs to allow clones of the PowerBook. - Entered 7/97. #19 - Vote=1 THANKS Steve! THANKS Apple! (Although the clone makers must take a backseat to Apple's survival, with the acquisition of Power Computing, good inexpensive PC compatibility may yet become a reality.)
Apple needs to make it easier for ISVs to make applications for both Mac and Intel environments. - Entered 7/97. #20 - Vote=1 THANKS Steve! THANKS Apple! (Rhapsody, should take care of this soon.)
Apple needs to help arrange venture funding for new, cutting-edge multi-media publishers. This is where you excel and where the public will become interested again. - Entered 7/97. #21 - Vote=1 THANKS Steve! THANKS Apple! (expect some new revelations about January/February '98 concerning design and publishing (as well as education.) - Entered 12/97
Apple needs to adopt, acquire and create new technologies that can give Apple another technological edge. These might include integrated full-text search, remote diagnostics by phone, Net-based automatic software upgrades. - Entered 7/97. #22 - Vote=1 THANKS Steve! THANKS Apple! (Recently sj has completely overhauled the management of the software and hardware technology divisions, so you can expect an evolution revolution soon.) - Entered 12/97
Apple needs to remain committed to the openDVD Consortium. - Entered 7/97. #23 - Vote=1
Apple needs to continue research into voice recognition. - Entered 7/97. #24 - Vote=1
Apple needs to not raise the Mac OS licensing fee. - Entered 7/97. #25 - Vote=1
Apple needs to BRING BACK STEVE WOZNIAK, Andy Hertzfeld and some of the other original Mac folks to explain to the executive team that simplicity and design elegance are what made the Mac attractive to begin with, and what should continue to make the Mac special in the present, and into the future. - Entered 7/97. #26 - Vote=1
Apple needs to give Steve Jobs as much authority as he wants in new product development. Apple's customers want to feel like they've joined a computer / technological revolution. Even if Jobs fails, he'll go down with both guns a-blazin.' - Entered 7/97. #27 - Vote=1 - THANKS Steve! THANKS Apple! (See the "Think Different" info above- He's got it! (as much authority as he wants.) - Entered 12/97
Apple needs to insist that Steve Jobs grow his beard again to help set the mood for Apple's trip - back to the future. - Entered 7/97. #28 - Vote=1 THANKS Steve! (As of about 9/97 sj had grown back his beard.) - Entered 12/97
Apple needs to recharge it's strategy for Europe, where the PC market penetration is lower. There is an opening there that doesn't exist here. - Entered 7/97. #29 - Vote=1 THANKS Steve! THANKS Apple! (Apple has always been an international company, but with the realization of the extreme importance of the Web, you can expect large scale company reorientation in that direction. Also Apple recently started an Apple on-line store.- A sign of things to come for international sales.) - Entered 12/97
Apple needs to stick to it's schedules. After canceling the long awaited Copland, you can't afford to miss even one of your OS deadlines. - Entered 7/97. #30 - Vote=1 THANKS Steve! THANKS Apple! (Apple has made significant changes recently in this regard as per sj.) - Entered 12/97
Apple needs to create dollar incentives to attract software vendors to write for the upcoming Rhapsody platform. You have the cash in the bank - use it. - Entered 7/97. #31 - Vote=1 YES! THANKS Steve! THANKS Apple! (Software development and availability are VERY important for the new OS, and sj knows it, and has already taken some appropriate steps.) - Entered 12/97
Apple needs to team up with Sony, which wants to get into the computer business in a big way - think: Sony MacMan. - Entered 7/97. #32 - Vote=1
Apple
needs your "leading"
statement on your home page that Apple is in urgent trouble is typical
of the type of misleading press who's sole purpose is to keep the pot stirred.#33
- Vote=1
(Note: Yes they do thank you, and that's right, we do sometimes
rake the muck and stir the pot! - Sometimes you have to open an old wound
(identify & understand a problem) before you can purify the infection
and redress it. But, you can hardly call our depiction of Apple's situation
as misleading. (Have you been vacationing with the Mars mission lately,
or what?) Anyway... what's your diagnosis? - Ed.)
- Entered 7/97.
Apple
needs to... Wow... a
bunch of people, who I'm sure are all qualified to be making major business
decisions for a fortune 500 company, shedding even more doubt on a company
that doesn't need your ideas. Believe it or not there are people at Apple
more versed in business practices than any of us, and, well, all a page
like this does is let users of other OSs pass by and say "wow look
at all the stuff Apple HASN'T done." If you want to support Apple
buy system 8, buy a new Mac (not a clone... help out Apple's hardware business),
and buy Rhapsody... otherwise, send your amazing ideas to Apple... dust
covers and colored casings are real ground-breakers... these guys are rocket
scientists... . #34
- Vote=1
(Note: The whole idea of this page is to allow ordinary people like
yourself the opportunity to express their true feelings and opinions anonymously,
without fear of ridicule, and to try to help a good company be even better.
Have you ever been at a meeting and had an idea or a concept that you held
back because you felt it might sound stupid? (And usually someone else
is thinking the same thing?) - We want you and everyone else, to open up
& let those ideas out, even if you're not sure how significant they
may actually be. Our contributors want to tell it like it is: what they
really think; how they have been hurt by Apple, helped by Apple, and how
the things they perceive as wrong might be fixed, and how they might be
involved in the fixing process - a healing "catharsis," if you
will.
No, we're not all rocket scientists... (you might be surprised though,
if you knew who some of the contributors are on our little unpretentious
page.) Most of us are just ordinary folk - a cross section of on-line users
(and who better to sample for advice and suggestions than an average buying
group?) We don't have all the answers, but we do know how we feel and think
about Apple after all these years. It's obvious to me that almost all our
contributors have put considerable thought and effort into their suggestion
submissions. The "colored casing" submission you refer to isn't
just about colored or multi-colored casings, it's an entire
concept that revolves around inexpensive, portable, durable, young person
embraceable, upgradable, cross-platform, entry level machines; for first-time
buyers and for those who can't afford the high price of computers available
today. - A way for young students and their teachers to relate. - A way
to give high visibility to the Apple logo colors, and increase market share
while simultaneously creating a potential future glut of likely buyers.
Maybe not rocket scientist - more like astro-physicist!
Of course we can support Apple by buying from them as you suggest, (and
we will), but like the saying goes... "we don't want to just give
them food, we want to teach them to farm." - We want to help Apple
have the right product/servicerelationship with the buying public,
and with their symbiotic industries. And, if they view us in a similar
way... We can have a true mutuality, and we can pull each other up by the
bootstraps.
You may have been a little negative, but you still came through with some
ideas - and that's all we ask. - So, welcome to the farm.
* Thanks to you and all others who have contributed.
Now for an important question:
Do you or any of our other information providers or readers have any ideas
concerning how Mac users can organize? I.e.: How they can
come together or work together for some mutual benefit? Send
in your ideas for publication on: Help Apple! Volume II: The WWW
Macintosh Users Co-Op Page. - Ed.)
- Entered 7/97
Apple
needs to... Sorry, but
I think this whole web site is wrong-headed! It adds to the completely
stupid notion that Apple is dying. Apple should keep on doing what it's
doing: building great machines and charging less for them. Only they need
to do it a little better, faster, and with more effective advertising and
PR. The focus:
1) PERFORMANCE & RELIABILITY Get the word out that Macs REALLY ARE
easier to use and more reliable than Windows machines which are inherently
more difficult to set up and maintain. Not just plug-n-play, but a tool
that lets even a beginner do USEFUL work moments after you turn it on.
2) VALUE Macs are competitively priced now but need to be EVEN CHEAPER
to overcome resistance to Windows - compatibility issues. Most models come
with generous amounts of bundled software, whose (great) value is poorly-publicized.
Not to mention that most Macs don't need added sound or video cards. THANKS
Steve! THANKS Apple! (With the announcement of the G3 and other new lines,
Apple has drastically reduced prices.) - Entered
12/97
3) RECOGNITION Apple
needs to beef up its advertising and customer support service to REINFORCE
the first two points.
Quit apologizing and start kicking ass! . #35
- Vote=1 (Note: Hear, hear! - Ed.) THANKS
Steve! THANKS Apple! (See the "Think Different" campaign info
on first page.) -
Entered 12/97
(I know what you mean - (about your first sentence), but drastic
times sometimes need drastic measures. If you had a friend who was floundering
in the water, would you refuse to throw her a life preserver because you're
concerned about her image as a successful swimmer? - or because you think
she should be smart enough herself to figure out how not to drown? (See
the "rocket scientist" message above) - I think not! )
(That's what I like about Mac users... even when they're pissed they can
usually still turn around and be creative and helpful. - Threw a few life
preservers himself, he did. - Ed.)
(Almost without exception our responses (even when critical) have been
positive, creative, and constructive. - Ed.) - Entered 7/97
Apple needs to tighten the focus on their publishing niche - both print and electronic - and seek to dominate it in every way. - Entered 7/97. #36 - Vote=1 THANKS Steve! THANKS Apple! (expect some new revelations about January/February '98 concerning design and publishing (as well as education.) - Entered 12/97
Apple needs to exploit their K-12 Education market. That's where the future lies. - Entered 7/97. #37 - Vote=1 THANKS Steve! THANKS Apple! (expect some new revelations about January/February '98 concerning design and publishing (as well as education.) - Entered 12/97
Apple needs to start a new special projects group led by either Steve Wozniak or another passionate and creative designer to create the next insanely great technological leap. This time roll the technology into the existing Mac line, and make sure developers are inspired and in the loop. - Entered 7/97. #38 - Vote=1
Apple needs to develop a chemical that cleans and restores the Mac's pale gray plastic. (They look pretty cruddy after awhile, and normal solutions don't work.) Apple should also change to a black color on their new computers. - Entered 7/97. #39 - Vote=1
Apple needs to reincorporate as a nonprofit research foundation. Instead of buying computers, customers would buy memberships, just as they do in many other organizations, such as the National Geographic Society. They would receive an Apple computer as part of their membership perks. Dues would be tax-deductible. Your eventual profits would be tax-exempt, and the foundation could continue its quest for innovative technology. - Entered 7/97. #40 - Vote=1
Apple needs to try hard to develop a true, natural language, "intelligent assistant." This has been everyone's dream from the beginning, and still remains unfulfilled. It would most certainly put them back on top! - Entered 7/97. #41 - Vote=1
Apple needs to ingratiate itself as deeply as possible with the many individuals and groups associated with the new accessibility, unity, and community on the World Wide Web. One way might be to subsidize and sponsor socially conscious sites on the Web, and help coordinate volunteer, and / or non-profit groups. Another way might be to offer out-of-the-box plug-and-play business store front machines with everything already set up, such as product catalog template / shopping basket software and pre-established merchant credit card accounts. - Entered 7/97. #42 - Vote=1
Apple needs to make deals with Starbucks and many other national coffee houses, to utilize Apple servers and Apple Internet computers in each coffee house location. - Entered 7/97. #43 - Vote=1
Apple needs to start negotiations with Sony about a partnership or merger. They have digital video technology and a well established distribution base. (Have you noticed the dwindling Apple/Mac space on retailer's shelves)? - Entered 7/97. #44 - Vote=1 Apple and Sony WOULD be a great team wouldn't they? Re the retailer's shelves; THANKS Steve! THANKS Apple! (sj & Apple have put mini stores in CompUSA, and recently started an Apple on-line store.) - Entered 12/97
Apple needs to open direct negotiations with Bill Gates. Just tell it like it is- He needs Apple's survival to help him stay out of break-up/anti-trust trouble. Use this leverage- It may sound like an odd idea, but he didn't get where he is by being stupid - candidly ask him what he can do to help Apple stay afloat. - Entered 7/97. #45 - Vote=1 - (Odd idea huh? Steve Jobs didn't think so - Microsoft recently (Aug. '97) dumped $150Mill into Apple and promised to continue developing products for the Mac. The move is great news for Apple employees, investors, software developers, Internet publishers and customers. Good for almost everybody, in fact, except Netscape. As part of the deal, Microsoft extracted a promise that Apple would ship Internet Explorer as the default browser.") - THANKS Bill! THANKS Apple! - Entered 8/97
Apple needs to... Considering Bill Gates expressed concern about the widening gap between the technological haves and have-nots; and his desire to begin initiating programs to funnel some of his personal and corporate assets into these problem areas- It would seem like an opportune time to work on, and announce, a partnership between Gates and Apple, dedicated to achieving present and future equality based goals in these areas of endeavor. Ask Steve Wozniak to help with this. #46 - Vote=1 (Great name for his project too: "Endeavor". Go Bill! - Go Apple!) - Entered 8/97
Apple needs to start investing some of its remaining cash outside the firm. - Entered 7/97. #47 - Vote=1
Apple needs to find a way to initiate relationships with third-world countries, such as functional or educational use of donated old Macs (Apple pays shipping). Donated old Macs could also be used in this country in day care centers, community centers, and in retirement homes. Exposure to old Macs may lead to sales of new Macs! Ask Steve Wozniak for help with this idea. - Entered 7/97. #48 - Vote=1
Apple needs to find a way to woo PC owners over to the Mac side. How about a tempting competitive upgrade?: "Trade in your old PC for a new PC compatible Mac." - Entered 7/97. #49 - Vote=2
Apple needs to provide the next step- the next natural technological progression- for the customer (like in the "old" days at Apple) - we will buy! Many of us are patiently waiting for Apple to provide a clear opportunity to show our loyalty. - Entered 7/97. #50 - Vote=1
Apple needs to; "go for broke." Put all your eggs in one basket, and make the very best computer and OS you can, and offer it at a price that beats all competition! (To build market share) - What do you have to lose at this point? - Entered 7/97. #51 - Vote=1 THANKS Steve! THANKS Apple! (It looks like sj & Apple are trying to do this now with the new faster G3s and lower prices.) - Entered 3/98
Apple needs to know that the Internet/World Wide Web isn't just the third wave, it's a Tsunami! Do everything you can to make Web use easy and transparent to the user. Include three free months of (Apple based) ISP hookup with every new Mac. Include server software so that any new Mac can easily double as a Web server. Also give three free months with every new Mac OS - and every other possible opportunity that arises! (A la America On Line.) - Entered 7/97. #52 - Vote=1 THANKS Steve! THANKS Apple! (the new Apple on-line store.is a good first step to utilizing the power of the Web.) - Entered 12/97
Apple needs to start a huge ISP community like GeoCities, to help draw together and organize all Mac users in an atmosphere of mutual assistance and informational sharing. They certainly have the extra computers and expertise! However, this will only work if the monthly rate for unlimited service is significantly below the average of $19.95, and the Web space is significantly higher than the 2-10 MBs commonly offered. - Entered 7/97. #53 - Vote=1
Apple needs to do something about the increasing lack of retail shelf space available for Mac computer software titles. Retailer rebates; Rent space & flood it with Apple products; Staff stores with Apple knowledgeable sales people; Encourage (give away mastering software?) The making of hybrid CD-ROMs; Offer free on-site training. Try everything and anything! - Entered 7/97. #54 - Vote=1 THANKS Steve! THANKS Apple! (sj & Apple have put mini stores in CompUSA, and recently started an Apple on-line store.) - Entered 12/97
Apple
should never have hired
John Sculley, Michael Spindler and Gil Amelio, The "suits" are
to blame for Apples break from creative innovation and their lack of bonding
with non-conformist, non-traditional, youth.
- Entered 7/97. #55 - Vote=1
(Note: Maybe so, but vindictiveness, back stabbing, and in-fighting
wastes valuable time and energy that's best concentrated on the development
of cool and useful new computer technologies. -Ed.)
(P.S.: Gil Amelio did much to facilitate the return of Steve Jobs to Apple
(wittingly or unwittingly) & ignite the new spark that might result.
For this he should be admired by the faithful following. {IMHO} - Ed.)
- Entered 7/97
Apple needs to concentrate heavily on the SOHO (Small Office Home Office) market. - Entered 7/97. #56 - Vote=1
Apple needs to restructure the entire company, the president has left now it's time for the big hitter's to step in. Apple needs to now create a MAC/DOS/WIN friendly CPU. (Note: Hopefully getting pretty close to this one with the new G3s and upcoming Raphsody. - Ed.) - THANKS Apple! It may sound exotic, but to stay in the game you have to roll the dice. It needs to be fast, have many features that other computers don't (e.g. new internet access, new programs, have high speed CD ROM's, at least a 56k MODEM, IOMEGA ZIP Drive, and how about something revolutionary, a computer that is able to fix itself, if there is a software problem detected the system will automatically correct it.) - Entered 7/97. #57 - Vote=1
Apple
needs to cooperate with
an international hotel chain (Holiday Inn?) and mark those hotels on the
facade and in the printed stuff with the Apple logo. A "Apple Hotel"
might be equiped (some of the rooms) with a Mac instead of a television
(with a built in TV of course, like the black 5400/180). If I had the choice
I would choose such a hotel when I am travelling and it would make it possible
for me to load newly purchased software for my Newton which is the only
computer I travel with. For people not familiar with Mac (but with a secret
desire to have one) it would give them the chance to try the Mac before
making a major investment. And for the rest of us, a chance to carry on
with our daily work.
(Note: Don't forget the Internet/e-mail
connection, and of course the Gideon Bible on CD-ROM!) -
Entered 7/97 . #58 - Vote=1 - THANKS
San Jose Hilton, selected Hyatts, and Red Lions - (For relatively expensive
4th Network ISDN PC set-ups; as high as $20/Hr!) - Go get 'em Apple!
Apple needs to guarantee a depreciation schedule for their systems to encourage trade-ins for upgrades. One of the chief reasons people are reluctant to purchase a computer is because they have no confidence in the value over time for the product. If they had some guarantee on the value of their purchase, either through price protection clauses (say 60 to 90 days), or depreciated trade-in values at the time of purchase (say 1, 2, and 3 year tradein values for some min purchase) I would not be surprised to see a significant increase in Apple sales. You could confirm this reluctance by comparing the number of consumers who either call mail order firms or visit resellers versus the number that actually buy. The bulk of those people who are not placing immediate orders are not doing so because they are afraid of the unknown future, not because they are unsure the product is affordable or useful today. In particular, I got 'screwed' purchasing a 7200/75 because Apple promised it would be upgradable but when the upgrade pricing was finally available I might as well have sold the machine for $200 and just purchased a new machine outright. The FTC is actually trying to nail Apple for this regarding Performa upgradability claims. - Entered 7/97. #59 - Vote=2 (Yes, the upgrade should be available at the time (or shortly thereafter) for a machine sold as "upgradable," but the manufacturers often simply refer to socketted chips as having upgradable CPUs. A tough call. - Ed.) - Entered 7/97
Apple needs to set up a free email forwarding service for registered users of the Mac OS. I would gladly use the email address @apple.com or @appleuser.net or @macsalive.com or @macos.org if Apple would forward my mail to my registered real account. Apple would provide a permanent email address for life no matter how many times you changed ISPs. In return Apple gets the word spread throughout the net that their users are legion. Why should the ISPs get all the free publicity that accompanies email addresses? Think of it. All the mailing lists, web pages, usenet postings, printed business stationery would be crowded with people pushing the fact that Apple is alive and well and doing just fine thank you very much. - Entered 7/97. #60 - Vote=1
Apple needs to hire an industrial designer to make a truly distinctive case. Something that is immediately recognizable as an Apple computer when seen in the background of a TV interview or a scene in a film. A case that people want on their desks. The beige box thing is tired. They should also standardize a distinctive split ergonomic keyboard. - Entered 7/97. #61 - Vote=1
Apple should... Some of your posts call for Apple to do things it is already doing. - Entered 7/97. #62 - Vote=1 (Note: Thanks for your help. We hope everyone will assist in determining which suggestions have been fulfilled by Apple, so that we may properly and collectively say; "THANKS Apple!" - Ed.) - Entered 7/97
Apple will probably be around in the year 2000, but it will be a lot different (Note: Think different!.- Ed.). The Mac is still a great graphics platform, but there is not much interest for it as a business machine anymore. It is crucial that Apple keep its developers working hard on Rhapsody products, and stick to release dates. Also, Apple has got to start treating the competition and the customer with a little respect. Their customers have waited a long time for the break-through machine, they shouldn't assume that the customer will wait forever. - Entered 7/97. #63 - Vote=1
Apple
should take the following
three steps to survive:
1. MAKE IT AFFORDABLE - Apple needs to cut prices on all models and OS
updates to attract first time buyers and repeat buyers. Cut prices now
to the 'absolute' bare minimum with the understanding that you are in a
do or die situation. Time and again I hear first time buyers say, "I
wanted to buy a Mac but the PC was so much cheaper." THANKS
Steve! THANKS Apple! (Apple has dropped prices significantly over the past
few months.) - Entered 12/97. Apple
has continued to drop prices well into 1998.
2. ASSURE THE BUYERS
- Folks need to be assured that Apple is rebounding, otherwise they won't
invest in the technology. The hiring of new CEO who is not just capable,
but charismatic is crucial. The adoption of a new tag line that stresses
this rebound is also crucial. That tag line should read, "Apple -
We believe in you. Believe in us" THANKS
Steve! THANKS Apple! (Confidence has increased considerably since sj's
return.) - Entered 12/97.
3. INSPIRE THE BUYERS
- The 1984 commercial did a phenomenal job of inspiring users who wished
to be seen as visionaries rather than lemmings. A new equally inspiring
campaign is needed. THANKS
Steve! THANKS Apple! (For rehiring Chait/Day. See the "Think Different"
campaign info on first page.)
- Entered 12/97. The theme
for this new campaign should be the following quote from Robert Kennedy,
"Some man see things as they are and ask why? I dream things that
never were and say Why Not?" The commercials and print campaign should
conclude with the new tag line. ®
- Entered 7/97. #64 - Vote=1
Apple needs to expand its presence in the general business market and with the acquisition of NeXT a major opportunity presents itself... First, let's face it: the personal computer boom started because of VisiCalc (the first computer spreadsheet). Second, Lotus did a version of 1-2-3 for the NeXT box that blows away all other spreadsheets! This is not just a port-- it's much improved. It has never appeared on another platform. I have friends that keep their NeXT cubes just to run this one application! Apple could gain a lot of credibility in the business world if their systems ran the hottest spreadsheet around. - Entered 7/97. #65 - Vote=1
Apple needs to establish a DRIP program to allow the small investor and loyal Mac user to invest directly in the company. - Entered 7/97. #66 - Vote=1
Apple needs to sell boxes that run both windoze and MacOS. If people know that they can get two boxes for the price of one, great. The positive impact would far outweigh any licensing revenue that this move would Generate for Microsoft. It's no crime for your customers to be able to use both systems. I'm biOS but I'm comfortable with my Maculinity. Don't sell another computer without a modem. You just started selling keyboards with your computers. People want modems, it's a given. Put your money where your mouse is. Don't take for granted that your customers love these computers. Love them, coddle them. Work hard to make all of your customers feel like you know who they are. Start shooting. MacOS is used by all kinds of tech savvy hot shots. We love these boxes and fight hard to defend our right to make them. Make advertising that looks slick and that looks like us. I want to see the mind- blowing stuff that people are doing and feel like I can do it to. - Entered 7/97. #67 - Vote=1
Apple
needs to... Do you really think Apple will listen to this "wish list"
of the masses?. -
Entered 7/97. #68 - Vote=1
(If it's still the company we think it is, the company we've supported
and believed in, they won't have to listen... they'll know. But just to
be sure, that's where our contributors and readers come in: copy out your
favorite ideas and paste them into an e-mail message, and send them along
with this page URL to any interested party at Apple, or to one of their
evangelical lists. - Ed.) - Entered 7/97
Apple themselves should have a cool on-line suggestion box to accept, record, and publicize these kind of ideas. - Entered 7/97. #69 - Vote=1
Apple should lose the current model naming conventions! Remember names like Macintosh "Plus," "SE/30," "Classic," "II," "Centris," and "Quadra?" These were COOL names! They made people feel as though their computer was unique over all others because it had a NAME, not a model number. Who the heck cares if their computer has a telephone number for a name? (i.e.: 9600/200)The next generation of Mac's should have names like "Macintosh Millennia 350" (Millennia for Mac's running at the year 2000 and 350 for the processor speed) or something like that! - Entered 7/97. #70 - Vote=1
Apple should provide a migration path for Windows users. I'm not talking about PC compatibility. Since most Mac apps and Windows apps are on par with one another, devise a purchase program where PC users can trade in their computers for a Mac and then have all of their DATA converted to Mac format. (i.e.: A PC user purchases a new Mac at a discount price, ships his PC to Apple, Apple techs extract all of the data from the PC hard drive and copy it onto the new Mac's hard drive and then include the latest version of Mac Link. Then provide the user with a Mac software bundle comparable to what the user had on their PC, plus a copy of Virtual PC). This weans the new Mac user off their Windows dependence and works them slowly into the Mac with zero-effort. - Entered 7/97. #71 - Vote=1
Apple should do whatever is necessary to sell more computers! - Entered 7/97. #72 - Vote=1
Apple needs to... IMHO, there are three overriding factors that pulled customers to Apple in the early days: innovative technology; a computer that worked for you not you for the computer; and the look-and-feel of the hardware. Apple needs to get that back. - Entered 7/97. #73 - Vote=1
Apple should revamp the look of the Mac line. Consider thin-film screens for high-end models - make it too techno-cool to ignore. - Entered 7/97. #74 - Vote=1
Apple should not drop the ball on voice recognition. This is the cool technology of the next millennium. Let's have Apple really grab it and run like they did DTP. - Entered 7/97. #75 - Vote=1
Apple should loose the wires. Go infrared or microwave, but let's free the user from the desk so they can work wherever. It's the next logical step. - Entered 7/97. #76 - Vote=1
Apple
needs to... Many people
have said "Buy Apple stock" as a way of showing support for Apple.
That's all very well, but given that large investors control so much of
it, I don't see it as doing much good because the needs of large investors
are often radically different than the needs of Apple customers (shouldn't
be that way, but it often is -if Larry Ellison bought 25% of Apple, would
he be motivated by the needs of educational users unless they wanted to
buy his Apple-branded net computers?). So... I've come up with an unusual
idea for how customers that want to see MacOS thrive can more effectively
spend their money: the "MacOS R&D Foundation," which makes
low-interest loans/grants to startups, individuals and companies that are
working on MacOS-oriented technologies. Possible targets for such loans
(and/or grants) would be companies that have gathered back together the
OpenDoc/Cyberdog teams, or are willing to work with Apple to recreate GX
Printing on MacOS in a way that does NOT interfere with Classic Printing
but still provides the features that make GX Printing unique and worth
using. Enhancements of the GX Graphics and Typography would also be nice
goals to support. The details of how this would work are left as an exercise
for the reader, but the fact is that Apple currently has only 25% of the
R&D budget that it used to have, and certain factions within Apple
appear to be driven completely by their own internal vision/version of
reality, rather than by what the MacOS customer-base might be interested
in using. Personally, I think educational users would be more interested
in Cocoa than Web Objects or Java. Home users would be more interested
in OpenDoc than Interface Builder or JavaBeans. Internet users would be
more interested in a robust version of Cyberdog than in upgrading to Rhapsody
to use the less-than-equivalent on faster hardware. Developers would be
more interested in using GX and GX printing (or their Taligent Graphics
equivalents) than in programming via Display PostScript. Hobbyist and semi-professional
programmers would find HyperCard 3.0 of more use than Objective C.
An *independent* R&D foundation (profit-oriented? Not-for-profit?)
set up to be responsive to Mac user's wants and needs as determined by
those users who bother to support the foundation (as well as via the more
traditional measures of users's desires, such as marketing surveys) would
be far more responsive to the needs of the market than Apple has been and
would off-load some of the burden that Apple currently has to carry by
itself, R&D-wise. The details of how this would be set up, whether
it would be profit/not-for-profit, etc., obviously this needs to be worked
on, but the basic idea is, I firmly believe, essential to the short- and
long-term well-being of Apple and MacOS.
- Entered 7/97. #77 - Vote=1
Apple needs an Apple World Web Network! To work with Workstations, Network Computers, and Consumer Computers. A real CASH-COW! Here's Apple's cash flow. - Entered 7/97. #78 - Vote=1
Apple needs to continue to work outside the company with Imaging, Printing, Monitors, etc. Outsourcing in these fields is good, because they are not a part of your core-business. These other companies specialize so its OK for them and beneficial for you and your customers. Would I buy an Apple product or a Canon if they were the same product? The Apple gets my vote. Ditto for the rest. - Entered 7/97. #79 - Vote=1
Apple products rock, so give me a longer warranty, like Compaq's 3 year warranty rather than 1 year. - Entered 7/97. #80 - Vote=1
Apple needs to sell direct at www.appledirect.com! Well, not yet: (However, you can buy Apple products direct at the mundane site <http://www.campus.apple.com/>. Never mind that Dell uses WebObjects technology to sell only $1.6+ Million EVERYDAY on-line! Never mind that Wintel users use the WWW less than Mac users. - Entered 7/97. #81 - Vote=1 THANKS Steve! THANKS Apple! (sj & Apple have recently started an Apple on-line store to sell direct.) - Entered 12/97
Apple's web site needs to be fixed! Really, Apple's site is very nice, but how would a first time user be informed about QuickTime? Other Apple sites have the "Apple Link," "Select & Go" to take you to the several Apple links/sites. The home page is a - nada! I go to Apple's home page and need to see those links and a permanent AppleDirect (future tense) log that changes and the SPECIALS change! THANKS Steve! THANKS Apple! (sj & Apple have recently started an Apple on-line store.) - Entered 12/97. Show your "Authorized Apple Resellers" that you can sell the computers, get them jealous, get them angry, get them to compete! Apple has too much control over that "AAR" plan--scratch it--it just doesnt work. Apple folks bitch about MS wanting too much control, H-E-L-L-O? - Entered 7/97. #82 - Vote=1
Apple: One mistake you made was trying to keep all the market on MacOS machines. You should have licensed your hardware long ago. Also, I noticed you require anybody that wants to be an Apple Authorized Service Provider must also be a Reseller. Well, not everybody wants to be a salesman, and I don't think forcing a service tech to be a salesman is going to get Apple computers any friends. You have a lot of good qualities, start working on the flaws, and you will be invincible. I carry a chrome Apple logo on my key chain in my pocket everyday. Don't let me down. Listen to what these people are saying... please. - Entered 7/97. #83 - Vote=1
Apple needs to begin building rapport with their vendors. Currently Apple has a poor reputation with vendors. From their view point Apple is difficult to work with and is not supportive to the vendors. - Entered 7/97. #84 - Vote=1
Apple needs to educate local internet service providers. If I had relied on the tech support of my ISP I would never had gotten on line. They provided software and assistance for the owners of Wintel machines but nothing for the Mac. Target first time buyers and assure them of 24-hr., toll-free assistance. The beauty of the Mac lies in its ease of use but first time buyers don't know that so guarantee them assistance and they will discover they don't need it. - Entered 7/97. #85 - Vote=1
Apple has a long history of "compromising" on critical issues with large and influential developers to avoid losing their favor, and in every instance, the compromise has resulted in losses for the Macintosh platform with no appreciable gains. Those aren't compromises, those are cave-ins, and Apple can't afford to repeat them with Rhapsody. Whispers are that the owner of a certain graphics display language system is pressuring Apple to pay either unreasonable fees or to give it unbearably sweet bundling and marketing deals in exchange for rights to distribute said graphics display language with Rhapsody. If this is the case, Apple should learn the lesson of history and not budge. They already have a superior, royalty-free graphics display system, and if necessary, they should incorporate it into Rhapsody and announce why they're doing so to the press. Never, ever, ever stop a product or change a strategy because of a developer threat. If other companies threaten you, it ought to be a signal that you're on the right track. This would be a great task for Steve Jobs to monitor. - Entered 7/97. #86 - Vote=1
Apple needs to: A) Forget about the corporate norm/flow!! Be as you are, not as everyone else is. Creativity is a state of being, encumbered only by restriction. THANKS Steve! THANKS Apple! ( "Think Different!") - Entered 12/97. B) Continue the R&D. Ultimately it will be a God send. C) Give back to your products openness and finesse. Hardware wise, turbo charge Quality Control. THANKS Steve! THANKS Apple! (It's reported that sj has indeed recently turbo charged QC.) - Entered 12/97. Macs can run for 10+ years, as long as they check their bugs at the door!! Get CHRP out there! Also look in to new case design for the Mac. The 8600 and 9600 are cool machines on the outside (& they are easy to open), but you can make them look sleeker. I always thought a PowerMac that looked like something out of a Borg ship would be cool! As for software, allow for easy third-party development of the UI (making changes to the UI by 3rd parties more stable and easier to design), and get some of those nifty R&D technologies out into the hands of consumers (Plaintalk et al.)!! - Entered 7/97. #87 - Vote=1
Apple
needs to live up to it's
promises. When it promised Copland, it made Microsoft load Windows95 with
features that shadow Copland's promises. And after that, Apple kept on
pushing and pushing it's release dates until finally [it] decided to cancel
it. Apple, when you make a promise, keep it. THANKS
Steve! THANKS Apple! (It's reported that sj has made project schedules
& release date accuracy a priority.) -
Entered 12/97. Apple
has been developing the Mac OS greatly throughout the years. In fact, it
has improved a lot. Make the Mac OS not only a friendly OS but also a features-loaded
OS. Apple should stop laying off workers. Apple MUST not only restrict
the Mac OS's license to desktop clones, but to others as well, such as
the powerbook, newton, etc. Apple's Mac OS should have at least a few handy
tools (commercial/shareware) available. It's included MacLink Plus is a
great add-on. Throw in a couple more like Techtool, Disinfectant, an Optimizer,
and others and it'll be complete. Apple's Mac OS ought to have a program
which rebuilds the desktop, zap the PRAM, and other Mac doings. Who would
want to forever remember you have to have a combo such as command-option-P-R
etc. Apple's inclusion of OT/PPP is a GREAT gift for us Mac Users. Not
only do we no longer have to download third-party PPP dialers, we also
get a way-out interface. Apple's Open Transport technology and OT/PPP could
be more features packed. OT/PPP in a way, is limited. It doesn't have multi-redial
numbers, a Modem INIT string manual configuration, a "connection"
stability feature, such as FreePPP 2.6b4's Call Back server. Also, OT is
not as good as Windows's Networking Technology. Apple ought to come up
with features which people "CAN & WILL" use. Not like the
ballyhooed PowerTalk and OpenDoc. Make features such as Internet-Integration
(Thanks Apple, for Mac OS 8), Mail integration (c'mon make PowerTalk support
PPP dial-ups). Apple's version of drag-n-drop printing (in 7.6) should
also be available for Mail : drag a document to a modem icon (like the
printer icon) and it'll ask for a destination address, short note, &
attachment and send. Voilá, instant send. Apple MUST advertise.
How else would people know that they are offering machines, technologies,
OS features better than competitors?
HARDWARE: Make sure every model is compatible with each system. Lots of
Mac Users have nightmares that their machine must have a specific system
installed; that is, can't use the Installer they just got. Lower their
prices on some machines. Not only some of them are high, they aren't priced
as they should be. Stop it's arbitrary & awkward naming scheme. Who
could bare to stand machines such as Performa 575, LC 575, and Centris
whatever which are just identical except have different configurations.
Make it clear, like what they did with a typical 8500/100 and 8500/150.
Make machines which support all plug-ins and add-ons. .
#88 - Vote=1
Thanks for coming up with such a necessary site,
brother. (Thank you for contributing, bro!
- Ed.) - Entered 7/97
Apple needs to appeal to WOMEN: the auto makers figured out that they must appeal to women in all market segments, marketed that way, and succeeded! Maybe a woman as CEO would make the difference... or maybe Lee Iacocca needs a new challenge. Apple has in the past often supported "equality" issues, and minority and underpriviliged groups such as the handicapped and disadvantaged youth. They should increase this "good guy" underdog support and image, with even more activity and visibility to again become a champion of the people. Ask Steve Wozniak if he has any ideas about this. - Entered 7/97. #89 - Vote=1 (This sure sounds and "feels" sooo right! Especially the last half of the paragraph. - Ed.) - Entered 7/97
Apple:
I am a consultant and a Mac user from way back. I'm also the president
of the local Mac User's Group. Currently I provide many different services
for lots of different customers, but one type of user I cannot provide
service for is those requiring warranty repairs/parts. Yes, I know how
to do the repairs, but without having a sponsor, it's almost impossible
to help these people. I was Apple certified in 1990 around the same time
I served on the UGAC. I live in a remote area in Mendocino County California
and the nearest warranty repair location is over two hours away. Wouldn't
it be nice if I could purchase parts, get the diagnostic tools, and maintenance
manuals directly from Apple? Wouldn't it be nice if I could get the certification
directly from Apple rather than receive it from a Apple authorized site?
Many remote Mac users would benefit from this service.
Thanks for listening!
- Entered 7/97. #90 - Vote=1 (Yes. Why not sell parts and certification
like Apple is now selling computers - direct? It would have the effect
of spreading involvement and interest. - Ed.) - Entered 7/97
Apple needs to realize that they have a serious problem. I don't think anyone in the company management realizes this. They have no clue how many people are ready to abandon the platform, even their loyal customers. Superior technology, by itself, will not turn the company around. Apple has to learn to succeed in the Wintel world --- its too late to go at it alone. - Entered 7/97. #91 - Vote=1 THANKS Steve! THANKS Apple! (Recently Apple and sj have formed an alliance with Microsoft & Bill Gates to share technology.) - Entered 12/97.
Apple needs to sell computers at slightly over cost to college students. They would not make a huge profit, but they will grow the market share and these college students will buy Macs later in life, maybe as a MIS director. Apple needs to advertise on TV with ads that are fact based, not image based. Their image is already destroyed, they need to talk about what specific reasons a person would want to buy a Mac and what sets it apart from Windows machines. Do not think it is because of lack of money that they do not (remember the 1.4 billion in cash sitting around to ride out rough quarters? If they put some of it into advertising there wouldn't be rough quarters). Apple needs to link model names to processor speed and make low end machines truly upgradable. Apple needs to build anticipation for Rhapsody. Apple needs to come up with an easy, non-monopolistic, way of licensing the Mac OS, like Microsoft has done, why reinvent the wheel if it works (even though MS reinvents many of Apple's wheels everyday and calls them their own). Apple needs to require all employees to visit various Mac User Groups so they can know their customers. Apple needs a living Icon. MS has Bill Gates. When people think of computers Bill is the person who jumps into their heads first. Steve Jobs has already lost the chance, they need to show to the world.....Guy Kawasaki! Apple needs to have a customer suggestion box on their web site instead of having one at a dedicated fan's site. Then they need their new "customer focused" CEO to read it! Apple needs to treat the press better. I have a reporter friend who receives multicolored briefcases, T-shirts, and ActiveX mouse pads from Microsoft, but nothing from Apple. And my friend prefers Apple! I have heard of other situations where Apple thinks the press will follow it like a night in shining armor. Those days are gone. Apple needs to appoint me CEO! Anyone could do it better than they are. - Entered 7/97. #92 - Vote=1
Apple needs to save us from having to downgrade to WinTel boxes. Consider what we (the users) need a computer for: - Share information via a network, the internet, the telephone and via paper - Create information: text, numbers, graphics, sound - Store information: for future reference and as building blocks All this is feasible on a Mac. We (the users) just need to be sure that Macs are the most EFFECTIVE tool to accomplish these tasks. We need RELIABLE Apple products. Imagine that Apple Computer lost a dollar with every system freeze. This is where we lose 10 dollars. Here is a list of key Apple products that we depend on: - The new Powerbooks are fastest and slickest notebooks on the market. They are available and in demand. Focus on Quality Control and Sales. - MacOS 8.0 promises RELIABILITY and needs to deliver. - The 8600 and 9600 are high end computers for high end professionals. - The 4400 series is the perfect machine for office workers and needs to be embraced by administrators. No frills, low cost and expandable. This machine is asking for volume sales. Dr. Amelio has IMHO done the right thing in getting Apple on track again. Apple needs to boost sales now and maintain its focus on the products that sell. In the long term, Apple needs to provide a platform for clone makers, developers and users to grow (OS8, Rhapsody, FileMaker, Emailer, Netscape). The information flood is steadily swelling. We need POWER, RELIABILITY and the WISDOM to discern what's right. - Entered 7/97. #93 - Vote=2
Apple needs Steve Jobs to get over it, and get back in the boat, - THANKS Steve!, THANKS Apple! (Steve is now on the Board of Directors) - Entered 8/97 - as CEO. Quick! (He can again be the vision and soul of the company.) - Entered 7/97. #94 - Vote=1. THANKS Steve!, THANKS Apple! (sj is now interm CEO - See our Steve for CEO petition.) - Entered 9/97.
Apple
should pay close attention
to these suggestions.
We all should make this Apple page the Apple of Apple's eye, by promoting
it on the Web. -
Entered 7/97. #95 - Vote=1
(Note: This page and all intellectual property and information contained
here-in are in the public domain - unless otherwise noted, and may be used
freely by Apple and its affiliates, (or any other individual or company.)
Concerned persons may send an ASCII copy or attachment via e-mail to Apple,
mirror this site, add this URL to search engine databases, post on newsgroups,
send a press release, and/or promote it, republish it, or redistribute
it in any other reasonable manner. - Ed.) - Entered 7/97
Apple should address the questions, what happened to, "The Revolution?" And; what happened to, "Power to the People?" Breathe new life into the spirit and the functional application of these concepts, and you will be poised again for success! - Entered 7/97. #96 - Vote=1 THANKS Steve!, THANKS Apple! (Rumor has it that sj is planning a second evolution revolution - stay tuned.) - Entered 12/97
Apple was always a very 'proprietary' company. The software (MacOS) and hardware being very tightly integrated together to provide a 'plug'n play' user experience. Proprietary, may have suited the period from about the mid 80's to the early 90's; but it doesn't suit the current climate where people want to be able to run software, read documents, watch movies etc, no matter what operating system/platform the software was written for. Apple is making the transition from being (perhaps the most) proprietary company, to being an 'open' company. This transition was bound to be painful, and it's proving to be; but it will only make that transition and emerge as a strong force again if it regains it's ability to be highly innovative on both the hardware and software fronts. That "insanely great" quality has to come back. Apple is still perceived by many people to be the 'whizz-bang' ultra innovative computer company, and I believe that's the great strength it has to ride on. - Entered 7/97. #97 - Vote=1
Apple should not abandon the owners of older Macs. I understand the economics of leaving older Macs to defend for themselves. However, there are many talented companies and individuals that would gladly take up the Apple banner and produce System 8 for Mac Se-30s (for example) if only Apple would give them the resources they need. This would cost Apple very little and in the process keep many older Macs running for a very long time. Imagine the public loyalty if Apple would do this! - Entered 7/97. #98 - Vote=1
Apple & everybody: If you haven't already, subscribe to the Macway Evangelist: <http://www.evangelist.macaddict.com>, and submit your ideas to the Help-Apple web site at: (http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Park/9792). Being a subscriber to the Evangelist can make you feel powerful. It makes you realize you know more things than the common Wintel user. If you have ideas (and good ones too) about how Apple can continue on the road back to rule, make them public by giving them to the "Help Apple" web site. Maybe some high ranking Apple employee will check it out some day and think twice about it. (And don't forget to send your favorite ideas directly to Apple, and tell them where you found them. - Ed.) Even with all it's strong points outweighing those of Windoze, Apple needs to do more that excel in technology to stone the Microsoft and Intel giants. And it may not happen for a while. Apple needs to shout out to the world that it is far from being what the world thinks it is, and become once more the envy of every cool person of the planet. The current state of the Apple community is a secret society--an illuminati of sorts who know which technologies create productivity easier and faster (and cooler). But it shouldn't be. It should be known to everyone. Apple is developing, or has developed, the most advanced computer technologies on the planet. The products they released recently, or are planning to release soon, are no exception. They have and will continue to epitomize what Apple means: FIRST RATE technology. If Apple kills their innovations by not doing the right things, it would be a pity. Let's see that it doesn't turn out that way. - Entered 7/97. #99 - Vote=1
Apple needs to make sure all CD-Roms on the market can be played on a Mac. This alone would change the feeling of well-being of Mac-users significantly. - Entered 7/97. #100 - Vote=1
Apple:
Here's what Apple needs to do to succeed:
1) Games: Apple needs to have the best games, and bring all PC games to
Mac. They helped out part by planning to include gaming technology into
the QTML, which will be incorporated into OpenSTEP... Once OpenSTEP gets
ported to Win and other OSes, then Mac will be the game platform... Easy
to write code, and awesome games...
2) Clones: Apple needs to encourage clones, not discourage... They need
to move the entire platform to PPCP, and get out of the hardware licensing
business... They need to only license the MacOS... They need to make the
PPCP specs the end all of MacOS support for clone companies. Apple also
needs to separate its hardware and software divisions... Make them standalone...
3) PC Compatibility: We can't win this war by fighting Microsoft. In order
to gain marketshare, we have to be able to run existing PC applications
out of the box. So Apple needs to include some sort of system-level PC
compatibility program with all Mac hardware systems. Either bundle VirtualPC
or SoftWindows 4.0 with all MacOS systems... Or give the user the choice,
and offer a free rebate coupon. Apple also needs to go all PPCP and include
*full* PC I/O support. We can't get PC users if we can't give them what
they already have, even if what we have is better...
4) COMMUNICATION: Apple needs to learn how to communicate within itself,
with its customers, with potential customers, and with the world. Apple's
current TV ads are like office memos, while Windows/Intel ads are like
O.J. Simpson trial coverage... For more info on what we need to do in terms
of communication, please click -> here.
Apple needs an evangelist on TV spreading the word of Macintosh. Apple
needs someone to confront the masses, confused by the latest words of the
Conspirators, and tell them, "Friends, Americans, Netizens, lend me
your ears. I come here to praise Apple, not to bury it..." Apple needs
a Mark Anthony. -
Entered 7/97. #101 - Vote=1
Apple needs to... "WHY YOU SHOULD HELP US SAVE APPLE (EVEN IF YOU USE WINDOWS TODAY) at: http://www.anchordesk.com/story/story_1114.html If you care about a healthy, competitive technology industry, you'll want to join our Save-the-Mac campaign. We shouldn't hand the future of computing to the Wintel monopoly without a fight. To do that, we've got to get Apple Computer back on track. Come to the Web site, where we've got a ballot you can use to send a message to Cupertino. I'll (Jesse Berst) deliver the results myself. Together we can make a difference." - Entered 7/97. #102 - Vote=1
Apple needs to believe again... That together, we can change the world. (Bravo!! - Ed.) ("One more lost forgotten hero, in a world that doesn't care ... ") - Entered 7/97. #103 - Vote=1
Apple lovers... Next week I am travelling all the way from Norway on my yearly mission, going to Macca. My Macca is the MacWorld in Boston, just because it is in the summer and Boston is a nice place to go to. Let's all travel to the various "maccas" world wide, it is a sure way to keep Apple healthy. No need to talk about keeping Apple alive. It will always be alive if you stick to using Apple products and encourage all your friends and colleagues do the same. It has a price in a Wintel world, and you get your share of problems, but you also reap the rewards, and it is a good, easier way of learning about software and hardware. - Entered 7/97. #104 - Vote=1
Apple had an opportunity to beat Gates but Gates didn't always tell the truth. So stop calling MS's bluffs. Now Apple has to play guerilla warfare - keep MS insiders at a distance and play their games (have its own 100 man Apple team at MS, have its own highly visible public figure, buy out more technology and content leaders, pay top$ for bright college students). It is warfare, not just a job!! Have Pentagon types come in to do speeches to staff. MS Office for the Mac is really Win based and not built from the ground up. Yet many complained about how bad Apples ran it not knowing MS didn't do much to make it run as well on Macs. This is where Claris could have promoted itself and made itself compatible with the MS file formats and proclaim Apple comes first. Therefore, do better PR work. Nearly every week, BusinessWeek does at least one story on MS. Apple used to do the same. Apple needs to do it more. Keep the gab going and keep the press satiated with positive reports and visions. More of the Evangelist material should be shared with them. MS is trending towards, 95, 97, 98, etc - logical and easy to remember. Don't introduce too many names that are hard to recall and are confusing - eg. Yellow Box). Like Novell and MS, have a university for the techies and offer direct certification programs (eg. engineers and consultants). Encourage programmers to make Mac versions first if not exclusively for Macs with compatible formats. Certify programs that do not cause extension conflicts. Don't let IBM and MS run away with patent registrations. Encourage programmers to make at least one killer app in each category. Give shareholders special offers for the products to encourage them to buy but more importantly hold onto the stock. Let the small stores have their incentives (to have more stores carry the product and more opportunities to cross paths with the computer buying public). Don't make the small stores' goals and associated Apple business partnerships go out of reach. They are still loyalists no matter what the sales volume. The main technical support line workers lack knowledge about the language kits. Provide hot-line numbers for those customers. Also, they need more training to provide support for business customers who are knee deep in large and complex office networks. People don't know how easy it is to get technical support and don't realize it's a 24 hour service. - Entered 7/97. #105 - Vote=1
Apple should not ANY MORE do to Mac OS clone companies like what they did to PowerComputing. Should they keep on doing that, then say goodbye to Mac future. Hey Apple, What do you think you're doing? Your desperation to be better than clone companies and your fear of losing market share will be your downfall - if you're not careful. - Entered 8/97. #106 - Vote=1 THANKS Steve! THANKS Apple! (The clone makers must take a backseat to Apple's survival, at least for a while.) - Entered 12/97
Apple needs to stop trying to protect its multi-colored ass all the time, and try looking forward. You have adopted the worst aspects of your competitor's business practices. - Entered 7/97. #107 - Vote=1 "...Apple is coming back, and returning to those core values which made it great." - Steve Jobs, CUPERTINO, Calif., Sept. 26, 1997 /Newswire/ - Apple Computer, Inc. - Entered 12/97
Apple
should not be saved.
Help Apple?... You got to be kidding!!! Apple had the biggest profit margin
in the industry for years, sued anyone who competed with them, lied that
they had copyright in some of their programs when they were in the public
domain, and so on. If their shareholders don't dump the company, maybe
the consumers will! It isn't entirely obvious why a company whose management
has done so much destruction to shareholders, employees, vendors, and customers
ought to be saved. (It's obvious
to us - can you say COMPETITION? - Ed.) And what exactly
does save really mean? - Entered 7/97. #108 -
Vote=1
(Note: Isn't it funny how we all - even Apple's detractors - give
entity, identity and moral status to Apple? Has any other company ever
had this kind of character empathy?)
Apple has paid dearly for its sins, and should be allowed to repent and
be saved. - Opps, Did it again! - Ed. - Entered 7/97
Apple
and advocates: The Help Apple site is a great idea, but where are Apple's
e-mail addresses that we can use to communicate our favorite suggestions
directly to Apple?
- Entered 7/97. #109 - Vote=1
(That's a good question...
If anyone knows any useful Apple e-mail addresses SEND
THEM IN, and we will publish them here. - Ed.)
Until we compile a list of appropriate Apple e-mail addresses, feel free to paste your favorite ideas into your word processor or message window, print out and send via snail-mail to:
Apple Computer, Inc. Customer Relations Department 1 Infinite Loop Cupertino, CA 95014-2084
Apple
should bundle Softwindows or Virtual PC with every Powermac sold. Buying
out one of those companies would help Apple stay on top of all of Billy
Gates "ideas". -
Entered 9/97. #109 - Vote=1
Apple:
I have tried and failed to find a complete end-to-end design solution to
develop programmable hardware (eg, FPGA, CPLD,...). I know that the PPC
will smoke any PC on place and route times while performing design synthesis.
So, 1. Support the hardware design industry with Mac based solutions. New
PPPC & Rhapsody platform is a window of opportunity here. An employee
of a Comp USA store said they could not get a wide variety of products
from Apple, so all they had was low-end stuff. He knew that the Mac world
was mail-order dominated. So, 2. Open distribution channels wide open.
- Entered 9/97. #110
- Vote=1
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