[OT] GameOver Mr. Jobs

[Richmond Mathewson]

  On 29/04/2010 18:26, Jeff Massung wrote:
> Sorry for missing it (tone sucks in email). ;-)
>
>
> I haven't really been following any of the "Steve Jobs" or new iP* TOS
> agreement threads, but I do need to say I agree with most everything you
> stated.
>
>
> I don't know when this was posted to Apple's site and if it's already been
> discussed here already, but Jobs posted a letter to the community detailing
> his thoughts on Flash, which can also be read into the new TOS:
>
>
> www.apple.com/hotnews/thoughts-on-flash/?AID=10480621&PID=3821802&SID=188wkahuchtc7
>
>
> Most importantly, as it likely pertains to Rev and other middle-ware
> developers working with Apple on their TOS:
>
>
> "We know from painful experience that letting a third party layer of
> software come between the platform and the developer ultimately results in
> sub-standard apps and hinders the enhancement and progress of the platform.
> If developers grow dependent on third party development libraries and tools,
> they can only take advantage of platform enhancements if and when the third
> party chooses to adopt the new features. We cannot be at the mercy of a
> third party deciding if and when they will make our enhancements available
> to our developers.
>
> This becomes even worse if the third party is supplying a cross platform
> development tool. The third party may not adopt enhancements from one
> platform unless they are available on all of their supported platforms.
> Hence developers only have access to the lowest common denominator set of
> features. Again, we cannot accept an outcome where developers are blocked
> from using our innovations and enhancements because they are not available
> on our competitor’s platforms."
>
> Read into it what you will.
>

50-50 I would say; or "enlightened self-interest".

However you cut it, Steve Jobs is not a raving philanthropist.