Here's Jim Hamm's take on the Apple/Adobe controversy. "Recently I read an email regarding the Apple/Adobe situation wherein it stated 'sounds too much like a family feud...' I agree, and it is sad to read how vituperative some blogs have become on this subject. If you might have interest in reading more about this, here's couple of articles that shed further light on the situation: DaringFireball and MacDailyNews.
"I think Gruber's article makes sense. Apple doesn't want another platform between an Apple device's platform and the developer, whether it's Adobe or someone else. Apple doesn't have to make their products, programs and platforms available to everyone on everyone else's terms. It's Apple's products, after all. If consumers want Adobe Flash, that's fine. Let them buy products that support Flash. Let consumers speak with their wallet. I think the blog from an Adobe spokesperson wherein he told Apple to go 'screw yourself' was childish and served no useful purpose, other than to vent his anger. The squabbling seems to be all on Adobe's part.
Jim goes on to give a good analogy: "I think Apple's restrictions on apps for the iPhone, etc., and on software programs are, on balance, a good thing. I think this is highly analogous to CCRs for a housing community, like Hidden Valley Ranch, where we live. The CCRs are very restrictive, and one can become frustrated sometimes with them. But I think they keep the area looking nice, clean and a good place to live. Go look at communities that don't have CCRs--old cars up on blocks, RVs parked in the yard, junk everywhere, etc. We have to agree to these CCRs before we buy the property, so we shouldn't complain afterwards.
"Also, if Apple didn't monitor and have to approve the apps and programming that go on an iPhone, etc., soon there would be porno and all kinds of shoddily written, junky apps available and installed. Also, the apps would cause the device to crash and Apple would be blamed for this. One can argue that Apple can't/shouldn't tell me what I can read or use. To a degree there is an element of truth in this argument, but Apple only says this for their devices, and that you agree to specific restrictions when you purchase their device and before you can use it. Think CCRs.
"The second article above is interesting also, but it's all built on speculation and rumor. But interesting to read, nonetheless."
And we picture Jim with his grin, as he concludes, "This may well be more than you care to know about this subject, and I certainly can understand that. In that case, just tap the delete button and move on."
Well, there's more. Jim adds, "Interesting article on Apple's stance on cross-platform programs not adhering to Apples specifications. Aka the Apple/Adobe situation..."
