To Apple: Please do not cut off independent service providers

[Update: apparently Robin no longer works at Apple, but I CCd Steve too. I wonder if they'll get "or others higher" as a joke?]

Dear Robin,

Thank you for your caring responses and help just over two years ago. You may remember from that previous communication (attached) that if it were not for third-party service, I would be an angry ex-Apple customer, rather than typing this on a new MacBook that replaced my iBook.

Please bring to my letter here to the attention of Steve Jobs (or others higher, if you can).

I write in protest of the apparent policy of not just failing to mention the option of Apple-approved providers but cutting them off!

In particular, the ending of Apple's contract with Organize-it.com -- the shop that keeps me among the Mac faithful -- is a terrible move for Apple, and for me personally.

Apple will be breaking off relationships it will never be able to rebuild. I urge Apple to not just continue its relationships with proven third-party service providers, but to be generous and help them in any way it can.

There is a reason I try to use open source free software-- it is because it cannot be controlled or destroyed by decisions made by people out of touch with the real problems and solutions. Fortunately, my use of open source free software on my Mac also means I will be able to switch away -- reluctantly -- from all Apple products if this policy of removing the option of third-party support continues.

Please reconsider.

Thank you for your attention.

Sincerely,

benjamin

Agaric Design Collective
Open Source Free Software Web Development
http://agaricdesign.com/

• Benjamin Melançon's blog