An email from Daria Aikens announced a new monthly Mac e-zine called Apple Wizards.

Reader Nick Pavlovic writes:

"Mac Bias Hits Home

I just found that the subject of a Mac media bias has hit close to home. The September issue of Computer Graphic World included an article titled "Read My Lips". This article defined the current software players that have lip sync animation capabilities. This includes Softimage on SGI, 3D Studio Max on Windows, and Lightwave on Windows. VIDI's Presenter 3D lip sync capabilities not only are a match for Softimage's and 3D Studio Max's capabilities, but are stronger and more intuitive in audio . The article states that Softimage recently introduced audio to the product, but as a plug-in. We have had built-in, directional 3D audio for years, yet neither VIDI nor Apple were mentioned. Presenter 3D's lip sync and audio abilities are capabilities that puts the Macintosh into the running against competition from SGI and Windows NT platforms, and this contribution is being ignored. I sent the information about Presenter 3D's lip sync and audio capabilities several months ago, so I know that they had the opportunity to include us in the article. By leaving the story out, the Macintosh loses an opportunity to show that in many ways, it's right up there with SGI and Windows NT platforms.

The issue of a Macintosh bias from the media is a problem that needs an aggressive counter strategy. Since Steve Jobs arrived back on the scene, I feel a more positive and aggressive spirit coming from Apple. We as developers and users need to get aggressive and make the media aware and report on what the Mac can do. We know that the Macintosh is faster, more intuitive, and more powerful than it's Windows competition and with regard to lip syncing, VIDI's Presenter 3D is right up there with Softimage. Plus it is better than all other products in handling sound simultaneously with the lip sync animation.. After taking a look at the article and the Presenter 3D information, contact Paul McPherson, publisher at Computer Graphics World. Let him know that you would appreciate a more balanced approach regarding the Macintosh, especially with regard to discussions of topics like lip syncing. However, as Guy Kawasaki says, when you contact Paul, don't flame him. His email is paulm@pennwell.com and fax is (603) 891-0539.

Now that Steve Jobs has worked his magic and improved Apple's standing, let's get behind him and work on the media to get them to give Macintosh-based technology the credit it deserves. So contact the magazine and let's fight the bias together. Your help can make the difference.