If you're an Alpha Five user, you're exceptional. Like the woman in the 1984 Apple commercial, you're probably more concerned with mindless conformity than you are of sticking out in a crowd. Anyone who avoids the common assumption that commonality somehow equates to superiority and is thus willing to buck the trend to accept the widely accepted is, almost by definition, a free thinker. I like to think that label applies to me as well as to you - which is perhaps why Richard Rabins asked me to write this article. In a recent conversation about reaching user groups, he expressed interest in the idea of starting an select group of free-thinking enthusiasts willing to help influence others, promote the success of Alpha Five, and thus overcome the ongoing threat of mediocrity and inefficiency to the future of personal computing.

Let me offer a little background. In 1991, I attracted a bit more attention than I had intended when I posted, on an informal internal IBM forum, a list of reasons why I felt IBM's CEO at the time, John Akers, was no longer an effective leader and should resign. Before I knew it, the forum had exploded in commentary and my comments were being quoted worldwide in publications of every variety. Less than a year later, in a stunning display of open-mindedness (or vindictiveness, depending on your perspective), IBM gave me the job of representing IBM and OS/2 online. At the time, I was the only non-executive IBMer authorized to "speak" for IBM in cyberspace-and I promptly took advantage of the opportunity to start an unofficial (unauthorized, really) online conference I called "TEAMOS2 FORUM," for the discussion of what involved individuals could do, working as a team, to promote the success of OS/2. This attracted a lot of attention within IBM and simply couldn't be contained within the then-very-insular company either, quickly growing to become a network of OS/2 enthusiasts who were coming up with, sharing, and implementing a number of great ideas. Team members were explaining the benefits of OS/2 over Windows to computer dealers, friends, and associates, throwing Team OS/2 parties, roaming the floors at Comdex to help vendors install OS/2 on their display system, helping out with product support, forming user groups, and generally doing whatever felt right in helping promote the idea that people should have a legitimate choice when it comes to computer operating systems. This grass roots uprising soon attracted all kinds of industry and media attention.

Ultimately, however, it attracted Microsoft's attention as well and, according to a 1995 PC Magazine column by John C. Dvorak, "[Microsoft] took advantage of IBM's ethics and ran OS/2 off the road." In spite of how things turned out, everyone I've ever spoken with about Team OS/2 remembers it fondly as some of the best times they've ever had, being a part of something exciting, and bonding with others who shared the enthusiasm. From Team OS/2 came memories, new friendships, new careers, marriages, and even the seeds of the Linux movement as it exists today.

Thankfully, the industry, public opinion, and Microsoft have changed since the days when Microsoft "ran OS/2 off the road." The time is ripe for true competition, and the outlook is bright for companies like Alpha Five with superior products, loyal, enthusiastic customers, and leaders who understand that all marketing excellence stem from customer relationships. I've been very impressed with Alpha Five the product and Alpha Five the company; hence, let me bounce an idea off you.

I propose that, if there's sufficient interest, we form a Team Alpha Five in order to help our friends at Alpha Five. With the strength and synergies that come from numbers, we can garner publicity, do presentations at user group meetings, expand the customer base and thus the support infrastructure, positively influence product and industry direction, expand our personal and professional horizons, make friends, and have fun doing it.

If you can see the rewards from something like and would like to be involved, please let me know. Just send me an e-mail with your contact information and your thoughts to teamalpha5@whats4me.com. I'll set up a database and promise not to use your private information for any other reason than to contact you about Team Alpha Five. Richard tells me that he's very interested in your thoughts as well and asks that you copy him at richard@alphasoftware.com.

From small beginnings great things can happen. Together, we can make a difference. I hope to hear from you soon.

Dave Whittle
Springville, Utah
dave.whittle@usa.net
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