Author of the MoAB Response Project Provides Explanation

by , 2:35 PM EST, January 4th, 2007

In a response to TMO editorials about the Month of Apple Bugs project, Landon Fuller has written a response attempting to further explain his motivations for the project. In his response Thursday, Mr. Fuller acknowledged his own concerns about the project and offered his reasons for proceeding.

The first editorial at TMO commented about the Month of Apple Bugs project (MoAB) and why it's not a very good idea. The second described a follow-up effort by Mr. Fuller to address each bug as it is announced. The second editorial came to the attention of Mr. Fuller, and he sent the following note which provided more details on his methodology.

"Howdy John,

I just read your editorial on Mac Observer, and I'd like to thank you for your thoughts on the matter -- it's something I've spent some considerable time thinking about myself.

Ultimately, I sided on releasing my patches primarily due to the following:

1. They're keyed to the release of each piece of software they patch. When the new software is released (presumably with a fix), the patch will not apply itself.
2. They can be removed easily, with a single click -- nothing is changed on-disk.
3. They use the well-tested Application Enhancer, and I have had a quite a bit of support from Unsanity (the authors of Application Enhancer) in writing and testing my patches.

It is my hope to provide a positive contrast to the Month of Apple Bugs, and I really do appreciate your insights on the potential negative impacts of my actions."