A Quandary?
Monday, February 28, 2011 at 5:19PM 
As we all know, even though Apple releases information and code via its developer forums, ostensibly via an Non Disclosure Agreement (NDA), it soon becomes common knowledge.
Countless blogs republish the information, pick apart its significance, and even scour the code for clues to future releases or devices.
I've been a member of the Apple OSX and iOS developer scheme for a few years now, and have never released any information that would breach the terms of the NDA, even if it's been common knowledge and splattered across every other Mac blog.
I like to think that I'm fairly old school, and if I've agreed to an NDA (Non Disclosure Agreement) then I'll abide by it. Reputation and integrity count for a lot in my book, and I really would not want to risk or damage either by doing something foolish!
It amazes me when I get an email from Apple advising of a new seed release of an OSX version with a strongly worded warning about disclosing pre-release software, and then in a hour or so, see it plastered all over various blogs.
However, OSX Lion Developer Preview seems to be a different beast (pardon the pun!)
Announced via Press Release on the same day as the new MacBook Pro range, the new preview of Lion came as a bit of a shock in its timing and content. Lots of the features had already been pre-announced by Apple but the preview included some new extra features. Apple announced these official new features publicly via a new webpage on the Apple site Mac OS X Lion.
As you might expect, the Apple blogosphere exploded with features about Lion and many sites covered both the officially discussed features, but also some leaks about features not discussed in Apples webpages.
So I'm in a bit of a quandary!
I'd love to do a ScreenCastsOnline segment of the official published features of Mac OS X Lion, for those ScreenCastsOnline members who haven't had chance to see it in action.
But even though the features are disclosed and published by Apple, I fear that the Developer Preview is still under NDA and I'd be opening myself up to the wrath of Apple if I recorded some screencasts, even if it was just covering the published features.
I think it safer to err on the side of caution in this case, so I'll probably need to wait for the official version to be released in the summer.
Shame.
Reader Comments (12)
I think that's a good move on your part Don - wait until the official release is out then do your screencasts.
Don, think of Leo here - he managed to personally pick a fight with Steve J for filming him in the middle of an announcement from within the auditorium... and he still has a pretty good career in Mac commentary and related tech.
Your promotion of Lion features would be far less of a concern and is, as you say, nothing against what Engadgemodohacker have already released.
Furthermore, your bread-and-butter is reviewing & educating about released and predominantly independent software and hardware so they can't exactly shut you down anyhow.
Go for it, I say - and if you get some official Apple-flack then the publicity in the global Mac community would probably be none too bad for Britain's favourite screencaster ;-)
I'm with you Don, old school. An NDA is an NDA...besides, I have already seen/used it.... ;-)
John
As another old-schooler, I think if you signed the NDA you should abide by it, though I can see your dilemma - Apple seem to have released a lot of detail themselves yet you can't talk about what they've already said?
Maybe Apple ought to clarify to developers just what is covered by the NDA and what's not.
As to Will's comment, I suppose the worst Apple could do is take away your developer status - depends how much that means to you.
I noticed earlier today that TUAW had a video on the new Lion features which I was about to watch, only to see that they had pulled it (or it was pulled for them).
Don -- Might it help to try to get permission from Apple's PR department?
Not an easy decision, but the right one I feel.
It's always best to take the high road, and I truly respect your decision in this matter. It's refreshing!
Don: Don't compromise your integrity for any reason. May be best to seek Apple's permission to do the show on Lion.
Don,
I agree with your position, being old-school myself - an NDA is what is it is, and can be (and has been) enforced. I await the release version and your in-depth review. Until then I'll remain patient!
Thanks!
I'm old-school, too. Your word should be your bond, even if no signature were involved. Those who need to know are already part of the developer program, and the rest of us are just curious. Does satisfying such curiosity justify the loss of your honour?
More on this debate here: http://www.tuaw.com/2011/02/28/apples-developer-preview-nda-is-a-load-of-lion-poop/
Don, I've/we've always known you as a man of integrity, and sad to say, there seems to be fewer of them every day. Go with your gut. It'll never steer you wrong.
Also, it's obvious to me at least that SCO is about teaching people how to get the most out of their existing computers, operating systems and applications. Why cover something that's not even out to use? There are PLENTY of sites offering that. What you do is specific and practical. Just the facts, ma'am, as they used to say on DRAGNET.
And look, you even feel the need to broadcast weekly, even though we were getting a good value from your bi-weekly giant-sized shows. We all appreciate your sense of values.
Keep it up!