Comment from E-mail:
I am in class right now learning SQL and hope to be a successful developer. I just had some questions that I hope you can address on your main page if you get asked enough.
Q1 Your biography said you just realized in Hawaii that one day you didn't want to invent and program any more, that you wanted a simpler life, is this true that you wanted a easier life?
Woz:
I wanted time for my young kids and I got that. I am having a tough time at the moment, mainly due to constant email. The show misled viewers in some aspects. I have 5 hours of email to handle on the easiest day of the year, maybe New Years day, but 8 to 20 hours most days. After a show like the A&E Special, I get a lot. ...Woz

Comment from E-mail:
Q2 I would really like to hear your advice for being a successful person not just in the IT world but in life in general?
Woz:
Don't set up your life with situations and cares where you may likely frown. Keep joking and laughing.

Comment from E-mail:
Q3 I also wanted to email you just to see if I got a personal response from you, I understand that you are probably really busy so maybe I will write you again a few year from now. Even a generic email would be fine.
Woz:
Thank you for the generous comments. I'm glad that I was able to remain the person I was and not be changed by Apple's success. Is that generic enough? I'm sending it to lots of people but only after reading their email and feeling it's correct. A computer response would never be right all the time.

Comment from E-mail:
And you know you should take a break sometimes and not spend so much time sending emails , your fans will understand, I do!
Woz:
AMEN!...Woz

Comment from E-mail:
Personally if I made 5 million, I would take a long maybe permanent holiday and take advantage of opportunities as they arise, I don't understand some people who just work and work even after hundreds of millions of dollars
Woz:
I'll have to hide from the public someday.

Comment from E-mail:
What an ordinary person like myself who doesn't have any connection, can do to acquire the privilege of establishing contact with a man of your stature?

In 1992 I heard and read about you for the first time. I wanted to contact you ever since that time. I admired your drive and achievements.

I am writing you now because I am planning to initiate an important project of my own. I need to discuss it with someone of your quality and caliber. I am in need of some personal advice, approval and support. I must get it right this time. I can not afford to make any mistake. Why?

I am a 55 year old man, married for the last 12 years and have a five year old boy who is my whole world. I was a mortgage banker and a small real estate investor until several years ago. when the real estate crunch came to southern California, I lost it all and ever since that time my struggle began.

I only hope if you approve of the project, you would then grant me the opportunity of a meeting with an investor. As I seem to have difficulty meeting with a credible one on my own. $175,000 is what it takes to initiate the project. I sincerely believe this amount as small as it may seem, can turn our lives around. You are our last hope. will you please help?

I realize at this time of year successful people like yourself are usually very busy. Thus, I would be grateful if you could spare a few moments of your busy schedule to talk with me about my project at your convenience. Any advice whatsoever would be greatly appreciated. With your help I have no doubt I will make it this time. Happy holiday Steve.
Woz:
Your need is worthwhile but I can't invest in or give time to the huge number I receive. I do wish you the best.

Comment from E-mail:
I saw your biography on TV last night and was very impressed- by your achievements, work ethic, and outlook on life. I'm the operating officer of a pretty young software company and your story completely inspired me! I read in one of your email responses that you went to college in Colorado, as did I. Which one? I went to Boulder- and what a time that was!
Woz:
Boulder, 1968. I had 800's on all my math/science SAT's except for Chemistry (770) but visited Boulder and was in snow for the first time in my life so I decided that was the only place I'd apply. WHAT A YEAR. You'll have to wait for my book. I even got put on probation for computer abuse, and was afraid that they'd charge me so I didn't go back. But I had some incredible pranks, well beyond the one that was talked about on the biography.

Comment from E-mail:
I know these grand, sweeping types of questions so I don't expect the answers all in one shot. A little wisdom would go a long way. I guess I just wanted to say that you're an amazing inspiration to us out here in the world- thanks for all the contributions you've made.
Woz:
Thank you for the generous comments. I'm glad that I was able to remain the person I was and not be changed by Apple's success.

Comment from E-mail:
First of all I just want to say I viewed your biography this evening on A&E. As a fellow "Macaddict", I am first of all indebted to the genius of your invention and how it has made my life more pleasant. Second of all, I am equally impressed with you as an extremely decent and moral human being that has placed himself above the "Greedmill". And last but certainly not least, I've been trying to convince a close friend that Macs are simply easier and more reliable to use than PCs. His reply is that my opinions are just advertising and propaganda. Any advice on how to deal with it?
Woz:
Unfortunately, we once had a valid point. But it's hard to say why, logically, now. The best thing going for the Macintosh is that it's rarer. We can feel more special, like we are making a sacrifice to have a 'different' machine. The design fits into home interiors better. There's less software so there's less to go wrong or be incompatible with other software. Macs are very good, but I don't think that you can get anyone to switch platforms based on that.

Now let's say that your friend has an older mother that has no computer experience at all, but who 'might' want to get on the internet. You could make the case that her first experience may determine whether she uses or avoids the internet for the rest of her life. The less techie looking, more home styled, Macintosh might be a lot safer way to insure this.

Then again, WebTV might be the safest of all.