In the past, Tulip Computers, who currently own the Commodore brand name, have mentioned the C64 from time to time in their press releases, and why wouldn't they? It is, after all, one of the mast successful home computer systems of all time. However, a recent press release, dated 11th July 2003 (found at http://www.tulip.com/news/article.asp?nid=109), has provoked a great response from the C64 community. The following is from Allan Bairstow, editor of Commodore Scene magazine (http://www.commodorescene.org.uk):

"I have been in the Commodore 64 scene since it came out in the early 80's. In recent years, providing a much needed import/export service for the rather sparse user base that currently exists (in the UK) today. Can you imagine the laugh I had when I read that Tulip computers (in conjunction with Ironstone Partners) are to start supporting the Commodore 64 again? That doesn't sound funny to you? How about this: they expect to be serving an estimated audience of '6 million' people. Where on Earth have they got that figure from?

"I have the distinct feeling that they believe all the hype in recent months about how well the retro scene is doing. To be fair, the C64 scene is extremely active but I doubt very much that there are 6 million regular or real users out there. The one resounding reason the scene is doing so well is because in most cases (are you listening Tulip?) it is completely and utterly free!

"Oh, did I not mention that Tulip want to charge everybody modern day prices for old software, or how about this, they are going to enforce the law on anybody using the Commodore 64 name without copyright.

"It remains to be seen if they will actually charge you for downloading .d64 images of your favourite games or if this 'pie in the sky' venture will bear any fruit. I hope that they will inject some cash (into the C64) and kick-start a small (if somewhat brief) interest in our beloved computers.

"I therefore have some advice for Tulip as they are obviously so out of touch that they have no idea what they are talking about: (1) There is no money to be had on the back of the C64 retro scene, (2) The scene exists because it costs very little, and (3) don't try to enforce any type of copyright law as you will just alienate the people you are targeting." - Allan Bairstow, a 'real' C64 supporter.

I have to say that I quite agree with Allan's reaction. Tulip will have an uphill struggle to enforce copyright laws especially when they only seem to own the brand and not the copyright to the BIOS (which Micro Soft could hold a claim to, considering that Commodore Basic is a version of Micro Soft basic). This sort of reaction from the C64 community meant that a further press release was issued from Ironstone partners, found at http://rss.com.com/2100-1042_3-1025814.html?type=pt&part=rss&tag=feed&subj=news, in which Ironstone claim to be the C64's new "guardian angel", and that enthusiasts need not worry about the future, again re-enforced on their home page http://www.ironstonepartners.com/newsitem1.html.

So, what is the future of the Commodore 64? I have invited both Tulip Computers and Ironstone partners to comment further, and as soon as they do so, you will see it here.