Bill Atkinson

Original Macintosh team member at Apple Computer. Wrote much of the foundational Mac graphics software: QuickDraw (Mac's 2D graphics primitives), MacPaint (launch app), and HyperCard (Aug 11, 1987 release).

Pi appearance

★★★★ Visited Pi for a special meeting in late 1987 — covered in 1987-12 — V09 N12: - "HyperCard Author at Special Meeting" by Cynthia Yockey (p56) — meeting recap - "Q & A with Bill Atkinson" by Robert C. Platt (p57) — formal Q&A transcript

One of the most historically significant Pi guest appearances, alongside: - Steve Wozniak's in-person Pi meeting 1981-06 — V03 N06 - Steve Wozniak unveiling the Mac at Departmental Auditorium 1984-01 — V06 N01 - Steve Wozniak in DC for Apple Computer Clubs International awards 1986-08 — V08 N08 - Andy Hertzfeld's recurring Pi bylines (MoneyWorks 1986-01 — V08 N01, Business Accountant 1985-11 — V07 N11) - Walt Mossberg's "Apple II News and Notes" column from 1987-03 — V09 N03

Significance

Atkinson's visit came just 4 months after HyperCard's release. Pi had already launched a HyperCard SIG in 1987-10 — V09 N10 (Robert C. Platt) and HyperCard News column in 1987-11 — V09 N11. The Atkinson Q&A was Pi's direct connection to HyperCard's design intent.

Connections

• HyperCard — created by Atkinson; released Aug 11, 1987
• MacPaint — Atkinson's launch app
• QuickDraw — Atkinson's 2D graphics layer
• HyperCard SIG — Pi's response to HyperCard's launch