[net.micro.atari] Marketing.

pjd@cwruecmp.UUCP (dr. funk) (01/23/86)

Jim Henry's comments on marketing are well taken. However, Jim, how
dare you be rational in this news group and almost give me a heart
attack?

Here are two additional comments on marketing and business. First, if
you have a successful product, you should sell it hard and get everything
you can out of it. Following this principle, Atari is re-introducing the
7800 game product and pushing 2600's again. The game machines accounted
for a large part of Atari's revenues last year. And for 8-bitters
(and I am one, too), this principle guarantees the continued support of
the 8-bit line.

My second comment has to do with business in general -- business is a
rough game even when played within the bounds of good taste and proper
acceptable ethics. If you aren't willing to play tough, don't get in
the game. In my experience, I've found that most "mom and pop" computer
stores cannot (will not) get into or withstand the "business is war"
mindset. For example, compare the personality, outlook and value
system of your average technical guy who has risen (sunk) to VP of
engineering versus an executive, money man VP. It's pretty clear
who eats granola and who eats ground glass (raw bits????) for breakfast.
Personally, I'm holding out for senior scientist which really says
something about MY personality :-)

Finally, for Amiga vs. ST'ers, toys vs. real's, etc., why dont cha all
fade away. I'm havin' too much fun with my box.
-- 

paul drongowski				decvax!cwruecmp!pjd
case western reserve university		pjd%Case@CSNet-relay