[misc.handicap] GENIE AND SIGN FRIEND

Fran.O'Gorman@f94.n272.z1.fidonet.org (Fran O'Gorman) (06/25/91)

Index Number: 16412

[This is from the Silent Talk Conference]

Hi Tzip,

 TB> I was hoping that the shareware safety ones could continue to be
 TB> used by public safety people. I  know why you started the project
 TB> Fran. It was to help Mary communicate better and also to teach
 TB> peole who would be around mary in the future to understand her and
 TB> help her. That is wonderful.

I was hoping that in addition to helping more people learn sign
language I might get some registrations to help defray my expenses
assuming the agencies (not the individual workers) had budgets for
instructional materials, but I guess not.  I didn't get any thank
you from them either.  How many people have used Sign Friends, I
don't know.  Ten registrations is all I know about.  My hope was
that Hartley would be an opportunity for schools to get it and I
was willing to facilitate them (Hartley) in whatever was
reasonable and the idea of they (Hartley) being a release ahead of
the shareware sector chronologically seemed a simple solution to
that.

 TB> I adore the sign freinds version so
 TB> much. It has helped so many people I cannot tell you! I am pleased
 TB> you are going to have a commercial version. But I also hope the
 TB> public safety menus can be given to acaedmies all over the country
 TB> to specifically help people who are helpers... this way they can
 TB> specifically learn how to use sign to help people such as Mary. It
 TB> is a wonder tribute to the love of a disabled child!

If there had been a commercial version it would still have been
called Sign Friends and I would have kept the price reasonable if
I'd have anything to say to the Hartley people.  Only difference
would have been that they (agencies, schools) would have HAD to
occasionally pay for it (if they made copies after that, so what,
just buy once). I think you know of people who have published --in
fact you've published-- I really had hoped for maybe some
royalties possibly, and a broader distribution base, that's all.
Also, unfortunately, people don't always value something they get
for free--it's just human nature.

 TB> I think the commerical version will be a success! I am sure of it!

Unfortunately not.  The educational consultant 'loved it' (his
words when he saw it) and encouraged me to submit when I first
told him about it, but now says that they haven't the funds for
new products and encouraged me to submit to other software
publishers, which, for now, I think I'll decline.

 TB> Like popcorn, soda, crackers, pretzels, milk shakes, ginger ale,
 TB> candy bars, chocolate, etc......
 TB> ironing, laundry, washing machine, dryer, clothes pins, fabric
 TB> softener, detergent, bleach... broom, mop, floor wax, furniture
 TB> wax, dusting cloth, silver polish,
 TB> Also the different sports like baseball, football, soccer,
 TB> basketball, swimming, tennis, hockey.  All these are possibilities
 TB> or the future.

Most of these words are already on Sign Friends.

 TB> Hugs to you. and success to you in your endeavors.

Thanks.  Talk to you soon.

--Fran

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