I agree with Eric and add that we need some excitement and interest
on top of being business like. Let's not complain, but invite interest.
This ad could well turn into a media "event" that would capture
interest.  Let's not communicate that HP is ignoring MPE, but that
MPE is alive, growing well, and an HP invention.

An example:
Glenn wrote:
> that said...
>
> How about combining these?
>
>    To  : Carly Fiorina, CEO of Hewlett-Packard
>    From: Your loyal HP e3000 users
>    Re  : The industry's best OLTP system
add to end:                                  (an HP invention)
(This subtly points out what we think Carly has missed, but
without rubbing it in.)

I only wish it could include the e-commerce idea, too. This would
be very valuable.

>
>    Please see
>
>    www.ilovempe.com

Do we have time to develop a web site? I really like the idea of
point to a web site for more information.  The interest generated
could be more than worth the price of the ad.  The site needs
to link to all known e3000 web resources and applications.  The
claim that MPE has the "best" OLTP needs to be supported on the
web site with additional information.

This is almost becoming a marketing confederation to promote the
e3000 without HP's direct involvement.

Richard

>
> --Glenn


"Eric H. Sand" wrote:
>
> Dear HP3000-l readers,
>     An ad in a major newspaper such as the Wall Street Journal should be
> very objective and in the 3rd person. The use of the word "You" or "Your"
> would make the ad seem too "personal" and projects too much of a victim-like
> mentality and can make a reader feel defensive. I like the salutation, but
> the one or two sentences following should pique the reader's interest, not
> only that we are addressing Ms. Fiorina, but why we are using a medium such
> as the WSJ and "what" are we concerned about. A feeling of "I want to know"
> should be the first reaction of any reader.
>     I am not an expert in presenting marketing material, but a simple and
> straight to the point construction seems common sense. For such an
> undertaking, input on an informal basis from a publicist that someone on
> this list knows might be a good idea. Maybe Ron S. could be of help. The
> final "wording" does not need to be completely from this list, but advice on
> its format should be sought from others.
>     Publication of this ad during HPWorld would be perfect timing. After
> that the effect would deminish with time.
>
> My version:
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
> ----
>
> Carly Fiorina
> CEO Hewlett-Packard
>
> Dear Ms. Fiorina,(or Carly)
>     The MPE/iX OS is an HP invention of the highest quality, deserving to be
> placed in the spotlight with HP-UX, NT, and Linux as systems that HP
> supports. The world needs to know of this quality and that it was born at
> HP.
>
>     www.mpeforever.com
>
> HP MPE/iX World Users
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
> -----
>
>                                                         Eric Sand
>                                                         [log in to unmask]

--
Richard L Gambrell
Senior Information Technology Consultant
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
103 Hunter Hall, Dept. 4454
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