Good thinking, Jerry.  I LIKE it!

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Jerry Fochtman [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Wednesday, August 16, 2000 5:48 AM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: My turn: Focus, people!: e3000 Ad (*BETA*)
>
>
> I personally think a slightly different approach which actually uses
> the current 'lack of visibility' may actually generate the desirable
> reverse affect.  Congratulating HP for being low-key about
> the HPe3000,
> the key to 'our business success over our competitors' might actually
> generate interest.  If potential high-level corporate people start
> inquiring at their corresponding levels in HP, the HP folks may very
> will have to be in a position to talk/extol about the HP3eK.  This
> seems to be a more tactful method than using this ad vehicle to make
> it look like HP's CEO doesn't know about/acknowledge one of their
> products.  The later approach may generate some difficulties.
>
> For example, an ad like:
>
>  >>>>>>>>>>
>
> 100% availability - POSIX - IA-64 - JAVA - WEB-enabling technologies
> - Image - Apache - 25 years of compatible - High performing OLTP
> - scalability - (etc.)
>
> "Dear Carly:
>
>   Thank-you for keeping HP's best business
>   computing technology out of today's morass
>   of shifting information technology (IT?) options.
>   While our competitors use valuable resources
>   in their attempt to employ the latest unproven
>   technologies, we continue to meet our business
>   challenges and expand our markets using the
>   cost-effective, forward moving technology
>   invented by HP.
>
>   Signed,
>   HPe3000 users worldwide
>
> * http://www.hp.com/go/3000
>
> Paid for by the following companies and private individuals:  etc.
> (No logos, etc., as it dilutes the message by making it appear
> to indeed be a sales/marketing ad by HP.  Besides, it'll take a
> large list of contributors to be able to cover the cost and we'll
> need to space.  Also, even alternate web sites can be part of a
> marketing campaign, I would hesitate using them.
>
> <<<<<<<<<<<<<
>
> It's subtle, yet also carries an underlying message without
> potentially
> provoking HP corporate.  Kinda like a back-handed compliment, with a
> message that some corporate folks continue to chase the latest
> technology 'skirt', while those with the HPe3K quietly and effectively
> become the market leaders.... :)
>
> /jf  (Back to my cave.... )
>