Duane writes:

> * There has been much complaint over the years from 3000-L about the
>    lack of marketing and proactive push for the HPe3000 from CSY.
>
>  * CSY spends some energy and puts together something that could be used
>    by a number of shops/ISVs/etc. Given the context and source of the
>    quotes the piece will by definition not be a true general purpose
>    marketing piece. But it is something!
>
>  * Negative comments are made that don't consider the context, the history,
>    and the purpose of this piece. What do you think the folks at CSY think
>    when they see such commentary? They are real people with real feelings.

They're also adults.



>  * To me, you are using the wrong filter in evaluating this piece. Sure, the
>    tone is not what you might want in a pure marketing piece that you would
>    be placing in Computerworld. But given the context, this piece is fine by
>    me.

Two questions then: To whom then is the piece directed? And in what context
would I want to distribute this piece to prospective customers? What words
would I say to a potential customer to explain away the odd disquieting tone
in the text? I can't apologize away or explain the context of the note to
every prospect, nor would I ever want to.

If we were still an active OEM/VAB, where we provided both hardware and
software in a turnkey system, the marketing piece I would want to include in
my packets would be virtually identical to the booklet that General Motors
puts out for a Corvette, a well-produced booklet filled with one
hard-hitting, pride-filled fact after another, punctuated with superior
photography. It's that kind of document that not only builds customer
confidence but also a sense of want, especially in customers who have never
heard of the HP3000, or even know all that much about HP itself.

Wirt Atmar