| T.R | Title | User | Personal
Name | Date | Lines |
|---|
| 3846.1 | dittoes 8-) | TALLIS::PARADIS | There's a feature in my soup! | Tue May 02 1995 00:07 | 13 |
| Tell me about it... I've been seeing positive signs lately too...
I just saw some promo copy for a project my group is working on, and I
was absolutely blown away! A couple years back I would have said that
this company couldn't market its way out of a paper bag, and since then
I figured all the changes in the marketing functions were mere window
dressing. Well, I was wrong... SOMETHING happened! I'm not sure what,
but whatever it is, they should keep it up!
The recent SAVE announcement was the icing on the cake 8-)
--jim
|
| 3846.2 | | GRANPA::TDAVIS | | Tue May 02 1995 09:07 | 2 |
| I agree things are looking up for the first time in 5 years,
we deserve it.
|
| 3846.3 | | CSOA1::LENNIG | Dave (N8JCX), MIG, @CYO | Tue May 02 1995 09:33 | 14 |
| >2) Digital is hiring again. We are finally out of the suicidal mind-set which
> states that we can layoff our way to profit. The SLT has realized that
> sometimes we really do need some people around to do the work, and is
> doing things to make sure that those people are in place.
A moment of silence for our departed collegues...
We lost a lot of good people we shouldn't have.
I am encouraged by recent signs too, but bitter about the mistakes.
I just hope those responsible are suitably rewarded.
Dave
|
| 3846.4 | Things are looking up | NEWVAX::MURRAY | Its now, or never | Tue May 02 1995 10:22 | 15 |
|
YES, YES, YES!
A couple of +Qtrs, and things start looking up.
I must admit, I've gotten tired of the BOObirds, and had a nice chuckle
when the Q3 results were positive, despite dire predictions. But, we
need to remember that the BOObirds are venting their frustration, and
thus showing their real concern for Digital (OK and yes our jobs).
Lets face it, after last years Q3 how many of us thought their would
even be a next year's Q3, much less a profitable one?
Its time to move on.
Mike M.
|
| 3846.5 | And my take... | POBOX::CORSON | Higher, and a bit more to the right | Tue May 02 1995 11:58 | 7 |
|
Nice base note, Ken.
Feeling less like a survivor and more like a contributor every day.
the Greyhawk
|
| 3846.6 | Ditto | WLDBIL::KILGORE | Missed Woodstock -- *twice*! | Tue May 02 1995 12:24 | 1 |
|
|
| 3846.7 | | GRANPA::MWANNEMACHER | NRA member in good standing | Tue May 02 1995 12:35 | 9 |
|
Me too. I need to see one more quarter in the black however to be
convinced. My attitude is turning around. Something that I decided
to do on my own a few weeks ago. Got tired of being miserable.
Mike
|
| 3846.8 | IM GITTIN TEARY EYED.... | WMOIS::HORNE_C | HORNET-THE FALL GUY | Tue May 02 1995 13:00 | 6 |
| ....sob...sob....oh come on yer making me blush with this goo!!!!
carry on
norNET
|
| 3846.9 | The dust on the horizon is us... | GLDOA::WERNER | | Tue May 02 1995 17:34 | 16 |
| Amen! It's nice to see that the light at the end of the tunnel is
actually daylight and not just a train trying to run us down.
Today's DVN only served to add to the momentum. It's not only nice to get
the impression that the SLC DOES HAVE A CLUE; but to see a relatively open
attitude about sharing. I got the sense of "we're all in this together and
can all be treated like responsible adults" and taken into the
confidence of the plans for the company.
As a watcher of many of the trade rags that would apply, I hope soon to
see more public affirmation of our own internal attitude that we've turned
the corner. We can still use all the good press that we can get. The
climb back to the top is still a long, hard fight; but at least we're
header in the right direction, now.
-OFWAMI-
|
| 3846.12 | ....a terrible thing to loose | ODIXIE::MANOOCH | | Tue May 02 1995 18:18 | 9 |
| Ken,
Customer mindshare is a terrible thing to loose and we wont win it back
without showing our customers that we deserve their business. The
improving internal attitude you speak of is a critical step along a
long road. Customers like to feel good about who they buy from.
Bill
|
| 3846.10 | | PONDB::PALMER | BOB PALMER | Tue May 02 1995 18:42 | 14 |
| RE: Ken Moreau's base note
Ken,
I really appreciate your comments and the attitude they reflect. Our
decision to equip our sales professionals with the top of the line
HiNote Ultra was consistent with our belief that our hard-working sales
professionals deserve the best tools we can afford. The 401(k) match
to the SAVE Plan was driven by the motive you reflected.
Regards,
Bob
|
| 3846.11 | | QUARK::LIONEL | Free advice is worth every cent | Tue May 02 1995 18:58 | 5 |
| Pardon me while I faint.....
Now I know that things are looking up.
Steve
|
| 3846.13 | Ahhh, about that .10 reply | JOKUR::BOICE | When in doubt, do it. | Tue May 02 1995 19:01 | 8 |
| RE: -.10
Bob,
Your reply here will do more for the employees of this company, and
for Digital as a company, than you can possibly imagine. Thanks.
- Jim B.
|
| 3846.14 | I'm impressed | CSC32::MORTON | Aliens, the snack food of CHAMPIONS! | Tue May 02 1995 19:31 | 6 |
| I enjoyed .0, but .10 has put a smile 5 miles across my face. Is that
really Bob Palmer, our CEO? If so, Thanks Bob for not only reading,
but taking time to respond. This means more than any mail message
could ever mean...
Jim Morton
|
| 3846.15 | Hell, I'm doin' a Roger Rabbit! | DPDMAI::EYSTER | It ain't a car without fins... | Tue May 02 1995 19:43 | 7 |
| (Sound of screeching brakes on the InfoBahn!) Whoa, Nelly! Haven't
paid a bit of attention to this string itself...until .10.
Talk about the ultimate "Yes, we hear you"! Morton said it for me,
too!
Tex
|
| 3846.16 | .10: Leading By Example (Lesson 1) | HLDE01::VUURBOOM_R | Roelof Vuurboom @ APD, DTN 829 4066 | Tue May 02 1995 19:56 | 3 |
| ...and Bob gets all 100% of my Communicating with the Troops brownie
points for this week. We don't know yet if VPs read this Digital's
lifeblood notes file but at least we know now that the CEO does :-)
|
| 3846.17 | | CAPNET::PJOHNSON | aut disce, aut discede | Tue May 02 1995 20:00 | 6 |
| This really is momentous, assuming we're not being had. It really made
my day, too. Perhaps if we can try more to accentuate the positive
(because there really is a lot of it), we can foster more
participation like this.
Pete
|
| 3846.18 | I' EXCITED BY THE NEWS | ANGLIN::ZWIRTZ | IF IT AIN'T BROKE, DON'T FIX IT | Tue May 02 1995 20:07 | 15 |
| Yea,
Its about time there was something positive in this notes file. I agree
1110% with all previous responders. I just got back from the second
change forum, and I see a lot of positive attitudes being displayed.
Also very happy to the the CEO would read, and respond to this. I hope
it is infectous, and we see our vision of the future turn to reality
sooner than expected. I've been with digital almost 24 years, and have
enjoyed the work here immensely. Now lets have some FUN, and get this
Company back where it belongs.
We are the best...
Conrad
|
| 3846.19 | I'm stunned | MR2SRV::16.25.0.111::WWILLIS | Wayne A. Willis, CNS Specialized Services | Tue May 02 1995 20:25 | 1 |
|
|
| 3846.20 | and the hits just keep on comin' | ODIXIE::MOREAU | Ken Moreau;Sales Support;South FL | Tue May 02 1995 21:06 | 12 |
| 8) There is growing evidence that the senior management of this company is
committed to open two-way communication at all levels.
Bob, I don't think you comprehend how important your note is and will be.
The idea that the CEO is open to listening to the many valid and substantive
concerns raised in this notes file (as well as wading through the dross which
is inevitable), and then takes the time to respond, is stunning.
You have done more to raise the morale of many by that note, than by any
number of DVNs and one-way mail communications. Thank you.
-- Ken Moreau
|
| 3846.21 | As Zippy would say, YOW!! | GOTIT::harley | Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain... | Tue May 02 1995 21:54 | 7 |
| re .10
I did a couple of double takes as well; I started smiling after I
found only 1 Bob Palmer in ELF, and further found that PONDB:: is
located at MSO...
/harley
|
| 3846.22 | Where'd I put my oars, skipper? | ICS::BEAN | Attila the Hun was a LIBERAL! | Tue May 02 1995 22:22 | 13 |
| re: this string
Ken, nice note. It is refreshing to hear something positive. At work
today I tried my darndest to be the first to tell *someone* the news
about the SAVE contributions... but, even folks who just came off a
long vacation had already heard. Good news sure does travel fast.
And if .10 really is THE Bob Palmer (isn't that unprecedented?) then
that really WILL bring the house down.
Maybe this ol' ship really IS gonna float again!
tony
|
| 3846.23 | Nice/Nice | WBC::DOERING | Wash BM Center 339-5213 | Tue May 02 1995 23:55 | 12 |
|
Re: .0
Ken: Nice note
Re: 10:
Bob: Nice Reply, Please keep it up !!
Randy
|
| 3846.24 | | CALDEC::RAH | an outlaw in town | Wed May 03 1995 00:23 | 4 |
|
re .11
if he shows up in the box, then i'll faint too.
|
| 3846.25 | Good news travels fast!! | DPDMAI::RITZ | PRIVATE PILOT ASEL!!! | Wed May 03 1995 01:13 | 8 |
| Re .10
Talk about motivating the troops. Thank you Mr. Palmer. Don't
be a stranger.
I'm still in shock.
Reis
|
| 3846.26 | | MROA::SRINIVASAN | | Wed May 03 1995 06:59 | 7 |
| re .10
This indeed is a pleasant surprise. I like the idea of direct
communication, which indeed was timely. I hope other VP's in the
organization take the hint and start communicating better.
|
| 3846.27 | Thank you Bob! :) | GLDOA::CUTLER | | Wed May 03 1995 08:20 | 26 |
|
Thank you Bob, you certainly have lifted my spirits. I too checked out
elf and was very happy to find only one Bob Palmer. Believe it or not
this "means alot to the troops". Some others may not find it to be so
great, theres always some spoil sports around, but to the vast majority it
"means something" and thats what counts.
There have been other large
and great corporations in our position (almost down and out), they
turned it around. They were Chrysler and Ford --- look were they're at
today. Chrysler is the lowest cost producer and Ford is knocking on
GM's doorstep. Ford went from, let get ourselves in a position to be
profitable with only 18% of the market, to a goal of let's challenge GM
and pass them someday. They're well on the way of doing just that.
Rick C.
Again thanks....
P.S. Mr. Caldwell (Digital Board of Directors) was the CEO at Ford
during those dark days and was responsible for their turnaround (along
with Red Polling and Donald Peterson). Great story there, as ours
is also. No complacency should be the "battle cry".
|
| 3846.28 | | WLDBIL::KILGORE | Missed Woodstock -- *twice*! | Wed May 03 1995 08:44 | 7 |
|
A copy of .10 has been placed in my small permanent collection of
DEC memorabilia. (I can only hope that such communication becomes so
pervasive that in five years I'll wonder why I bothered saving it.)
Way to go, Bob! I don't care what the others say -- you've got potential!
|
| 3846.29 | | PLAYER::BROWNL | An Internaut in CyberSpace | Wed May 03 1995 09:08 | 38 |
| RE: .10
FX: <bonk> (Head falls on floor).
As a contractor with nearly 10 years at Digital, I can honestly say
that I'm absolutely flabbergasted. Over the years, in various sites and
countries, various managers have taken me to task when someone has
reported me to them for "negative" comments in conferences, principally
this one. I have persisted for three main reasons. Firstly, I felt that
I had, on occasion, something of value to contribute to a wide and
senior audience which was unreachable in any other way. I find it
extremely difficult to keep quiet under such circumstances. Secondly,
the risk of retribution via my manager from someone disgruntled because
I told them their baby was ugly, was worth it if in some small way I
could make a positive contribution to the direction, and hence the
sucess of the Company (short of risking being fired of course!).
Thirdly, because I cared about Digital, a company which has more going
for it than any of the many others I worked for.
Recently, I have contributed less and less, and had more-or-less become
read-only in here. I had lost faith in the fairness of vested interests
trying to shut everyone up who refused to bend over and say please, and
in those who could only see negativeness in any criticism at all. I had
come to believe that those who proffered an opinion, the high-profile
noters, were disappearing at too fast a rate for my comfort; the
risk-factor had, it seemed, increased. Lastly, I had come to believe
that no-one who mattered read what we were saying anyway, and the few
in positions of power who didn't believe NOTES was a "waste of time and
should be banned", weren't interested in changing things anyway,
especially if it interfered with whatever personal agenda they were
promoting.
I think I can speak for all employees, permanent and contract, when I
say that your having posted a note in here signals either the end of
the assumptions in my previous paragraph, or certainly, notice of
change. Thank you.
Cheers, Laurie.
|
| 3846.30 | .10 is real | PKHUB3::MTEAM | | Wed May 03 1995 09:25 | 8 |
| Regarding the "is .10 the real Bob?" string:
It is. Part of the organization I work for supports the Office of the
President and PONDB:: is Bob's machine.
Way to go, Bob!! Thanks for the lift.
Dave
|
| 3846.31 | Still spinning... | ADOV01::MANUEL | | Wed May 03 1995 10:23 | 16 |
| Re .10, I'm still spinning.
I had to look twice at the header and even then I could not believe
my eyes. The fact that the CEO would even browse this type of Notes
stream surprises me, but to REPLY is stunning, goodonya Bob, you
have done more for morale and confidence with a few lines of reply in a
conference like this than all the video tapes I've seen. I'd like to
shake hands with you next time you are down in Australia.
This really illustrates that you are prepared to take notice of those
in the front lines, I'd like to see more replies, how about some comments on
other streams stating what the SLT's position, view, directions is.
Thanks from Downunder,
Keep on noting.
Steve.
|
| 3846.32 | | ASABET::EARLY | Lose anything but your sense of humor. | Wed May 03 1995 10:43 | 8 |
| RE: .10
{Standing ovation}
Amazing! %^]
|
| 3846.33 | They are in touch!!!! | GRANPA::MWANNEMACHER | NRA member in good standing | Wed May 03 1995 10:55 | 10 |
|
RE: .10 Way to go, Bob. This is indeed great to see.
Now, about sponsoring that Winston cup team.... :')
Mike
|
| 3846.34 | I second that! | GRANPA::JWOOD | | Wed May 03 1995 10:58 | 2 |
| I can't believe it; I actually stood up and clapped, too! Not to
mention the tear in my eye...
|
| 3846.35 | And that's the truth... | POBOX::CORSON | Higher, and a bit more to the right | Wed May 03 1995 12:34 | 10 |
|
Thanks, Bob.
Everyone before has said it most eloquently. So today, I turned
down a position to be a Regional Manager for AT&T/Paradyne in Chicago
to stay at Digital and put us back on the map.
And Bob can put that one squarely on his note here.
the Greyhawk stays.
|
| 3846.36 | | MAIL2::RICCIARDI | Be a graceful Parvenu... | Wed May 03 1995 12:44 | 8 |
|
Yeah, okay. Five pounds of sugar fits nicely in a tea cup..
Getting quite a sugar rush....too....
|
| 3846.37 | A Moment of silence..... | ANGLIN::PATCHEN | | Wed May 03 1995 12:54 | 8 |
| I just saw .10, I left the response on my screen, collected eveyone
in the office I could fine, and we just starred in silence at the
reply.
P.S. The note was placed at 17:52..That's after 5 p.m. folks!!!!
Regards,
Rick
|
| 3846.38 | "And the forecast in Hades was today....?" | ANGLIN::BJAMES | I feel the need, the need for SPEED | Wed May 03 1995 13:17 | 22 |
| RE: .0
Ken, thank you for having the courage of saying the things many of us
in the Sales and Services organization are feeling.
RE: .10
Bob, as an 11 year employee, I would include this day as one of the
highlights of my career. One of the biggest things I have observed
regarding leadership here is that it is a shared responsibility, that
is Leaders have to lead and Troops have to follow. Winston Churchill
had a great quote, "Find out where the troops want to go, and get out
in front of them." Today, you are out in front Bob and we're going to
run through sheet rock if need be. Thank you for being a leader, we'll
follow and also lead on our part too.
RE: .35
Greyhawk, good choice to stay, It's going to be a fun ride on our next
Carrier launch against the evil empires of HP, IBM, and Sun.
Mav
|
| 3846.39 | good job folks! keep it going! | TOOK::PASQUALE | | Wed May 03 1995 13:51 | 9 |
|
bravo! we have a ways to go .. we have to be diligent so that we don't
get caught up in the kinds of things that got us into trouble in the
first place.. things like managers empire building, losing sight of the
customer "smoking our own exhaust" etc..
that being said, i haven't felt this good in at least 10 years..
keep up the good work! i've called off the headhunters (for now) :0)
|
| 3846.40 | And lets not forget to thank Ken in .0!! | AXEL::FOLEY | Rebel without a Clue | Wed May 03 1995 14:02 | 25 |
| RE: .10
Well, what can I say Bob? I'm impressed as all get out. It
IS becoming more fun in DEC nowadays. I'm working on
interesting products (one that has done $2.5mil in 2 months
with NO marketing support!) with good people. My attitude
is coming around to 180 degrees from 6 months ago. I'm
even back in the stock plan and will be making a NICE
profit! (I hear "Miata" in my future :))
After almost 15 up and down years at DEC (and I'm only 33),
it's nice to be back on the winning team.
Thanks for lifting MY spirits just that little more.
mike
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Michael A. Foley [email protected]
Internet AlphaServer and CTI AlphaServer Projects
Integrated Servers Group W: 603.881.2176
DEC Internal home page: http://axel.zko.dec.com/~foley/foley.html
|d|i|g|i|t|a|l| *Formerly in VMS Development*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
p.s. I think we should be doing the Winston Cup thing too :)
|
| 3846.41 | I guess its time to rename this note to... | HLDE01::VUURBOOM_R | Roelof Vuurboom @ APD, DTN 829 4066 | Wed May 03 1995 14:10 | 5 |
| ..The Bob Palmer Fan Club Note.
Bob, I think you'll need to order a couple of gross of 8x10" glossies
and Bob Palmer For President Buttons...ehhh...OK..Bob Palmer Is
President Buttons :-)
|
| 3846.42 | WOW!!! | BIGQ::TEASDALE | | Wed May 03 1995 14:14 | 11 |
| re: .10
Thanks, Bob, I needed that!
Need that 401k contribution, too!
Kudos to Ken for leading this parade.
NancyT
|
| 3846.43 | My all-time favorite note | ODIXIE::MFLEMING | | Wed May 03 1995 14:18 | 9 |
| What a great note:
1. Ken's base note - Very uplifting.
2. Bob's reply - Stunning. Stuning.
3. The Greyhawk stays.
Exciting times!
|
| 3846.44 | Thanks! | DECWET::FARLEE | Insufficient Virtual um...er.... | Wed May 03 1995 14:20 | 5 |
| What else is there to say?
Thank you.
Thank you, too Greyhawk. We'll need your talents!
|
| 3846.45 | | POBOX::BATTIS | Land shark,pool shark | Wed May 03 1995 14:23 | 15 |
|
Ken
Great note, and its more than just the stock going up. I've been around
Digital for 10 years and this is truly a comeback story.
.10 Bob, I was shocked, stunned to actually see a reply from our
CEO. Flabbergasted to say the least. I think this shows that you
are aware of employee concerns, and are doing something about it.
Thanks also for the recent SAVE announcement, I for one am extremely
happy to hear of this. Now let's get out there and kick some major
ass in Q4, and one again stun the Wall Street pesemists!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mark
|
| 3846.46 | I think Bob cares. | NUBOAT::HEBERT | Captain Bligh | Wed May 03 1995 14:38 | 10 |
| I felt very positive about Digital eleven years ago when I arrived, and
I've never changed that. We have world-class minds, talents, and hearts.
Look around the cubes and you'll see the best of the best, right here.
With Digital doing well again, my hope for my present group is that WE
change course and once again focus on being contributing members of
project teams that deliver quality products. That event, when it happens,
will renew the enthusiasm of a lot of good people.
Art
|
| 3846.47 | | SUBPAC::SADIN | One if by LAN, two if by C | Wed May 03 1995 14:53 | 13 |
|
re: .10
wow. After being at Digital for the past 7 years, that's the first
time I can recall seeing anyone above the rank of supervisor post a
note. To have it be the CEO of this company is outstanding...!
I'm glad I've stayed with Digital through the bad times. Things are
looking better for sure...
jim
|
| 3846.48 | Thanks from me too. | POBOX::SETLOCK | | Wed May 03 1995 15:07 | 30 |
| Re: .0
Well written/well said Ken. You've covered many of the reasons for
feeling better and I'm feeling better too. It is fun again. The
Notebooks for Sales are great. (I just saw one being demonstrated at a
Customer by our Sales Rep Monday.) I'm a CSC=Customer Support
Consultant supporting the ABU. We were given VT1200's when we/Digital
couldn't sell them anywhere else. But two weeks ago we just got our
new Celebris machines. These aren't the low end or unsaleable
equipment we used to get. These powerful tools really help us do our
job efficiently. It was great to be at the Customer talking about
learning my new Celebris and observing my Sales Rep demo his new Hinote
while discussing the Customer's current and committed $7M PC order
which includes both of these. Using what we're selling seemed to add
credibility to our words and our products.
Thanks Ken for reminding us how far we've come. Yes we still have
opportunities for problem resolution. We must stay focused. Bob
Palmer has said we will face more TFSO's by calendar year end. That
will be hard. I have felt like a survivor and I've been referred to as a
"looser" for still being here, but more recently I'm feeling like part
of the solution and it's nice.
Re .10
Thanks for responding in this notes file Bob. It's encouraging that
you would take the time to acknowledge Ken's note. Thanks for
noticing.
Suzanne
|
| 3846.49 | never thought I'd see the day! | REGENT::NIKOLOFF | STOP Global Whining | Wed May 03 1995 15:09 | 10 |
| re: .10
Holy cow, GQ-Bob! (your nickname,cause you dress-for-success)
Thanks for the inspiration!
Mikki (a much happier Digit) *8-)
|
| 3846.50 | out of the ashes ... | SMOKN::MEAGHER | Cube with a view of the blues .. | Wed May 03 1995 15:28 | 50 |
| Well, I have $.02 and want to take a second to throw them in here too.
What a neat thing to happen. I suspect that Ken's note was brought
to Bob's attention somehow (it's highly unlikely that a CEO
would personally track every note in this or any other conference).
Nevertheless, the "tracker" did his/her job -- and Bob apparently
did his very well indeed.
The references in this string to Churchill (leading), to the
intimidation factor (attempting to speak to senior mgmt), to
"read-only" (because those who had the power to change weren't
listening anyway) all weave a mosaic of moving emotion for me and
I'm sure for others.
This is a "people's forum", and Bob has identified with the
60,000 or so of us out here who are beginning to see Digital as
a special place once more. The grieving process is coming to a close.
Surely, too many absolutely GREAT people were laid off and more of
the same resigned. I consider it a miracle that I am still here
myself, even though, like Ken, I'm on the front line in Sales
Support. Our ranks have been so decimated that there are slots
open once again for new hires. (But this, really, is good news).
So thanks, Ken, for saying what many of us are feeling. Sales
is becoming more fun again, with the absolutely great systems that
engineering is delivering, marketing is creatively describing,
manufacturing is carefully building, and our competition is dreading.
It's beginning to feel like a team again. Please be patient with
each other, everyone is overworked right now (even Bob had to put
in 42 minutes overtime ;>)), but I have NEVER experienced the
unprecedented and unqualified cooperation from the extended Digital
community than I have nowadays. People return calls promptly, they
get answers, they empathize, they REALLY care if we make a sale,
they accept criticism, it's like we're in it for our very lives ...
which, if nothing else, watching people fall all around you is
a very sobering experience. After all, a company is just a bunch
of people engaged in profitable activity. Well, we have 'half a
bunch' now, and a lot of 'partners' out there. It's a new game
and we're all doing our best to understand the shift, adjust, and
move on.
The nice thing to know is that our chief spokesperson, while maybe
not having a glass to the wall, is still 'listening'.
/Kent
Sales Support
Phoenix (the original 'out of the ashes' place)
|
| 3846.51 | Let me on this bus! | ODIXIE::MFLEMING | | Wed May 03 1995 15:42 | 15 |
| RE: .50
"...Sales is becoming more fun again, with the absolutely great
systems that engineering is delivering, marketing is creatively
describing, manufacturing is carefully building, and our
competition is dreading."
What great ad copy your words would make!
Reeling,
Mike
|
| 3846.52 | | MKOTS3::FLATHERS | | Wed May 03 1995 16:11 | 10 |
| Yup, I agree with the other replies here. Way ta go Bob !
....and by the way, I like that song you wrote a few years back...
"...might as well face it you're addicted to love..."
oh,oh yeah, that was the other Bob.
:^)
|
| 3846.53 | I'm normally a r/o in here, but... | CSOA1::LEECH | | Wed May 03 1995 16:12 | 12 |
| It's nice to see so many positive notes in this forum. It was
especially encouraging to see our CEO taking the time to enter a
response to this base note.
I've been with Digital over 8 years and have seen morale go from great
to terrible. For the first time in 5 years, I see morale improving
once more. The new SAVE plan, IMO, will go a long way in continuing
this improvement in morale. Kudos to all responsible for implementing
this plan.
-steve
|
| 3846.54 | WOW!!!! | AMCUCS::SWIERKOWSKIS | If it ain't broke, we'll break it. | Wed May 03 1995 16:17 | 17 |
| re: .0
Thanks Ken, when you're at a customer site 40 hours a week, fighting to keep
Digital business, it's easy to feel isolated and get discouraged. Your note
was a great boost!
re: .10
WOW!!!! After I scraped my jaw off the floor and began to realize the
importance of Bob's note in here, I drove home with an energy uplift I
haven't experienced in about 7 years. It really feels great to work for
Digital again.
SQ
PS. I'm also in favor of Winston Cup sponsorship (or Indy Car or F1 or NHRA
or all of the above).
|
| 3846.55 | | WMOIS::HORNE_C | HORNET-THE FALL GUY | Wed May 03 1995 16:56 | 5 |
| ...YES THANKS BOB....its amazing to see all these people coming out of
the woodwork to suck up!!!!
horNET
|
| 3846.56 | :') | GRANPA::MWANNEMACHER | NRA member in good standing | Wed May 03 1995 17:02 | 5 |
|
shaddup and wipe off your nose, horNET......
Mike
|
| 3846.57 | And that goes for .10 Too! History!! | SOLVIT::CARLTON | | Wed May 03 1995 18:34 | 19 |
|
I N T E R O F F I C E M E M O R A N D U M
Date: 01-May-1995 12:13pm EDT
From: JACK CARLTON @MKO
CARLTON.JACK
Dept: CSS AMERICAS FINANCE
Tel No: 1-603-884-5547
TO: Robert B Palmer @MSO ( PRESIDENT AT A1 at SALES at AKO )
Subject: RE: Company to Contribute to SAVE Plan
Bob, thank you. It's something. It's positive. It makes me feel better about
working here.
Thank you.
|
| 3846.58 | A reason to believe... | CAPNET::MAINS | Think innovative! | Wed May 03 1995 19:35 | 21 |
| I am stunned and impressed that Bob would reply. Bob's comment means a great
deal to those who have stuck with Digital all this time. It means more than
he probably would ever understand.
What will turn this company around now is the energy generated by a motivated
and excited workforce. In many cases, like Bob's note, this isn't a matter
of throwing money at the problem. It's a matter of giving everyone a reason
to believe.
This thread is beginning to show that this is happening as a snowball rolling
down a hill. I personally am pleased as punch at these new developments.
Nobody is going to buy from a company who they believe has as their sole
motivation to make a profit. This is necessary but not sufficient. They have
to feel they can trust a company to keep its word, to do their best, to stand
by you through thick and thin, to develop and deliver to you the products that
will help ensure your success so they can in turn ensure yours.
To get the best from your employees they need to feel the same.
As Bob's note shows, it often the little things that count the most.
|
| 3846.59 | come on be happy... | POBOX::SETLOCK | | Wed May 03 1995 19:37 | 18 |
| re .55
Hi Hornet, Nice to see you're happy too. I didn't see a smiley after
your comment, but perhaps you forgot to include it... Actually it's
pretty nice to see so many people responding positively in this notes
file. If you prefer to call that sucking up I suppose that's your
problem, I prefer to see it as another indication we're moving in the
right direction and some attitudes are changing for the better. I
don't think Bob is reading this notes conference. I think he has lots
of other things to keep him busy. I believe someone advised him of the
note. However, I am pleased that he responded to it herein.
Put a smile on your face and appreciate the kudos which will probably
be reported to Bob as xx% of the replies favored the fact that you
responded personally. Appreciate also the change in attitudes and
morale.
Suzanne :^)
|
| 3846.60 | | TINCUP::AGUE | DTN-592-4939, 719-598-3498(SSL) | Wed May 03 1995 21:48 | 6 |
| Re: .10
Ah, don't you have something better to do than hang around in notes
conferences? %^)
-- Jim
|
| 3846.61 | | OFOSS1::GINGER | Ron Ginger | Wed May 03 1995 23:42 | 9 |
| I just got home from the 25th anniversary diner, where Bob gave a
short, but very positive talk. feeling a bit up on DEC from that I
thought Id log in for a few minutes and catch up- and this note pops up
first!
There were about 175 of us 25 year veterans at the dinner. A good
evening of old Dec stories.
Things are looking up!
|
| 3846.62 | | CHEFS::CARTERC | | Thu May 04 1995 05:38 | 10 |
| Very positive base note... makes me quite jealous I'm not a permie any
more...
if only Bob had realised some time ago how simple it would be to
improve morale? one note..... ;-)
Xtine
|
| 3846.63 | | PANIC::IAN | | Thu May 04 1995 09:45 | 2 |
| Yes, but does it make you sufficiently jealous to hand back your
redundancy wad and get rehired?
|
| 3846.64 | snarf? | CSLALL::GKOPPS | | Thu May 04 1995 11:05 | 1 |
| Is an XXXX.10 reply a snarf?
|
| 3846.65 | RE: All | PONDB::PALMER | BOB PALMER | Thu May 04 1995 11:13 | 18 |
| I was very pleasantly surprised at the Notes File responses to my
short reply to Note 3846. I think everyone in Digital is tired of
pessimism, and it certainly shows in what you had to say. Suzanne
(3846.59) got it right when she said I have lots of things to keep
me busy, so you won't be able to count on me as a frequent Notes
File contributor. However, I do hope to get a word in now and then.
As I have stated in speeches and DVN's, this job is a special
privilege for me, even if (just like yours) it comes with some
frustrations. But, the kind of momentum I have seen building in our
company in the past few months and the support I have felt in the
last couple of days for what I am trying to accomplish has more than
overcome any frustrations.
Thank you,
Bob
|
| 3846.66 | | SPEZKO::FRASER | Mobius Loop; see other side | Thu May 04 1995 11:22 | 3 |
|
Applause.
|
| 3846.67 | | POBOX::BATTIS | Land shark,pool shark | Thu May 04 1995 11:37 | 8 |
|
hear hear Bob!!!! By the way, you need a new personal_name, how
about, "I'm CEO, and your not" or "Have Porsche, will travel" Well,
you get the idea. Nice to know that the CEO knows how to use Notes,
now if you could show the other VP's the same. :-)
Mark
|
| 3846.68 | We _will_ continue our success, I'm convinced... | BIRMVX::HILLN | It's OK, it'll be dark by nightfall | Thu May 04 1995 11:44 | 14 |
| Another reason to feel good is that clearly at least some of the senior
management have resumed telling us about the things we're doing right.
And yes, I do believe that we are doing many things right, and I also
believe that the ratio of mistakes to succeses is dropping.
I make this comment because in the last year or two I felt that too
many have been restricting themselves to telling us what we were doing
wrong. Sometimes their words excluded themselves from any blame of
mis-management.
I also number myself among those who are deeply appreciative that BP
has taken the time and trouble to respond twice in this string.
Nick
|
| 3846.69 | | CHEFS::NASHD | | Thu May 04 1995 11:44 | 13 |
| This is all your fault Ken! No longer can I have a whinge and moan and
not feel hypocritical.
When I was a DECcie working for Digital I could contemplate and discuss
the good ol' days. Tell newcomers what life used to be like. But not
anymore. It feels like the good ol' days are coming back!
I was stunned by .10 but for it to happen again...
I'm beginning to believe we really can make it and be the best.
Exciting isn't it?
|
| 3846.70 | We've all come a long way... | ASDG::TREMBLAY | Hyperlinked to Cyberspace | Thu May 04 1995 11:53 | 7 |
| I'm going to copy .10 and send it to my group. Bob has come a long way
since he was the speaker at my 5 year lunch in '89 and it really feels
like we'll be going a lot further. I don't care if Bob reads the notes
himself or has someone informing him. That doesn't matter.
The fac
is that he's informed, concerned and involved. A good role model for
us all.
JT
|
| 3846.71 | The pulse is strengthening | NASEAM::READIO | A Smith & Wesson beats four aces, Tow trucks beat Chapman Locks | Thu May 04 1995 12:14 | 15 |
| One of the things that endeared Ken Olsen to so many of us old timers (I've
got 22 years) was his ability to reach his employees. He did it by simply
mingling with them at the oddest times.
It appears Bob's taken a page out of Ken's book and is using today's
technology to emulate MBWA. Suddenly, he seems to be in touch with the
company. It's one thing to stand up in front of a group and deliver a
speech. It's another thing to sit in the audience and talk to people.
You find out a lot more by listening than by talking sometimes and Bob's
shown us he's listening.
|
| 3846.72 | People who feel good about themselves produce good results | CASDOC::SAVAGE | | Thu May 04 1995 12:20 | 5 |
| >...at least some of the senior management have resumed telling us
>about the things we're doing right.
Directly in the spirit of that "other" Ken's little book, "The One
Minute Manager".
|
| 3846.73 | There's a BP personal name out here somewhere! | SOLVIT::CARLTON | | Thu May 04 1995 12:30 | 6 |
| Re: .67, how about "Leading the best past the rest..." or something to
that effect (in keeping with the spirit of this string)...
Gotta get on fer myself, too...!
JC
|
| 3846.74 | You already have the most impressive pers name in Notes. | SPECXN::CONLON | | Thu May 04 1995 12:39 | 14 |
| RE: .65 Bob
It's wonderful that you've seen first hand the excitement your note has
generated. It's been a morale boost (even at a time when morale has
already been visibly rising for months.)
My husband works for Digital, too - when I read your .10 on my home PC
last night, I told him 'Get ready to read the most exciting note in the
history of Notes at Digital' and showed him your note.
(It's too bad I didn't think to grab a camera to capture his smile.) :)
Thanks so very much for your notes,
Suzanne
|
| 3846.75 | Yea for management mingling!!! | INDYX::ram | Ram Rao, SPARCosaurus hunter | Thu May 04 1995 12:39 | 25 |
| > One of the things that endeared Ken Olsen to so many of us old timers (I've
> got 22 years) was his ability to reach his employees. He did it by simply
> mingling with them at the oddest times.
Interesting you mention Ken Olsen. Just this past Tuesday, I walked into
my cube to find the following hand-written note stuck to my monitor:
Good luck Ram,
from a fellow Unix partner,
Ken Olsen
(It turns out that Ken was in town visiting his daughter, and stopped
by the office Monday afternoon to chat with people, while I was at
a customer site. He doesn't know me personally, but probably noticed
the UNIX Partner sign outside my cube.)
The personal touch, and the attempt by senior management to indentify
with the front-line troops goes a long way, as evidenced by Ken's note
and Bob's postings in .10 and .65. Digital middle-management in the
field could get more mileage out of us sales-droids with more of this
kind of communmication.
An upbeat survivor in Indianapolis,
Ram
|
| 3846.76 | | MASS10::GERRY | Is that NEARLINE enough for you | Thu May 04 1995 12:50 | 16 |
| re .75
Ram,
>The personal touch, and the attempt by senior management to indentify
>with the front-line troops goes a long way, as evidenced by Ken's note
>and Bob's postings in .10 and .65. Digital middle-management in the
>field could get more mileage out of us sales-droids with more of this
>kind of communmication.
Yes i think that is what is missing, there is NOT enough personal
contact from senior mangement down to the troops. Its good to see that BP is
listening in but what about the next ten levels of mangement (well it seems like
there is 10 levels!!)
Gerald_who_hasnt_seen_a_VP_ever!!
|
| 3846.77 | thanks, again | ICS::BEAN | Attila the Hun was a LIBERAL! | Thu May 04 1995 12:50 | 13 |
| Years ago my Father-in-Law died, and Ken Olsen sent me (a new hire at
the time, in Field Service, in Texas) a personal (not machined) letter
of condolence. He had this way of reaching out to employees at the
"right" time.
I never thought I'd see anything like that again.
In a different way (but, not so very different) Bob has just reached
out to us all.
I appreciate it.
Tony
|
| 3846.78 | WOW! WOW! WOW! | BIGQ::BIANCHI | | Thu May 04 1995 13:00 | 6 |
| DOUBLE WOW!!!!!!
I was impressed with Ken's note, and again at BP's response! But,
to see BP respond again.....I just don't know.....to actually 'listen'
to the 'regular' people more than once!
I really am impressed! Keep it up Bob!
Na
|
| 3846.79 | Congratulations | MSDOA::MCCLOUD | plug & pray | Thu May 04 1995 13:01 | 5 |
| Bob
You have found the way to motivate the masses Its always something
simple like parking your car with the rest of us. Only the best managers
seem to find the way.
|
| 3846.80 | I'm confused by the toneof this thread | KERNEL::PRICEC | I had a life, then I joined the CSC | Thu May 04 1995 13:26 | 23 |
|
My colleagues mentioned this thread, and the fact that Bob replied.
I've read a few of the replies, and I feel as though I've blundered
into some kind of surreal party.
I work in one of the CSCs, Digital is making great products, and that
was one of the reasons why I wanted to join the company a year ago. But
since I've been here I just see more and more work being heaped upon my
plate, with no forseeable letup. Nobody beyond our immediate management
seems to be aware of this.
Does this mean that there are two Digitals ? or did I miss the good
times by joining so late.
Conrad
|
| 3846.82 | | GAVEL::JANDROW | Green-Eyed Lady | Thu May 04 1995 13:34 | 19 |
|
I have only been a Digit for a short time (just under 4 years), so I
really don't know what the "old Digital" was like except from what I
have heard from those that have been around since them. But in my
short 4 years, I have seen a lot of changes. I came in at a time when
things were starting to look bad, and got worse from there. But I
always had 'faith'...even when others knocked me for it. And we are
turning around. Things are slowly going back to the way they were (at
least for me). I never expected it to be an overnight success...nor
would I want it to be, as it probably wouldn't have been a lasting
victory...I still have faith...and I think a lot of others do now as
well...especially after seeing the now infamous note .10 in here.
I just want to say thank you for taking the time out of a very busy
schedule to put a lot of minds at ease, and for scoring some major
brownie points with your worker bees... %^>
-raquel
|
| 3846.83 | No more than we should expect? | XSTACY::JLUNDON | http://xagony.ilo.dec.com/~jlundon :-) | Thu May 04 1995 13:51 | 20 |
| Re: whole topic
I, too, feel happy that Bob Palmer has appeared in a public forum such
as HUMANE::DIGITAL. But does he deserve the praise that many of my
fellow noters are showering on him because he has entered a nice note
or two? Has it taken him *that* long to discover Notes and the effect
it can have on the many employees that read DIGITAL?
I think that Bob and the SLT should be seen more often in forums like
this. Many employees never get the opportunity to communicate with
them directly, let alone see them in presentations, so a forum such a
this is the next best thing in many ways. I hope this episode has
opened a new chapter in SLT awareness of the positive power of Notes.
It's well past time that Bob and the SLT climbed out of their ivory
tower and mixed it with the employees in electronic conferences like
this. Saying that Andy Grove (Intel - Pentium debacle) did that
recently and look at the trouble it got him into :-).
James.
|
| 3846.84 | Stunned !!! | KERNEL::BARNARDP | God told me to do it ! | Thu May 04 1995 14:10 | 14 |
|
There I was brousing through a motorcycle notes conference when I came
across a note telling us to read this entry.......I was stunned. I
mailed my group and they were stunned. I can only endorse everyone
elses comments. It's so good to know you actually care enough to
reply! As if you had'nt guessed I think you have won more friends
in the time it took to type your reply than you realise.
I have, in my 7 year time at Digital, enroled in the ESPP - for the
first time in a long time I believe in Digital..
Thanks you for your inspiration ....
Paul
Proud to be a Digit ;-)
|
| 3846.85 | | PADC::KOLLING | Karen | Thu May 04 1995 14:33 | 10 |
| Speaking of Ken, does anyone know how he is doing and how he's
spending his time?
I remember that Ken had no reserved parking spot at the Mill, and I
once came into my cubicle to find on my desk a handwritten note of
appreciation for a project I'd worked on from Larry Portner.
Karen (4 digit badge number, gave up a pot of money at Adobe to
rehire with Dec two years after a TFSO, and glad I did.)
|
| 3846.86 | thank you | SALEM::CONNELLY | | Thu May 04 1995 14:33 | 20 |
|
Thanks for the positive base note... thanks Bob for letting people
know that you are out there.
It just goes to show you how something positive touches so many
people (in many different ways), and makes them want to share it. I
too heard about this base note in another notes file where everyone was
talking about Bob Palmer entering a note. Its amazing how fast news
travels... its great when its positive.
Someone else stated it perfectly several notes back ....
"APPLAUSE"
just me
|
| 3846.87 | reality check... | BIGQ::GARDNER | justme....jacqui | Thu May 04 1995 14:35 | 23 |
|
Hey Bob,
Now that two of the best weekend Brunch places are gone, where
are you filling your tummy? Cafe Rhubarb and the Coach House.
We (hubby and I) found another neat place that opened in down-
town Hudson (Hat's Off Deli) that was great until some personal
problems forced the closure. Hubby and I are getting somewhat
paranoid about finding another good place for weekend nummies
in case we factor into closing down the place by enjoying it
so much!!! ;*) If you are ever in downtown Northampton,
try Sylvester's for brunch. It's on Route 5 near the center
going toward Springfield. The quality is the same as we got
in Marlboro and Sudbury on Route 20.
Let's just say that this is a way of checking to make sure that
the REAL Bob is behind the node. ;*) I work in HLO (Q&R) and
told you to try the Coach House when Cafe Rhubarb closed so you
wouldn't have to spend a fortune at Bullfinch's!
justme....jacqui
|
| 3846.88 | Two Digitals == Success | DKAS::GALLUP | You are what you think. | Thu May 04 1995 14:42 | 37 |
|
RE: 3846.80 (KERNEL::PRICEC)
> Does this mean that there are two Digitals ? or did I miss the good
> times by joining so late.
To be the resurging Digital we are right now, we have to be the Digital that
works our butts off to make it a reality. I look around my group, and am
totally amazed at how we do it. We have an amazing product with more
customers than we can deliver to, we're understaffed with frozen reqs, and
the field keeps promising new functionality within already impossible
deadlines. It's a nightmare worse than the one on Elm Street.
I'm sure I'm not the only software engineer who throws her hands up in the
air, screams, and contemplates briefly those jobs on the "outside" with
normal work weeks, where people actually get promoted, and where I can make an
easy $10,000+ a year more.
Yet, somehow we do stay here and somehow we deliver....and I think that reason
has to do with a sense of ownership and pride in what we accomplish and what we
bring to this company from our own little neck of the woods. There was a time,
a couple of years ago when I didn't think I'd ever see it this way again...
Yes, there ARE two Digitals, because one couldn't exist without the other. And
I thank Bob for beginning to recognize that through the decision with the
SAVE program.
As for sponsoring the Winston Cup, I'd rather see the Matching Gift program
re-instated. To me it's much more important to see our corporation
making a positive difference in the world by taking this ownership and pride
out into our communities where others can begin to see a glimmer of hope for
their lives just like the glimmer we are beginning to see for Digital.
Kathy Gallup
KBSG -- Cellular Fraud
|
| 3846.89 | | PADC::KOLLING | Karen | Thu May 04 1995 14:54 | 2 |
| Yes, I'd like to see the Matching Gift program back as well.
|
| 3846.90 | Notes training could be a hot course | NEWVAX::MURRAY | what ever happened to user friendly? | Thu May 04 1995 14:59 | 9 |
|
> you get the idea. Nice to know that the CEO knows how to use Notes,
> now if you could show the other VP's the same. :-)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
based on the way this info is flying, I don't think thats going to be
a problem.
Mike M.
|
| 3846.91 | Me too! | LARVAE::TREVENNOR_A | A child of init | Thu May 04 1995 15:23 | 14 |
|
RE: (back a few replies): Are there two Digital's? Well, I thought
there were. Maybe Bob has found a way to unify them. As a way to reach
large numbers of coalface staff in DEC on company matters, notes is far
more effective than a shipload of buckshot emails, DVNs and memos.
Maybe the two company subcultures which have for so long existed CAN be
unified. It's about time!
Well done, Bob.
Regards
Alan T.
|
| 3846.92 | The end of becoming | CSC32::M_VEGA | | Thu May 04 1995 15:39 | 8 |
| about .10 & .65
Can he do that?
Isn't there some unwritten notesfile rule somewhere that says management types
aren't allowed to mix it up in notes like that?
Mark
|
| 3846.93 | Standard Awards program | KERNEL::ROSE | | Thu May 04 1995 15:39 | 19 |
|
I think it's a really good sign that Bob Palmer is taking an interest
and took the time to post a reply here.
I think there is still a long way to go and it would help morale if the
benefits/rewards on both sides of the Atlantic were the same.
In particular I'm referring to long service awards. It seems that in
the USA, and even in other parts of Europe, the awards are better than
the ones we get in the U.K. - for 10 years we get our gold pen and pencil
set, that's all ! I don't mean to seem ungrateful and if that's all
ANYone in the company (Worldwide) was getting I'd be thrilled but in the
U.S. I understand there is a catalogue with gifts which you can chose
from ?
Bye
Trevor
(11 years service)
|
| 3846.94 | Teamwork | VMSNET::M_MACIOLEK | Four54 Camaro/Only way to fly | Thu May 04 1995 15:51 | 20 |
| re: Note 3846.30 by PKHUB3::MTEAM
> It is. Part of the organization I work for supports the Office of
> the President
I've gotten calls from "The Office of the President" too. Only
this fellow was at the White House. (I'll skip the personal opinion).
:^)
I work from home, so my contact with co-workers isn't what one would
normally experience. So, I cruise through here and I see ODIXIE::
hey, he's local... yup, I know that guy, familiar with him, ya, yup,
BOB ??? <double take> Holy Cow. Yup, that's the boss.
Thanks for listening and for responding. Hey, you by any chance
wouldn't want to turn in that porsche for a 715 horsepower Monte Carlo
would you?
Regards,
MadMike
|
| 3846.95 | | HDLITE::SCHAFER | Mark Schafer, Alpha Developer's support | Thu May 04 1995 15:57 | 10 |
| Trevor,
I just received the new awards catalog and although there are more
choices than a pen&pencil set, they are still simple tokens of
appreciation. Certainly nothing that I could not buy in a Service
Merchandise store with a Digital logo attached. The Company is
multinational and there are dozens of things that won't be the same in
every country. In my opinion, this one is not a big deal.
Mark
|
| 3846.96 | | GRANPA::MWANNEMACHER | NRA member in good standing | Thu May 04 1995 16:10 | 8 |
|
Sad Sack,
Leave the Chevy. Let's see if we can't get us a MOPAR to run around
in circles. ;')
|
| 3846.97 | DIGITAL/AXP Winston Cup Stock Car. You want speed? | VMSNET::M_MACIOLEK | Four54 Camaro/Only way to fly | Thu May 04 1995 16:28 | 19 |
| Ya-but you run a mopar, you run in ARCA. You run in arca, you don't
get on teevee. Except down here in the north Georgia mountains I watch
ARCA on SportSouth.
And I didn't want to sound cheesy pushing an idea knowing the boss
is hanging around, but since you started it and notes is a good
place to toss around ideas....
Maybe Mr. Palmer can keep his Porsche and get some Monte Carlos as
well. Even some (gack) thunderbirds would be alright. Heck, if he
wants to check it out I can bring him over to the shop and he can see
a stable-full of red and yellow 200 mph thunderbirds and meet
some real nice folks. Knowing him, he'd probably skip me and show
up in town with the president of McD's or Coke. Oh well.
Maybe we'll get Bob hooked, and he'll start playing the contest
in VMSNET::NASCAR$NOTE::NASCAR %^)
MadMike
|
| 3846.98 | | WLDBIL::KILGORE | Missed Woodstock -- *twice*! | Thu May 04 1995 16:45 | 16 |
|
.92> about .10 & .65
.92>
.92> Can he do that?
.92>
.92> Isn't there some unwritten notesfile rule somewhere that says management
.92> types aren't allowed to mix it up in notes like that?
Though Bob has taken One Giant Leap for DEC Management, he cannot yet be
considered as having "mixed it up in notes".
The DEC_HISTORY conference has recorded Bob's One Small Step For a
Noter in 269. A fitting footnote would be when his ongoing communication
in this medium turns to something controversial and he suffers the
inevitable slings and arrows.
|
| 3846.100 | | POBOX::BATTIS | Land shark,pool shark | Thu May 04 1995 17:39 | 4 |
|
Mike, love the new p_name.
Mark
|
| 3846.101 | | SPSEG::PLAISTED | UNIX does not come equipped with airbags. | Thu May 04 1995 18:26 | 5 |
| Sorta brings back memories of David Stone. Would love to see that trend
return.
Now back to our regularly scheduled program in progress.
|
| 3846.102 | Where no man has gone before... | USPS::FPRUSS | This is NT... This is NT on DRUGS! | Fri May 05 1995 00:22 | 12 |
| Bob et al;
As was tucked on the right side of the cover of the "Sgt. Peppers's"
album: "Welcome Good Guys!"
The question has never been "Will Digital Make It?" It has been "Will
we be on board when it happens?!"
Never been so busy, never had better stuff _or better strategies_ to talk
about...
Frank
|
| 3846.103 | Up and OA... | USPS::FPRUSS | This is NT... This is NT on DRUGS! | Fri May 05 1995 00:31 | 8 |
| re: nabobs (e.g. .83)
It's HIS conference too! (Maybe more so!)
It's hard to imagine someone with his schedule even LOOKING in here,
much less writing. Try and FEEL it, will ya?
Frank
|
| 3846.104 | Make the HiNote/TeamLinks/Dongle a single part # | IOSG::TALLETT | You've got the wrong drivers | Fri May 05 1995 07:06 | 27 |
|
This note is getting forwarded around the company!! Astounding!
I came in to suggest that WE SHOULD OFFER THE MACHINE THAT IS
SO DAMN TOUGH TO CONFIGURE AND BUY AS A SINGLE PART NUMBER
(the one in .0 that the salesforce is getting) complete with
all the software pre-installed (and also shipped on an accompanying
CD). Maybe even a mobile version with cellular modem, air time
contract - the whole nine yards. It takes a long time and a lot
of effort to put a package like this together, we should sell
that effort/expertise.
Having spent 4 months trying to get to exactly the same configuration
(I'm nearly there, I've P1'ed the dongles from the US because they
have been discontinued from the European parts list), I know
how hard it will be for a customer who doesn't even have the
advantage of a clear vision of what they want.
We should only offer the 475/TFT (if you want low hassle, you
have to pay for the best), and we should give quantity discounts
for 100 packs :-) Seriously though, I can see other corporations
doing the same thing.
Regards,
Paul Tallett @REO,
ALL-IN-1/TeamLinks Engineering
Reading, England
|
| 3846.105 | | OZROCK::FARAGO | What about the Infobahn have nots? | Fri May 05 1995 08:48 | 13 |
| Re: David Stone in notes....
Another VP I have seen and continue to see sometimes in notes is
Bob Supnik. Always very well informed and having something
worthwhile to say.
How can we sell technology if we don't use it ourselves? Any
employee who isn't on the Internet, should get there ASAP. It's
impact on society, I believe, will be as big as that of the
computer (for better or for worse)
Robert Farago
Networks Engineering Australia
|
| 3846.106 | Virtual open office | KOALA::ngneer.zko.dec.com::hamnqvist | Mailworks for UNIX | Fri May 05 1995 10:55 | 17 |
| It is very nice to see a few words from Bob Palmer in this conference,
but I'm surprised that he is ahead of his immediate staff. Bob, please
ask your immediate staff to participate as well. I am sure that it would
help make many of the senior members of the company appear more real and
approachable to the rest of the employees. And it could also help elevate
this informal conference from bathroom grafitti to an open dialogue for
*everyone* in the company. BTW, I am not suggesting we should change the
format or structure of this notesfile.
>Per
|
| 3846.108 | My "Bob" story | NETCAD::BRANAM | Steve, Hub Products Engineering, LKG2-2, DTN 226-6043 | Fri May 05 1995 14:17 | 23 |
| Some time last year I heard BP in an interview on WBUR (Boston NPR station), and
liked what I heard. He acknowledged the problems, but came across with a
determined and positive message. At some point while listening to the interview
I realized that not only does he spend 40-odd minutes of overtime at work, he
spends his entire *life* working for Digital. If he is not in his office, he is
out talking to reporters, to analysts, business partners, wherever, busting his
butt for all of us (and the stockholders, of course ;^). You don't run a 14
billion dollar corporation 9 to 5; it takes a lot of personal energy and
dedication, and these came through to me on the radio.
So I sent him a brief note of appreciation, saying I liked the interview and his
message (hey, I've got his mail address on something somewhere, reach out and
ping someone!). It gave me a big grin the next day when I logged in and looked
at my mail. He had replied in characteristically brief style thanking me for my
words of encouragement. The message could have been a standard form reply
dropped in by his secretary for all I know, but it was a lot better than 1) no
reply, or 2) "Mr. Palmer thanks you for your message. Due to the large volume of
mail he receives...".
He could have bailed out in his golden parachute a long time ago and made things
a lot easier on himself, but he didn't. He toughed it out with the rest of us.
So once again, my hat's off to him. Amazing what such a tiny little gesture can
do for people. And I hope others in senior leadership take note of that fact.
|
| 3846.109 | THANK YOU,I FEEL MUCH BETTER!!!!!! | MKOTS3::CONNOR_J | | Fri May 05 1995 15:21 | 20 |
| Mr Palmer and fellow noters THANK YOU!!!!!!!
I have spent the last 6 years working on Digitals 800 line talking to
our customers. It has been very frustrating hearing from them that I
would be loseing my job and Digital folding,WRONG!!!
We have all hung tough and promoted the products and Digital with the
upmost concern. All though we have lost a few soldiers along the way we
have dug in and fought the fight,we will win the war and come out of
this alive and well in 1995!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank You to all of you for making tis company a fun place to work
AGAIN!!!!!
Sincerely:
Jim "JIMBO" Connor
C+P Hotline Suport @800-777-4343
|
| 3846.110 | Fresh Perspective | DECWET::WHITE | | Fri May 05 1995 16:05 | 29 |
| Well...I'm a new hire and I must say that BP's .10 and .65 is something
I have never seen, and I hope the beginning of a new era at DEC. I have heard
the critisim of DEC first hand, as a contractor at a large software company in
Redmond, WA...and it always p*ssed me off, the 'kick-whoever-is-down' attitude
that gets displayed openly there...
But I also recognize that the sentiment is increasly bourne of jealousy and
fear, as we continue to prove that excellence in engineering is still a
primary revenue generator, especially when coupled with a focus on statisfying
our customers needs, in many cases, satisfying those needs orders of magnitutdes
better then our competitors can.
But I believe in Digital, so much so that I picked Digital over that big
software company, the new line of PCI based Alpha systems and the success
of the PCBU to me are more than engineering successes, they are the crown jewels
in the new Digital...the new Digital I and many other new hires in the future
want to be a part of, I'm sure.
I worked at Digital as a contractor before a few years back...and it was sad
to watch all of the TSFO's...the decline in morale, the vehement resistance
to change, and the end of an era. Today the DEC logo means more to me then
it ever has, and company spirit is more important then ever. This string of
notes is proof to me that Digital is back in spirit...and our declaration of
victory is within our grasp, if we fight the good fight...those of you who have
stuck it out and have never wavered in your commitment should be proud of this
notes file, and proud of BP's entry...this truly is a new Digital that I have
joined!!
It feels good to be working at Digital again!
|
| 3846.111 | Vindication is mine, sayeth Stuart | WOTVAX::HATTOS | It's simple - but it's not easy | Sat May 06 1995 05:24 | 23 |
| Like everyone else I'm staggered.
I've worked here 9 and one half years and this is the first time I have
ever seen a note from anyone who I would call senior. It sort of
vindicates my stance that notes conferences are open fora, in which
employees get their only chance to voice their true opinions. Up until
now, I never got the feeling that anyone more senior than my immediate
manager read my notes, spooky feeling.
I too am feeling good about Digital, but there are still some strange
management attitudes around, which takes the edge off my enjoyment
somewhat.
Bob, your entries in this conference leave me feeling vindicated after
all the lukewarm warnings I have had about my notes. I can be positive
and negative, people sometimes don't like the negative and thats
usually because they know I'm right and so are thousands of others in
here.
Notes is the easiest way for senior management to gauge the feeling in
the company, I wish they participated more. Maybe now they will!
Stuart
|
| 3846.112 | | LGP30::FLEISCHER | without vision the people perish (DTN 297-5780, MRO2-3/E8) | Sat May 06 1995 07:40 | 26 |
| re Note 3846.111 by WOTVAX::HATTOS:
> Notes is the easiest way for senior management to gauge the feeling in
> the company, I wish they participated more. Maybe now they will!
While I certainly am a big fan of Notes, I wonder how well
Notes readership represents the corporation. There are
certainly particular classes of people that don't use
computers much, or who have no time during the work day and
don't have access after-hours, or who don't have enough skill
(or confidence!) in written *English*. There are other
classes of people for whom access to Notes is awkward
(non-VMS users!) or who may be in parts of the company with a
new workforce or emerging culture of their own (might PCBU be
in that category to some extent?).
On the other hand, you are probably right: Notes may very
well be the *easiest* way for senior management to gauge the
feeling in the company.
(The participation of senior management may also draw new
participants into this conference, persons who previously
viewed participation in conferences such as Digital as
somehow "non-work-related".)
Bob
|
| 3846.113 | | WOTVAX::HATTOS | It's simple - but it's not easy | Sat May 06 1995 12:34 | 4 |
| I would hope that among the PCBU's *emerging* technologies is the use
of Pathworks Conferencing or Teamlinks Conferencing....
Stuart
|
| 3846.114 | vms? | MU::porter | | Mon May 08 1995 10:24 | 7 |
| > There are other
> classes of people for whom access to Notes is awkward
> (non-VMS users!)
Technical trivia - I'm not using any VMS system, other than the server
on which DIGITAL.NOTE happens to reside, to write this note. I'm
running NetNotes on Windows NT.
|
| 3846.115 | some positive stuff had to start eventually | USCTR1::pelkey.mlo.dec.com::pelkey | life aint for the squeamish | Tue May 09 1995 13:37 | 22 |
|
The notes interface for the PC, runs under Windows 3.x,
windows 95 and windows nt... There is even a server kit
that runs on nt 3.5 ... plenty of ways to get to notes...
And thanks again to our CEO.. It sure is nice to see those
replies from someone who's got as much on his plate as he must
have. Gee.. A regular guy runs the palce!!!! What a concept!!!!!!
re: Sales workbench, Base Note, paragraph 6
Thanks! My group was the team of engineers that configured the
Sales Workbench platform for the Ultras, assisted CNS with the
800 number PPP dials ups, and got the trainers the info and
equipment they needed to train everyone...
These utlras are the greatest laptops around, and it was a blast to
be able to work so closely with them, and have the roll-out be such a
success... Onward through the fog!
/r
|
| 3846.116 | Ring ring, SI here to fix...wow what's that! | NEWVAX::MZARUDZKI | I AXPed it, and it is thinking... | Tue May 09 1995 16:01 | 9 |
|
re -.1
So any chance of getting the Ultras into the hands of delivery
people? We see customers on a daily basis. Some of us actually
live at customer sites. It sure would be a blast to let the customers
see some of our best and brightest with the latest and greatest.
-Mike Z.
|
| 3846.117 | Keeping it going... | TUBORG::K_JOHNSON | | Wed May 10 1995 22:56 | 15 |
| Word of Bob Palmer's responses in this notefile (.10 and .65 - as if anyone reading this doesn't already know!)
has spread through the company like wildfire, and I certainly echo the sentiments expressed thus far: things ARE
getting better, and Bob's participation here has certainly contributed to the rise in morale.
I think the employees of this company (those who stayed, and those who were ALLOWED to stay), deserve their own
cheer, for keeping things going through the tough times, and for not giving up no matter how difficult things had
become. As important as the policies, strategies, or changes implemented by the senior management of this company
might be, it is the hard work of each and every person in the corporation, doing their job each day to the best of
their abilities, upon which the success of Digital ultimately depends. No single person, no matter how important,
no strategy, no matter how inspired, could have made the difference by themselves. But together, WE have made the
difference.
So Here's to us, the people that ARE Digital Equipment Corporation.
Here's to the success that our continued hard (and smart) work and dedication will undoubtedly bring.
|
| 3846.118 | | BIGQ::SILVA | Diablo | Wed May 10 1995 23:04 | 4 |
|
<---- Bob might be able to read the whole note if you write with only 80
columns..... :-)
|
| 3846.119 | Windows i/face please | ADOV01::MANUEL | Over the Horizon.... | Thu May 11 1995 03:45 | 5 |
| re .115, can you please provide a pointer to the Windows 3.x notes
interface for one of my colleagues.
Thanks,
Steve.
|
| 3846.120 | | WOTVAX::HATTOS | It's simple - but it's not easy | Thu May 11 1995 04:55 | 7 |
| Yep,
ABBOTT::WINDOWS_OFFICE is where Teamlinks and Conferencing is
discussed, I think there may be a seperate conference for Conferencing,
but there'll be a pointer in the above..
Stuart
|
| 3846.121 | GALVIA::CONFERENCING | UTRTSC::SCHOLLAERT | http://www.cs.vu.nl/~edoe/Ajax/ | Thu May 11 1995 08:22 | 9 |
| re .119
Conferencing for Windows is discussed in GALVIA::CONFERENCING
Note 2.1 : The current kits are located at hngovr::notes$kit:
Regards,
Jan
|
| 3846.122 | .117 formatted to be readable | ROWLET::AINSLEY | Less than 150kts is TOO slow! | Thu May 11 1995 09:20 | 29 |
| <<< HUMANE::DISK$CONFERENCES:[NOTES$LIBRARY]DIGITAL.NOTE;1 >>>
-< The Digital way of working >-
================================================================================
Note 3846.117 It's getting to be fun to be a Digit again 117 of 121
TUBORG::K_JOHNSON 15 lines 10-MAY-1995 21:56
-< Keeping it going... >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Word of Bob Palmer's responses in this notefile (.10 and .65 - as if anyone
reading this doesn't already know!) has spread through the company like
wildfire, and I certainly echo the sentiments expressed thus far: things ARE
getting better, and Bob's participation here has certainly contributed to the
rise in morale.
I think the employees of this company (those who stayed, and those who were
ALLOWED to stay), deserve their own cheer, for keeping things going through the
tough times, and for not giving up no matter how difficult things had become.
As important as the policies, strategies, or changes implemented by the senior
management of this company might be, it is the hard work of each and every
person in the corporation, doing their job each day to the best of their
abilities, upon which the success of Digital ultimately depends. No single
person, no matter how important, no strategy, no matter how inspired, could
have made the difference by themselves. But together, WE have made the
difference.
So Here's to us, the people that ARE Digital Equipment Corporation. Here's to
the success that our continued hard (and smart) work and dedication will
undoubtedly bring.
|
| 3846.123 | from far east | KTOV11::SHIMADA | WestJapan4/PSC [email protected] | Thu May 11 1995 09:31 | 20 |
| English is not my native language, so I don't have good word to say, but let
me say my feeling.
I was recognized this thread at DIGITAL_JAPAN note conference.
I rarely felt I was a member of Digital Equipment Corporation, but one of just
local "Nihon DEC (Digital Japan)" until I read this thread.
Some people and books said about "good old days", but I don't know such days
because I joined Digital 5 years ago.
Local newspaper said only bad news, red ink, eraly retirement program ....,
and also internal news said retirement/cancel of products.
I felt the company was just sponsor to give me money.
But now I seem to be able to say proudly that I'm a member of Digital.
Cheers !!
Yoshiaki
|
| 3846.124 | Thanks for the pointers.. | ADOV01::MANUEL | Over the Horizon.... | Thu May 11 1995 10:33 | 2 |
| Re windows pointers, thanks I'll follow up.
Steve.
|
| 3846.125 | Welcome.... | ADOV01::MANUEL | Over the Horizon.... | Thu May 11 1995 10:35 | 5 |
| Re .123
Shimada-san, WELCOME to DIGITAL, we are the best.
Steve.
|
| 3846.126 | Re: .125 Thank you. | KTOV11::SHIMADA | WestJapan4/PSC [email protected] | Fri May 12 1995 06:39 | 0 |
| 3846.127 | what about Europa ??... gettting better too ?!?! | GYMAC::SUPPORT_AJ | | Wed May 17 1995 04:33 | 17 |
| read many of the entries of this topic and must say :'well , quite right'...
good to hear from the 'boss of the bosses' that 'digits' who work close to the
customers will receive the 'highnote ultra' ( best we can afford )....it's o.k
that way , but what about the people who do the internal support ( IS )...
what equipment do they need ????????? ..... some antique stuff to support users
who have got new newest PC"s , CD-ROM etc.etc.....Prioris, Venturis, Celebris ...
sounds good to us... and ... well, but if you work still with a DECPC 433 and
a 14'' screen the whole day long.. boy, your eyes are burning in the evening....
and if you have collegues who do PC support still with 386 models ???
what do you think about that ??? .....NO MONEY for us ???? .....
this is just a thought from someone within IS , giving his best , to solve users
problems .. doing testings at home....learning at home..
... but ... (seems like it's getting better but think it could be better...)
...'once upon a time '.... think/hope it will be again like it once was.
axel jacob IS germany
|
| 3846.128 | Great Stuff everyone... keep up the good work..!! | MASALA::SWRIGHT | anything for the weekend sir..? | Thu May 18 1995 00:18 | 1 |
|
|
| 3846.129 | | KIRKTN::CPATRICK | At Least Judas Got A Bung | Thu May 18 1995 01:17 | 2 |
|
Outstanding achievement my Friends....
|
| 3846.130 | re.127 | HAMIS3::VEEH | 19 days to go | Thu May 18 1995 03:02 | 9 |
| I can confirm this. We, a group of 6, have to share a PC for doing reports in
MS-Excel. Or better said, it's a GC (Group Computer instead of Personal
Computer ;) ).
As long as our internal systems are a nightmare and don't provide the reports
the company needs, we should have the tools, needed for the job. And that
can't mean to share a PC with 6 people.
Stefan� (Germany)
|