| T.R | Title | User | Personal
Name | Date | Lines |
|---|
| 857.1 | Boston - gaaah! | KOOZEE::PAULHUS | Chris @ MLO6B-2/T13 dtn 223-6871 | Wed May 02 1990 12:06 | 3 |
| "in Boston" ? Couldn't you persuade BCS to at least keep it out at
128? What happened to Acton?
- Chris, who doesn't go into Boston if he doesn't HAVE to...
|
| 857.2 | Boston/Boston | BAGELS::FELDMAN | | Wed May 02 1990 12:47 | 34 |
| We had several discussions regarding the sighting of the Atari Fest on
the BCS Atari BBS, Delphi, and Harbour Light BBS. On the BCS BBS, I
suggested several sites including the Days Inn at Grove St, which is at
128 and the Riverside T station, the Newton Marriott, The church in
Acton, and a few others.
Most of the responses wanted a show in Boston. Also, there is a cost
factor. Initially, all we were going to do was to have a meeting
featuring Bob Brodie. But there is a grass roots movement (primarily
led by Harry Steele and Kevin Champagne) to have a show. Most of the
hotels either do not have adequate facilities, or they are too
expensive. When we planned the show last year (the cancelled one), we
found that it would cost between $6000 - $8000 to have a hotel based
show. This would require that the booths cost about $500 apiece, and
the admission price be higher than I would like.
Most of our dealers around here (or should I make that singular) cannot
afford to pay that much. In addition, there is no way the BCS
membership services committee would approve a $10,000 exposure for an
Atari show. Even with an essentially free hall, my initial expenses
will be about $5000, although most of that will be covered by booth
rentals.
Enough of the harangue. My personal preference was in the 128 to 495
area. But, costwise, we would not be able to make it happen. The site,
is not yet frozen in concrete. If you can find us an adequate site
within the next few days for October 27, I'll call Kevin and we can
consider it.
Also, we would welcome you to work at the show.
Jerry Feldman
Director, BCS Atari ST User Group
|
| 857.3 | | PRNSYS::LOMICKAJ | Jeffrey A. Lomicka | Wed May 02 1990 17:14 | 3 |
| Nobody has yet mentioned the actual location being considered. It's a
the University of Massachusetts Boston campus, very close to the highway
with plenty of parking.
|
| 857.4 | a place ment for these events... | KOOZEE::PAULHUS | Chris @ MLO6B-2/T13 dtn 223-6871 | Thu May 03 1990 12:48 | 2 |
| Has anyone looked at the New England Trade Center in Woburn? Just
off 128. - Chris
|
| 857.5 | | BAGELS::FELDMAN | | Thu May 03 1990 15:50 | 13 |
| Yes. I talked to them last year. The trade center is a reasonably good
location. The negatives are that it is not close to the T which is a
factor for our many students who live in Boston, and the cost. While I
don't remember the figures, the minimum footage that you can rent is
40,000 Sq Feet. We still would be talking about rental price of at
least $3000 for the day, vs. $100.
Also, because of the Wase show coming up 3 weeks before, and COMDEX 3
weeks following, we also need to limit the scope of the show. Also,
some of the people driving the show live on the South Shore. There are
a few other problems with the Trade Center, but it is a decent place
for large show. 40,000 SQ feet (which is 1/2 of the trade center).
|
| 857.6 | Current list or participants | BAGELS::FELDMAN | Jerry Feldman DTN 227-3279 | Thu Jul 19 1990 12:03 | 23 |
| Some of the confirmed participants in the AtariFest on October 27 are:
Tid Bit Software
Gribniff Software
Gadgets by Small
FAST Technology
Granite Computer Systems
The Bit Bucket
Syntronics
The Computer Zone
User groups:
BCS/ Atari (Sponsor)
NAVAUS (Executive committee participant)
SSAG (Executive committee participant)
For any additional information write:
New England Atari Fest '90
The Boston Computer Society
One Center Plaza
Boston, Ma 02108
|
| 857.7 | Updated List of Participants | BAGELS::FELDMAN | Jerry Feldman DTN 227-3279 | Thu Sep 13 1990 12:10 | 30 |
| The New England Atarifest '90 is scheduled for October 27, 1990
at the University of Massachusetts Harbor Campus in Boston.
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Admission is $5.00.
The following is an updated list of confirmed participants
for the AtariFest:
----------------------------------------------------------
Tid Bit Software
Gribniff Software
FAST Technology
Current Notes
Granite Computer Systems
The Bit Bucket
Syntronics
The Computer Zone
The Computer Bug
User groups:
BCS/ Atari (Sponsor)
NAVAUS (Executive committee participant)
SSAG (Executive committee participant)
V.A.S.T.
For any additional information write:
New England Atari Fest '90
The Boston Computer Society
One Center Plaza
Boston, Ma 02108
|
| 857.8 | Updated list of Participants | BAGELS::FELDMAN | Jerry Feldman DTN 227-3279 | Mon Oct 01 1990 12:25 | 45 |
| The New England Atarifest '90 is scheduled for October 27, 1990
at the University of Massachusetts Harbor Campus in Boston.
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Admission is $5.00. Currently, only 3 1/2
tables are left.
The following is an updated list of confirmed participants
for the AtariFest:
----------------------------------------------------------
Tid Bit Software
Gribniff Software
FAST Technology
Current Notes
Granite Computer Systems
The Bit Bucket
Syntronics
The Computer Zone
The Computer Bug
Computers Etc. (Connecticut)
Online Computers
BetaCad
Asgard Productions (Bill Johnson)
Clayton Walnum
Wizworks.
ISD - Will not have table, will present a seminar.
User groups:
BCS/ Atari (Sponsor)
NAVAUS (Executive committee participant)
SSAG (Executive committee participant)
V.A.S.T.
RIACE
Unconfirmed at this time:
Genie - Will be at show, may have a table.
Delphi- Possible.
BCS/ MAC -Either the BCS Mac group will buy a table, or
BCS/Atari will have a copy of the MAC library.
For any additional information write:
New England Atari Fest '90
The Boston Computer Society
One Center Plaza
Boston, Ma 02108
|
| 857.9 | | SMURF::COUTU | He who will not risk, cannot win. | Wed Oct 03 1990 11:27 | 11 |
| Could someone who knows please tell me if advance registration is
necessary (or recommended, or possible) for this event? Or is all
admission going to be collected at the door?
Does anyone have directions on how to get to the specific building it
will be in? 'Harbor Campus' doesn't sound like a building name to me!
:-)
Thanks, I'm dying to see a real Atari show,
Dan
|
| 857.10 | In the Cafeteria on the third floor | BAGELS::FELDMAN | Jerry Feldman DTN 227-3279 | Wed Oct 03 1990 12:56 | 6 |
| All admission will be collected at the door. The admission is $5.00.
The show will be in the Cafeteria on the third floor. We plan to post
signs in many locations nearby. You may want to call the BCS/Atari BBS
at 617-396-4607 for more information.
Jerry
|
| 857.11 | | SMURF::COUTU | He who will not risk, cannot win. | Wed Oct 03 1990 18:28 | 9 |
| Ah, thanks for the info! I'm not real keen on making the long
distance call to connect to a BBS that I don't know how to use and
will spend who-knows-how-long trying to figure out how to use the
thing just to find the info I really need. So I thought I'd ask here
first and see what turns up.
Thanks again,
Dan
|
| 857.12 | directions from pike? | AISG::MISKINIS | | Wed Oct 03 1990 18:59 | 7 |
|
I (and two friends) plan on attending also. If anyone gets the
directions to the U. Mass. Harbor Campus, PLEASE POST THEM!
Thanks, and see you there!
_John_
|
| 857.13 | I'll second that | PAULJ::HARRIMAN | Deb in Air | Thu Oct 04 1990 10:23 | 7 |
|
As I don't really remember what exit off the S.E Expressway gets me
there... I'll be coming down from Vermont to this event, I don't feel
like getting lost in Dorchester.
/pjh
|
| 857.14 | Better directions, etc. | BAGELS::FELDMAN | Jerry Feldman DTN 227-3279 | Fri Oct 05 1990 10:52 | 29 |
| I believe that the exit is exit 15 off the Southeast Expressway which
is I93 and US Route 3. The exit is marked for UMASS, JFK Library, and
for the Bayside Expo Center. We plan on posting signs with arrows since
there is also a computer show at the Bayside. There are many signs to
the UMASS Campus which is less than 1 mile from the exit. If more
explicit directions are desired, I will make sure to post them here
early next week.
As for a status report:
We have all but 3 booths sold. Nearly all the Atari Dealers in the
New England area will be attending as well as vendors including FAST
Technology, Gribnif Software, and Codehead Software. Bob Brodie, who is
the manager of user group services at Atari is also attending.
Unfortunately, Atari Corporation is providing no other support to the
show except for Bob Brodie. They have provided absolutely no money for
advertising, and will not be sending in any equipment to the show.
However, techPlus, the New England Reps for Atari is making sure that
all the dealers have sufficient stock of St's, STE's, Portfolios, and
other products. Everyone involved is very excited. The response to the
show has exceeded our expectations.
On another note, Atari has also turned down the BCS's request for
placing an Atari Computer in the BCS member center. The center include
Macintoshs, Amigas, PCs of various makes, Next, and others including a
large library of software titles.
|
| 857.15 | Prospero? | DECWIN::GILLIAM | | Fri Oct 05 1990 13:03 | 2 |
| By the way, will Prospero Software (Portland, Maine) be there?
|
| 857.16 | They have not replied | BAGELS::FELDMAN | Jerry Feldman DTN 227-3279 | Fri Oct 05 1990 14:55 | 5 |
| We have not received a confirmation from them. I would like to see them
there, and we sent them a package. Also, I believe that Jim Allen did
call them. However, you are invited to try to get them to come.
Personally, I happen to think that Prospero C is a decent ANSI
complient compiler.
|
| 857.17 | Directions to AtariFest | BAGELS::FELDMAN | Jerry Feldman DTN 227-3279 | Fri Oct 05 1990 17:53 | 24 |
| Here are more detailed directions to the NewEngland AtariFest 90.
From Interstate 93, alis the Southeast Expressway, Route 3:
Southbound, take Exit 15, UMASS, JFK library exit.
Northbound: Take exit 14, UMASS, JFK library.
Follow signs to UMASS (less than 1 mile).
Rapid transit access:
Take any Red Line train to the JFK/Umass station. UMASS does run
shuttle busses, but I am not sure about the saturday schedule. It
should be a 10 to 15 minute walk.
The AtariFest is located in the Cafeteria of McCormack Hall. There is
an underground parking garage with FREE parking. The cafeteria is on
the third floor. We will be posting signs at the elevators, in the
parking garage, and on some of the intersections near Umass.
For those of you who have some reservations about being lost in
Dorchester, UMASS and JFK library are East of the expressway in an area
which has relatively no crime.
Some of the out of town visitors may stay at the Susse Chalet which is
located at exit 13.
|
| 857.18 | New Updated Participants | BAGELS::FELDMAN | Jerry Feldman DTN 227-3279 | Tue Oct 09 1990 15:13 | 56 |
| The New England Atarifest '90 is scheduled for October 27, 1990
at the University of Massachusetts Harbor Campus in Boston. See
.17 for explicit directions.
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Admission is $5.00.
All the tables have been reserved. However, we can still accomodate
a few more. The local rep has made arrangements that all dealers who
have outstanding orders would have those orders filled ASAP. Both
Stacys and STEs have been shipped to local dealers this week for the
show.
The following is an updated list of confirmed participants
for the AtariFest. * indicates added since last update:
----------------------------------------------------------
Atari Corp -- Bob Brodie.
Tid Bit Software
Gribniff Software
FAST Technology
Current Notes
Granite Computer Systems
The Bit Bucket
Syntronics
The Computer Zone
The Computer Bug
Computers Etc. (Connecticut)
Online Computers
BetaCad
Asgard Productions (Bill Johnson)
Clayton Walnum
Wizworks.
* CodeHead Software.
ISD - Will not have table, will present a seminar.
* ICD - Strong Probably - I will know for sure later in the week.
* Joppa products
User groups:
BCS/ Atari (Sponsor)
NAVAUS (Executive committee participant)
SSAG (Executive committee participant)
V.A.S.T.
RIACE
Unconfirmed at this time:
Genie - Will be at show, may have a table.
Delphi- Possible.
BCS/ MAC -Either the BCS Mac group will buy a table, or
BCS/Atari will have a copy of the MAC library.
For any additional information write:
New England Atari Fest '90
The Boston Computer Society
One Center Plaza
Boston, Ma 02108
|
| 857.19 | New Official Status Report | BAGELS::FELDMAN | Jerry Feldman DTN 227-3279 | Tue Oct 16 1990 11:28 | 102 |
|
//////NEW ENGLAND ATARIFEST '90\\\\\\
*STATUS REPORT*
14-Oct-90
The following will be represented at New England AtariFest '90, to
be held 27-Oct-90 at UMass/Boston (Harbor Campus). A (*) denotes
confirmed exhibitors. A (o) indicates alternative participation.
* Asgard Productions * GT Software
Jamaica Plain, MA Cleveland, OH
* Atari Computer (U.S.) * ICD, Inc.
Sunnyvale, CA Rockford, IL
* Beta-Cad o ISD Marketing, Inc.
North Attleboro, MA Markham, Ontario
* Bit Bucket Computer Store * Joppa Computer Products
West Newton, MA Abingdon, MD
* CodeHead Software * Chor-Ming Lung
Los Angeles, CA Boston, MA
* Computer Bug * Micro National
Hadley, MA Danvers, MA
* Computers, Etc. * On-Line Computers
Fairfield, CT Salem, NH/North Reading, MA
* Computer Zone * Dennis Palumbo
North Attleboro, MA Franklin Square, NY
* Dr. T's Music Software o ST Report
Chestnut Hill, MA Jacksonville, FL
* Duggan DeZign & Hawkware o Step Ahead Software
Pawtucket, RI New York, NY
* ERM Electronic Liquidators * Syntronics Computer Center
Melrose, MA Boston, MA
* Fast Technology * Taylor Ridge Books
North Andover, MA Manchester, CT
o GEnie * TidBit Software Engineering
Rockville, MD Maynard, MA
* Granite Computers * WizWorks!
Hillsboro, NH Girard, OH
* Gribnif Software
Northampton, MA
* Atari UG of Greater Hartford * Rhode Island ACE
Hartford, CT Providence, RI
* BCS/Atari * South Shore Atari Group
Boston, MA Hyde Park, MA
* Nashoba Valley Atari Users' Soc. * S.T.A.R.R.
Acton-Boxboro, MA New Haven, CT
* N. Attleboro Atari Computer Club * Valley Atari ST
North Attleboro, MA Methuen, MA
/////////////////////////Seminars (Titles Tentative)\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
0915 "GEnie STAR*SERVICES"
Darlah Pine, GEnie Atari RoundTables
1000 "TRACKER/ST"
Nevin Shalit, Step Ahead Software
1100 "CALAMUS AND OUTLINE ART"
Nathan Potechin, ISD Marketing, Inc.
1200 "ALL THE NEWS THAT FITS"
Ralph Mariano, ST Report
1300 "NEODESK 3: THE ULTIMATE DESKTOP"
Rick Flashman, Gribnif Software
1400 "WHATEVER COMES TO MIND"
Jim Allen, Fast Technology
1500 "ATARI SPEAKS"
Bob Brodie, Atari Computer (U.S.)
1600 "DATA MANIPULATION WITH DATAKEN"
Tyson Gill, GT Software
/////////////////////////How To Find The Show\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
Location: UMass/Boston, Harbor Campus. Next to JFK Museum & Library.
Take exit 15 from I-93S, exit 14 from I-93N. Free parking.
McCormack Hall - 3rd Floor.
/////////////////////////////For more info\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
o GEnie: Email D.JACOBSON2 o DELPHI: Email DPJ, NORMAN238
o BCS/Atari BBS (24h, 3/12/24/96) o N.E. AtariFest '90 (c/o BCS)
(617) 396-4607 One Center Plaza
Boston, MA 02108
|
| 857.20 | Latest status report | BAGELS::FELDMAN | Jerry Feldman DTN 227-3279 | Tue Oct 23 1990 11:52 | 68 |
|
//////NEW ENGLAND ATARIFEST '90\\\\\\
S*T*A*T*U*S R*E*P*O*R*T
18-Oct-90
Things are getting down to the wire, so everything should be pretty
much in place. Unless anything changes drastically, this will be the
final update. New England AtariFest '90 will be held 27 October 1990
at the University of Massachusetts at Boston - Harbor Campus. Doors
open at 9:00am.
The following will be represented at New England AtariFest '90.
Entries marked with a (*) indicate exhibitors, while those marked
with a (o) indicate alternative participation.
* Asgard Productions o ISD Marketing, Inc.
* Atari Computer (U.S.) * Joppa Computer Products
* Atari UG of Greater Hartford * Chor-Ming Lung
* BCS/Atari * Micro National
* Beta-Cad * Nashoba Valley Atari Users Soc.
* Bit Bucket Computer Store * N. Attleboro Atari Computer Club
* CodeHead Software * On-Line Computers
* Computer Bug * Dennis Palumbo
* Computer Zone * South Shore Atari Group
* Dr. T's Music Software * ST Atari Road Runners
* Duggan DeZign/Hawkware o ST Report
* ERM Electronic Liquidators * Step Ahead Software
* Fast Technology * Syntronics Computer Center
o GEnie * Taylor Ridge Books
* Granite Computers * TidBit Software Engineering
* Gribnif Software * Valley Atari ST
* GT Software * WizWorks!
* ICD, Inc. * Rhode Island ACE
The Seminar schedule is as follows:
0915 Darlah Pine "GEnie STAR*SERVICES"
1000 Nevin Shalit "COLOR DTP WITH PAGESTREAM"
"TRACKER/ST"
1100 Nathan Potechin "CALAMUS AND OUTLINE ART"
1200 Ralph Mariano "ALL THE NEWS THAT FITS"
1300 Rick Flashman "NEODESK 3: THE ULTIMATE DESKTOP"
1400 Jim Allen "WHATEVER COMES TO MIND"
1500 Bob Brodie "ATARI SPEAKS"
1600 Tyson Gill "DATA MANIPULATION WITH DATAKEN"
GETTING TO THE SHOW:
UMass/Boston's Harbor Campus is easily accessible from I-93 (south-
bound, take exit 15; northbound, exit 14, and follow the signs to
"U. of Mass./JFK Library"). Parking is free.
By public transportation (MBTA), take the Red Line outbound to the
JFK/UMASS stop.
The show is in McCormack Hall Cafeteria, on the 3rd floor.
|
| 857.21 | Final Status Report | BAGELS::FELDMAN | Jerry Feldman DTN 227-3279 | Wed Oct 24 1990 16:58 | 73 |
| <<< Note 857.20 by BAGELS::FELDMAN "Jerry Feldman DTN 227-3279" >>>
-< Latest status report >-
//////NEW ENGLAND ATARIFEST '90\\\\\\
S*T*A*T*U*S R*E*P*O*R*T
24-Oct-90
Things are getting down to the wire, so everything should be pretty
much in place. Unless anything changes drastically, this will be the
final update. New England AtariFest '90 will be held 27 October 1990
at the University of Massachusetts at Boston - Harbor Campus. Doors
open at 9:00am.
The following will be represented at New England AtariFest '90.
Entries marked with a (*) indicate exhibitors, while those marked
with a (o) indicate alternative participation.
* Asgard Productions o ISD Marketing, Inc.
* Atari Computer (U.S.) * Joppa Computer Products
* Atari UG of Greater Hartford * Chor-Ming Lung
* BCS/Atari * Micro National
* Beta-Cad * Nashoba Valley Atari Users Soc.
* Bit Bucket Computer Store * N. Attleboro Atari Computer Club
* CodeHead Software * ASDE, Inc.
* Computer Bug * Dennis Palumbo
* Computer Zone * South Shore Atari Group
* Dr. T's Music Software * ST Atari Road Runners
* Duggan DeZign/Hawkware o ST Report
* ERM Electronic Liquidators * Step Ahead Software
* Fast Technology * Syntronics Computer Center
o GEnie * Taylor Ridge Books
* Granite Computers * TidBit Software Engineering
* Gribnif Software * Valley Atari ST
* GT Software * WizWorks!
* ICD, Inc. * Rhode Island ACE
The Seminar schedule is as follows:
0915 Darlah Pine "GEnie STAR*SERVICES"
1000 Nevin Shalit "COLOR DTP WITH PAGESTREAM"
"TRACKER/ST"
1100 Nathan Potechin "CALAMUS AND OUTLINE ART"
1200 Ralph Mariano "ALL THE NEWS THAT FITS"
1300 Rick Flashman "NEODESK 3: THE ULTIMATE DESKTOP"
1400 Jim Allen "WHATEVER COMES TO MIND"
1500 Bob Brodie "ATARI SPEAKS"
1600 Tyson Gill "DATA MANIPULATION WITH DATAKEN"
GETTING TO THE SHOW:
UMass/Boston's Harbor Campus is easily accessible from I-93 (south-
bound, take exit 15; northbound, exit 14, and follow the signs to
"U. of Mass./JFK Library"). Parking is free.
By public transportation (MBTA), take the Red Line outbound to the
JFK/UMASS stop.
The show is in McCormack Hall Cafeteria, on the 3rd floor.
|
| 857.22 | So what happened? | SMURF::COUTU | He who will not risk, cannot win. | Mon Oct 29 1990 11:49 | 9 |
| Well, now that it's over could someone summarize what happened? I was
on my way to the show when my car decided to spring a gas leak and
torch itself. :-( (Major bummer.)
So I missed the whole thing and am dying to find out what I missed.
Thanks,
Dan
|
| 857.23 | Grest show | BAGELS::FELDMAN | Jerry Feldman DTN 227-3279 | Mon Oct 29 1990 15:58 | 30 |
| The AtariFest was very successful from most viewpoints. Total
attendance including vendors and volunteers (who worked hard) was in
excess of 1000. Most of the vendors were very pleased with the results,
and it was a worthwhile trip. The seminars were well attended,
especially the ones featuring Ralph Mariano, publisher of STreport
Online, and Bob Brodie, manager of User group Services at Atari.
Most of the vendors (except Atari) donated door prizes to be given out
every hour. The main door prize was an STE which was purchased by the
BCS at dealer's cost from The Bit Bucket in West Newton and Sudbury.
Ralph announced that Atari may have a new mega ste in the very near
future. This is not yet announced by Atari.
The biggest criticism of Atari was the lack of advertising and the lack
of local dealers. There are only 27 Atari dealers in the United States.
New York City does not even have a dealer.
Also, It was explained why Elie Kanan ended up not running Atari US.
Basically, he felt he would be over extended and preferrred to stay in
France. You will probably see some more about this in STReport and
Znet. Elie's replacement is Greg Pratt, who is a longtime associate of
the Tramiels. Greg was chief operations officer for Commodore under
Tramiel, and CFO for Federated, I believe.
All in all, the show was a success, sorry you were unable to attend.
Anyone else who attended, but was not a volunteer, I would like some
feedback about the show, so we may be able to have a better show in
the future.
|
| 857.24 | You want feedback? | PAULJ::HARRIMAN | People Inaction | Mon Oct 29 1990 17:06 | 41 |
|
I traveled down from Vt. with another Atari user. I guess there were
six people from Vermont who showed up (I saw the rest there).
I was pleased to see so many Atari users there. There were a LOT of
people crammed into the space; some of the booths (Joppa in particular)
were so jammed with people it took 20 minutes to get to ther front.
In general, the flow of people wasn't as bad, but the Joppa/Computer
Bug aisle was awful.
When they moved the seminars, it seemed to make less space than before.
I couldn't hear a thing from the back, so I didn't stick around for it.
Overall the vendor booths were pretty good. They sold out of memory
by 11:15, which was too bad, since I got there at 11:00 and waited
in line for 20 minutes to find that out. :-(
I was glad to see Dr. T's there, and especially glad to see Richard
Viard at the booth. He's extremely helpful, adept at demonstrations,
and provided some valuable information and insight into the direction
that Dr. T's is going.
The user groups were generally interesting. I didn't go for much of the
PD software (I have what I need), but judging by the activity there,
they were generally well received.
The only constructive feedback I could envision is to do better
flow control (placement of booths) so that crowds at one booth don't
back up into another booth (Joppa/Computer Bug, and the entrance
row as well). I had a great day, and though I didn't get my memory
upgrade, I did pick up another Dr. T's program, and I got to talk to a
lot of people who know that Atari makes something more than video
games, and I got to attach some faces to names too!
Big disappointment was the lack of any real Atari Corp. presence,
but that's nothing new here.
Good job! I hope it happens again!
/pjh
|
| 857.25 | Comments from another attendee | ALLVAX::PETERS | Don Peters, CTC2-1/C14, 287-3153 | Tue Oct 30 1990 13:19 | 67 |
| I and a friend drove down from Nashua to attend the Atarifest. We both are
from the Nashua area ST user club, and saw about 4 or 5 others from the club
there also. We also were impressed by the relatively large attendance.
I also liked the selection of seminars and number and variety of vendors
who showed up. MicroNational had some great prices on hard and floppy
disk drives. Codehead's booth actually had a TT on display - the first
time I actually got to *touch* one. I thought its keyboard had an especially
nice feel to it, although, due to the crowds, I didn't have much time to
play with it.
For future shows, I would really like vendors and visitors to wear nametags,
so I'd know who I was talking to without having to ask each time. Also, I
went to about three seminars, and found them VERY crowded. I had to stand
in the hall to hear the Brodie speech. A larger room would have been very
welcome.
One of the things I was anxious to do was meet and hear Bob Brodie, who I
had been hearing such good things about. I did get a chance to talk to him
for a few minutes, and even asked if he would consider speaking to our club.
He agreed, if we'd schedule it far enough in advance, but then went on to
say that he'd only like to speak in front of a minimum of 100 people! I don't
think the regular attendance of the BCS ST club, NaVAUS, and NASTUS combined
totals 100! I think he must have an overblown idea of ST club membership.
After hearing his hour talk, I have to admit I came away somewhat disapointed
in him, in that he didn't offer much new and didn't give any real insight
into what Atari was up to. For example,
- on there being no Atari dealers in New York City, he claimed that
the city sells everything at big discounts, and all the vendors cut
each others throat on cost. Hence, no dealers. Hmmmmm, I guess this
implies there are no Amiga dealers, no Apple dealers, and no IBM
vendors.
- when asked what the TT would be selling for, he avoided the issue. When
pressed, he said "under $10,000". Recently, on Genie, he mentioned
a guess of just over $3000.
- when discussing the STe problem, he never mentioned just what caused
the problem. But he did defend ICD when other Atari management tended
to blame ICD and other suppliers of hard disk interfaces.
- when asked about the lack of STs, he said they simply couldn't get
enough. When pressed, he said the STs came from Atari Corporation,
and that he did not know why Atari Corporation simply did not
produce more. He said they did not advertise because they didn't have
enough product. The root of the problem then seems to be lack of
production.
- when asked about the lack of dealers, he dodged the issue by saying
there are a lot of dealers in places you wouldn't expect them, like
in music stores.
Oh, on TT availability: he and Ralph Mariano (along with others) claim the
TT will be available during COMDEX. When pressed about when we could actually
buy one, he said that dealers could order them then. When pressed still
further as to when dealers would actually receive them, he claimed he didn't
know trucking schedules, but guessed it would take about two weeks.
Bob seemed to handle the first half hour of questioning pretty well, but
seemed anxious to end the session during the last 15 minutes. He seemed
relieved when it ended, probably because people there kept pressing him
for more direct answers as time went on.
---------------------
Don Peters
NASTUS president
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| 857.26 | Re Booth space | BAGELS::FELDMAN | Jerry Feldman DTN 227-3279 | Tue Oct 30 1990 15:28 | 13 |
| Re: Seminars.
In general, we really had no choice of seminar rooms. We planned the show
as a small, regional show, and still Bob Brodie was mad at us. The original
seminar rooms that we had planned to use were preempted by the Governor's
council. We selected the class room on Friday night, but we got
preemted for a class between 11:30 and 12:30.
In the future, we will try to plan more space. Joppa only bought 1
table, and commented that they should have bought more space. However,
space was limited. We decided to run the show as a very low cost show.
Booths were sold at $150 per booth so that the small stores like Computer
Zone could afford to come.
|
| 857.27 | Atari provided ZERO support to the show | BAGELS::FELDMAN | Jerry Feldman DTN 227-3279 | Tue Oct 30 1990 15:46 | 31 |
| I was able to get Bob Brodie to come to Boston on October 27 to meet
with the BCS. At that time, Bob and I agreed that we could do a small
show. At that time, Bob was handing out door prizes at user group
meetings.
However, Bob has been upset at us for publicizing our show. I feel that
Atari has been extremely unfair to New England and the BCS over the years,
and their support for our show has been abyssmal. At least Bob did bring
his Stacy and Lynx. Not only did Bob not bring any door prizes, Atari
also did not even offer to get us an STE at cost. We bought the STE from
the Bit Bucket at their cost.
Atari now has a policy of supporting only one East coast and one West
coast show per year. Again, to be fair to Atari, they never promised
us any support, but when door prizes are given at user group meetings
such as Syracuse New York, why not here in Boston.
Also note that Kevin Champagne, who has been a long time Atari suppor
Harbour light, and is in progress of selling all his Atari equipment.
Personally, I also have considered selling my ST as well as stepping down
as director of the user group. As long as the Katzenjammer are running
Atari, things are not going to change. Even though the TT is an excellent
machine, I think that my next purchase will probably not be an Atari.
Another (negative) thought. There are only 27 Atari dealers in the US,
and there are 10 here in New England. Outside of California, the Boston
area is probably the strongest area in the US, and Atari shoots us the
bird. Then they wonder why sales are slipping in the US.
and chairman of the executive committee has just closed down his BBS, Harbour Light.
|
| 857.28 | | AQUA::ROST | Neil Young and Jaco in Zydeco Hell | Tue Oct 30 1990 15:59 | 19 |
| Re: .27
I'm a new Atari owner (about 3 weeks now) and was rather appalled at
Brodie's performance at the show. Why bother come out at all if all he
could say was, they need to increase the volume of hardware available.
That's obvious to everybody already!!! The saddest thing was looking
at all the goodies available in the UK advertised in the foreign
magazines. If the TT doesn't really ship after COMDEX, they might as
well shut down Atari US.
As far as the vendors and user's group, it was nice to see that there
are still some people out there supporting the machine.
The only real nit I had about the show itself was the lack of food and
drink. If I had known I would have come armed with quarters for the
vending machines.
Brian
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| 857.29 | Great (but cramped) show! | KORG::MISKINIS | | Tue Oct 30 1990 16:25 | 10 |
|
Well I also attended, along with 2 friends (from DEC). Luckily I had
plent of change, since I always prepare for the Mass Pike tolls...
YEH, it was pretty cramped, and I wasn't aware that a TT was present
at the show until I read it in the conference...
I made several purchases, and enjoyed the show very much...
_John_
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| 857.30 | Food | PRNSYS::LOMICKAJ | Jeffrey A. Lomicka | Tue Oct 30 1990 16:27 | 26 |
| Sorry about that, the food and drink issue was out of our control.
The food service vendor at U-MASS has an exclusive contract on food,
and refused to open for the 'fest unless we could put up a $1500
guarntee, and refused to permit us to run a food concession ourselves.
The executive committee chose to go without food rather than put up the
money.
When the location was chosen, there was a different food service company
in control that was going to be more ammenable to our needs. However,
they lost the contract when it came up for renewal in the summer.
All I can say is "we tried".
It's a shame that Bob has to do things in such an unbalanced way - door
prizes for small user groups and nothing for the New England Atarifest.
Atari is a "reactive" company. Things happen, and they have knee-jerk
reactions. I've seen other computer companies act that way at times.
I'm sure part of this is a reaction to PACE and the threatened legal
action that followed.
Also, I don't see how WAACE was an East Coast show. Our show was on
the shore of the Massachusetts Bay. You could see boats out the
window. You couldn't see water larter than a swimming pool from the
Sheraton Reston. They call that a coast? As far as I can tell, we had
the ONLY east COAST show this year. :-)
|
| 857.31 | Cramped Space et. al. | BAGELS::FELDMAN | Jerry Feldman DTN 227-3279 | Wed Oct 31 1990 10:13 | 40 |
| re .28
We spent a lot of time trying to find someone who would be able to
bring a TT to the show. Atari flat refused. John Eidsvoog of Codehead
Software was gracious enough to bring his.
re .29
Planning a computer show is a crap shoot. We originally expected to
have about 20-30 participants. We actually had 44 tables set up. The
show attendance was right on projections, and if you count volunteers,
vendors, kids, as well as paid admissions, we had over 1000 attendees
at the show.
The new England Atari community is very active as is obvious with many
user groups in the area. I think we may even have more members of user
groups in New England than in California which is better supported by
Atari.
I hope that we have sent a signal to Atari that we are still alive here
in New England. I also feel that Bob Brodie is somewhat sympathetic to
our cause. I sent off a message over the Internet to Bob thanking him
for his personal support, and expressing some disappointment over the
otherwise lack of support from Atari. I don't believe that anything I
say is going to do any good since some higher ups at Atari (eg. Jack
and the Katzenjammer kids) have been angry at the BCS for years since
some unnnamed predecessor of mine called them all nasty names.
One statistic that may be interesting. Ralph Mariano stated that there
are only 27 Atari dealers in the US. Tech Plus, the local rep says that
there are 10 in New England. If this figure is accurate, we should have
some clout.
Re .30
We did have some volunteers go on food runs for hamburgers and pizzas.
These lasted about 1.5 minutes. There was a food stand on the first
floor which closed at 1:00 PM. Unfortunately, they sold out of
sandwitches. As Jeff mentioned, we had a close relationship with the
former food service company. Had they not lost the contract, then the
chairman of the executive committee would probably have been the food
services manager at UMass. Unfortunately, it was not to be.
|