CompuServe Messages

Greetings, all! If you have a Toaster, you may know my name, but if you don't…My name is David Hopkins and I am a journalist with Video Toaster User and Amiga Video/Graphics…at any rate, here's my contribution to the "What's happening at Commodore" string… I got a call from one of my friends at Commodore a week or so ago to let me know that he is no longer with Commodore. It seems that Commodore has closed the vast majority (which we all know is a minority) of "branch" offices and laid off 51 people (many involved in development!). This news may stun you as much as it did me. The only light I see shining here is this curious little tidbit…you connect the dots: A) NewTek releases a VideoToaster workstation which is really a 2000 with a NewTek label. Sells LOTS of them. B) Commodore becomes upset with NewTek to the point that NewTek won't even send out extra "VideoToaster" machine labels… C) NewTek claims in a dealer demonstration tape from January of THIS year that there are currently "no firm plans" on the production of a 4000-compatible Toaster. Remember, this is an update intended for NewTek's own "authorized" dealers. D) Commodore discontinues the Amiga 500, 2000, and 3000. Looks bad for Toaster buyers of the future. E) NewTek is having intense, looong meetings with very high-ups at CBM. F) April, THIS YEAR…NewTek shows the Video Toaster 4000 system at the NAB show in Las Vegas. Nowhere to be seen in NewTek's booth is a 2000 based Toaster. What is in evidence, however, is the attractive new "VideoToaster 4000" labels on all the machines, obscuring the Commodore logo. G) The OPENING day of the biggest broadcaster show of the year, where, mind you, NewTek is unveiling the results of the last year's work, Paul AND Tim both flew back to Kansas where "big things were happening". They were back the next day (presumably returning in the company's private jet) and not a word was uttered. (They broke a meeting with me is ho) H) Commodore closes US offices and lays off key people. So, to you….what say you of this collection of interesting tidbits? David Hopkins Gun For Hire Film & Tape Greetings folks! If you own a VideoToaster, you probably know my name..if