CompuServe Messages

The thread on problems with programmers who do not listen to beta testers reminded me of an experiance I had when I worked at NCR. We were about to release a new model personal computer, based on the Z-80 and running CP/M. The machine had 2 double sided, double density floppy drives (360 K each), and 64k of memory. For only $2500. Employees would be able to buy them for about $1500. At our plant, we were asked to evaluate them before they went on sale. My report pointed out several major problems with the interface. The keyboard layout was a European standard, as was the key shape. The characters generated on the screen were odd shaped. Only NCR made devices could interface through special propritary ports. As with most CP/M systems, we had a unique disk format. This was just as rumors of a new 16 bit computer from IBM were going around. I wrote a report detailing the problems, and predicted sales in the high dozens. I received a repremand for this. Sales were in the high teens, and only to the more gulable employees. No one wants to hear how ugly his baby is, even when they are trying to sell it. Bill Roberts in Ellettsville In. via Whap!