CompuServe Thread

Jerry, As usual your cogent response is appreciated. The points you make are certainly valid if applied to a "normal" circumstance with a "normal" product. While I agree with your logic, I still have a nagging feeling that the Amiga technology will defy logic and overcome the adversity it faces. Never in the short history of desktop computer technology has a platform gone out of production and become more valuable than it was when originally produced. Likewise there has never been an instance when one actually "came back" into production after it's demise. Obviously there is something about this platform which excepts it from logical norms. It's not just possible, but "probable" that Amiga technology will continue in one form or another for the next few years, because despite all the time that other platforms have had to develop their hardware, they still cannot perform in the video arena as well as the Amiga without overpriced and usually inferior special function add ons. As I have said on other occasions I have a number of different computer platforms, each with specific tools that work well in specific circumstances. If the Amiga can come to market bundled with the apporpriate hardware/software combination that will in fact sucessfully operate with multiple operating systems, it stands a very good chance of suceeding well enough to warrant further development and investment. This is not a "high hopes" dream, but an observation based on past experience. I have been involved in one way or another with Amiga technology since the A1000. My involvement with the first Amiga user's group put me in contact with a number of individuals who later became the driving forces in third party software/hardware development for the "platform that wouldn't die". It's interesting that with all the resources out there for development of mac and pc platforms, that there is stilll no equal or better product than the Amiga when it comes to video work. I truly believe that the individual efforts of many small developers has lead to that end. It is unfortunate that many of those developers are no longer "individually" independent. Many have been absorbed by larger companies or become employees in opoerations which now emphasize development on platforms much less incapable than the Amiga. If there is one doubt that I might express about the Amiga's future, it's that I fear these individuals who helped to make the platform so dynamic, are no longer in a position to continue development. The object of my posting you an imaginary script for a commercial was more of an indulgence than a prediction. It's my feeling that over the years the primary reason for the Amiga's poor performance in gaining market share had to do with the lack of proper marketing. Obviously it's easy to be an armchair quarterback after the game has been played, but I was always vocal about my criticism of CBM's lackluster performance in the marketing of the product. The demo spot script was my way of expressing what I feel would be a more apropriate way to position the technology. The distribution idea I posed is still viable since "shelf space" isn't a relative factor when you have a box that replaces two other machines by virtue of it's ability to run those other machine's software. The fact that the box also does video better than anything else would make it a standout for demos that would sell it well in consumer venues. Circuit City or Radio shack were just parenthetical references, any number of existing national or regional electronics retailer outlets would do nicely. Regards Frank