#Retail cdroms, where?
6 messages in this thread
Since installing CL's multimedia upgrade kit I've been very eager to take
note of cdrom releases. Thing is, even in the DFW area (primarily Computer
City and CompUSA) the cdrom self is VERY poorly stocked.
Is anybody buying cdroms? If so where? Mail order … from whom? I've
called a couple of places that were listed in this forum, but the phones
have been disconnected. Could it be that cdroms/multimedia are a commercial
flop?
Thanks.
-jts
John:
With sales of titles approaching $2 billion this year, I don't think you
could call CDROM a flop. On the other hand, it can still be a challenge
getting wired into the right sources.
First, check out the "VNDRS.TXT" file in Lib #14. Then take a look in
virtually any computer magazine (often back in the classifieds). If you
are looking for any particular titles or subject matter, mention it here,
and any number of Forum members will be happy to chime in. Finally, ask
the people at your local retail stores if they have access to their
distributors' catalogs. It is likely they can get many more titles than
they have decided to stock.
If you continue to have difficulty, be sure to let us know!
Best – Rich Bowers
Thanks … I'll check that file. However, looking for titles in the back of
magazines – especially when I don't know what's out there past the few well
know titles – sounds a lot like looking for adult products! <g>
With sales at $2,000,000,000 you'd think PCMag would list the top ten titles
wouldn't you? Is there a cdrom magazine?
Thanks.
-jts
John:
You're right, this is one of the quietest groundswells in history! One of
the problems with publicity is that the vast majority of titles are
targeted at very specific groups of professional users. The advent of
general-interest products is very recent, and channels are just now getting
established for general distribution.
As to a Top-10 list: In fact, that is something we're (OPA) working on, but
the challenge is that sales are happening from so many – and such diverse –
points, that it is difficult to get a handle on those with a representative
critical mass. Sure, there are thousands of bookstores, but most of them
are known and can be polled (or at least a reliable sampling mechanism
employed). I have identified over 20 distinct channels carrying CDROM, and
some of those are comprised of very vaguely defined participants. We keep
at it, and I suspect within 6 months a procedure will be in place to do
just what you suggest!
Thanks for your interest! – Rich Bowers
Interesting.
No cdrom magazine?
Thanks.
-jts
Sorry, I forgot about that. There are several newsletter/magazine pubs
listed in the BIBLIO.TXT file in Lib #14. A few I recommend:
CDROM Professional: 203/761-1466
New Media: 415/573-5170
Multimedia & Videodisc Monitor: 703/241-1799 (perhaps the best newsletter
in the business)
Digital Publishing Business, the OPA's monthly newsletter
A new pub called Mac CDROM (which number I'll have to find if you want Mac
news – let me know).
And a variety of specialty newsletters for specific professions, etc.
Hope this helps! Rich Bowers