Msg: 4862 *Conference*

01-02-93 12:48:29

From: RICHARD HANSON

To : BOB OLKEN

Subj: REPLY TO MSG #4853 (PORT CHICAGO, RICK'S DEALS)

----
And a happy new years to you, too, Bob.  Thanks for the feedback on the new
system, Port Chicago's Loading Dock (510-676-5359 2400-14400 baud).  As you
suspect, we are using some different tools on the dock vs here.  The host is
the same, TBBS 2.2M but the computer system is different, and we've added a ton
of add-on software to do various tricks, i.e., database-oriented classified
ads, online order processing in the stores, instant credit card varification to
MAPS in Colorado, Fido Mail management, and coming soon, InterNet processing,
automatic out-faxing, and shareware development network.  It's quite complex
but well under control, thanks to Drew Blanchar's skills.

Did you see the new ad in MicroTimes?  The one with the flaming 8-ball?  We're
also running that ad in 3 other publications.  Also, while you were online to
the dock, did you noice our alliance with DRIVE! Magazine and The Scrounger
newspaper?  We work directly with these two publications, providing online
access for their advertisors, i.e., they offer online access to their
advertisors, charge a fee, then split that fee with us.  So far, we're all
smiles over here.

Now . . . here's the kicker: We're working with MicroTimes as we speak, to get
them online, as well.  They'll be followed by BAM Magaizine and others,
including some local newspapers--which I can not name at this moment for legal
reasons.  Anyway, you are correct: I am a bit on the busy side.

Back to your stuff.  I've sold the computer and the disk drive and am working
on the other items with clients in the background.  Most of the movement from
the Rick's deals area happens independent on this BBS.  Again, out of over
20,000 Club 100 members, less the 1,000 are online.  Updating the "online" list
is on my list of things to do.

I do agree, though, item movement has been sort of on the slow side.  I can
report that Club 100 '93 sales where easily 1/2 of what they were in '92.  This
did not surprise me when I did the report just yesterday.  I'm sure glad I made
the changes when I did, i.e., mail outs to only active buyers, collect
call-returns, dumping my teaching contract, and moving onto other ventures.

Thanks for asking... -Rick-