On Fri, 4 Jan 2002 at 20:56:34, Dexter wrote:
(ref: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>)
>
>Hi again, all...
>
>I've come to understand the reality of the QL scene as it now stands. It
>didn't take long, did it? :o)
>
>Basically, the marketplace is too small to be economically viable. There
>are not resources to fund development of significant new hardware on a
>fully commercial basis. People with skills basically support the system by
>donating their time and skills, and developing wonderful boards like the
>Q40, and Q60, but I'm sure those people will be first to say it doesn't
>support a business...
>
>Usually, one or two particularly devout and enthusiastic hobbyists step
>forward and take up the banner (that would be the Tony Firshmans and Q60
>designers of the world) but they don't make a profit - particularly if
>they take into account the time they spend on it.
Hear hear hear hear hear hear hear - very nice to 'see' someone who
fully understands the position of the 'traders' in the QL scene now.
I make a whopping loss simply on costs, but that includes the US trips.
Mind you I had a caller the other day looking for 200 8049s - I popped
up near the top of a Google search. "Do you have any?" "Yes" I replied,
"but you won't want them". He had already guessed I only had programmed
QL versions. He did know about 8749s - but couldn't find any. I went
to my usual supplier (non-catalogue) and he got them and 200 2732s for a
very good price. I made more in that deal, which took 20 minutes than
in the last seven years of QL trading - seriously.
... so QL trading does have some side benefits.
Even better, in our conversation I talked about superHermes. That is
(as you Dexter may not know) a plug in replacement for the 8749.
It emerged when I met them yesterday with the chips, that they are
thinking positively about a plug in board, so that they can sample food
density more quickly (yes that is what the machine does) and link with a
PC. It looks like I will be getting the job.
--
QBBS (QL fido BBS 2:257/67) +44(0)1442-828255
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.firshman.demon.co.uk
Voice: +44(0)1442-828254 Fax: +44(0)1442-828255
TF Services, 29 Longfield Road, TRING, Herts, HP23 4DG
