HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: dfavor@logan.tivoli.com (David Favor)
Newsgroups: austin.general
Subject: Re: painful experience with AiC (Analysts International Corp.)
Date: 24 Jul 92 11:24:28 GMT
Distribution: austin

In article <1992Jul21.143908.24773@awdprime.austin.ibm.com>, dcm@codesmith.austin.ibm.com (Craig Miller) writes:
|> In article <1992Jul21.035444.19262@awdprime.austin.ibm.com> matt@mathew.austin.ibm.com () writes:
|> >Like I said before, my point was not over dollar figures.  I completely
|> >agree that how you negotiate determines what you make.  The point
|> >I was trying to make was that these head-hunters should try to act
|> >a little more professionally.
|> 
|> 	They're probably thinking "I wish these computer nerds would
|> 	act a little more professionally". :-)  Seriously though,
|> 	when you interact with these people, you *have* to know what
|> 	the story is.  They're out to place you for as much profit
|> 	as they can.  That's the way they make their living.  Don't
|> 	go into such a situation unprepared!
|> 
|> 	As for lying, well....  I've also heard rumors (urban legends? :-)
|> 	of people being outright lied to.  Can't say it's happened to me,
|> 	though....  But, I've heard lots of stories....
|> 
|> >Yes, I can give you concrete examples.
|> >Do you want the names of these head-hunters and their companies and what
|> >they did?  I'd rather tell you all this off-line.  I need to keep a low
|> >profile since I'm currently a full-timer here.
|> 
|> 	I'd be interested if it directly involved you.
|> 
|> 		Craig
|> -- 
|> Craig Miller, software mechanic - AIXV3 Change Team (Level3 support)
|> 	dcm%codesmith.austin.ibm.com@ibmpa.awdpa.ibm.com
|> 	"I do not represent IBM.  They wouldn't let me."

I'd be interested in hearing specifics also... but, same with me as Craig.
I only want to hear about direct experiences you've had. no hearsay.
From: brent@ughtas (Brent Terry)
Newsgroups: austin.general
Subject: Re: Accounting Software info
Date: 30 Jul 92 14:28:34 GMT
Organization: Pencom Software

I happen to run into something that might be of interest.  There is a  
company out of Auburn Alabama that sells accounting software called  
Southware Inovations. I first got involved with them after seeing an  
article in Unix Review about them (They made the front cover). 

Anyway, they do not sell direct but I can get the software through a  
dealer I know. The dealer is based in San Antonio and will give support  
for the product. They have even made some enhancements to the software.  
That is the great thing about the software is that this dealer has the  
source code and can make custom changes to it for you, unlike a package  
like Quicken.

The last time I talked to this dealer, they were making some enhancements  
to the software that allows you to send info to the home computer while on  
a route, (i.e. send invoices for imediate processing after taking an  
order)

Keep in mind that this software is not graphical in nature. It does run on  
dos and unix but doesn't have a window type interface to it. It does have  
several modules that can be bought seperately (i.e. Accounts Receivable,  
Payables, Job Costing, etc.)

By the way, most of the clients this dealer has are  
manufacturing/distribution type companies, so they are very aware of the  
type of software needed in those industries.

If you think you would like some more info, you can reach me in any of the  
following ways

phone: 512-422-9480
email: brent@pencom.com

-Brent
From: meo@pencom.com (Jaime Retief, IV)
Newsgroups: austin.general
Subject: Accounting for Contracting Costs
Date: 28 Jul 92 06:05:15 GMT
Distribution: austin
Organization: Roadkills-R-Us

Out of the mouth of jfh@rpp386.cactus.org (John F. Haugh II):
<And the point about unemployment claims is similiarly incorrect.  I
<had already included unemployment insurance in my 30+% overhead
<figure.  That already allows for laid off employees who claim
<unemployment.

Sorry I missed the start of this one.  I've found that 100% over
salary covers costs for contracting.  In theory, large companies
should be able to take advantage of scale to get that percentage
down.  In fact, bureaucracy usually manages to get in the way to
keep costs inflated.  Extra management, extra paperwork, extra
legal staff to handle complaints, etc, etc, ad infinitum, ad
nauseum.

The other, unstated aspect of having contractors over employees
is "we can treat them however we want, and they can't complain".

Finally, in a big company, it can be very hard to get rid of
ossified relics, which some people tend to become when they
think they are safe (as in tenured), or when they think the
company "owes them for all they've done", or whatever.  On the
other hand, you can always boot a lousy contractor out the
door fairly easily.

<I've had the priviledge in the past to work on accounting systems
<for large corporations...

Y'all have got an AWFULLY strange concept of the word "privilege".

-Miles

see previous disclaimer
From: prasad@mpd.tandem.com (Prasad Dasari)
Newsgroups: austin.general
Subject: Recommendation for a TOYOTA dealer for 50,000 mile service
Date: 22 Jul 92 13:31:03 GMT
Distribution: austin
Organization: Tandem Computers (MPD) Austin, TX
Originator: prasad@diamond

Hi Folks,

I need to take my 89 TOYOTA Tercel for 50,000 mile service soon. I would
like to hear about a dealer who can do a reliable job at reasonable rates.

Thanks
Prasad
From: root@netmail.austin.ibm.com (Chris Moller)
Newsgroups: austin.general
Subject: Re: Car Repair Shop, Survey Request
Date: 23 Jul 92 13:56:24 GMT
Reply-To: moller@netmail.austin.ibm.com
Distribution: austin
Organization: As little as I can get away with.


 SHOP NAME  : B & D Automoyive
 
 LOCATION   : 150 W Huntland Drive
 DIRECTIONS : Near Highland Mall, just off Airport Blvd.
 TELEPHONE  : 454-7675
 
 CAR MAKE(S): Practically anything, I think.  I've seen lots of both foreign
              and US cars there.
 
 VISITS     : 6 - 8 over the last 5 years.
 
 RATING     : EXCELLENT
 
 COMMENTS   : Top-notch work, decent prices, unbelievable honesty.  I took my
              Trans-Am in to them and told them it probably needed a new
              starter.  Great rip-off opportunity, but all they did was
              tighten up my loose battery cable: no charge.  They also
              refuse to take work they don't think they can do without
              hacking it up.
 
 DATE       : 23 July 92

-- 
IBM pays absolutely no attention to my	|   "Progress might have been all right
opinions, ergo the foregoing cannot	|   once, but it went on too long."
possibly represent its position.	|     -- Ogden Nash

Christian H. L. Moller
From: don@dlong.austin.ibm.com
Newsgroups: austin.general
Subject: RE: Car Repair Shop, Survey Request
Date: 23 Jul 92 14:11:39 GMT
Distribution: austin
Organization: IBM, Austin


My apologies for posting the response here, but Tony did not specify where
to return this to.  The nameserver I use does not know "macbeth" and Hurson
is not to be found in callup on vm6.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHOP NAME  : Auto Stoppe

LOCATION   : 5201 Burnet
DIRECTIONS : 1 block south of the intersection of North Loop & Burnet
TELEPHONE  : 458-3126

CAR MAKE(S): all

VISITS     : 6 years worth (approx. 50 visits)

RATING     : VERY GOOD

COMMENTS   : Auto Stoppe has ALWAYS treated me well.  They will always examine
             (more than a cursory look) at my car free; there have been times
             when they fixed a small problem for under $20.  They NEVER
             overcharge for labor or parts, they're fast and reliable, and they
             always guarantee their work.

DATE       : 7/22/92
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-- 
===============================================================================
Donald Long                       email:    donlong@austin.ibm.com
Advanced Workstation Division     VNET:     donlong@ausvm6.austin.ibm.com
IBM Corporation                   internet: donlong@voyager.austin.ibm.com
From: stecz@pencom.com (John Steczkowski)
Newsgroups: austin.general
Subject: Re: speeding ticket responses
Date: 28 Jul 92 14:19:01 GMT
Reply-To: stecz@pencom.com
Distribution: austin
Organization: Pencom Software

In article <scannon.23@novell.com> scannon@novell.com (Steve Cannon..1503..DEV)  
writes:
> Traveling for 100 miles @ 60 mph can be done in 1 hr., 39 minutes.
> Traveling for 100 miles @ 65 mph can be done in 1 hr., 32 minutes.

Precisely why when I'm driving distances of about 100 miles or more I drive at  
about 85 - 90 mph.    :)
--
  John Steczkowski                            stecz@pencom.com
              "Just something to blur the trees!"
	Trant Jarman, when asked what his favorite car was.
From: jaime@unicorn.austin.ibm.com
Newsgroups: austin.general
Subject: Accounting Software info
Date: 27 Jul 92 21:32:57 GMT
Reply-To: jaime@austin.vnet.ibm.com
Organization: AIX Technical Support - Austin

My father-in-law is looking to get some commercially available accounting
software.  He is part-owner for a small manufacturing company in San Antonio
and is looking for some mainstream (ie commercially available) software.
They have a rather antiquated (obsolete) computer and a home grown
software package that keeps the books today.  The author of the programs,
a company employee for some time, is being difficult about training someone
with the software and my father-in-law is a bit concerned that his unexpected 
departure, for whatever reason, would leave them in the ditch.
He has received some printed info on software from  a company called
Great Plains Software.  I have never heard of them but then I don't do a 
lot with accounting packages.

I have heard good things about two other packages:
	Quicken
	DAC Easy


Some background on the business.

It manufactures road hazard signaling devices and signs.  They do about
one million dollars in sales, expecting to go to over 5 million in the
next two years (new device on the market, going thru the rather tedious
process of getting certified by state and local government agencies).

He would like a full featured package:

	Accounts Receiveable, Accounts Payable, Inventory, Payroll, etc.

Any comments/info?

You can e-mail me directly or post on this forum.

Thanks!

Jaime Vazquez			
AIX Technical Support          
IBM AWD-Austin/2830             
6000:  jaime@unicorn.austin.ibm.com     <-- New machine address
InterNet: jaime@austin.vnet.ibm.com  or jaime%austin@vnet.ibm.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------
<Standard disclaimers apply.>
From: ddriskel@cs.utexas.edu (Dianne Driskell)
Newsgroups: utcs.general,austin.general
Subject: Roommate wanted
Followup-To: poster
Date: 27 Jul 1992 10:51:59 -0500
Organization: CS Dept, University of Texas at Austin
Distribution: utcs
NNTP-Posting-Host: cs.utexas.edu

UT staff member seeking female roommate to  share 4 bedroom house with 1
other roommate. The house has 2 full baths, washer & dryer, cable, disposal.
Walk to pool. North Austin location (1/4 mile to UT shuttle). Prefer petless,
non-smoker. $250.00 a month + 1/3 utilties. Utilities usually run about $55
per  month per person.
If interested contact: 
Dianne Driskell
ddriskel@cs.utexas.edu
928-9960 home
471-9595 work
From: spsmith@gwen.Berkeley.EDU (Steven P. Smith)
Newsgroups: austin.general
Subject: Police Priorities (was: speeding ticket responses)
Date: 29 Jul 92 16:57:29 GMT

In article <1992Jul28.215146.5276@cactus.org>, rdd@cactus.org (Robert
Dorsett) writes:
> 
> What really distinguishes Austin from other cities is how irresponsible a 
> lot of the high-speed traffic is (e.g., "wolf-packs" tail-gating one another
> at 65 or 70 mph).  I mean, I visited LA a couple of years ago and was
> *astonished* by how much leeway drivers gave to each other; it was a 
> very pleasant environment to drive in, comparatively.  I still don't
> completely understand the bitching about LA traffic.
> 
> Austin's *very* aggressive, and the drivers aren't even very good in those 
> terms (compare with Houston, where aggressive drivers tend to know what 
> they're doing).

I'm always  amused  by discussions  concerning   the comparative
driving skills of people in different American locales.  To take
this thread  seriously, one must  assume that there are powerful
cultural and environmental  variations around  the  country that
directly influence driving skills and attitudes.  Doubtful.

Perhaps  Los Angeles drivers  speed because they  have excellent
freeways, and  relatively few police officers available   for or
assigned to traffic duty.  (Please feel free  to speculate as to
their   alternative activities...)   Perhaps  Boston drivers are
dangerous  because they have the  most ill-suited, archaic  road
system conceivable  by anyone familiar with the   concept  of an
automobile.    And  perhaps  Austin's  drivers   have grown more
aggressive  as the quality of  our roads  slowly lurches  toward
modernity.

What I find more   interesting regarding traffic enforcement  in
Austin is  not the  direct cost  of speeding tickets  for  folks
traveling  safely  at  66    MPH on  MoPac,   but the incredible
opportunity  cost   of  this  very profit-oriented   enforcement
activity.

I follow the Justice Department crime rate numbers when they are
released (as quietly  as  possible) each year.   While I  do not
have  the figures in front  of me, I  do recall that not only is
Austin enduring  the highest per  capita  rate of crimes against
property  (e.g.,  burglary) in the  state, but the  chance of  a
felon    being brought to justice   in   such cases was,   well,
considerably less  than the financial  risk of speeding on North
MoPac.  Coicidence?  Again, doubtful.

So, the  next time you  see those bright colored lights flashing
in the  rearview, I'd take  a moment   to  contemplate a  simple
question.  When was the last time  you saw the APD cruising down
your residential street?

Steven P. Smith
spsmith@mpd.tandem.com
From: gad@pencom.com (George Durden)
Newsgroups: austin.general
Subject: Re: RIPOFF ALERT! RIPOFF ALERT!
Date: 27 Jul 92 22:08:25 GMT
Reply-To: gad@pencom.com
Organization: Pencom Software


While we're on the subject of AAPCO...
A while back I was shopping for a replacement element for my oven. I went
to AAPCO and after waiting 30 miunutes got a quote for over $30 for the
part and about 4 to 6 weeks delivery. I went to The Hardware Store on the
corner of Anderson Mill and 183 because I had remembered seeing some elements
there on a previous visit. Sure enough they had the exact element that I
needed and it only cost $6.00. AAPCO won't be seeing any of my business.

I'd really like to see someone produce a local consumer advocacy program
on one of the Austin TV stations or ACCESS. The shows that were produced
in cities that I've lived in before Austin were very informative and effective
at informing consumers of local scams and bad businesses...
--
		      George A. Durden			
		  	.5K EX Pilot
		       Unix Mercenary
DoD #0039	     "No Risk, No Rush"		CMRA #106
From: tif@doorstop.austin.ibm.com (Paul Chamberlain)
Newsgroups: austin.general
Subject: Re: Trent... please read.
Date: 28 Jul 92 00:54:48 GMT
Organization: IBM, Austin

rlm7638@tamsun.tamu.edu (Jack McKinney) writes:
[ Jack, Julie, and Trent went to the Crown and Anchor to get ]
[ a slip of paper.  Jack left town and lost the paper, and ]
[ Trent might reply later ... ]

Paul Chamberlain | <I do NOT speak for IBM>   IBM: tif@doorstop.austin.ibm.com
512/838-3759     | VNET: PAULCC AT AUSTIN  nonIBM: tif@commlab1.austin.ibm.com
From: joe@zx11.cactus.org (Joe Senner)
Newsgroups: austin.general
Subject: Re: speeding ticket responses
Date: 28 Jul 92 02:19:45 GMT
Reply-To: joe@zx11.cactus.org
Organization: NOT

toronto@ccwf.cc.utexas.edu (James Moseley) writes:
>On the maximum speed limit, it is 70 mph, whatever it  is posted at.
>Supposedly if you can prove that you were driving safely above the posted
>speed limit, but under 70, then you can get out of it.  All this stuff is
>in the Texas Code, where you will also find other loopholes.

quite true, but try and find a judge that will act according to the law.

-- 
Joe Senner -- joe@zx11.Cactus.Org                                   Austin, TX
      "Nuclear weapons can wipe out life on earth, if used properly"
                                   -- Talking Heads
From: Eric_S_Klien@cup.portal.com
Newsgroups: austin.general
Subject: Electronic Matchmaker
Date: Fri, 31 Jul 92 00:25:06 PDT
Organization: The Portal System (TM)
Distribution: world

Texan women, having a problem finding a Texan man?  I am about to 
launch a free electronic matching service on Usenet.
Unfortunately, more guys than gals have expressed an interest so far.
If you would like to see the fourth draft of my questionnaire so we
can alter it to also fit women's needs as well as men's, either send
me mail or look at the copy I posted in alt.personals.
 
This service is serious and I already have 161 men and 111 women
signed up so far.  The site of the service has already been selected
and programming has begun.
 
                                                           Eric Klien
Newsgroups: austin.general
From: shea@ntmtv.UUCP (Ray Shea)
Subject: Re: need help with speeding ticket
Organization: Northern Telecom, Mountain View, CA
Date: Wed, 22 Jul 1992 17:36:24 GMT

In article <COSC16TT.92Jul22010516@menudo.uh.edu>, cosc16tt@menudo.uh.edu (Dennis Gray Jr.) writes:
>If you really were not speeding then it is usually pretty easy to get
>off of it if you just talk to the judge.  

What a laff-riot you are.  Ever scene a cop lie through his teeth on the
stand?  It ain't pretty.  Out here, the traffic court judges do double
duty as assistant prosecutors.

>If you were speeding, just
>pay it, and get on with your life and slow down...

Whether you were speeding or not, fight it for all it's worth, and
next time don't get caught.  That, my friend, is the American Way.


-- 
Ray Shea			
DoD #0372, '88 Hawk NT650, 	...and a card carrying member of the ACLU...
founder, Team Twinkie	      		you got a problem with that?
ntmtv!shea@ames.arc.nasa.gov  
Newsgroups: ut.general,austin.general,rec.games.chess
From: fmbutt@engage.sps.mot.com (Farooq M. Butt)
Subject: Chess in Austin --does it exist ? 
Organization: Motorola RISC Software, Austin, TX
Date: Thu, 23 Jul 1992 23:40:15 GMT

ObWarning: This question is specifically targetted to net.austinites: 

Net.chessoids: 

my pal Drew, the chess fiend, is visiting from Massaschussets. He 
forgot his obligatory copy of Chess Life and was wondering 
if there is any regular chess.activity in our fair city of Austin.

Please reply to me personally as I am sure the net at large 
is probably not too interested.

-fmb

-- 
Standard High-Tech Disclaimer: NOTHING  in the above article has the slightest 
relationship to reality. If any reality correspondences are found, please 
notify me IMMEDIATELY. Any threats, abuse or stupidity of any kind is purely 
UNintentional. These are MY Opinions NOT my employer's.
From: jfh@rpp386.lonestar.org (John F. Haugh II)
Newsgroups: austin.general
Subject: Re: painful experience with AiC (Analysts International Corp.)
Date: 31 Jul 92 13:43:35 GMT
Distribution: austin
Organization: River Parishes Programming, Austin TX

In article <2264@tivoli.UUCP>, dfavor@logan.tivoli.com (David Favor) writes:
> the first posting is only partially correct free-lance graphic artists and
> writers (as I recall) are specifically named in section 1706 and given free
> harbor in relation to 1099 income. software professionals are specifically
> denied free harbor. the law is very clear and all encompassing. software
> professionals being paid on 1099 will find out the results of this choice
> during their first audit. I had a revenue agent explain exactly how software
> professionals are treated. it is appauling.
 
I guess I don't understand what you are driving at.

I have quite a few friends who have worked as 1099 software professionals
for the last several years and none of them seem worse for the experience.
I understand the self-employment tax tests, etc., but what EXACTLY are
you claiming the IRS does to programmers that work for 1099 v. W-2?

> regarding the second posting. a software professional being with multiple
> streams of 1099 income is still considered a 'common law' employee. I've
> never heard of a single software professional escaping an audit with their
> 1099 income being allowed.

Could you provide IRS section and paragraph?  The rule is supposed to be
that if the employer provides the work space, equipment, is the sole source
of income, etc., you are an employee.  If you were serially employed by 4
different companies as a contract programmer, you are an "employee".  If
you are simultaneously employed by 4 different companies and none of them
provide your workspace, you are a "self-employed consultant".

> since the rules of the game are laid out in simple terms in section 1706
> it appears the most profitable course is simply to create an S corporation
> and have done with all the questions. be warned though that the IRS may
> rule the corporation is invalid if any legal... protocol is in error. that
> means correct board meetings, forms filed, etc...

But ... an S corporation and a sole-proprietorship are supposed to be
fairly similiar from an IRS standpoint.  There are some differences as
far as which half of the corporate relationship pays the expense.  For
example, the shareholders of an S corporation get passed some of the
benefits, but the consultant is typically the only owner.  But on the
flip side, if you own more than 2% of the stock you are taxed on the
benefits you receive.

So ... it seems to make NO SENSE to be an S corporation if it's just you.
-- 
John F. Haugh II                   | Life's Little Instruction Book:
Ma Bell: (512) 251-2151            | "#138.  Learn Spanish.  In a few years,
UUCP: ...!cs.utexas.edu!rpp386!jfh |  more than 35% of all Americans will speak
Domain: jfh@rpp386.cactus.org      |  it as their first language."
From: mikeb@pandora.dell.com (Michael Brundridge)
Newsgroups: austin.general
Subject: Re: RIPOFF ALERT! [gratification]
Date: 28 Jul 92 16:46:09 GMT
Organization: Dell Computer Co

meo@pencom.com (Jaime Retief, IV) writes:

>Michael (et al),


[stuff deleted]

>Pick a time of day when the store is BUSY.  Walk in with
>the dead unit.  Stop no more than half way in the
>store (if the employees look like they are in the Mafia,
>be sure you have a clear path to the door).  Scream
>at the top of your lungs something like...

>"If you won't honor your warranty on this shoddy
>work, you can just *keep* this VCR!!!" (stereo, etc).

>Throw it down on the floor as hard as you can (it
>helps if you remove, or nearly remove, all the
>case and major chassis screws first).  Turn and
>stalk out.  Be sure not to be too close to anyone
>when you do this - you don't want to be sued for
>shrapnel damage!

I like your way of thinking.  However, I fixed the damn
thing myself.  The only reason I did not throw it away is
because it is a portable that runs my camera....

But I will get even with AAPCO.  I will continue to haunt
their store and piss them off at my convenience (which 
happens to coincide with when the parking lot is full <grin>)
Xref: sparky austin.general:2583 austin.forsale:1543 soc.culture.indian:26404 rec.travel:10876
From: parimal@ccwf.cc.utexas.edu (Parimal)
Newsgroups: austin.general,austin.forsale,soc.culture.indian,rec.travel
Subject: Oneway ticket from Newark, NJ to Austin/Houston
Date: 29 Jul 92 21:43:38 GMT
Reply-To: parimal@ccwf.cc.utexas.edu (Parimal)
Followup-To: austin.general
Organization: The University of Texas at Austin, Austin TX
Originator: parimal@dewey.cc.utexas.edu

I have two oneway  airtickets for sale from Newark, NJ to Austin, TX.

Tickets are on Continental Airlines for 25th of August, changeable at

$25. If you don't have luggage to check-in, these could be used for one

way travel to Houston also. Asking $75 each. If bought together $135.

Call (512) 476-7134. E-mail : parimal@ccwf.cc.utexas.edu 

			      parimal@alpha.iat.utexas.edu