From: aa399@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Len Stys)
Newsgroups: rec.games.video
Subject: Toys'R'Us and Atari Lynx Letter Writing Campaign
Date: 31 Dec 1992 21:46:03 GMT
Organization: Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH (USA)
Reply-To: aa399@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Len Stys)
NNTP-Posting-Host: thor.ins.cwru.edu




                          OPERATION: A.C.T. NOW
                          ---------------------

                       Atari Community Together Now

     <<<  TOYS'R'US AND THE ATARI LYNX LETTER WRITING CAMPAIGN!  >>>



      The Atari Lynx is probably the best portable video game system
on the market.  The system has fantastic graphics, fantastic sound,
and fantastic comlynxing capabilities.  The Lynx also has some very good
games available for it due to programmers that worked hard to make
the Lynx more than just another video game system.

      The Lynx also has its problems.  In November, 1991 at Chicago,
Atari's National Sales Director for the Lynx said, "There is no
distribution problem with the Lynx.  Everyone wants the Lynx!"  He
continued to say how K-Mart called him and how they wanted to carry the
Lynx, but Atari did not produce enough that year.

      The big question: What happened?  

      If you are like most other Lynx owners, you have noticed that
there is indeed a distribution problem.  The following is the Lynx
dealership situation in my area:

      Kay-Bee Toy Stores...................No Lynx or game cards.
      Children's Place (Child World).......No Lynx or game cards.
      Sears................................No Lynx or game cards.
      Best.................................No Lynx or game cards.
      Hills................................No Lynx or game cards.
      K-Mart...............................No Lynx or game cards.
      Walmart..............................No Lynx or game cards.
      Kiddie City..........................Two Lynx systems per store,
                                           Four game cards.
      WaldenSoftware.......................Two Lynx systems per store,
                                           Six game cards.
      Software Etc.........................Four Lynx systems per store,
                                           Eight game cards.
      Electronic Boutique..................Four Lynx systems per store,
                                           Twelve game cards.
      Video Game Exchange..................Four Lynx systems per store,
                                           Twenty game cards.

      The number of game cards was determined by how many games were
visible at the time I visited the store.  The number of systems was
determined by how many the store usually carries in stock on the average.

      I would also like to comment that the Lynx games found at Kiddie
City were buried beneath hundreds of Nintendo and Sega cartridges.
The Lynx games found in WaldenSoftware were hidden behind the counter
where they could not be seen.  The Lynx games found at Software Etc.
were towards the front of the store but hidden behind a shelf.
When I first went to Software Etc. for Lynx games, I looked for them for
10 minutes before I had to ask a salesperson to show me where they were.
The Lynx games at Electronic Boutique were at the back of the store
next to TurboGraphix games.

     The only retailer that seemed to have a large selection of Lynx
games was Toys'R'Us.  Recently, this has all changed.  There have
been an increasing number of reports all over computer networks and
bulletin board systems about how Toys'R'Us is dropping the Lynx.
People are reporting that Toys'R'Us does not have the Lynx in stock
nor half of the games.  Toys'R'Us is supposely marking the price down
on Lynx games to "clear house" of Atari.

      What does Atari's management think?  The 1-800 number created
to order the Lynx for the Holiday Season seems to say it all.
And the losing of Atari's largest distributor (if this is true)
reflects some problems that Atari needs correcting.

      Here are a few of the several messages being posted on major
computer networks:

Article #660 (660 is last):
From: an913@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Tom P. Jarvela)
>Newsgroups: freenet.sci.comp.atari.spec.video
Subject: My Adventure At Toys R Us
Date: Wed Dec 30 16:39:55 1992


 I decided to do a little shopping today and ran into Toys R Us to see if they
got anything in stock. Well, they didn't, but there are some other things that
happened.
 As I made my way to the video game section I took a glance at the LYNX system
in the display case. There were no available cards to take to buy the thing 
and the game running was Ms. Pac Man. The brightness was turned down so low
it couldn't hardly be seen. The game display itself isn't anything that would
sell a system anyway. It's a plain black screen with Ms. Pac Man on it and 
there apparently was no demo for it.
 Anyway, I go over to where the games are waaaaaay in the back by the SNES 
stuff. I didn't see any new games or restocked old games for that matter. I was
quite frustrated because I wanted to buy Checkered Flag or another game for
$19 (they price on the sign). They were sold out except for the floor models.
Normally I don't like floor models, but I decided that the instruction would
be in good shape, the card itself would hardly be used, probably just a few
hours running in the display case, so I bought Checkered Flag and California
Games. They also had Awesome Golf and LYNX Casino for $19 (floor models).
 So I take the floor sample cards up, pay for them, go to the booth, and this
kid comes over to wait on me. I stared him down and tossed him my receipt.
He went to get the games. When he came back I we had a conversation that
went something like this:

Me: "You know, you really should give more support for the LYNX. You know,
get some newer games in and restock the old ones that have sold out. And do
something about that display, it makes the LYNX look bad. It's a helluva
machine and youre lack of support is a disgrace."

Droid: "I know, I like the LYNX. Nice machine. Nice. It's really nice, good
graphics, yeah... BUT... we're dropping it."

 Me: "You're dropping it? What kind of idiotic move is that? There's quite a
nice sized user base in this area. It's a fairly popular machine."

 Droid: "Yeah, well, uh, I don't know much about it, we're just going to get
rid of it."

 Just like that. No real excuse given as to why they are dropping it. It's
obviously selling. I had to restrain myself from swearing because of the
presence of some little kids nearby. I think I'll be taking my business
elsewhere from now on... for good.

 Greg
-- 


Article #1448 (1499 is last):
>Newsgroups: alt.games.lynx
From: areid@mary.fordham.edu (Darin Reid)
Subject: Lynx - bad sign!
Date: Sun Dec 27 13:04:00 1992



I just got the Sunday edition of the New York (City) Daily News...
in it there is a sale paper for Toys "R" Us, it has a huge section for
game systems and their games, and guess what..., the Lynx is nowhere
to be found!

They advertise: Super Nintendo, Gameboy, Game Gear, Nintendo, Genesis,
TurboExpress, and Turbografx-16, all of the Game Genies and hand held
games from Tiger.  NO LYNX... I bought a system that has no
following!!!

I should have gotten a Game Gear!  Sorry Robert but I've lost faith in
Atari's ability to market and support their product.  I can't even
find games for it; Not in T"R"U, The Wiz, Kiddie City, Electronic
Boutique (mail order catalog dropped the Lynx too!), Kaybee can a Lynx
game be found.  The machine isn't even mentioned.  When the TG-16 is
displayed more prominently than the Lynx quittin' time has come...

Just my view o' things...
- Darin

_____________________________________________________________________________
  Areid@Mary.Fordham.Edu  ||  Dreid@Nyx.Cs.Du.Edu  ||  reid@dsm.fordham.edu
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------  
  Bitnet:areid@fordmulc
-------------------------------


Article #1450 (1499 is last):
>Newsgroups: alt.games.lynx
From: positron@engin.umich.edu  (Jonathan Scott Haas)
Subject: Re: Lynx - bad sign!
Date: Sun Dec 27 16:13:07 1992

In article <27DEC199214041812@mary.fordham.edu> areid@mary.fordham.edu (Darin Re
id) writes:
>
> ["the Lynx is dying!"]
>

I agree, which is why I think I'm going to sell mine. I was
in TRU yesterday, and was startled to see the Lynx gone from
its display case. They still had some games, but not many.
It seems likely that they're just going to sell off their
inventory, then drop support.

-- 
__/\__  Jonathan S. Haas         | Jake liked his women the way he liked
\    /  University of Michigan   | his kiwi fruit: sweet yet tart, firm-
/_  _\  positron@engin.umich.edu | fleshed yet yielding to the touch, and
  \/                             | covered with short brown fuzzy hair.
-------------------------------


      This news should make every Lynx owner concerned.

      I called Toys'R'Us and I was informed that if customers of
Toys'R'Us has any problems regarding the Lynx, we should write:
Mr. Michael Goldstein, Vice Chairman of Toys'R'Us.  He is also the
Chief Financial Officer.

      The woman I spoke to on the phone said that he has the power
to bring back the Lynx if it was dropped.  She continued to say that if
the customers of Toys'R'Us are unhappy, the only way that they will
know about it is if you let Toys'R'Us know.

      I say, let them know.

      If you are disappointed by the recent rumors of Toys'R'Us
dropping the Lynx, please write Mr. Goldstein a letter at the
following address:

      Mr. Michael Goldstein, Vice Chairman
      Toys'R'Us
      461 From Road
      Paramus, NJ 07652

      If you are disappointed by the distribution of Lynx systems
and Lynx game cards by Atari, please write Mr. Sam Tramiel a letter
at the following address:

      Mr. Sam Tramiel, President
      Atari Corporation
      1196 Borregas Avenue
      Sunnyvale, CA 94086

      There is no doubt that writing your OWN letters to these people
will help MORE than just sending in form letters.  These company
officials will be more convinced that you are serious about this matter
if you take the time to write your own letter.  If you do not know
exactly what to say, read the form letters to get some ideas.
Also, remember to be nice!  

      If you absolutely do not have enough time to write your own
letters, you are welcome to choose the following form letters that can
best express your feelings.

      The most important thing you can do besides writing is to spread
the news about this letter writing campaign.  Toys'R'Us will NOT consider
bringing back the Lynx unless they receive THOUSANDS of letters.
This means that you and every Lynx owner that you know will need to
write a letter.  There is no other way.

      The same thing goes for Atari.  Sam Tramiel will not attempt
to get Toys'R'Us as a Lynx dealer again unless you make him aware that
he needs to do it.

      Thank you for caring about the Lynx!

Sincerely,

Len Stys (aa399@cleveland.freenet.edu)


                      SAM TRAMIEL, ATARI FORM LETTERS
                      -------------------------------


         (date)

         (your address)

         Mr. Sam Tramiel, President
         Atari Corporation
         1196 Borregas Avenue
         Sunnyvale, CA 94086

         Dear Mr. Tramiel,

              I am writing you this letter to inform you that
         the Toys'R'Us retail stores in my area have a very small
         supply of Lynx systems and Lynx game cards.  This
         concerns me because Toys'R'Us is one of the few retailers
         remaining that I can purchase Lynx game cards at.

              I have also written Toys'R'Us about this problem
         with hope that you will both find a way to increase the
         supply of Lynx systems and Lynx game cards at Toys'R'Us.
         The Lynx is too good of a product for its success to be
         limited by lack of distribution.

              Thank you for caring enough about your customers
         to correct this problem.

         Sincerely,


         (your signature)

         (your name)


   ---------------------------------------------------------------------


         (date)

         (your address)

         Mr. Sam Tramiel, President
         Atari Corporation
         1196 Borregas Avenue
         Sunnyvale, CA 94086

         Dear Mr. Tramiel,

              I am writing you this letter to inform you of
         the lack of Lynx dealers in my area.  I have a very
         hard time obtaining game cards because retailers either
         do not carry them or only keep a small supply in stock.
         I also do not care to use Atari's 1-800 number to
         order game cards for a system that I should be able to
         purchase at any toy store.

              I have recently noticed that the Toys'R'Us stores
         in my area have reduced the amount of Lynx systems and
         game cards that they carry.  I would appreciate it if
         your company would contact Toys'R'Us and make
         arrangements for the store to carry more of Atari's
         products instead of less.  I have also contacted
         Toys'R'Us to inform them of the demand for the Lynx and
         Lynx game cards.

              I would like to let you know that the Lynx is a
         very good video game system because of the quality games
         available for it.  Please make sure that only quality
         games are realesed for the Lynx in the future.

              Thank you for caring enough to read my letter and
         for correcting the problems I mentioned.


         Sincerely,

         (your signature)

         (your name)


   --------------------------------------------------------------------


         (date)

         (your address)

         Mr. Sam Tramiel, President
         Atari Corporation
         1196 Borregas Avenue
         Sunnyvale, CA 94086

         Dear Mr. Tramiel,

              There seems to be a distribution problem with one
         the best video game systems on the market--the Lynx.
         The Lynx is an incredible product that cannot be
         purchased because very few retailers are carrying it!
         I am having a difficult time finding retailers to
         purchase Lynx games at.  I also do not care to order
         games through a 1-800 number when I should be able to
         buy them at toy stores.

              I have noticed that Toys'R'Us seems to be carrying
         less and less of the Lynx and game cards each time
         I visit.  I have written Toys'R'Us about the demand for
         Atari's products with hope that you will both work to
         increase Toys'R'Us' supplies.

              The main reason the Lynx is the best portable video
         game system is because of the quality games available
         for it.  Atari must only release high quality games for
         the Lynx or it will become just another video game
         system.  Please keep track of the companies that make the
         best Lynx games and have them make more.

              I would also appreciate it if your company
         increases the number of third-party companies that make
         games for the Lynx.  This will allow games to be produced
         for the Lynx that are in demand, but your company is
         unable to produce.

              Thank you for caring enough to read my letter
         and for considering what I have written.

         Sincerely,

         (your signature)

         (your name)


   --------------------------------------------------------------------


         (date)

         (your address)

         Mr. Sam Tramiel, President
         Atari Corporation
         1196 Borregas Avenue
         Sunnyvale, CA 94086

         Dear Mr. Tramiel,

              I have heard rumors that Toys'R'Us is dropping the
         Lynx!  Is this true?  Toys'R'Us is one of the few toy
         stores left that support the Lynx.

              I was shocked that Atari let their largest distributor
         slip away, but I have written a letter to Toys'R'Us urging
         them to continue carrying the Lynx.  I also urge you to
         contact Toys'R'Us and arrange for them to continue carrying
         the Lynx.

              I am confident that any problems between Atari and
         Toys'R'Us can be resolved.

         Thank you,

         (your signature)
         
         (your name)


   --------------------------------------------------------------------


                MICHAEL GOLDSTEIN, TOYS'R'US FORM LETTERS
                -----------------------------------------


         (date)

         (your address)

         Mr. Michael Goldstein, Vice Chairman
         Toys'R'Us
         461 From Road
         Paramus, NJ 07652

         Dear Mr. Goldstein,

              I have been recommending the Atari Lynx to all of
         my friends.  I tell them to buy it at Toys'R'Us but
         the stores in my area do not have any and your sales
         people do not expect any new shipments!  There are also
         very few Lynx game titles in stock.  Why doesn't the
         largest toy store in the world carry a healthy supply
         of a quality product such as the Atari Lynx?

              The Atari Lynx is the best portable video game
         system on the market.  In the past, I have purchased my
         Lynx games from Toys'R'Us.  I am concerned that I will
         not be able to buy them from Toys'R'Us in the future.

              I hope you understand that Toys'R'Us will be losing
         sales by not carrying the Lynx.  My friends and I will not
         stop buying Lynx games because Toys'R'Us does not carry
         them, we will only go to another store that does.

         Sincerely,

         (your signature)
         
         (your name)


   ------------------------------------------------------------------


         (date)

         (your address)

         Mr. Michael Goldstein, Vice Chairman
         Toys'R'Us
         461 From Road
         Paramus, NJ 07652

         Dear Mr. Goldstein,

              I purchased my Atari Lynx from Toys'R'Us with the
         belief that your company would be there when I wanted
         to buy games for it.  I have visited Toys'R'Us in my area
         and I am told that the Lynx is being dropped!

              When I purchased my Lynx from Toys'R'Us, the
         salesperson told me that I was making the right decision
         by purchasing it from Toys'R'Us.  There are other
         stores that I could have purchased it from that are
         continuing to support the Lynx strongly.

              I would like very much to continue buying my Lynx
         video games from Toys'R'Us.  Please continue supporting
         the Atari Lynx by increasing, not decreasing, the amount
         of stock that Toys'R'Us stores carry.

              Thank you for taking the time to care about your
         customers. 

         Sincerely,


         (your signature)

         (your name)


   -------------------------------------------------------------------


         (date)

         (your address)

         Mr. Michael Goldstein, Vice Chairman
         Toys'R'Us
         461 From Road
         Paramus, NJ 07652

         Dear Mr. Goldstein,

              I have heard rumors that Toys'R'Us is dropping the
         Lynx!  Is this true?  Toys'R'Us has carried Atari
         products since the store first started!  This is very
         disappointing news.

              The Atari Lynx is not only a very good product, but
         it is also manufactured by the only American video game
         company!  

              I urge you to contact Atari and resolve your
         problems with them.  The Atari Lynx is just too good of
         a product for Toys'R'Us not to carry.

              Thank you for caring about your customers.

         Sincerely,

         (your signature)


         (your name)


   -------------------------------------------------------------------


         THANK YOU FOR WRITING! 

         This is what makes the Atari Community so great!



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