From: baustin@billapc.UUCP (Bill Austin)
Newsgroups: comp.os.os2.advocacy
Subject: Re: OS/2 stopped selling!!
Date: Wed, 16 Dec 92 05:39:14 -0500
Organization: Ground Zero Group, Columbus, OH 43227

In <Bz5zCw.897@newsflash.concordia.ca> patrice@cenparmi.concordia.ca (SCATTOLIN patrice) writes:
>According to a local software store OS/2 has stopped selling. After
>looking and not seeing it on the shelves I asked if they were selling OS/2.

Were it not for a little list of 'helps' that a friend and I put together
and printed 75 copies of and GAVE to a local computer store (they would 
be PO'd if someone took credit, so I won't use their name) to give
to anyone that bought OS/2 or just wanted it (pref someone that had bought
OS/2 somewhere), this little computer store that I like to buy from would
have dumped OS/2 2.0

Reason?  Out of 15 copies sold, 12 came back (11 opened, 1 was a gift and
the person that was getting it turned out to have a 286..etc)
(btw, just to keep the hope alive.. I bought the 12 copies at full price
in behalf of current and future clients.. only two left to go)
Most of the returns were 'couldn't get it to work', 'too slow', and 'didn't
have drives for my <xyx> hardware card..etc.  Which in some case was true
I still think a few of the copies that were sold were pirated and then
returned, but I really wouldn't know for sure.
Additionally, this particular computer store makes most of its money from
hardware, not software.  He carried OS/2 on *MY* request (The owner is 
a good friend of mine, and he respects my opinions.. which is another 
reason I went to the above measures to MAKE OS/2 work for him profitable)
Now that he as got his feet wet, and some of his better customers have
OS/2 working.. He has started OFFICIALLY offering to trade DOS/WIN bundled
for OS/2 bundled.  I've been helping him (free) install and test it as much
as I can.

Another computer shop here in town, mostly software this time.. has similar
return rates.  I DEFINATELY think its piracy in this case, but again...
Additionally, its never more than three copies on the shelf (thats ok, small
store) and always on a top shelf out of the the way.  Win3.1 and MS-dos 5 is
at eye level of course.  I've given my leaflet of 'helps' to this store as well
Two days later I stopped in to buy Falcon 3.0 OFT (hey, I like to have FUN too!)
and saw them in the trash.
While not as sleek, or extensive as something that might have come from IBM, 
or even from a user-group with alot of time.  It did include a decent list of
hardware that *I* had tested with OS/2 and stated EXACT sources for drivers, etc
as well as several tips I've picked up here on the net regarding traps, tips, 
and just general advice.  If this is the mentality of the average store manager
that sells OS/2, then I'd say we are in for trouble.  
Personally, (except of course for those local to me, which has a friendly computer
store..) I suggest buying OS/2 2.0 from PC Connection, a VERY nice mail order house
They have a decent return policy, and they seem to show an interest in the fact that
OS/2 has been selling quite nicely for them.  I'm not connected with IBM, 
PC Connection, or anyone else mentioned for that matter.. Just love OS/2
(and putting my actions where my mouth is)

baustin