HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: burgoyne@access.digex.com (J. Robert Burgoyne)
Subject: Re: Business Angels?
Organization: Express Access Online Communications, Greenbelt, MD USA
X-Newsreader: Tin 1.1 PL3
Date: Fri, 20 Nov 1992 17:31:42 GMT

jhaines@eniac.seas.upenn.edu (Jason Haines) writes:
: >
: >One more note about classified ads in the Wall Street Journal -- the
 
: 	Many other sources of funding exist.  It really depends
: on how much money you need, where you are in the development cycle, etc...

Uh yeh, but how many of those have you personally tried to do? It's just that
everyone talks about the things you talk about, but how many people do you
know that got results from a cold start?

: 	I wouldn't go with a WSJ ad, but I guess at the ~$450 
: quoted before, it might be worth it.
: 	If you have an accountant, a banker, and/or a lawyer I would
: talk with them.  Often they will have contacts with people/companies/
: investors that might  be interested.  If not, they often know someone
: who knows someone etc...

This never works for most people. Nobody wants to stake their reputation
on your project, so everyone appears interested, buy no money flows to you.

: 	The other thing to do would be to check the library for the
: list to venture capital firms, find the ones that specialize
: in your area and business size etc...  Then send them a copy of your
: business plan or contact them about it before hand.  If you can
: find a contact at one of these firms beforehand it will greatly increase
: your chances of having more than the Exec. Summary read.

Ever talk with a VC firm? I have talked with many. Few are interested in
projects that involve less than $1E6 infusion, coupled with your $1E6
plant and equipment. They all want you to have more than $5E6 in sales
in 3 years or less.

And I read a summary of a survey in High Tech Marketing News I believe
where they interviewed VC terms to see how many "cold" walk in off the
street projects they funded. An amazing 0% had ever funded such a project.

Many of the firms are in Palo Alto, CA, and they aren't interested in doing
business with companies located more than an hours drive away. There's also
a few VC firms in Princeton, NJ, and NYC.

: 	Also, many states have technology and business loan programs
: available - check with your local Small Business Development Center.

These are a joke. Talk with my banker and he'll tell you why you'll never
get money from them, particularly if you don't have personal assets to
put up as collateral.

Robert Burgoyne
 
Newsgroups: misc.entrepreneurs
From: harrism@aquila.rtp.dg.com (Mike Harris)
Subject: Re: American Inventors Corp.
Date: Mon, 16 Nov 92 23:23:10 GMT
Distribution: usa
Reply-To: harrism@dg-rtp.dg.com
Organization: Data General Corp., Research Triangle Park, NC

In article <30209@nntp_server.ems.cdc.com>, mtoms@ems.cdc.com (Mark Toms) writes:
|> In article <1992Nov10.142651.9498@sol.ctr.columbia.edu>, rb4572@thor.albany.edu (Whitesnake) writes:
|> |> 
|> |> I'm considering submitting my invention idea to American Inventors Corp. for
|> |> a "free assessment," (they tell me if they think it's worth patenting) under
|> |> a promise of confidentiality and non-disclosure.  If you have dealt with this
|> |> company before, what did you think of it?  Thanks.
|> |> -- 
|> |> Ron Bangel  a.k.a.  \/\/hitesnake        Internet: rb4572@albany.bitnet
|> |> "I don't wanna play the waiting game     US Mail:  588 Madison Avenue 
|> |>  and drift away, leaving an illusion..."           Albany, NY  12208
|> |>                            - Def Leppard           (518) 436-1927
|> 
|> Ron,
|> 
|>   One thought that ocurred to me was that you might ask American Inventors Corp
|> for a list of, say 10, inventors that they have worked with.  Sort of like
|> a customer list.  When you buy a car, computer, house, etc.  you ask the
|> salesman for a list of 'satisfied customers' and then contact them for
|> their response.  Make sure you tell American Inventors that you want specifics
|> (names, phone numbers, etc.) and then call these people yourself.
|> 
|>   If American is reputable, they shouldn't have any problems providing you
|> this information.  If they don't want to, inquire as to why.  Don't settle
|> for an excuse like 'it's not our policy'.  

	You should also ask for a few dis-satisfied customer references to
contact. If they're reputable they'll provide these as well.

	I'd play the devil's advocate and make sure that there are concrete
deliverables that are worth the money.

	A friend of mine (really!) used one of these comanies - I can't 
	remember the name but it had an office in Atlanta. He paid several
	hundred $$ for an evaluation. The evaluation indicated potential
	markets existed and that it merited further evaluation ... You
	get the picture. 
	
	Anyway, his "product" was a solar cell powered vent fan to keep
	your car cooled while it sat in the parking lot. These were
	shortly thereafter announced on some high end cars and then they
	hit the aftermarket. I'm certainly not suggesting that the company
	stole his idea, (just his money), but that they should have known
	that this was about to be productized anyway (patent apps, etc).

	Perhaps a few bad apples spoil it for the industry but I'd be
	extremely cautious.

	regards, Mike
From: paradis@sousa.tay.dec.com (Jim Paradis)
Newsgroups: misc.entrepreneurs
Subject: Re: Investment Tax Credit?
Date: 17 Nov 92 15:54:33 GMT
Distribution: usa
Organization: Digital Equipment Corporation, Littleton, MA
X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.1 PL6]

Mark Toms (mtoms@ems.cdc.com) wrote:
:   I am considering purchasing some equipment for use in my
: business.  Should I consider buying it in 1993 as opposed to 1992
: for tax reasons?  In other words, will there be an invenstment
: tax credit for purchases in 1993?

Well, Clinton's talking about it, but we can't be sure it'll happen
until he actually becomes President *and* Congress takes up the matter.
Remember Bush's "capital loss deduction for homeowners" that never 
materialized?  A lot of people put off decisions hoping that it would,
and ended up taking an even deeper bath as a result...


-- 
Jim Paradis (paradis@sousa.tay.dec.com) 
I try to take one day at a time, but lately several days have attacked at once!
Newsgroups: misc.entrepreneurs
From: billd@gdstech.GRUMMAN.COM (Bill D'Camp)
Subject: Anyone heard of Mike Milin?
Organization: Grumman Corporation
Distribution: na
Date: Mon, 23 Nov 1992 21:14:23 GMT


Has anyone of Mike Milin?  I got a flyer in the mail the other dayfor
a seminar he is giving on how to make money on gov't auctions.  The
brochure claims he will put up the money for purchases and split the
profits on a 50/50 basis.  There is supposed to be an "AUCTION
HOTLINE" run by Milin which will put you in touch with buyers.

Is this guy for real?  
--
    _   /|
    \`o_O'
      ( )    Aachk! Phft!
       U     billd@gdstech.grumman.com
"All opinions expressed herein are my own, they do not represent the
opinions of my employer."

-- 
    _   /|
    \`o_O'
      ( )    Aachk! Phft!
       U     billd@gdstech.grumman.com
Newsgroups: misc.entrepreneurs
From: regmad@gsusgi2.gsu.edu (Michael de Kraker)
Subject: Re: How to sell a MS-window software?
Organization: Georgia State University
Date: Fri, 20 Nov 1992 10:45:23 GMT

jizhu@sunrel.Eng.Sun.COM (Jim Zhu) writes:


>Hi,

>A friend of mine has developed a software for MS-Window users.
>The software will help them to document their personnel information.
>My friend would like to sell his software through retailers, but he
>doesn't want to rule out other possible channels.  The problem is
>he has no ideas of what it takes to get his software sold at retail
>stores.  Who does he have to talk to?  How much capital is required?
>Does he need a contract with the retailers?  Does he need to have
>the software nicely packaged?  Are there any other channels to sell
>his software?  Any info or personnel experience will be highly
>appreciated.  

>Jim

Dear Jim and others developers:

	Has your friend considered making his program available
	in the public domain. I personally have tw program offerings
	out and find it a great way to generate sales.

	Just upload the files in zip format to all the BBS's and 
	internet sites you can.  Include a notice that it is user supported 
	software and order form etc.

	Sure some people will use it without sending any money but
	if the product is valid users will demand the latest
	and may even suggest features to be included. 

	Think about it no packaging no marketing. This is what
	dreams are made of.


     _______  ______
    /        /        /       /    Michael A. de Kraker
   /        /______  /       /     Georgia State University  404-651-2390
  /    ___        / /       /      Internet:REGMAD@GSUSGI2.GSU.EDU
 /_______/ ______/ /_______/       BITNET  :REGMAD@GSUVM1  PACKET:KD4FKW@W4QO
 
   To iterate is human, to recurse devine
From: jhaines@eniac.seas.upenn.edu (Jason Haines)
Newsgroups: misc.entrepreneurs
Subject: Re: Invention Development Companies Truth or Fraud
Date: 22 Nov 92 21:50:44 GMT
Organization: University of Pennsylvania

In article <2931300721.0.p00140@psilink.com> p00140@psilink.com (Gary A. Woodward) writes:
>Actually, if you are willing to do some of the work, you can get a 
>patent for arround $4-500.  This has been my experience.  First look in 
>the yellow pages under attourneys-patent.  Ask them if you make up the 
>description and suppy art can you save money?  Keep trying.  Patent law 
>like many other things is negotiable to an extent.
>
>good luck. 
>
>GW

	I be interested in how you managed this.  I can do a preliminary
patent search online for pretty cheap so I can save costs there.
I could see reducing the lawyer's fees by doing much of this leg work and
wording yourself but aren't the filing and patent fees alone more than 
$400 to $500?

Jason
Newsgroups: misc.entrepreneurs
From: "Gary A. Woodward" <p00140@psilink.com>
Subject: voicemail/fax card for computer
Organization: Performance Systems Int'l
Date: Wed, 18 Nov 1992 01:16:09 GMT
X-Mailer: PSILink (3.2)

Sometime last week someone posted that they had bought a dialogic card 
that allowed voicemail and fax on a homebased computer.  They said that they
had purchased a single inbound line unit for around U$195.  Would you 
please repost the name of the co that sold it to you?


thanks in advance.


gw
From: oususasm@Msu.oscs.montana.edu
Newsgroups: misc.entrepreneurs
Subject: Re: Safeware computer insurance -- Any good?
Date: 15 Nov 92 22:56:47 GMT
Article-I.D.: Msu.00963A87.0450D280
Reply-To: oususasm@Msu.oscs.montana.edu
Distribution: na
Organization: Montana State University

In article <BxpxwI.EMG@news.cso.uiuc.edu>, berger@atropa (Mike Berger) writes:
>park@netcom.com (Bill Park) writes:
>>I'm considering insuring my computer equipment with Safeware Insurance
>>Agency, Inc. of Columbus, Ohio.
>
>>-- Are they an honest company?
>>-- Do they provide useful kinds of insurance on computer equipment?
>>-- Are their rates competitive?
>>-- Do they pay claims promptly, or do they try wriggle out of it?
>*----
>Safeware covers equipment used for business as well as personal applications,
>so its useful where your homeowner's insurance isn't.  A friend had a
>lightning damaged modem, and Safeware was willing to replace it without
>any trouble, except for this consideration:  At the time (this was a few
>years ago), they had a list of "standard" replacement items.  So, for
>example, if you lost a modem, they'd replace it with a comparable Hayes
>product.  That might be a benefit if you lost an Anchor modem, but a
>disadvantage if you want your NEC modem replaced with an identical one.
>They did agree to pay for an exact replacement bought on the surplus market
>when my friend refused the Hayes.  I don't know if their policies have
>changed since then.
>
>--
>	Mike Berger
>	Internet    berger@atropa.stat.uiuc.edu


	Another solution is to take out a personal articles policy with your
own insurance agent.  Mine is with State Farm and I am paying almost the same
amount as a Safeware policy.  THe state farm policy is a no-deductable,
no-fault policy, so for anything that happens to the computer (even if you
cased it) they will pay to replace the damaged component with an identical
component.  You might want to chekc with your local insurance agent.
		Scott

	Internet:	oususasm@msu.oscs.montana.edu
From: exuclh@exu.ericsson.se (Calvin L. Hall, x 6521, s034)
Newsgroups: misc.entrepreneurs
Subject: Re: Invention Development Companies Truth o
Date: 23 Nov 92 19:30:45 GMT
Reply-To: exuclh@exu.ericsson.se
Organization: Ericsson Network Systems, Inc.
X-Disclaimer: This article was posted by a user at Ericsson.
              Any opinions expressed are strictly those of the
              user and not necessarily those of Ericsson.


Not counting researching the patent. The patent office
requires over $300 just to file and another $500+
if it issues. Afterwhich there are maintenance fees to 
keep it in force.
Newsgroups: misc.entrepreneurs
From: rnewman@nyx.cs.du.edu (Rick Newman)
Subject: Re: *** FREE DIRECT MAIL ?!?!?!?!? ***
X-Disclaimer: Nyx is a public access Unix system run by the University
	of Denver for the Denver community.  The University has neither
	control over nor responsibility for the opinions of users.
Organization: Nyx, Public Access Unix at U. of Denver Math/CS dept.
Date: Mon, 16 Nov 92 15:44:02 GMT

In article <1992Nov11.160951.191@netcom.com> strnlght@netcom.com (David S
ernlight) writes:
>
>Jack Jeffries mentions a method for removing cancellations from postage
>stamps and re-using them. He needs to consider whether saving 29 cents
>is worth a term in Leavenworth if he's caught.
>
>-- 
>David Sternlight
>(pgp 2.0 and ripem public keys available on request)


Please, Mr. Sternlight ... do you REALLY think Mr. Jeffries was serious??
or was he ????

Rick
Organization: Queen's University at Kingston
Date: Mon, 16 Nov 1992 13:41:17 EST
From: <TAMIL@QUCDN.QueensU.CA>
Newsgroups: misc.entrepreneurs
Subject: Direct Mail

Hi,
 Does any one has any experience with direct mail. I live in Canada and I have
to send about 5000 mails to prospects in the US. If there any company that
is capabel of acepting my ad material and mailing then to people.

Thanks

Jay
From: jizhu@sunrel.Eng.Sun.COM (Jim Zhu)
Newsgroups: misc.entrepreneurs
Subject: How to sell a MS-window software?
Date: 19 Nov 1992 18:38:54 GMT
Organization: Sun Microsystems Inc., Mountain View, CA
Distribution: world
Reply-To: jizhu@sunrel.Eng.Sun.COM
NNTP-Posting-Host: sunrel


Hi,

A friend of mine has developed a software for MS-Window users.
The software will help them to document their personnel information.
My friend would like to sell his software through retailers, but he
doesn't want to rule out other possible channels.  The problem is
he has no ideas of what it takes to get his software sold at retail
stores.  Who does he have to talk to?  How much capital is required?
Does he need a contract with the retailers?  Does he need to have
the software nicely packaged?  Are there any other channels to sell
his software?  Any info or personnel experience will be highly
appreciated.  

Jim
From: kishon-amir@cs.yale.edu (Amir Kishon)
Newsgroups: misc.entrepreneurs
Subject: Starting Up a Software Company
Date: 23 Nov 1992 16:28:15 -0500
Organization: Yale University Computer Science Dept., New Haven, CT 06520-2158
Distribution: world
NNTP-Posting-Host: systemsz-gw.cs.yale.edu
Keywords: business,software


                    STARTING UP A SOFTWARE COMPANY

I am considering starting up a software company. The company would
initially be based on a shrink-wrap 50-100$ educational/game software
for the PC and the Macintosh markets.

To get the project going I need to get some investment in - hence, a
business plan is called for. I am looking for any information
investors can be interested in. For example:

* MARKET DATA: 
        - number of shrink-wrap software companies.
        - what is their annual average sales? 
        - how many have received venture capital financing?
        - how many of them went public?
        - some figures about the number of software packages sold in the PC 
          and on the Mac markets for similar products (successes and 
          failures).  

* PRODUCT: 
        - availability of similar products.
        - development costs.
        - packaging costs.
        - other costs...

* SALES: 
        - who are the main whole-sellers/mail-order companies?
        - usual percentage maker gets from whole-seller and mail order
          companies.
        - what is the distribution channel percentage?
        - how difficult is to get such companies to sell your software?

* And of course important CONTACTS.

etc. etc. etc. 

Any references to books, magazines, articles or good ole personal
experience on this subject would be GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks, 

-- 
Amir Kishon                                 ARPA:   kishon-amir@cs.yale.edu
Yale University, Computer Science Dept.             kishon-amir@yale.arpa
P.O.Box 2158 Yale Station                   BITNET: kishon-amir@yalecs.bitnet
New Haven, CT. 06520-2158                   UUCP:   decvax!yale!kishon-amir
Newsgroups: misc.entrepreneurs
From: hutch@bellman.lanl.gov (John Hutchinson)
Subject: Re: voicemail/fax card for computer
Reply-To: hutch@bellman.lanl.gov
Organization: Los Alamos National Laboratory
Date: Thu, 19 Nov 1992 19:12:16 GMT

In article p00140@psilink.com, "Gary A. Woodward" <p00140@psilink.com> () writes:
>Sometime last week someone posted that they had bought a dialogic card 
>that allowed voicemail and fax on a homebased computer.  They said that they
>had purchased a single inbound line unit for around U$195.  Would you 
>please repost the name of the co that sold it to you?
>


That's the BigmOuth card from Talking Technologies.  Sorry, I don't have their
phone/fax number handy.  It looks like a nice unit for the price, however.

---

___________________________ John "HUTCH" Hutchinson _________________________
_________________ Fair Dinkum Technologies     Member - IAAD  _______________
________________ "No worries, mate... it's from Fair Dinkum!" _______________
____________ email: hutch@bellman.lanl.gov   GEnie: FAIR-DINKUM _____________
From: dye@edison.llumc.edu (Leonard Dye)
Newsgroups: misc.entrepreneurs
Subject: Where to get market data
Date: 20 Nov 92 17:01:42 GMT
Distribution: usa
Organization: LLUMC Radiation Research Lab


Where does one find market data for a segment in the machine tool industry?
The trade magizines publish the industry as a whole and major categories
but I need a particular market segment. I suppose the Dept. of Commerce has
info but where/who? I rather not go thru those high priced research firms
unless I really have too.

Any one with sugestions/experience that could help I would appreciate hearing
from you.


Leonard Dye
dye@proton.llumc.edu
From: bt630@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Rich Michaels)
Newsgroups: misc.entrepreneurs
Subject: Re: Money Making scheme
Date: 19 Nov 1992 18:06:59 GMT
Organization: Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio (USA)
NNTP-Posting-Host: slc4.ins.cwru.edu


Simply put:

Buy her (unsatisfactory) books wholsale --- or through a 
drop shipment arrangement.

Place classified ads directing prospective leads to your answering
machine (or voicemail box).

Send sales letters to leads.

Hope enough orders come in to realize a profit.

The idea is good; don't sell *her* books.  Write your own, or find
a supplier of *quality* how-to and self help books...


--
Xref: sparky misc.entrepreneurs:3306 misc.legal:20011
From: jih@cato.aa.ox.com (John I. Hritz)
Newsgroups: misc.entrepreneurs
Subject: Transaction logging and billing system pointers
Date: 18 Nov 92 16:07:05 GMT
Organization: OTA Limited Partnership -- Ann Arbor, MI
Distribution: usa
NNTP-Posting-Host: cato.aa.ox.com

	I am looking to for a system that will log transactions and then
do month end processing to bill VISA charges.  My preference would be for
something I can bring up on a Unix machine, but a PC-based piece of software
would be OK.  I imagine there are not freely-redistributable transaction
billing systems around, so modestly priced systems are fine.

	Thanks in advance.
-- 
John Hritz, jih@ox.com                     Photons have mass!!??
O.T.A. Limited Partnership                    I didn't even know
101 N. Main, Suite 410                            they were Catholic...
Ann Arbor, MI 48104 (313) 930-1888
Newsgroups: misc.entrepreneurs
From: fritz@fc.sde.hp.com (Gary Fritz)
Subject: Re: Money Making scheme
Organization: HP SESD, Fort Collins, CO
X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.1.4 PL6]
Date: Thu, 19 Nov 1992 18:59:30 GMT

Rich Michaels (bt630@cleveland.Freenet.Edu) wrote:
: Buy her (unsatisfactory) books wholsale --- or through a 
: drop shipment arrangement.

Thanks, Rich.  Is that personal experience, or a guess?  That's sure
a common "opportunity", and I wouldn't be surprised if that's what MORE does.

: The idea is good; don't sell *her* books.  Write your own, or find
: a supplier of *quality* how-to and self help books...

Even writing your own book, it's no cakewalk.  I tried doing that
a few years ago.  You can bankrupt yourself advertising, and still
not pull any orders.

Gary
From: MTURELLA@cmsa.gmr.com
Newsgroups: misc.entrepreneurs
Subject: World Wide Dream Builders
Date: 16 Nov 92 14:04:55 GMT
Organization: GM Research Labs


Hi,

Does anyone have any information on "World Wide Dream Builders"?

It supposedly has 5000 products (from 300 companies) and was
founded by Bill Brit.

Any info (including their sales line and their price) would be
appreciated.

Thanx in advance,
Mark

Newsgroups: misc.entrepreneurs
From: tierney@nevada.edu (TIMOTHY P TIERNEY)
Subject: Need Info on Vending Business
Originator: tierney@helios.nevada.edu
Organization: University of Nevada System Computing Services
Distribution: usa
Date: Tue, 17 Nov 1992 17:47:45 GMT

Hello all,

I'm hoping that I can get some information from all of you on this news
group regarding a vending business, i.e. soda, snacks, etc.  A friend of
mine and I are thinking about possibly starting up a business based on
vending in our spare time, at least initially.

I guess the questions I most want answered at this point are as follows:

	Though I know this varies state by state, are there *generally*
	any special licensing requirements?

	What arrangement is made with a business, etc., where you install
	one of your machines?  Do they get a flat monthly fee, a per 
	vend amount, etc.?  If per vend, what would be the average?

	Is there software available to track inventory, profit/loss by
	machine, etc. specifically for this type of business?

	How do you determine what product types would work best in what
	businesses?

	Lastly, what are folks thoughts on these new *small* soda machines,
	etc., designed specifically for small offices?

Any information you can provide on the above would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Tim Tierney
From: jmarold@netlink.cts.com (Jeff Marold)
Newsgroups: misc.entrepreneurs
Subject: Re: Direct Mail
Date: 18 Nov 92 06:04:51 GMT
Article-I.D.: netlink.s38euB2w165w
Organization: NetLink Online Communications, San Diego CA

<TAMIL@QUCDN.QueensU.CA> writes:

> Hi,
>  Does any one has any experience with direct mail. I live in Canada and I hav
> to send about 5000 mails to prospects in the US. If there any company that
> is capabel of acepting my ad material and mailing then to people.
> Jay
-------> Any direct mailing requires that you :
1) have the mailing piece prepared (you will almost always use a printer)
2) decide who you are trying to reach. You or your vendor will likely be 
   buying a mailing list form a mailing list vendor.
3) select and negotiate a price with a mailing house who will label, 
   sort, and deliver the mail to the post office.
I've found that printers and mailing houses and list houses now commonly 
work together very closely thus offering "one stop shopping"
Check around and get several prices.

good luck

- Jeff Marold

--                    
INTERNET:  jmarold@netlink.cts.com (Jeff Marold)
UUCP:   ...!ryptyde!netlink!jmarold
NetLink Online Communications * Public Access in San Diego, CA (619) 453-1115
Newsgroups: misc.entrepreneurs