Let people know about collectors

On Thu, 20 Mar 1997, Jeffrey G. Rottman wrote: All to true... A good idea, but needs to be approached with some care. Remember, the mass media will only be interested in a story that will gain them ratings/$$$, so IF you manage to get them interested in most cases they will put their own spin on it toward that goal. (yes, I've had far too many dealings with the media in my various ventures) Popularity is NOT always a good thing! Case in point: I was reciently in the process of finalizing a deal to obtain some equipment that was, in the words of the person I was in communication with "inches away from the dumpster". This batch of gear included some microcomputers, including a 'Mark-8' and some IMSAIs. We were just making the arrangements for shipping when someone on their side came across an article in the New York Times on collecting and the value of older computers. In the text of the article is allegedly said (I have not seen the article) that early microcomputers were fetching sums of upwards of $25,000(US). Needless to say, the deal immediately collapsed and the person who was offering the gear is now either (1) still sitting on the stuff waiting for the money to roll in, -or- (2) happily spending the money of some one who actually believed the article! I guess my base fear here is that if we actually managed to get the media's attention, a few major stories like this might drive the equipment costs to high (note I said COSTS, not VALUE) that only deep pocketed people with no real interest in the equipment other than its percieved 'value' would be able to afford to obtain it! Be afraid... Be VERY afraid! Me, I'm doing new board layouts and am planning to reconstruct a 'Mark-8' or two... Anyone else interested in a board set? -jim --- jimw(a)agora.rdrop.com The Computer Garage - http://www.rdrop.com/~jimw Computer Garage Fax - (503) 646-0174