NOTICE: This article originally appeared in the February issue of Atari
Interface Magazine and may be freely distributed or reprinted in non-profit
User Group publications as long as the article's author and Atari Interface
Magazine are credited AND this notice is reprinted with the article.  All
other publications must obtain written permission from Unicorn Publications,
3487 Braeburn Circle, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, Phone: (313) 973-8825 before using
this article.

Join The Revolution!

In the December issue of "Keeping PACE", Donald Thomas, President of Artisan
Software, proposed a planned REVOLUTION to expand the Atari Users base in the
U.S.A and get Tramiel's attention at the same time.  He also offered a
disk-based handbook that outlines a program of weekly of events that Atari
User Groups can take part in to accomplish these objectives.  I have not seen
"The REVOLUTION HANDBOOK" but I like the idea!  P3ACE has ordered the disk.
We
plan to make a copy available to all our members and encourage them to take
an
active part in the REVOLUTION.

However, I see no reason why we should wait for instructions.  Every Atari
User has his or her thoughts on what is the most important problem that WE,
the Tramiel family and Atari Users must solve first.  What ever your ideas
are
put them in a SHORT letter and send copies to Jack Tramiel, Chairman of the
Board, and Sam Tramiel, President, at the following address:

Atari Corporation
1196 Borregas Ave.
Sunnyvale, CA 94086

Make copies of your letter available to other Atari Users in your User's
Group, on Bulletin Boards, and to dealers(If you are lucky enough to have
one.) They may agree with your point of view and join the REVOLUTION.  There
is POWER in NUMBERS!

Here is my letter, use it as you will.

Dear ________:

I just received my copy of Atari's 1989 Third Quarter Report. You sold stock
stating that dividends would not be paid but that profits would be retained
to
insure growth.  The report shows a 17% reduction in assets in one quarter.  I
am disappointed!

As an Atari user I just visited the only Atari dealer within 100 miles.  I
was
shocked.  He had no 8bit hardware or software in stock and would not order
for
me.  He had one ST model in stock and a very few pieces of software.  He was
uncooperative and suggested that I get rid of my Atari and buy an Amega.  I
am
not impressed!

As a father I visited my son at the University of Iowa in Iowa City.  We
could
not find an Atari dealer within 100 miles.  I am mad!

No manufacturer should expect to grow without a supportive user base.
Word-of-mouth is the worlds best advertising media.  Atari had a supportive
user base but you are loosing it fast.  Approximately 30% of the local Users
Group have been forced to switch to another brand of computer during the past
year.  Like sheep more will follow unless you mend some fences.

The dealer and corporate support problems are not the only problems that
Atari
has, but they are major ones that must be solved first.  I do not have an
answer but I would like to suggest some ideas for your consideration.

1) Every community of reasonable size, say 100,000 for example, should have a
source where they could purchase an Atari product at a price comparable to
the
discounted price offered by most established Atari dealers, even if it is by
special order through a users group.

2) A city of 200 or 300 thousand should have more than 1 source, even if the
second dealership is a satellite of a full service dealer or through a Users
Group.  Atari should not loose sales because of two person's dislike for each
other.

3) The financial investment required of a potential dealer should be tailored
to the reasonable expectations of profit to be made by that dealership.  A
dealership in a community of 50 thousand does not have the same potential as
one in a community of 500 thousand.  It is not reasonable to demand the same
investment of both.

4) Establish the policy by which a dealership can be obtained, and the
conditions under which it may be taken away, as well as the support that
Atari
pledges to their dealers.  OH YES, of course in writing.
Hopefully and Helpfully your's


_________________________
Ed Fletcher, P3ACE Editor