The bay area provider (bigger.net) in January of 1997 started offering free internet access, there was a licensing fee of $59 for some of the software, but no access fees. There was a $10 annual fee for email, but this was not required to use the service.
The "Lifetime" tag was invented by the USA Today headline, so was invented by the paper, not by the company. As most the news stories that followed gained thier information initially from USA Today, it propogated quickly and refused to let go.
Bigger.net's user base was purchased later by a company called Brigadoon.
I do not, like so many here, think this is a bad idea. He believes the information in a small easy to manage risk free package will GIVE them what they need to SEE what linux has to offer them.
I personally know MANY of my relatives who have yet to try a nix option, mostly because of thier fear of the unknown. I have alot of experience in helping people learn unix. It is committing yourself as a tutor and guide, at least as much as to teach them the basics and how to seek information themselves.
Most of us know the power of alternatives. Knowledge of alternatives is also power. A gift of power is not bad. A huge extra value comes in the unwritten promise of support. And just because none of your relatives may benefit, many of his might.
A $100 computer is possible. If you can come up with a few minor solutions to some issues along the way.
Parts in quantity can definatly be acquired under the $100 mark (sans monitor/mouse/keyboard). the problem exists in the market, assembly, and marketing. In 1998 and 99 I amassed quotes for a large potential project in asia The systems fell just under $100, but the quantities were in the hundreds of thousands over a defined time period of only several years. Much of the hardware is less expensive now. But, all that would give you is a warehouse or 7 full of assorted parts that would require assembly. Once you get them put together, you need to let the world know they exist, this alone can cost a bundle per unit. Now, if ya solve those hurdles, ya must then conquor the last, most people don't want to buy a slower, older technology machine.
Walmart does not see the market for such machines. But, solve these issues, and you have yourself a venture.
Try not to be daunted by the list. Just like coding the application, take it in steps, and use small concise bits of information. Especially if going to family friends or your local bank, none of them want to read more than a four-page document. I have written over 40 plans for mine and other people's ventures, the main goals are to let you and those reading it know that you have covered or at least put some thought into what's involved, and potential problems. People invest in people, not in plans.
This I hope will help with the larger picture you hint at beyond ecommerce.
The easy answer is, there is not an easy answer. At least, not one I have ever found. I have personally started a number of ventures, and once you have a product, all the hats change.
The suggestion I always make to people, is write a simple business plan, even if you never show another soul. Creating a plan points out where the holes are that need filling. Below is a simple outline I often start with, just start with a paragraph about each item. It is written from a funding search point of view, but this is a good place for everyone to start as the people with the money often ask the right question.
Business Plan Outline
Give a detailed description of the business and its goals.
Discuss the ownership of the business and the legal structure.
List the skills and experience you bring to the business.
Discuss the advantages you and your business have over your competitors.
Discuss the products/services offered.
Identify the customer demand for your product/service.
Identify your market, its size and locations.
Explain how your product/service will be advertised and marketed.
Explain the pricing strategy.
Financial Management
Explain your source and the amount of initial equity capital.
Develop a monthly operating budget for the first year.
Develop an expected return on investment and monthly cash flow for the first year.
Provide projected income statements and balance sheets for a two year period.
Discuss your break even point.
Explain your personal balance sheet and method of compensation.
Discuss who will maintain your accounting records and how they will be kept.
Provide "what if" statements that address alternative approaches to any problem that may develop.
Operations
Explain how the business will be managed on a day to day basis.
Discuss hiring and personnel procedures.
Discuss insurance, lease or rent agreements, and issues pertinent to your business.
Account for the equipment necessary to produce your products or services.
Account for production and delivery of products and services.
Concluding Statement
Summarize your business goals and objectives and express your commitment to the success of your business.
Once you have completed a draft of your business plan, review it with a friend or business associate or the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) or the Small Business Administration (SBA). They will give you all the other information you will most likley need.
I am currently in the last stages of forming a new venture in which at least five coders will be hired. I have used offshore (India) coders in the past, which has worked well for some projects. This is not however my prefered working relationship. In my experience, even with advanced communication technologies, there is no substitute to 'being there' for building an intuitive, fast, team.
Slashdot Mirror
The bay area provider (bigger.net) in January of 1997 started offering free internet access, there was a licensing fee of $59 for some of the software, but no access fees. There was a $10 annual fee for email, but this was not required to use the service.
The "Lifetime" tag was invented by the USA Today headline, so was invented by the paper, not by the company. As most the news stories that followed gained thier information initially from USA Today, it propogated quickly and refused to let go.
Bigger.net's user base was purchased later by a company called Brigadoon.
I founded the company in 1996.
No wait! http://www.spamersite.com/?get_your_free_ipod
A suit is more often than not looking for a price. This just means this price met his criteria.
Comedy is not pretty...
Last time I sponsored a cool browser, AOL slurped it up. I'm not doin that to the poor lil FireFox.
Most of us know the power of alternatives. Knowledge of alternatives is also power. A gift of power is not bad. A huge extra value comes in the unwritten promise of support. And just because none of your relatives may benefit, many of his might.
I for one welcome our new.... er... fuck no!
I feel, exposed. Luckily thats one of the smaller Internets. (Gore was indeed busy).
Which Internet?
Come on, us old Amiga users recognize another cult when we see one...er...wait..
Parts in quantity can definatly be acquired under the $100 mark (sans monitor/mouse/keyboard). the problem exists in the market, assembly, and marketing. In 1998 and 99 I amassed quotes for a large potential project in asia The systems fell just under $100, but the quantities were in the hundreds of thousands over a defined time period of only several years. Much of the hardware is less expensive now. But, all that would give you is a warehouse or 7 full of assorted parts that would require assembly. Once you get them put together, you need to let the world know they exist, this alone can cost a bundle per unit. Now, if ya solve those hurdles, ya must then conquor the last, most people don't want to buy a slower, older technology machine.
Walmart does not see the market for such machines. But, solve these issues, and you have yourself a venture.
I for one welcome our new information mongering overlords.
I was upset when the modem that came out a week after I purchased my first had 'Auto Answer' as a feature....
Still grumbling...
The suggestion I always make to people, is write a simple business plan, even if you never show another soul. Creating a plan points out where the holes are that need filling. Below is a simple outline I often start with, just start with a paragraph about each item. It is written from a funding search point of view, but this is a good place for everyone to start as the people with the money often ask the right question. Business Plan Outline
Give a detailed description of the business and its goals.
Discuss the ownership of the business and the legal structure.
List the skills and experience you bring to the business.
Discuss the advantages you and your business have over your competitors.
Discuss the products/services offered.
Identify the customer demand for your product/service.
Identify your market, its size and locations.
Explain how your product/service will be advertised and marketed.
Explain the pricing strategy.
Financial Management
Explain your source and the amount of initial equity capital.
Develop a monthly operating budget for the first year.
Develop an expected return on investment and monthly cash flow for the first year.
Provide projected income statements and balance sheets for a two year period.
Discuss your break even point.
Explain your personal balance sheet and method of compensation.
Discuss who will maintain your accounting records and how they will be kept.
Provide "what if" statements that address alternative approaches to any problem that may develop.
Operations
Explain how the business will be managed on a day to day basis.
Discuss hiring and personnel procedures.
Discuss insurance, lease or rent agreements, and issues pertinent to your business.
Account for the equipment necessary to produce your products or services.
Account for production and delivery of products and services.
Concluding Statement
Summarize your business goals and objectives and express your commitment to the success of your business.
Once you have completed a draft of your business plan, review it with a friend or business associate or the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) or the Small Business Administration (SBA). They will give you all the other information you will most likley need.
Your crash was caused by an error from an unkown driver. Just can't get good help these days....
Being eaten isn't all that bad....
I am currently in the last stages of forming a new venture in which at least five coders will be hired. I have used offshore (India) coders in the past, which has worked well for some projects. This is not however my prefered working relationship. In my experience, even with advanced communication technologies, there is no substitute to 'being there' for building an intuitive, fast, team.
I for one welcome our new explosively feathered overlords.
"Your investments in Artificial Dumbness has paid off, you recieve two smithore" er, wait...