[NTLUG:Discuss] Fry's and Linux

[Burton M. Strauss III]

I've let this pass until now, but really...

> -----Original Message-----
> From: discuss-bounces at ntlug.org [mailto:discuss-bounces at ntlug.org]On
> Behalf Of Kevin Hulse
> Sent: Thursday, June 17, 2004 3:04 PM
> To: NTLUG Discussion List
> Subject: Re: [NTLUG:Discuss] Fry's and Linux

<snip />
>
> > > That's a bit above the scope and
> > > training of a store sales clerk.

Yup.  Emphasis on 'sales', to whit - http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary -

Main Entry: sales
Pronunciation: 'sA(&)lz
Function: adjective
: of, relating to, or used in selling

If you want an educator, well, you're definitely in the wrong store.

<snip-snide-comment />

> A store of Fry's caliber really should have that sort
> of information on hand. If I have to do my own
> research and build my own test modules, why the h*ll
> do I need any brick-mortar retailer?

You're wrong.  For most cards, the Manufacturer doesn't make the information
available.  In fact, given that many of them don't test under Linux or
FreeBSD or whatever, they may not even know.

The hardware compatibility lists everyone has pointed at are great, but they
represent user experiences.  When somebody says X doesn't work, that really
means "X doesn't work on MY system at the level I'm able/willing to test
it".  It may work for a different individual or in a different setup.

So what do you expect?

(A) Fry's to test every item in all reasonable configurations?  So they
"know" if it works?
(B) Fry's to pass on the Mfg's info (which is on the box, bucko), and say "I
don't know"
(C) Fry's to pull some foolishness out of a hat (which seems to be the norm,
natch)?

If you want (A), then work with a skilled VAR and pay for it!

If you want (C), then shop @ Fry's...

The honest answer is (B).  But if they had done that, the thread would be
"Those lying thieving scum at Fry's don't know anything.  I asked if the
SuperGonzoVoodoo2000 would work in my FrobozMagicTablet Model 200 and they
didn't know."

What you should do is talk to the manager.  Do they care?  I doubt it.  But
if you DON'T take that step, you're all but guaranteeing they won't care the
next time.  Talking business to 'em - that get's their attention.

"Mr. Manager, I asked your clerk X about Y and he fed me a line of
bull-pucky about the Mac taking over Linux.  Please train your clerks that
if they don't know the answer to a question to say so instead of giving
customers half-truths and flat out lies.  I shop at Fry's for the low prices
and knowledgeable staff - if this is the kind of information I'm getting, I
can always find an alternate sale channel."

-----Burton