[NTLUG:Discuss] Fry's and Linux

[Thomas Cameron]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Burton M. Strauss III" <Burton_Strauss at comcast.net>
To: "NTLUG Discussion List" <discuss at ntlug.org>
Sent: Thursday, June 17, 2004 4:29 PM
Subject: RE: [NTLUG:Discuss] Fry's and Linux


> 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


Wow - I just thought it was a funny story...  I certainly didn't expect this
thread to go so gonzo.

Me personally, I just expected either "yeah, I've heard that card XYZ works
well," or maybe "I don't know" from the PFY.  I thought it was funny in a
sad sort of way that he pulled the "Mac took over Linux" thing out.

I certainly don't expect an education from Fry's...  But I think it's
reasonable to expect a straight answer.

And I certainly wouldn't have flamed him had he said "I don't know."  Give
me a little more credit than that!

As far as talking to the manager, I wouldn't waste my time...  I've tried
that once at Fry's and the manager made me more angry than the dipstick kid
about whom I was complaining.

As I said, I was in there on a totally unrelated errand and just asked a
quick video card question.  I was amused by the response, that's all.

Thomas