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From: root@idmi-cc.UUCP (Admin)
Newsgroups: net.flame,net.micro,net.micro.pc
Subject: Standard, What standard???
Message-ID: <143@idmi-cc.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 30-Jan-85 14:46:30 EST
Article-I.D.: idmi-cc.143
Posted: Wed Jan 30 14:46:30 1985
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	This is sort of a flame, though it's also an honest attempt
to get some support one way or the other for an arguement on this issue
that has been going around my office for over a year.
	My problem is that every time IBM announces a 'new' product for 
one of it's PC's there is a flurry of activity in the media that centers 
around the question "Is IBM defining a new standard in ...(whatever)?".
Times used to be, when setting a standard refered to either a) a standard
of excellence or b) a standard for 'state of the art' (ie/ a breakthrough
of some sort).  My understanding of the IBM line of PC's is: a) none of them
have ever used anything but already exisisting technology,  b) none of them
have been any bit more reliable than all but the worst of their competitors,
c) some of them (the PCjr for instance) have been a good deal worse than
other similarly priced products, d) and finally, rarely has any of the
software with IBM's name on it been 'state of the art' (let alone a breakthrough
on the 'leading edge').  The fact is I can't recall ever having seen anything
come from IBM that hadn't already been available in equal or better form
from somewhere else for less money.
	Don't get me wrong, I like IBM.  I think they have had a big hand
in the popularization of computers.  I just don't think they have set any
standards in the computer world.  I am tired of hearing the question, over
and over again, "is IBM setting a standard in ..." when what realy is being
asked is "is IBM doing another thing in a mediocre way that everyone else
will be forced to accept, emulate, or improve on because of the general public's
low level of knowledge concerning computers".
	It is my feeling that to say IBM sets standards in the computer
industry is like saying Betty Crocker sets the standards for fine french pastry.

-----
"This message will self destruct in 5 seconds"

The views expressed herein are probably not worth much to anyone and
therefore should not be mistaken to represent I.D.M.I, it's officers
or any other people heretofore or hereafter associated with said company.

			Andrew R. Scholnick
			Information Design and Management Inc., Alexandria, Va.
		{rlgvax,prcrs}!idmi-cc!andrew