[Tfug] Time to boycott Office Depot?

Tue Mar 25 08:52:01 2003

Perhaps you are right. Doesn't it look suspicious to you though aside 
from that? I mean, why announce it in a press release unless OD is 
trying to stir something in the marketplace for them or for M$?

Besides, OD support directs all Windows or XP related questions to M$ 
(this is usually the case whether it is XP or not, ex. "MyBookThingy 
version 1.3 from 1987 for DOS") or the hardware manufacturer, ex. Sony, 
HP, Compaq, Toshiba, etc... If the person calls M$, they are most 
assuredly going to pay for the support (listening to musak on the 
telephone for a couple hours). If it's XP or a new computer, the 
consumer is not going to return something that they are already "forced" 
to upgrade to. M$ is betting that they will suck it up and move on 
without MyBookThingy version 1.3 and move on the M$BookThingy version 16 
bugfix 100046.

Embrace, Extend, Extinguish. That's what it's all about. If only that 
was OD's intentions for M$. Most likely it is the other way around though.

If you ask me, it is most certainly and without a doubt nefarious.

Either way OD no longer has my customer support. Either M$ is forcing 
them or coherced them with the XP partner/reseller plan (which is just a 
euphamism by M$ for 'forcing').

-Leo

Tim Colson wrote:
> <donning flame suit>
> 
> Maybe the Inquirer is stirring the muck a bit and MS didn't
> say/force/behest anything to Office Depot. Maybe OD is a business that
> sees a lot of unhappy customers and attempted returns of product that
> doesn't work on the spiffy new XP systems average consumers just bought
> from their shelves. Maybe OD just figures this is a simple way to try
> and curb the losses from MyOldSoftwareThatBlewUpInXP scenario.
> 
> In other words, maybe there isn't anything nefarious going on... just an
> attempt to prevent my relatives from calling me on the phone and asking,
> "Why does MyBookThingy version 1.3 from 1987 for DOS blow up on my new
> computer??? Computers are eeevil! Why do you worship the devil?"
> 
> I could say, "Uh... you've got XP Home, right? Does that software box
> have a logo that says "built for XP"? It doesn't, eh? Then you shouldn't
> expect it to work. Kind of like buying 3 studded wheels for a car that
> has 5 studs. The wheels aren't evil - they just aren't made for your
> car."
> 
> :-)
> 
> <donning extra layer of flame gear, with hood and goggles>
> 
> Timo
> 
> 
> 
>>-----Original Message-----
>>From: tfug-admin@tfug.org [mailto:tfug-admin@tfug.org] On 
>>Behalf Of Angus Scott-Fleming
>>Sent: Tuesday, March 25, 2003 8:15 AM
>>To: tfug@tfug.org
>>Subject: [Tfug] Time to boycott Office Depot?
>>
>>
>>TheInquirer.net is reporting that Office Depot will no longer 
>>carry ANY 
>>computer products (software OR hardware) that haven't been 
>>approved by 
>>Microsoft. http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=8472
>>
>>Is it time to start a letter-writing campaign?
>>
>>Angus
>>
>>
>>------- Included Stuff Follows -------
>>Office Depot Supply Memo
>>Dear Office Depot Supplier,
>>In October 2001, Microsoft released Windows XP, which has become the 
>>fastest growing operating system in history. This operating system is 
>>built on the dependable Windows 2000 code base, features a 
>>fresh new look, 
>>enables new personal computing experiences including easy 
>>digital photo 
>>and video tools, and fosters rich communications and enhanced 
>>mobility. As 
>>you know, applications and devices that meet or exceed Microsoft's 
>>technical requirements will be awarded the Designed for 
>>Windows XP logo 
>>and be promoted in the Windows Catalog (www.windowscatalog.com).
>>
>>Please be aware that Office Depot is immediately requiring 
>>all products 
>>that connect to a Personal Computer and Notebook Computer 
>>must pass these 
>>Designed for Windows XP logo requirements to be considered for retail 
>>distribution through our stores. This change is being 
>>implemented due to 
>>our on-going pursuite to enhance and simplify our fanatical customer 
>>service environment at Office Depot. Products must be certified as 
>>Designed for Windows XP by May 30, 2003.
>>
>>Additionally, it is critical that your packaging carry the 
>>Designed for 
>>Windows XP logo. With the Designed for Windows XP logo on 
>>your product, 
>>Office Depot will not only ensure the best user-experience 
>>for our mutual 
>>customers, but we also anticipate it will also result in 
>>lower returns for 
>>Office Depot and lower support costs for you.
>>
>>For more information regarding the Designed for Windows Logo 
>>requirement 
>>and certification, please see www.windowslogo.com.
>>
>>Please note that failure to obtain this certification by the 
>>above date 
>>will result in the product being eliminated from our Retail 
>>assortment and 
>>all open purchase orders canceled.
>>
>>Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
>>
>>Michael Dietrich
>>Vice President Technology Merchandise Division
>>Office Depot, Inc
>>--------- Included Stuff Ends ---------
>>
>>--
>>Angus Scott-Fleming
>>GeoApps, Tucson, Arizona
>>http://www.geoapps.com/   
>>1-520-290-5038 / fax 1-208-248-3124
>>+----------------------------------------------
>>----------+
>>
>>
>>
>>_______________________________________________
>>tfug mailing list
>>tfug@tfug.org
>>https://www.tfug.org/mailman/listinfo/tfug
>>
> 
> _______________________________________________
> tfug mailing list
> tfug@tfug.org
> https://www.tfug.org/mailman/listinfo/tfug