Bart,
Good response. However, I do differ on a couple of different points.
First, Mario 64 will always dominate with children. Mostly because
most families do not have computers and do want "little Billy" to
be happy. So, I am not sure how fair it is to try and compare two
different types of products with different goals. Mario 64 (which
is quite nice) will always dominate in the quality over what is
available today on most PCs (32-bit versions). Rather, I would
ask how are sales doing within the same category? Additionally,
I am more interested in whether or not SW is gaining ground in the
marketplace. How do the schools select the products they use in
their classrooms? How is SW products doing in that forum? I see that
schools will increasingly be building student computer labs or
working to set up programs where students and their families can
afford them. Given that scenario, how will SW's NFL Math/Reading,
Major League Math, Franklin products, etc. do?
Those are the questions to ask. Those are the facts we need to
ascertain. Can SW really compete against the Disney products,
products from Broderbund, and Edmark (now IBM)? Maybe if they
can pitch some really good titles (e.g., Directors series or the
Head Coach)....maybe someone will be interested in SW? Would it be
worth their while to buy? I don't know, but it will be fun finding
out.
Next, you are absolutely correct. To find out how other developers
feel about SW, I need to interview them. Can you pass on any
email addresses of people you know....and credentials? Unfortunately,
my research doesn't allow me to get too involved at this level...
and actually the level of my investment doesn't warrant it. So, I
monitor the progress of SW/CW and watch the various news items
that relate.
Thanks, Kent. |
