Tony, >>>In your experience, have you known of a stock (Dell) that's so "loved" (can't think of a better word) and fawned over as this one? <<<
Well, AMZN, AOL, and IOM come to mind. All three seemed like bubbles ready to burst. IOM did, but AMZN and AOL continue to thrive.
The difference, I believe, is management.
IOM had a salesman who didn't understand technology and had a serious character flaw.
He took credit for the development of the ZIP and JAZ drives, that he didn't have anything to do with.
He didn't understand why his product was a success when it was successful. He thought it was own marketing expertise.
And, finally, he didn't know how to take his company to the next level. His next product, that he was responsible, for didn't CLIK (or whatever they call it now).
Steve Case, on the other hand, had to overcome more established entities (Prodigy and Compuserv) and deeper pockets (IBM, Sears, HR Block) and had to continually reinvent AOL. He is truly amazing. I can't see how he can keep it up. But I have been saying that since I sold all my share two years ago.
Mary |
