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Technology Stocks : Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: JF2155 who wrote (9736)	7/9/1998 4:15:00 PM
From: Rob S.	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 164684

One reason given for Amazon's high valuation is that they do not have the "bricks and mortar" of Border's and Barnes and Noble. That may be true at this time, but even if compared on that basis alone, the current valuation can't nearly be justified. But think this through. Amazon's competitors will soon have web sites of their own and that will even the playing field to a greater extent. Then there is the "Internet physical neighborhood factor". B & N and Border's may be able to turn what is perceived to be a ball and chain into a major asset that Amazon is unable to match. What holds back offering such things as internet video and live interview broadcasts over the ubiquitous internet is that most inet users are not equipped and don't have sufficient bandwidth to make it really viable (and won't for years). But "what if" B & N put in "internet Neighborhood" kiosks in their stores that blanket the country. These kiosks would consist of a cheap but high quality internet video cam and PC located in a corner of the store with a desk for authors and interviewers and chairs for local walk-in participants. This would give authors a way to "meet and chat" with large numbers of people without having to be in 1,500 places around the country at once. Internet users without video cams could view the interviews or recitals/talks from the comfort of their living rooms while people who visit any of B & N's stores could participate via high bandwidth hook-up. Inet users with video cams at home/office could also participate interactively while those without could type in questions and comments. This "Internet Neighborhood kiosk" concept could expand to interactive instruction in such things as gardening, wine tasting or cooking or could go to things such as "installing Windows 98" hands-on demonstrations. That's one way the "Bricks and Mortar" guys could offer something to the internet community that is impossible for Amazon.com to equal. I'm sure bright minds will think of some others. ------------ We need another rally folks. This cat aint dead yet. Go Amazon.com!!! Rally to 140!!!