Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Technology Stocks : CheckFree (CKFR) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: PsycProf who wrote (8256)	10/23/1998 6:39:00 AM
From: jjs_ynot	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 8545

Still waiting to see if free t-shirt actually arrives.

To: PsycProf who wrote (8256)	10/23/1998 7:09:00 AM
From: zuma_rk	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 8545

Just my 2 1/2 cents worth re: the conference call. First, my overall impression was also very positive. I TOTALLY agree w/ Brooks and also with Benny's guess as to some of the upcoming developments. Having had the opportunity to meet Pete in Florida and hear him speak in person, I think that everyone would agree that he is a very focused, direct speaker who doesn't beat around the bush very often. Knowing this, I was also astonished by the number of pauses, hesitiations and "uh's" used as Pete was struggling to frame a response to the question from T Rowe Price regarding distribution of bills outside the venue of Financial institutions (August -- you hit it on the head). Pete did an appropriate job, in my opinion, of not putting the cart before the horse in terms of disclosure, but his tone and speaking mannerisms I believe belied his enthusiasm... Key quotes: "...we're going to open up electronic billing distribution to the full power of internet availability...anywhere the consumer wants them <their bills> to be...we'll tie back to the financial institutions at a later time, if necessary." Also, comments re: "...distribution to the broadest number of consumers...we'll soon contain many other non-bank financial service providers." And, "however, the banks are the first choice, though." And again, "we'll tie back to the bank brand, if the consumer chooses." Very interesting, positive stuff... I can't believe the banks won't be rushing the gates to get their web sites totally completed in the shortest possible time. I mean, come on, Citibank is ramping up to be the FIRST COMPLETELY NATIONAL BANK (in US history, I would guess), using the internet as its medium to sign up new customers (can you say, "USA Today?"). If that's not enough, Charlie Schwab and E-trade want you to deposit your cash and pay your bills with them (AND earn MM interest!). And, quite frankly, Schwab comes closer than most to earning the "trusted financial institution" moniker the banks have relied on for so long (geez, if I could get my DAD, of all conservative people (who still won't use ATM machines), to buy stocks at Schwab's web site, ANYTHING is possible... Other observations: I noted that there were NO substantive new projections offered by management (what a relief...). I mean, really -- what's more important for a new industry -- next quarter's profit projections or whether or not you believe there is fundamental increasing demand for a brand-new product? It's really unbelievable how lame the Street can be in terms of its ULTRA-narrow focus for the exclusive purpose of having fund managers beat the S&P each quarter. Anyway -- in the event that CF periodically checks in to read the board -- 'just wanted to extend some appreciation for management's efforts to stay focused and for moving away from the projections game. IMO, signing up banks & billers, being nimble enough to create the demand for your unique product offerings, and elevating customer service to the highest possible quality standard speaks volumes -- the stock will take care of itself (always does...). Regards, RK p.s. - sorry for the ramblings, but it's pretty early in the morning and I'm feelin' a little rambunctious...