Subject: From: Date:

OT:looking for some advice Michael David Sat, 1 Jan 2000 13:23:30 -0500

---

Hi Folks!

I've got a question I'd like to run by you all, to get your opinions.

For many years, I have been pondering having some sort of Automation-related
business.  The ideas along the way have ranged from a consulting and
installation business, to perhaps making a product or products to sell, to
an online catalog business.  Lately, I seem to be gravitating toward the
latter.

So here's my question:  Do you all think there is room for another online
retailer?  Worthington Distribution and smarthome.com seem to have a big
part of the market share, and I'm sure there are others.  I also have lots
of other questions, like who are the big distributors that these companies
buy from, what do you like or dislike about what's out there now, what do
you think is lacking in the online automation retailers out there now, etc.

Anyway, I'm hoping some of you won't mind offering up your opinion, and help
guide me in the right direction.  Now, given that this discussion is
off-topic, I don't think we should bog down this list with this.  So, I've
set up a separate email address where you can send your replies.  And, if
those who reply have no objection, I'll forward all replies to everyone else
who has replied, in order to fuel the discussion.  That address is:
automation@michaeldavid.com

Thanks for reading, and thanks for your help!  :)


Cheers!

Michael David
michael@michaeldavid.com

---