One of the great things about the Internet is that you can reach a lot of people at once, and get a broad sampling of opinion. This is why I am writing you on this list. I apologize in advance for the cross-posting of this message, however, it is unavoidable in an attempt to reach a diverse group of people. Later this month I will be making a presentation at the fourth U.S./Canada Conference on Technology. My speech is tentatively titled "Consumers and Vendors: Are We On The same page." It is aimed at consumers of and developers and vendors of technology for the blind and visually impaired. In reading the more than two dozen lists I skim every day, it seems to me that the distance between consumer expectations and vendor reality concerning technology is getting wider each year. So, this message is a request for a reality check. I plan on coming up with what I and you consider to be reasonable expectations for developers and vendors of technology. What should you have the right to expect, as a minimum if you buy a hardware product or piece of software. What should the vendor do for you, how should he/she treat you, and what should you do prior to asking for help? Conversely, if you are a developer or vendor of technology or software, what expectations are reasonable of you, and what expectations do you have of your customers. What should they do before they call, what can they expect and/or what should they expect from you? Please write me at: [EMAIL PROTECTED] and let me know what you think and how you feel. Please tell me your stories. It is not my intent or purpose to trash specific vendors or consumers, but some general examples would be great. If you have any questions, you can reach me at the e-mail address [EMAIL PROTECTED] I am looking forward to hearing from many of you. I would expect that, as in years past, the proceedings of the Conference will be published in the Braille Monitor, so you should be able to see what we come up with. thanks in advance!!! David Andrews David Andrews, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Telnet to nfbnet.org Net-Tamer V 1.11 - Registered - Visit the jfw ml web page: http://jfw.cjb.net
