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Subject: Re: Big Corporation Killing Chessmaster.

Author: Christopher R. Dorr

Date: 09:19:07 10/12/99

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The simple fact is that CM7K (and 8K and 9k ad infinitum) is targeted at the
average computer owner who wants a game of chess now and then. This customer has
*no* need for a stronger engine (CM4K could and still can whump 99.999% of the
general public), an opening book editor (the general public doesn't need one),
RS-232 autoplayer support, or any of the things we as afficianados look for.

It's a simple equation. It would cost more to develop these features than it
would benefit them to do so. An extra 100 or 1000 or 5000 units would not offset
the cost of developing these, and these are the numbers being affected by the
changes you suggest. If I owned a mass-market program, and looked at these
numbers, I wouldn't do it either.

Cm7K is for the masses. Fritz 6 and Rebel and Genius are targeted towards us.
There is *no* chance that a CMxK will ever compete feature for feature with
these programs (in terms of professional features), just as there is no chance
that these will compete feature for feature with CMxK in terms of gimmicks,
tutorials, interface frills, etc. Completely different audiences, so completely
different programs. And all the email to Mattel in the world won't change it.
Unfortunately.

Chris



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