[Info-vax] What is VMS?

[Doug Phillips]

On Dec 20, 12:40 pm, seasoned_geek <rol... at logikalsolutions.com>
wrote:
> On Dec 20, 2:33 am, John Wallace <johnwalla... at gmail.com> wrote:
> > On Dec 19, 10:48 pm, seasoned_geek <rol... at logikalsolutions.com>
> > wrote:
> > > On Dec 18, 8:51 am, Skip Morris <mor... at skip.net> wrote:
> > > > On Dec 17, 9:47 pm, seasoned_geek <rol... at logikalsolutions.com> wrote:
> > > > > If you are serious about learning how to develop software and use the
> > > > > various utilities you should obtain a copy of "The Minimum You Need to
> > > > > Know to Be an OpenVMS Application Developer".  Of course, I'm biased,
> > > > > I wrote it.  You can find it at Barnes & Nobel.
>
> > > > As a long-time VMS geek, I just looked that book up to buy a copy on
> > > > general principals.
>
> > > > However... the price is $150.  Way too much for casual interest.
>
> > > > /Skip
>
> > > Um....the list price for a brand new printed version is $90 US.
> > > Please provide a link where you found someone screwing the public for
> > > $150.
>
> > > In a couple of months there might be an EPUB version available.  I
> > > have an individual working on it now.  All attempts made by all
> > > service providers used by Sony failed in the past, but, I put an
> > > actual U.S. citizen on it, so, should achieve better results.
>
> > An internet search for this book title plus the word "buy" using a
> > well known search engine finds two of the first three results are from
> > the US and UK websites of a well known store which I believe isn't one
> > of your favourites but is for whatever reason widely used by the
> > public. The UK website has two suppliers at ~£340 used (both seemingly
> > from US suppliers) and the US store has one supplier at ~$140 new.
>
> > The other top 3 result is a reference to the book, in the Wikipedia
> > article on VMS. The article might well be a decent starting point for
> > Connor's original enquiry about "What is VMS?".
>
> Nobody with the tiniest shred of ethics would even consider doing
> business with Amazon.com, and now you have a shining example as to
> why. It would be interesting to see what happens if someone actually
> was dim witted enough to order from Amazon.com since I would never
> fill such an order.


You know, I don't get what you're trying to say. What "shining
example" are you talking about? The fact that Amazon has a new book
and is offering it for $146.74? So, if anyone shops for your book they
won't order it from Amazon. That's one less book you'll sell. A 3rd-
party selling through Amazon wants $494.51 for his/her used copy! That
must be the rare collector edition, eh?

I have more than a shred of ethics, thank you. I do not work for
Amazon, no one I know works for Amazon, I own no Amazon stock nor do I
have any vested interest in Amazon, but:

I have ordered many items from Amazon over the years and as recently
as last week. I always shop for the best deal and quite often that's
Amazon. I've ordered books, cookware, glassware, clothing,
accessories, electronics and more things than I can remember without
logging in and looking. Everything has shipped as promised and arrived
as scheduled. There have been back-orders a couple of times and those
have arrived as promised. I've never had a problem with when or how
they charge my account.

Once, maybe 4 - 5 years ago, I received a book with pages missing (an
obvious published/printer glitch) and Amazon shipped me a new book
along with a prepaid return label and instructions on how to reuse the
box for return.  That's the only problem I've ever had with anything
I've bought from Amazon and they handled it quickly and without any
hassle.

That's all based upon my personal experience. It isn't (as someone
else in this thread wrote) based upon "stories I've heard" or "someone
else who ordered."

Sorry if you've had some bad experience, whatever it was, but I'm very
happy with Amazon. If I ever get unhappy I'll move on.

>
> using "The Minimum You Need to Know to Be an OpenVMS Application
> Developer" buy
>
> with ask.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-minimum-you-need-to-know-to-be-an...
>
> with googlehttp://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-minimum-you-need-to-know-to-be-an...
> and it actually shows the $90 price in the little snippet
>
> Of course, in the UK one would search Alibrishttp://www.alibris.co.uk/booksearch?keyword=the+Minimum+You+Need+to+K...
>
> If you happen to live in a country where BN.COM doesn't have stores,
> odds are your order will be filled via Alibris, which uses a
> consolidating shipping service.

I've shopped at B&N and ordered from them on-line and I have been
happy with their service. Sometimes they have the best deal and
sometimes they don't. Whoever has what I want for the best price and
gives decent service will get my business.

I wouldn't buy your book *new* for $90 from anyone, though, especially
sight unseen and a paperback at that. The last time I looked at the
local B&N they didn't have it in stock so I haven't seen it. For that
price it would have to be bound in gilded fine leather.