book on how to save $$$ on computers ...............

[cvcompman]

book on how to save $$$ on computers ...............

Hi guys & girls

Just a quick message to get a little feedback to see what you all think.
This is not a post to sell anything (I hate wankers who spam and post that sort of crap in forums).

Bit of background on myself:

I used own a computer retail store (specialising in pcs, workstations, servers, peripherals, etc). I worked with all the major hardware suppliers, and have personally built over a thousand units.

At the start (1997) it gave me a real kick to help people with their purchases (show them what components to use, how to use software for their business's, how to setup the net for their kids, etc)

But basically as things went on ........ I started to feel that the industry had become a very dirty one.

Margins were getting squeezed, and because of this - computer dealers started resourcing to dirty tactics to sell units (they started resembling used car salesmen instead actually helping people!).

Bad quality components, faulty components, bad customer service, the list goes on.
In the end I decided to leave and pursue work in webpage design instead.

I'm thinking of publishing a book which would contain heaps of info on the computer industry, like:

* how to buy components (motherboards, CPU's, videocards, etc etc) just above cost price!
* all the dirty tricks being used by the scam artists used to fool people into buying dodgy pc's!
* how to save on the cost of pc's and peripherals for life!
and lots of other usefull stuff.

Basically a book to show people how to save money in lots of different areas over the life of your pc (and all the upgrades and extras they by)

What do you guys/girls think??

Would it be usefull to anyone??
Any feedback (positive or negative) would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Adrian

 

[soulm4tter]

I would like to read it.

 

[CollinsCollector]

Well, cvcompman (Adrian), my short answer (strictly from a business perspective) is - I really don't know. And, it sounds as though your heart is in the right place!

I am basically ignorant of the publishing industry and the associated marketing and distribution of books; but, I suspect that you might have to provide some or all of the initial capital requirement. If it were me, I'd investigate this side of the coin first.

Another consideration that comes to mind is that of currency. Not the dollar kind of currency, but rather the calendar kind of currency. If you were to finish your book today, how long would the publishing and distribution process take? How long would your book (or any book on the same subject matter) remain current? What kind of shelf life can be expected? How many books would have to be sold in order to turn a profit?

And, there's the competition.

If I had the knowledge and experience of the computer industry that you have; and, if I had a penchant for writing - then I would investigate the possibility of becoming an independent writer of articles for established online and print media. Can one make a living doing this? Again, I don't know.

Just my thoughts. Good luck in your pursuit.

 

[Bojax]

Sound's very interesting. But to tell you the truth i would be much more interested if you were to just make a websight with all this imformation. I know that is not as lucrative, but frankly i don't think i would purchase such a book. I would however read over the jist if it were on a web sight. Just my honest opinion.