🚀 go-pugleaf

In Article 29025 Michael Covington writes:
> >BTW, I think this may be the reason that "electronic newspapers"
> >have never caught on, because you could filter out advertisements
> >with software.
> 
> Is that why Prodigy requires you to use _their_ terminal
> software and is not compatible with anything else?
 
 
Prodigy is the exception to the rule here... the great 
majority of online services, including those that deal 
with news, don't require purchasing special software from 
the provider of the info.
 
Also, one thing I should mention: I once called up and 
asked for the intro kit to Prodigy. It came complete with 
diskettes, instructions, a startup password, everything-- 
I think they call it the "startup kit." It was completely 
free-- I called and asked for it; they sent it. Since 
that time, I've heard people (my dad in particular) 
saying he's seen these Prodigy startup kits sold in 
places like Radio Shack for up to $60. I saw the very 
SAME startup kit sitting around in a computer store the 
other day (the owner and I are aquaintances) and he said 
he'd give it away to anyone that wanted it for free... 
since that's what his cost for it was.
 
Last bit of info: My dad called Prodigy to find out what 
the deal was... whether these startup kits are free or if 
there's a charge for them. He was told there was a charge 
for it. Then, on a *subsequent* call, another Prodigy rep 
said that there was NO charge for the startup kit!!
 
Anyway, I know this was changing the subject a bit, but 
thought I'd throw it in.
 
       Rich -> rmintz@cscihp.ecst.csuchico.edu