Peter Chan
I read your November 1997 editorial with interest (see "Cutting-edge memorabilia," page 3). Your message strikes a familiar chord because I also see the irrational craze for new things. Business and industry should take part of the blame for the advertisement and hype of new products and the deliberate curtailment of support for old products. It`s almost like a conspiracy to move the captured users ever forward--whether or not they want to go forward. Some may argue that I can choose to buy or not to buy a new system. But I really do not have a choice when I have no support for my older system.
Our industry assets may be better-served with some self-restraint and coordination. Perhaps some leading manufacturers could consider a trade-in program to curb reckless waste or establish a program with schools and non-profit organizations for the recycling of older systems. At best, the effort to systematically recoup and recycle older equipment is disproportionate to the rate that new systems are being pumped into the market.
Peter Chan
Telecommunications Engineer
Department of Water Resources
Sacramento, CA