I'm Bacccckkkkkkk-
Its been a while since I have blogged. So much has been going on- forgive me. A lot has happened in the past six months since 2010 began: We have the iPad now- which has spurred discussions about children and touch screen technology; a new iphone is being released (hurry up and get here!); there are new tech toys to talk about (Vtech, Fisher Price). One bit of good news that is happening at TTS with our Stage I Keyboard is that we are being carried and distributed by Ingram Micro- not an easy feat, but one that I take much pride in. We are also going to be popping up in some Big Box Online storefronts by holiday. This is indeed an exciting time. The 2nd generation keyboard, along with the new MyTechStart website have both been very well received.
The whole process of bringing your product to market is more involved than any book could ever even try to explain. Inventor beware! I'm not saying not to pursue, develop, or go through the motions to launch products- just be prepared for anything. The old adages of our time are extremely relevent: "follow your gut", "all that glitters isnt gold"... Yeah, all those- keep 'em close. For example, it was always a dream of mine to get myPC(tm) products into Tarpet and Wal-Hart stores- I'm not talking online, I mean in the brick and morter stores. However, the more I learn about the process and risks that getting "In" entail, the less I am convinced they are the place for a small, non-VC backed venture. I have heard more than one horror story from too many unrelated people that end up with the small business going OUT of business from playing with the big dogs. Don't get me wrong- if the deal is right and doable then I would never advise, nor would I, turn down a big box retailer. TTS and I have both proved extremely resilient over the past four years- the fact that we are still in business is testiment to that; but, I am not going to play Russian Roulette either...
In the meantime, we have been working with some really awesome vendors. Be sure to check them out:
http://www.mamabargains.com/ >>> Mama Bargains is a pioneer in the deal-a-day world for moms. They feature high end, awesome, must-have products for 50% or MORE off!! Please check them out.
http://www.ergoguys.com/ >>> Need special peripherals? They have them! Great prices, too.
http://www.tinyeinsteins.com/ and http://www.unbeatablesale.com/ >>> They have carried us for a long time now- great people to do business with!
http://www.hippobargains.com/ >>>A deal-a-day site for moms, too. Great people behind the scenes!! Get a deal before its gone!
OK, back to the start of the post. I mentioned that the iPad has sparked anewed discussion about children and technology. Though I think it is a GREAT tool for learning- especially for children with special needs (http://www.blogher.com/ipad-nearmiracle-my-son-autism), I still believe that there is a huge value in traditional computing (monitor, keyboard, mouse). The iPad is an adult toy to me, and, unless I were abundantly wealthy, something I would not buy for my six year old. It took years for SmartBoards/ White Boards to make it into the classroom! While touchscreen technology will likely become more and more prevalent in our society, we are a ways away from it being the norm for our kids- especially where education is concerned. Unfortunately, the tech items that are being marketed and sold to the masses (for tots, kids) dont provide the tech foundation young children need. It comes close, but always seems to miss the mark- probably because a) they are made by toy makers, b) the people manufacturing them are more focused on the number of products they have than the accuracy of the design of their devices. I would much rather let my daughter play on http://www.kidoz.net/, or play a game on MY iPhone than purchase an oversized handheld toy with $25 per item content. I'm just saying...
Well, my ADD has taken over once again. But you knew what you were getting when you linked in to read this:). That's why my blog is called "Ramblings..." More soon. Check out our new site, http://www.mytechstart.com/, send in your photos, and let me know your thoughts.
Until then-
ps. here's a 40% off coupon for your time:) Use Code: MYPCBLOG. Thanks!
pps. Here's our Photo of the Month>> One of my faves because it's my goddaughter, Jovie using her myPC!!
No comments:
Post a Comment