[olug] "Millard" PC fair

[Craig Wolf]

That is what happens when your spell check does not work on auto through
the browser...  8<(

Irish sent>>

A few of the vendors go to Junkway's warehouse up in Sioux City and
purchase their excess/surplus/junk/broken/etc inventory and then resell
the items. With my experience with Junkway equipment I would steer
clear...

Reason/experience as to why to avoid some vendors: selling junk, crap
that does not work, overpriced, there to make a quick buck, poor
customer treatment, etc.

It is hard to identify the vendors to avoid, since a few of them are
nameless. Sure, I can say to avoid the big fat guy that smells bad who
has had tables since Radial Fair days – but there are only going to be a
few individuals on the OLUG list who would know who I am talking about.
Additionally, there are some vendors that show up every month, and
others that show up sporadicly. It is sometimes hard to know who will
show up each month. 

I would recommend the smaller vendors or individuals who have their own
tables. Quick Nickel is a vendor up from KS that has treated me well.
The hosts of the event (Computer Express) have been all right with my
dealings with them, and allowed me to distro fliers for our install
fests at their event. Friends of mine Dennis & Alan are normally there
and are great to deal with. ComCor Enterprises has been great for me and
where I work, getting different adapters and parts.

Some notes: 

- Some stuff is tested & “certified” to work, some is not, some says it
is. Be sure before you purchase – and is there a return policy? Does the
vendor show up every month? Do they have a local shop, or come through
town on a regular basis?

- Most vendors are not *nux savvy. Asking them if the wireless PC card
is Linux compatible will normally give you a blank stare... So you need
to know what you are looking for, doing your shopping & price
comparisons before you go.

- Since the other PC fair's demise, a few of the out of state vendors we
used to have access to on a monthly basis we unfortunately no longer
see. The number and quality of vendors at the fairs has been getting
better as the vendors of the other fair find out about this one.

- In the spirit of open source: I used to have a table at both of these
fairs at one time or another. Being a collector and computer hobbyist my
apartment fills up quick with stuff & unfinished projects. It has been
about eight months since I have done a fair, due to other obligations,
eBay, and not having a suitable vehicle. With that being said I normally
still go every month just to see if there is anything I “need.” Of
course If & when I get a table again I would recommend myself as a good
vendor... ;)

- Visit the web site for the $1.00 off coupon for the door charge. Save
a buck!


I am planning on going to the fair on my way into work, wanting to get
there about 10:30 to 11 am. If anyone is interested in joining me, I
would be more than willing to help out fellow OLUGers regarding which
vendors and such. Shoot me an email if you are interested or have any
questions – I am more than willing to help out fellow OLUGers (and you
folks from Lincoln & parts unknown as well :).

And what the hell is a Irirsh Craig???? You better be bringing me back
something from Houston for that one! :p


-- 
Timothy "Irish" O'Brien


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Craig Wolf
Linux Web Server Support
Backup Supervisor
Desktop/Network Specialist
402-894-6283