Dear Readers:

We received a number of letters on last week's modernization topic, markteting, but most ask us to not print them. Apparently many in our smart audience "get it" but have been rebuffed when proposing heavier marketing concepts within their companies. And when I say rebuffed, I mean to the point they want nothing printed that comes back to them.

Also, a number of you figured out my birthday was last Saturday and sent birthday wishes. Thank you very much--they were much appreciated. We spent the weekend with my daugther, Elaine, and her husband, Travis, at their home in Golden, Colorado. Which brings up the news that Travis (an obvious liberal) and I (an obvious conservative) are going to start a column called "Point-Counterpoint" over on PaperMoney (www.globalpapermoney.com) in September. It will appear on the third Tuesday of each month. On the first Tuesday of each month in PaperMoney, also starting in September, we will be hearing from our new European Editor, Jorge A. Vasconcellos e Sa', based in Portugal. Jorge has a long list of impressive accomplishments including an MBA from the Drucker School and a Ph.D. from Columbia University. He is a well-known business writer on the continent. You won't want to miss either of these new features.

***

Jim,

I was always impressed by P&G marketing. I had a friend in college (circa '60's) that co-oped with them. He pointed out that every product they put out had an 800 number to call about any questions. The one time I tried it, I actually got a live person that could answer my question. Amazing! Marketing and Customer Service working together.

Mike Higgins
St. Petersburg, Florida, USA


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