One more suggestion: if printed datasheet books kan not be handed out
maybe they can be sold at BuyMicrochip? 

anecdote: A few years ago I attended an 18F introduction. They handed
out datasheet books and IIRC some samples. While listening with half an
ear to the presentation I read the instruction set and memory
architecture, and before the meeting was over I had decided to add 18F
to Jal. I think I had it working within a few days (very rough, mainly
translating 14-bit instruction patterns directly to 18F). Later I
attended a 30F introduction. No printed datasheets, no samples. I don't
say its the only reason, but Jal still has no 30F support. 

Yes, of course I can print the datasheet. The result weights a few kilos
and fills an ordner. OK on my desk, but not something I will read in
bath or in bed. If a printed 30F datasheet was easily available for $50
I would have bought one. Maybe even for $100.

another anecdote (before I jump in the bath, with an annotated copy of
start-with-pics): Of course I use the 'give small to catch big' tactic
too. See this LCD http://www.voti.nl/shop/p/LCD-09.html? A surplus store
sells them for much less (if they still have stock)(don't tell anyone!),
but with no data at all. I got it working, gave 10 or 20 to a guy who
figured it out too (independently) on the condition that he made a
webpage. Now I link to his page and I sell lots of these LCDs. Similar
for http://www.voti.nl/shop/p/M-SW-ROT.html, I gave a few to a German
site about MIDI or something like that, now I sell lots of these
rotaries (but not much else :( ) to Germany. Needless to say: if I have
a new product that I think one of these guys might do something usefull
with I just send them a few.

Wouter van Ooijen

-- -------------------------------------------
Van Ooijen Technische Informatica: www.voti.nl
consultancy, development, PICmicro products
docent Hogeschool van Utrecht: www.voti.nl/hvu
 

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