"Sir, they agreed to lower the fees and want to discuss our cooperation model."
"Of course, let them handle the sales. In the short term, the sales of this thing are quite limited, so it's not worth us forming a department."
"Got it, that works for them."
"These fools really think they're doing me a favor." Filson rolled his eyes, but wasn't that exactly what was happening?
"Ah, while it may not bring in huge profits, we can still boast about it. This is a new service that doesn't require too much additional equipment. Isn't everybody going digital these days? Isn't it the way to go?"
Filson felt a bit dazed. He figured those bastards really did owe some favors. Regardless of profitability, the stock price would surely get some support. That was evident.
In fact, they had all figured it out beforehand. They even had a little inkling of hope. If this thing actually worked, it could lead to a substantial profit. Anyone with half a brain could see the trend of personal computers.
Current personal computers couldn't handle these tasks.
What about the future?
The so-called Moore's Law was met with some skepticism internally at Intel. White's system, though, adhered strictly to that principle. Their software and adapter cards all followed an 18-month cycle.
Gordon Moore would be rolling in his grave. The folks who wielded his so-called law as a prop were far more famous than he ever was. What's awkward is that this law seemed incredibly accurate, always managing to spur Intel to squeeze out just a bit more.
...
"While I hate his attitude, I have to admit that this idea is pretty good. I just don't understand what our CEO is busy with?" An elderly gentleman looked at his subordinates.
"Sir, since the lab split, their sensitivity to new technologies has declined. Most of their energy has gone into cutting operating costs. From that perspective, they're doing their job."
"Ah, help me set up a meeting with William White, will ya? You know how he says in the lab, right? Technology is the primary productive force. With so much R&D money being tossed around, he must have a grand plan."
"Sure thing, sir. I'll arrange it right away."
William White, of course, had plans. The old-timer at Morgan Stanley was probably right on the money. But still, this plan would take a long time to come to fruition.
...
What is the internet?
To put it simply, it's a failed invention or rather, it wasn't used in the right places.
Military applications were definitely unreliable, but the technology itself was quite impressive. It might not connect missiles, but it could connect the globe.
Right now, the biggest issue was that computers were just too weak. Being able to use email was already quite an achievement. Nothing else came to fruition.
Of course, with advancements in computer technology, these issues would eventually get resolved. Right now, William White was just trying to snag a good position. Not making money didn't matter much; when this bubble blew up, a ton of wealth would come pouring in.
People talked about the internet bubble being scary, which was true, yet too simplistic. You have to understand that if it weren't for this bubble sweeping the globe, the industry wouldn't have developed.
As for those businesses that went bankrupt, they were just costs of doing business. Much like today's cellular communications, where a bunch of operators are competing so fiercely that they are drinking poison to quench their thirst. These junk bonds on the market have reached a flood level.
Everyone knows there are risks, but sadly, none can stop. As long as they can hang on, there's a chance to emerge victorious.
...
At the end of 1986, the overall economy in the United States was improving. Aside from heavy industries like steel, automotive, and chemicals, most sectors were doing quite well.
As for the new industries like IT and media, it was a completely different story. This small Silicon Valley seemed to consistently produce various miracles.
This year's Compaq continued the legendary tradition of its predecessors. A company that started with a registered capital of ten million dollars rapidly grew into a Fortune 500 company in just a few years.
Putting everything else aside, only Legendary World could be compared to it in terms of timeline.
When it came to contributions to GDP, that company had a higher figure, but opinions varied. Many viewed Legendary World as more of a front company, seeming less reliable than Compaq.
However, the employees of both companies had a different perspective. If you compared the incomes of employees from each company, you would find that Legendary World far surpassed the others.
The awkward position of the union in this company was precisely the reason for this. William White had his own set of rewards and punishment systems that left no room for debate.
Disobedient employees were shown the door, while those who performed well enjoyed all sorts of benefits. By the end of the year, there was even a super big bonus.
It was hard to deny that this kind of tyranny was very popular. The workers didn't care about the reasons; whoever gave them extra benefits was the real good guy.
...
"Filson, I've racked up a bit too much debt. The economy here isn't balanced; maybe it's time to reduce our stakes a little."
"Okay, sir. Is the dividend ratio still the same?"
"Of course. Even though we spent some money on buybacks, the game cartridges are selling well. A large dividend is what we need."
"Sir, the sales of game cartridges are starting to decline. If this keeps up, next year doesn't look promising."
"Doesn't matter, Filson. You know the lawsuit from the Justice Department is unwinnable; rather than lose and be reactive, let's stir up some chaos."
"That's true. If our games are doing okay, those third-party manufacturers are clearly messing things up."
"Right. Get the legal department on it. If anyone tries to slap unauthorized labels on their products, we have to sue them until they're bankrupt."
"Got it. I'll take care of that immediately."
This year, the boss made a killing, and his subordinates naturally enjoyed lots of benefits too. Overall, it was a pretty prosperous year.
*****
https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.