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1993-04-23
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INSTALLING AND USING THE MAILING LIST DATABASE
---------------------------------------------------------------
Please read this ENTIRE file prior to using the database
mailing list.
The database file supplied with this package (DATA.EXE) is
updated FREQUENTLY by the author. Register to receive the LATEST
disk prior to beginning your mailing campaign. Addresses and
phone numbers change rapidly! You can thus avoid a large number
of returned envelopes and out of date information!
The mailing list data is stored in a compressed, self-extracting
file produced by the software program LHA written by Haruyasu
Yoshizaki.
The file contained on this disk, DATA.EXE, will unpack to
produce a dBase III format file for importing into your database
package or use with a mailing label program.
For those wishing the mailing list information in other formats
such as ASCII, Paradox, Lotus or other format, refer to the
information on alternate file formats at the end of this
chapter.
Unpacking directions to produce the dBase III data file follow:
Copy the file DATA.EXE to a disk drive and execute the following
command:
DATA <then press return>
This produces dBase III format file: DATA.DBF
You should have a database product to use the dBase III format
file which can be loaded into products such as dBase, PC-File,
Wampum, Rbase, Reflex and other popular database packages which
import a dBase III file. If you do not use or understand
database software, I can make available small, simple packages
which allow you to use the data with Wordperfect (tm), or popup
the data for editing and printing. See the catalog of shareware
software elsewhere in this product - "catalog of products for
marketing."
The file has "live data" already inserted and ready for you to
import into your database. The data consists of lists of
individuals, businesses and groups who use computers and buy
software.
----------------------------------------------------------------
DESIGN AND LAYOUT OF DATA LIST
----------------------------------------------------------------
Next follows the layout template of the database file containing
field order, field widths, field names and types. This may change
with future editions of this package.
Field name Type Field length
------------ ----------- -----------
LASTNAME Text 25
FIRSTNAME Text 19
COMPANY Text 41
ADDRESS1 Text 38
ADDRESS2 Text 23
CITY Text 30
STATE Text 25
ZIP Text 10
USA Text 10
Most of the field names are obvious. The "USA" field refers to
the possibility of foreign addresses in the data list. For USA
addresses the field will display "Y" (meaning yes, USA address
for a specific record). For foreign addresses the field will
display "N" (meaning NO, the specific record is not a USA
address). This should assist those wishing to exclude foreign
addresses for postal purposes.
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ABOUT UNDELIVERABLE ADDRESS REFUNDS
---------------------------------------------------------------
I frequently remove and update undeliverable addresses from the
mailing list database. One way I do this ON A RANDOM SPOT CHECK
BASIS is to reimburse product users for mail which is returned
as undeliverable. This helps keep the database addresses correct
and reimburses registered users for wasted postage.
Here is how it works. When I receive your registration form,
registration fee and the special claim form which is attached to
the main registration form (see file ORDER.FRM), I will make a
decision ON A RANDOM SPOT CHECK BASIS whether to validate your
claim form and return it to you (you remain a registered user,
of course.) In other words, Seattle Scientific Photography, and
the author of this software, MAY OR MAY NOT, AT OUR EXCLUSIVE
OPTION validate the claim form and return it to you.
The reason why I do not validate every claim form is that I need
only SPOT CHECKS of mailing list accuracy, NOT mailing address
corrections from EVERY user of the mailing list database.
TERMS:
If you mail Seattle Scientific Photography the ORIGINAL envelope
face(s) with attached mailing label and US postal "address
undeliverable" stamp for any undeliverable envelopes returned to
you whose original destination address was derived from this
package, I will pay to you 29 cents per undeliverable item. I
only do this with a few registered users on a random spot check
basis. This offer is valid for only 90 days from validation date
I will stamp on the claim form.
The claim form must accompany request for reimbursement. The
original claim form must be returned with undeliverable proofs
(faces of envelopes or disk mailers.) Limited only to
paid/registered users. The form must have OFFICIAL VALIDATION
and date and be returned with your claim for reimbursement.
Limit of one claim per user per year.
--------------------------------------------------------------
TEST MAILING THE LIST - FREE REGISTRATION OFFER
---------------------------------------------------------------
I am always interested in maintaining an accurate address list
and purging the undeliverable addresses. If you might want to
test mail the entire list in exchange for a free registered
edition of this package (including bonus disk which you will
also be required to test mail for your free registration) we may
be able to help each other out.
Note that I will maintain current decoy addresses in the list
and you may not merge the list with other lists. In exchange for
the test mailing you are a registered user, but may not resell,
rent or merge the list, of course. Drop me a note on your
company letterhead. No phone calls, please. Note also that I
only need one or two test mailings of the list per month, so
obviously I cannot provide this offer to everyone who contacts
me. If I respond to your letter within two weeks we may be able
to do business. If I do not respond it means that I probably do
not need additional test mailings that month. Of course you can
still consider submitting a normal registration fee if you still
wish to use the list.
--------------------------------------------------------------
SWAPPING MAILING LISTS
---------------------------------------------------------------
I am also interested in swapping mailing lists if your data is
current and reasonably clean. Obviously in this case I purge all
decoy addresses from my list and you are expected to do the
same. We then each have the right to merge and resell the
combined lists. Drop me a note on your company letterhead. If I
respond to your letter within two weeks we may be able to do
business. If I do not respond it means that I probably do not
need additional addresses that month. Your addresses should be
computer software users similar to those in my current list. Do
not call by telephone regarding this offer - company letterhead
preferred.
---------------------------------------------------------------
CUSTOM SERVICES - ALTERNATE FILE FORMATS
---------------------------------------------------------------
Most folks who use a database should be able to convert the
dBase file to other formats, export the file, search for certain
record types, print into paper labels ready to use, etc. However
some folks need a little extra service and would like the main
mailing list file in a different format. Prices for these
conversion services follow. Shipping included. Washington
residents add 8.2% sales tax. Prices assume 5 1/4 diskettes.
Other size diskettes available. You MUST first be a registered
user or subscriber to the main program and have paid a
registration fee to be eligible for these file conversion
services. Also consider some of the simple database products
listed in the catalog of products section of this package if you
want to use the mailing list and would like to try software
products which will let you import a dBase file, sort, search
and print mailing labels from the mailing list file in the
current dBase III format.
Price list for conversion services follows:
Basic file conversion: change dBase mailing list format to ASCII
file or other format such as Paradox, Lotus, Reflex, etc. $20