[TenTec] My take on all the brouhaha over end of the Orion II

[Richards]

Gentlemen.   We should be ashamed of ourselves.  Why talk failure, doom 
and gloom because TT discontinued the Orion II?  It is an 8 year old 
radio, based on an even older model.  These things happen and we have 
nothing but suspicion to impugn the decision.


	First, I don't knock any team I am on.


Bad mouthing TenTec because it stopped production of the Orion II only 
serves to injure its image among hams.  If your favorite team announces 
its best tight end is injured and cannot play in the Finals, the Owners, 
Coach and Fans don't concede the game - they explain how they will win 
without him.  Similarly, we should be talking how TenTec will succeed 
without the Orion II and, perhaps, do better without it.  It made money 
before the Orion II and it will make money after it is gone.  Let's talk 
success, instead of failure.



	Second, I don't presume the worst without
	good reason.  Speculation is merely guessing,
	it is correct by chance or coincidence.
	Otherwise it would be fact.


WE can only speculate about TenTec's future. Why not assume the best? 
There is no more reason to predict failure than predict this is the 
first step toward a profitable future.  It is more fun to think TenTec 
knows what it is doing.  All this negative speculation and second 
guessing is unfounded and counter productive.



	Third, one is innocent until proven otherwise.


TenTec has no obligation to explain its actions, or explain its 
marketing or business plan to us.  The fact it favors us with any 
explanation at all demonstrates appreciation and respect for us as 
customers.  It is not like Yaesu or Icom or Kenwood explain THEIR 
product decisions to customers.

Absent cogent proof otherwise, I take TenTec at its word, and doubt 
TenTec has a hidden agenda.  TenTec says it ceased production because it 
either cannot get crucial parts, or cannot get them at reasonable cost. 
  That, for me, is conclusive.

MY TAKE -

Considering I never knock any team I am on, I prefer to think TenTec is 
doing its best to  1) take care of existing customers,  2) deliver new 
and interesting products hams want to buy, and  3) make money doing it. 
   I believe this even though it plays its cards fairly close to the 
vest, and can only speculate what goes on behind the scenes.

So, I propose we rally and support its decision and expect it will prove 
wise in the long run.

So, while you guys fret and worry, I will think happy thoughts about 
TenTec's future.

	The King is Dead... Long Live the King!


That is just MY take...

--------------  K8JHR  ----------------