I was wondering if have an opinion or comments on how you think internet businesses will be effected by Y2K. This may be stupid question. I've been intersted in having a business on the web, but I sure don't want my time, effort and money going down the drain. What do you think?

-- Lori Moshier (moshier@simplecom.net), September 25, 1999

Answers

If electric and phone service are a problem..where will your site go?? If banks are slow to clear checks and credit card companies are lowering credit limits...how will customers pay? Is your proposed service something essential or just something trendy? Poor and unemployed usually jump off the trendy bandwagon if it means paying something to stay on. Who takes the loss for things that are stolen in transit when insurance companies are loaded to the gills with claims already?

Generally, it is good advice to avoid any new businesses this year until you see what y2k brings.

On the otherhand.....the use of the web as a way to locate buyers and sellers in a world with shortages and scarce resources could be a great contribution to rebuilding...just don't think you will build a business based on arranging to have a manufacturer of your goods drop ship to your customers...you'd better be the manufacturer.

-- Thom Gilligan (thomgill@eznet.net), September 25, 1999.

http://www.gold-eagle.com/editorials_99/mladjenovic092799.html

An Un - Common Sense view of y2k and economics. a Good Read.

mb

-- Mitchell Barnes (spanda@inreach.com), September 26, 1999.

Lori,

On or off line, I would really think twice before starting a business, for the next year or so. We're in a period of convergence of lots of problems: An overextended economy, Computer glitches, a crisis in faith in the gov't and just the fact that...well, that it's the year 2000, coming up. Decades of people expecting cataclysm. Lots of panic. Lots of end-of-the-world expectations.

These things will trickle down and affect even the buying habits of non-believers. I think, at best, we are entering into a period of very conservative buying habits, which is always hard on new businesses. If the economy completely tanks and the power goes off, it's all a moot point, anyway.

Hold onto your dreams, for at least another year.

-- Bokonon (bok0non@my-Deja.com), September 27, 1999.

I second that advice.Toooooo risky.

-- Chris (griffen@globalnet.co.uk), September 27, 1999.

I'll disagree...some businesses might do well in the near term. If you can function, you may take business from those firms that cannot. This would be a one-time competitive advantage! Also, if the early part of your business plan is preparation and set-up (such as web page design, implementation, etc.), the next year might be an outstanding time to do that.

-- Mad Monk (madmonk@hawaiian.net), September 27, 1999.