Hello MetaWorlds users. For those who don't know me, I am Stan Paulsen,
an X-Clark Development employee. I left the company last year. I've been
following the apparent demise of CDC with some interest. I've been
keeping in conteact with some of the other X-employees and finding out
what I can. I thought I would share this information with all of you
since whoever is left at CDC is not doing so.

First off, let me say I am doing this as a courtesy to all of you since
CDC seems to have forgotten to inform you of what is going on. Also, let
me qualify my statements by saying that I am in no way officially
associated with Clark Development and do not speak for them. What I have
heard has come through conversations between myself and a select few
others who have, in the past, been with the company. Since there is no
official word from CDC, consider this unconfirmed and hearsay, but from
a somewhat reliable source.

I left the company last year due to my preceived instability of the
company as I thought CDC would someday soon be in the position they are
now in. On one occation we were told, by Fred, that he had to sell some
personal effects to make payroll. 3 months later 7 of 9 programmers had
left the company. I'm very suprised they lasted as long as they did.

Now, the "facts." =:)

I have a co-worker who's friend informed him of a forclosure auction for
Clark Development. He knew I once worked for them so he let me know
about it. My co-worker told me of pictures he had seen of the equipment
being sold. His description was accurate right down to the BBS rack.
These pictures were taken, apparently, while CDC was still somewhat
functional.

I've been told, just today, that Fred has moved out of state.
Temporarily or for good, I do not know. I believe the 800 phone lines,
and now the support phone lines are no longer functional, if not
disconnected. The BBS telnet lines are no longer responding. There is no
one at the helm guys. I don't think anyone has been in the office for
more than a week.

I empathise with you, as customers, who have worked so hard and invested
a great deal of time and money in CDC products. Unfortunatly you are
left hanging with a piece of software that is only semi functional for
most. I doubt, however, that you have any chance of recourse with the
company. If they are indeed bankrupt, you are faced with a classic case
of a turnip and a strainer. =:)

CDC was a great company with a great product in its day. Its apparent
failure can probably be attributed to a diminishing market (the internet
killed them!) and a failure to adjust in a timely manor. They gave every
effort to adjust, believe me they worked very hard to try to survive.
Apparently it was not enough and too late.

Again, let me assert that I am in no way officially affiliated with the
company and this should be taken as hearsay. I would also like to state
that am not coming forward with this so I can get invloved in post CDC
support issues, or any thing like that. I'm just letting you all know
what I know.

Have a good one!

Stan Paulsen
CDC survivor.