The other day I was browsing the shelves at the local MicroCenter
Store. MicroCenter is a chain of computer stores that looks a bit like a department
store, with wide aisles and merchandise shelves loaded with all the latest hardware
and software. It is also well known for cheap prices. This is a toy store for
computer junkies like myself.
Any time I visit a computer store, I always look for genealogy
software that is stocked on the shelves. This week I was surprised to find The
Master Genealogist Silver Edition in stock at the local MicroCenter. This specialty
genealogy program previously has been available only from its producer and from
a handful of specialty genealogy supply and book stores. I was surprised to
see it in stock at a mass merchandiser. I was even more surprised to see the
price: $19.95. Not bad for a program with a retail price of $59.00! I have seen
specialty shops selling The Master Genealogist Silver Edition for $49.00, but
the $19.95 price at MicroCenter really surprised me. That is a 66 percent discount
from retail.
It seems that Wholly Genes Software, producer of The Master Genealogist,
has recently signed a marketing arrangement with Fogware Publishing. This partnership
should work out well for Wholly Genes Software. Fogware is a software wholesaler
that sells to large computer store chains, including MicroCenter, CompUSA, and
Fry’s. Fogware does all the production, printing, packaging, shipping, and stocking
of stores, allowing the producing company to focus on what they do best: creating
and supporting software. Since their expenses are reduced dramatically, Wholly
Genes apparently can now offer their software at a much lower price than they
used to.
If you are in the market for a top-notch genealogy program to
give as a Christmas gift, you might check out your local computer superstore.
For information about The Master Genealogist, look at: www.whollygenes.com.
Dick Eastman Online
