Thank You! (was Re: Linux-related storefront?)

[joel]

I'd like to say thank you, very much, to everyone who has responded to my 
posting. You have given me a lot of really good ideas (and sparked a few 
more) on what would be wanted, who to talk with, and how to proceed.

I think the idea definately warrants further consideration. I'll talk with 
some more small business owners, including some owners of subculture-type 
shops, to discuss their business strategies and find out how they work. On 
the hardware end, I'll investigate the possibility of partnering with an 
existing company. I figure that start-ups really can't compete on prices with 
large firms that buy expensive equipment at bulk rates. ;-)

I'm working on a business plan, trying to determine some realistic numbers 
and make it all as bullet-proof as possible (taking big risks is always a 
scary proposition--I'm trying to cut them down as much as possible. ;-)  If 
everything looks good to me, I'll run it past the folks at SCORE (the Service 
Corps of Retired Executives), the Small Business Association, and maybe even 
a bank or two. ;-)

I'll let you know how it goes.

Once again, thank you for your ideas!

--Joel