Some don't matter; some can be enough to ruin a
good anecdote; some create
a different story.
I'm saddened that Jim Adkisson and Don Massaro of Shugart have changed
their story and now deny that the size of the 5.25" disk was based on Dr.
Wang pointing to a bar napkin. The "Bar Napkin Disk" was a GREAT
anecdote; now ruined.
<http://archive.computerhistory.org/resources/access/text/2013/05/102657925-
05-01-acc.pdf>
On Sun, 24 May 2020, Tom Gardner via cctalk wrote:
It's probably OK for Fred to be saddened at the
demise of a good story but
isn't it better to have the true story?
"better", yes.
but still sadder
Neither Jim Adkisson nor Don Massaro of Shugart ever
promulgated the urban
legend of Dr. Wang and the napkin in the bar - as near as I can tell it was
invented from whole cloth by Jim Porter who repeated it so many times that
it became legend.
I read it in one of the popular magaazines decades ago.
The final media size was determined by Shugart
Engineering led by Al Chou
from the size of the 8-track tape drive that the 5?-inch FDD was to replace
in Wang and other systems. As near as I can tell it was not the same size
as a ?standard? cocktail napkin.
"standard"??!?
"I believe in standards. Everyone should have [a unique] one [of their
own]." - George Morrow
I have seen napkins that are about 5.25".
I wanted to track down which bar, and get napkins from them.
And/or get napkins commercially printed (and give them a supply) with the
bar personalization on one side, and an outline picture of a 5.25" disk
jacket and the story on the other. optional signatures of those
involved, and provide to CHM to sell in the giftshop.
The idea for a smaller FDD with cocktail napkin sized
medium did come
through Adkisson but it originated at his customers such as Lanier,
Phillips and Varisyst among others before it was taken to Wang.
History is hard - I researched this for the Computer History Museum and
prevented the legend from making it into their exhibits.
I have to thank you for debunking a cherished legend.
Myths and legends can be nice, even if they have to be disproven. Even
nonexistent characters can be handy, such as Santa Claus and \newline
--
Grumpy Ol' Fred cisin at
xenosoft.com