Statement & apology (was Re: 10 Year Rule)

It appears to me that as time marches on, the setup and configuration of this list may have to change. I say this because the field that our hobby is covering is growing, not shrinking. There's a finite date as to when computers came on the scene, but this date never moves; therefore, the field of study and possibilities is always growing. I think much of the resentment against talking about "less classic" machines comes from the fact that the traffic on the list is growing and the possible subject matter is getting thicker, not thinner, all the time, simply because technology keeps developing. I agree with Jay's assessment that "classic" does not necessarily mean "old" or vice versa, and I agree with Zane's admonition that we cannot limit the field to what a 40-year-old would consider "classic". There's a balance to be struck and it will probably come with consensus, tempered with spice from the listowner. I would eventually look for this list to be split into "eras" for those more interested in specific time periods and/or technologies. Many car lists have done similar -- broken into generations, particular makes, etc. I don't think segmenting the list into a million shards is in anyone's interest, given how much crossover us collectors have in this field (I'll collect an Apple just as quick as I'll collect a DEC), but I could easily see a "pre-1984" list and a "post-1984" list for those who would rather glean only that subject matter that pertains to their particular hobby interests. Nathan -- ------------------------------------- www.nathanpralle.com -------------------------------------