21 Dec
2003
21 Dec
'03
5:41 p.m.
Perhaps because no one asked? Or perhaps because
business didn't think
anyone else could possibly benefit from such archane knowledge? We work
in a bubble here. Most of what we deal with is archane knowledge that no
one cares about, with the rare (and sometimes potentially lucrative)
exceptions.
I think this is the case, but I don't think "we" are the only ones living
in a bubble. I am on a few lists devoted to various types of older
technologies, and some knowledge that is thought of as "lost" is common
knowledge in the other. For example(s), amongst the classic computer
group, I have come across several people that think that the tube technology
of first generation computers is lost. Not so on the tube collectors
list. On the flip side, on that same list, some thought that the IBM
unit record punch card technology is lost. I also find "lost knowledge
concerns" amongst the old military radio and radar folks.
The information is out there, it just needs to be unearthed. And the
bubble popped...
William Donzelli
aw288(a)osfn.org