22 May
2010
22 May
'10
10:17 a.m.
-----Original Message-----
From: cctalk-bounces at classiccmp.org [mailto:cctalk-
bounces at classiccmp.org] On Behalf Of Andrew Back
Sent: Saturday, May 22, 2010 8:53 AM
To: General Discussion: On-Topic Posts Only
Subject: Re: Anyone off to VCF-UK?
[snip]
The folks concerned have very limited time and
resources, and with this
they
achieve an awful lot. They're making a real difference when it comes to
educating newer generations about the history of computing, and we'd be
a
lot worse off in this respect were it not for their efforts. I for one
applaud that they spend weekend upon weekend, working for free and
trying to
rescue as much as possible and get it on show to the public, when they
too
could be in the comfort of their own home and nurturing their own
private
collections.
I had the pleasure of meeting with TNMOC staff both at the DEC Legacy Event in Windermere
and at the Bletchley Park site. I want to second Andrew's praise of the great work
they have done, and add that I find them to be delightful people as well.
For such as we, I think there is risk of discounting the work people like TNMOC do in
bringing their work to the greater number, as distinct from sharing with the cognoscenti.
While I certainly enjoy nattering with like-minded fellows about my toys, it is that
former work, the sharing, that adds value to the world. Frankly, it's also more
difficult: while restoring old kit is certainly challenging, it is a separate art to build
a connection to a non-technical audience and help them appreciate the value of the history
we are preserving.
We now return you to your regularly scheduled programming. Madness takes its toll -
please have exact change. -- Ian