22 Oct
2000
22 Oct
'00
3:18 a.m.
On Sun, 22 Oct 2000, Mike Kenzie wrote:
OK I'll ask the question people ask me WHY?
I still get my hands on my machines, and use them one in a
while.
When it gets this big does it get any use?
Is it for investment purposes?
How often do these machines get fired up?
Yes, it is an investment of sorts. It's an investment in history. My
intent has always been to create a historical archive. It's something I
am passionate about. However, the time I have available does not match my
passion, and so I haven't yet been able to accomplish the things I have
planned, the least of which is organization :)
But I have started the process of cataloguing books. I'm currently
looking for a more permanent home (this warehouse was to be my base but I
lost the lease on it). Once I have found that place, things will start to
get sorted out.
In the meantime, my collection is and always has been open to anyone
who wants to browse through it, as well as borrow things for their own
research. I have machines and documentation currently loaned out to both
individuals and commercial entities. I charge the commercial interests
and I let individuals have access for free.
Once I find a permanent home, the plan (as it has always been) is to
create a public resource center, for both research into computer history
as well as to provide computer resources and educational programs to the
local community.
I have a substantial collection, but I'm not trying to be the biggest or
the best. I'm not trying to compete with other established organizations
such as The Computer Museum History Center. However, I am trying to be a
provider of resources for those interested in exploring computer history.
The way I see it, no one organization will ever be able to "have it all".
And I don't think there should be one place that does. I think a network
of computer history organizations around the globe comprised of both
"professional" entities and individual collectors that work with each
other and share their resources is the way to go, and I have had
discussions with TCMHC's director about this, who shares the same idea.
So there you have it...what have been my ruminations for the past several
years in a tidy little nutshell.
Sellam Ismail Vintage Computer Festival
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International Man of Intrigue and Danger http://www.vintage.org