30 Oct
2001
30 Oct
'01
1:52 a.m.
On Mon, 29 Oct 2001, Jeffrey Sharp wrote:
I think that what is needed most is an international
organization that
covers *all* vintage computers, software, and docs. We need something
that's implemented well enough that most of us would be convinced to join.
The best starting point I can think of is Sellam's VCF organization:
* He already has one of the largest inventories of us all. That's a good
start towards a "Noah's ark" collection, which I think should be one
function of the organization.
This is in fact one of my missions. I know I won't be able to get every
single model of every single computer, but I can get close. And this has
applications of both practicality and posterity.
* He's got www.vintage.org, which would be a primo
domain name for the
organization.
* He's got www.vintagetech.com, which would be the fundraising part of the
organization. Dues could be another.
Um, for now, the funds that VintageTech generates are intended for the
Sellam Ismail organization of getting by ;)
* He's got experience running VCFs.
True dat.
Of course, Sellam would have to be interested in being
the organization's
fearless leader!
I appreciate being nominated for this lofty organization. In fact, what
you've described is what I've been working towards for the past 4-5 years.
It's just gone much slower and taken much longer than anticipated due to
distractions and detours in my life. And this is hard work, especially
for one guy.
Other things the organiztion could do:
* A central, Yahoo-like web site that would become the world's foremost
resource for vintage computer information. It would try to replicate
all available information for preservation. Individual members would
also be given a mechanism to have their collection hosted on the site
under a uniform interface. Those who resist assimilation could still
have their sites linked to. You could get to info either by
collector name or a category/manufacturer/series/model tree. It would
be wonderful...
One day the VCF website will be this portal.
* SIGs would, of course, solidify according to demand.
I imagine the VAX
SIG (VSIG?) would be quite well represented. Each SIG could have its
own mailing list. The whole thing would be not unlike the FreeBSD
mailing list system.
One of the next things on the agenda (after finishing the VCF Marketplace)
is a messaging system. Of course, I don't know how useful this will be in
the face of this list and other very active and strong lists. I'll put
the tools out there, it'll be up to folks to put them to good use.
* Rename itself from VCF to IVCA. "International
Vintage Computing
Association" to outsiders, "International Vintage Computing Asylum"
for insiders. :-)
The VCF will eventually become an international "society" dedicated to the
preservation of old computers and computer history. The VCF events are to
be yearly gatherings that cap off activities that occur throughout the
year. My desire for the past couple years has been to sponsor local
computer collector clubs throughout the world, to create local interest
that then grows into a connected network of clubs.
* I don't know... other stuff.
As you can see, I'm all about grandiose ideas. Now won't someone rise up
and implement them? :-)
Me too. If I could get organized enough to create an actual organization
then things would move faster. Of course it would require the sacrifices
of other people interested in seeing this vision implemented.
Sellam Ismail Vintage Computer Festival
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International Man of Intrigue and Danger http://www.vintage.org