Anyone off to VCF-UK? - test-drb@ccmp.vtda.org

22 May 2010

...
  I think you may be being a little too critical. I too
raised an eyebrow at
 the 64K memory thing, however I think is it not meant to be taken literally, 
30-odd years of working with computers had made me take things 
literally..  And I would suspect a lot of other computer enthusiasts 
would feel the same way, particularly in the rules for an event so-say 
aimed at computer enthusiasts and related to said computers

...
  but just intended to mean that recent-ish PCs do not
count. Also regarding 
I realised what it was supposed to mean... However I feel it could imply one
of the following 

They believe that no vintage computer ever had a memory module > 64K 
(again, what units?)

They believer that while such machines existed, nobody has got them in their
private collections

...
  space, I quote (my emphasis) "*Typically* we will
have 2m x 1m available for
 those bringing systems, *although we will make more space for something
 special*.". They also link to pictures of the US VCFs, indicating this is 
Yes, I read that. My point is that 2m*1m is too small IMHO for _any_ 
meaninful exhibit othter than posisbly a 1980's home micro. Again, it 
appears that's the sort of machine they are expecting. 

My view is that they should have asked people who wanted to exhibit what 
they were planning on brining, the size, the power requirements, and so 
on. 

There should also have been a web page for potential exhibitos giving 
details of power, access (could you get a vheicle near the exhibition 
room?) and so on. 

...
  what they want to replicate, and those *do* show
working systems etc, so I 
I have learnt by bitter experience not to make assumptions like that.

...
  don't think it is fair to say they want art pieces
and they don't want them
 to work. I have to agree that there is no info on power available, so that
 would be a concern. I would imagine that the security of your collection
 would have to be your responsibility though, and I think that is as it
 should be. I also can't see why you think this is a non-technical event, I 
I would agree that security should be the exhibitors responsibiliy. Which 
essentially means a 1-man exhibit is impossible. And that exhibitoirs do 
not get to enjoy the rest of the VCF.

...
  actually can't see anything that says it is either
technical or
 non-technical, I think people will make of it what they want, and I
 certainly can't imagine anyone in my immediate family ever wanting to attend
 such an event, so I am pretty sure most attendees will be enthusiasts. 
Hmmm.. Amoe years ago I volunteered at Bletchley park (I gave up for 
several reasons, mostly due to terminally clueless management). THe 
visitors on those days certainly included a large number of non-technical 
people (thei did not really suprise me). Since the VCF is going to be 
open to all of those who are attending BP on that day, I would guess 
there will be some non-technical people at the VCF too.

-tony