27 Apr
1997
27 Apr
'97
9:25 p.m.
*** Preliminary Announcement ***
First Annual Classic Computer Collector Conference
Why?
Next question...
Where?
Livermore, California (tentative...actual venue TBD)
When?
Late Summer 1997 (possibly August)
Who?
Organizer: Sam Ismail
Sponsors: Pending (targeted sponsors will be
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories and
other computer manufacturers in the local area
and Silicon Valley).
What?
The Classic Computer Collector Convention is
slated to be the premier computer faire to
attend to meet with fellow classic computer
collector geeks, buy/sell/trade classic computer
stuff, exchange classic computer software and
classic computer hints and tips, attend
workshops on classic computer preservation and
restoration, and of course see classic
computers.
Some show features:
Classic Computer Spotlight - every year a
legendary system is chosen to be heralded as the
classic computer of the year (nominees for the
first show are Altair 8800; Apple ][; Commodore
PET; ???).
Classic Computer Pioneer - every year an
individual from the annals of computer lore will
be chosen as the Classic Computer Pioneer of the
year. This would be someone who had a lasting
legacy or made a historical impact on the
computer industry, but is not necessarily active
anymore (ie. this precludes Bill Gates from
qualifying). Nominees: Gary Kildall, creator of
CP/M; Steve Wozniak; ???
Classic Computer Museum - A classic museum will
be set-up on-site to allow interested public to
see what classic computers are all about.
Attendees will be encouraged to submit their
favorite classics for display during the show.
The success of the show will depend on
attendance. Admission will be enough to cover
the costs of running the show (including lease
of the venue, advertising, etc). Although there
won't be much of a vending atmosphere (unless
people want to haul their stuff from all over
the country) space will be sold for such
purposes.
More details as I come up with them. I would
really appreciate feedback from the patrons of
this discussion group. Any ideas, comments,
suggestions are welcome (please suggest a better
name!)
IMPORTANT: Please keep this information within
this discussion group until the details have
been finalized and the show is a go. I don't
want to announce to the general public until I
am sure this event will take place.
Sam
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Computer Historian, Programmer, Musician, Philosopher, Athlete, Writer, Jackass
28 Apr
28 Apr
2:27 a.m.
On Mon, 28 Apr 1997, Sam Ismail wrote:
*** Preliminary Announcement ***
First Annual Classic Computer Collector Conference
Why?
Next question...
Wait a minute - still a good question that must be
answered for any backer to take on the show.
Where?
Livermore, California (tentative...actual venue TBD)
Well, THAT cuts out about 99% of the world 8-) How about
a Travelling Show?
[Snip]
Some show features:
Classic Computer Spotlight - every year a
first show are Altair 8800; Apple ][; Commodore
PET; ???).
Yes - give the Altair it's time in the spotlight.
Next year do the PET.
Classic Computer Pioneer - every year an
computer industry, but is not necessarily active
anymore (ie. this precludes Bill Gates from
qualifying). Nominees: Gary Kildall, creator of
CP/M; Steve Wozniak; ???
How about Babbage??? I'd bet a dollar anyone
running Winders never heard of the guy 8-)
Naw - go for Gary - without him there would
not have been a home computer (pulling up the
zipper on my flame proof suit)
[Snip]
More details as I come up with them. I would
really appreciate feedback from the patrons of
this discussion group. Any ideas, comments,
suggestions are welcome (please suggest a better
name!)
IMPORTANT: Please keep this information within
this discussion group until the details have
been finalized and the show is a go. I don't
want to announce to the general public until I
am sure this event will take place.
Well, I think it's a neat idea - but you have to do
some followup work too. Release videos of the seminars
and do hardcopy of the show as well as most of us aren't
going to make it 8-(
But, staying with the Classic idea, you have to put out
BetaMax tapes and have the JPegs available in punched card
and paper tape too 8-)
Also, as for what machine to pick, just pick one that I have.
Nothing ups the price of a system like a good news article 8-)
BC
4:16 a.m.
Some show
features:
Classic Computer Spotlight - every year a
first show are Altair 8800; Apple ][; Commodore
PET; ???).
Yes - give the Altair it's time in the spotlight.
Next year do the PET. Classic
Computer Pioneer - every year an
computer industry, but is not necessarily active
anymore (ie. this precludes Bill Gates from
qualifying). Nominees: Gary Kildall, creator of
CP/M; Steve Wozniak; ???
How about Babbage??? I'd bet a dollar anyone
running Winders never heard of the guy 8-)
Naw - go for Gary - without him there would
not have been a home computer (pulling up the
zipper on my flame proof suit) 
4:51 a.m.
On Mon, 28 Apr 1997, William Donzelli wrote:
Are we looking for a Guest of Honor or what? I know that Seymour Cray
and Gary Kildall would find it difficult to attend on account of being
sort of deceased.
--
Ward Griffiths
"Men will never be free until the last king is strangled with the entrails
of the last priest." [Denis Diderot, "Dithyrambe sur la fete de rois"]
>
qualifying). Nominees: Gary Kildall, creator of
> CP/M; Steve Wozniak; ???
Cray, Amdahl, Olson, etc. - same reason as above.
5:31 p.m.
On Mon, 28 Apr 1997, William Donzelli wrote:
PDP-8, PDP-11, IBM S/3xx, Nova, etc. Computers were not invented in 1974,
guys.
Yes, I realized that. The PDP-8 and PDP-11 are definitely worthy of
mention, but did they really make the impact and have significance equal
to the Altair and the others? I'm sure you could argue to that effect.
Care to?
Cray, Amdahl, Olson, etc. - same reason as above.
Good suggestions. But for the first year, recognizable names from the
annals of computer history would go a longer way towards gaining support
Some show features:
Classic Computer Spotlight - every year a
first show are Altair 8800; Apple ][; Commodore
PET; ???).
Yes - give the Altair it's time in the spotlight.
Next year do the PET. Classic Computer Pioneer - every year an
computer industry, but is not necessarily active
anymore (ie. this precludes Bill Gates from
qualifying). Nominees: Gary Kildall, creator of
CP/M; Steve Wozniak; ???
How about Babbage??? I'd bet a dollar anyone
running Winders never heard of the guy 8-)
Naw - go for Gary - without him there would
not have been a home computer (pulling up the
zipper on my flame proof suit) from sponsors and such. This is in my opinion. Anyone
care to offer a
challenge to this?
Sam
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Computer Historian, Programmer, Musician, Philosopher, Athlete, Writer, Jackass
29 Apr
29 Apr
12:34 a.m.
On Mon, 28 Apr 1997, Sam Ismail wrote:
Yes, I realized that. The PDP-8 and PDP-11 are
definitely worthy of
mention, but did they really make the impact and have significance equal
to the Altair and the others? I'm sure you could argue to that effect.
Care to?
How about the advent of Unix and C? Both made for the PDP-11. And the
PDP-8 was considered the first potentially personal computer (it could fit
in your house, albeit it cost in the vicinity of $10k when it first came
out).
Ok, so the PDPs didn't influence hardware that much and they weren't home
computers. But software is equally important, and I don't even care to
estimate the percentage of running systems written in C.
--------------------------- ,o88,o888o,,o888o. -------------------------------
Alexios Chouchoulas '88 ,88' ,88'
alexios(a)vennea.demon.co.uk
The Unpronouncable One ,o88oooo88ooooo88oo, axc(a)dcs.ed.ac.uk
3:09 a.m.
How about the advent of Unix and C? Both made for
the PDP-11. And the
PDP-8 was considered the first potentially personal computer (it could fit
in your house, albeit it cost in the vicinity of $10k when it first came
out).
Ok, so the PDPs didn't influence hardware that much and they weren't home
computers.
The 68000 series was based on the PDP-11 design. Not much influence?
William Donzelli
william(a)ans.net
1:12 p.m.
On Tue, 29 Apr 1997, William Donzelli wrote:
I learn something new every day. :-) I don't know much about the
internals of the 68k and I know even less about the PDP-11, so I'll take
your word for it!
No matter what, of course, the PDPs and the rest of the pre-microprocessor
computers DID of course influence computing and they deserve to be at least
as famous as their more recent counterparts like the Altair and company. Of
course the press and mainstream folk (oops, there we go again) seem
blissfully unaware of computing as it was before the invention of the
microchip, but we can still remember.
--------------------------- ,o88,o888o,,o888o. -------------------------------
Alexios Chouchoulas '88 ,88' ,88'
alexios(a)vennea.demon.co.uk
The Unpronouncable One ,o88oooo88ooooo88oo, axc(a)dcs.ed.ac.uk
Ok, so the
PDPs didn't influence hardware that much and they weren't home
computers.
The 68000 series was based on the PDP-11 design. Not much influence?
4:53 p.m.
On Tue, 29 Apr 1997, Alexios Chouchoulas wrote:
On Mon, 28 Apr 1997, Sam Ismail wrote:
Unix and C are better left as show topics at Software Development Expo.
The PDP systems are great machines but I'd rather stick with the
micro-computer craze as the focus for the first show. This is not to say
that the classic mini's will not be highlighted. I plan on definitely
having them as part of the exhibit...maybe even a mainframe if I can get
a donor. Perhaps at the 2nd show we will focus on the 50s-60s era mini's
and mainframes.
Sam
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Computer Historian, Programmer, Musician, Philosopher, Athlete, Writer, Jackass
Yes, I realized that. The PDP-8 and PDP-11 are
definitely worthy of
mention, but did they really make the impact and have significance equal
to the Altair and the others? I'm sure you could argue to that effect.
Care to?
How about the advent of Unix and C? Both made for the PDP-11. And the
PDP-8 was considered the first potentially personal computer (it could fit
in your house, albeit it cost in the vicinity of $10k when it first came
out).
Ok, so the PDPs didn't influence hardware that much and they weren't home
computers. But software is equally important, and I don't even care to
estimate the percentage of running systems written in C.
30 Apr
30 Apr
2:42 a.m.
On Tue, 29 Apr 1997, Sam Ismail wrote:
The PDP systems are great machines but I'd rather
stick with the
micro-computer craze as the focus for the first show. This is not to say
that the classic mini's will not be highlighted. I plan on definitely
having them as part of the exhibit...maybe even a mainframe if I can get
a donor. Perhaps at the 2nd show we will focus on the 50s-60s era mini's
and mainframes.
Well, there is the collection of three mainframes up in Portland, I
don't have the URL handy. Problem is, those things are at best
semi-portable, i.e. it takes a big damn truck.
--
Ward Griffiths
"Men will never be free until the last king is strangled with the entrails
of the last priest." [Denis Diderot, "Dithyrambe sur la fete de rois"]
3:08 a.m.
On Wed, 30 Apr 1997, Ward Griffiths and/or Lisa Rogers wrote:
Well, there is the collection of three mainframes up
in Portland, I
don't have the URL handy. Problem is, those things are at best
semi-portable, i.e. it takes a big damn truck.
http://www.teleport.com/~prp
I know the person who owns this collection, and they aren't likely to move
again no matter how large the truck is! B^} (and there are more than
three...)
-jim
---
jimw(a)agora.rdrop.com
The Computer Garage - http://www.rdrop.com/~jimw
Computer Garage Fax - (503) 646-0174
5:15 a.m.
Well, there is the collection of three mainframes up
in Portland, I
don't have the URL handy. Problem is, those things are at best
semi-portable, i.e. it takes a big damn truck.
Mainframes might be a bit too much to take around to shows,
unfortunately. I think the artifacts would be in too much danger of
being damaged.
Minis are a different story. I think a deracked PDP-8/e or PDP-11/20,
with a teleprinter, would be very reasonable.
William Donzelli
william(a)ans.net
29 Apr
29 Apr
1:30 a.m.
On Mon, 28 Apr 1997, Sam Ismail wrote:
Yes, I realized that. The PDP-8 and PDP-11 are
definitely worthy of
mention, but did they really make the impact and have significance equal
to the Altair and the others? I'm sure you could argue to that effect.
Care to?
Well, the DECs had a serious impact on history for those of us whose
normal command prompt is a simple dollar sign.
--
Ward Griffiths
"Men will never be free until the last king is strangled with the entrails
of the last priest." [Denis Diderot, "Dithyrambe sur la fete de rois"]
3:13 a.m.
> Yes, I realized that. The PDP-8 and PDP-11 are
definitely worthy of
> mention, but did they really make the impact and have significance equal
> to the Altair and the others? I'm sure you could argue to that effect.
> Care to?
I think the IBM 360s made a huge difference. All of a sudden, everyone's
paychecks, bank statements, bills, etc. were printed by a computer.
William Donzelli
william(a)ans.net
2:29 a.m.
On Mon, 28 Apr 1997, Sam Ismail wrote:
Cray, Amdahl, Olson, etc. - same reason as above.
Good suggestions. But for the first year, recognizable names from the
annals of computer history would go a longer way towards gaining support
from sponsors and such. This is in my opinion. Anyone care to offer a
challenge to this?
I don't know Sam, (as I stated before 8-) maybe if you specialized you
could get support from those involved. I mean Cray is loosing market
share but might fork over some bucks/equipment/mock-ups if you said -
"Look, we want to feature Cray as founding father who help make desktop
computers a reality. Without his foresight, we could not have gotten
where we are today." Gee, advertizing! And then find out who he had a
running battle with and ask them too! Explain how the *battle* improved
the world for everyone. Nobody was right - nobody was wrong. It's just
how things went.
BC
On Mon, 28 Apr 1997, William Donzelli wrote:
> > > Some show features:
> > > Classic Computer Spotlight - every year a
> > > first show are Altair 8800; Apple ][; Commodore
> > > PET; ???).
> >
> > Yes - give the Altair it's time in the spotlight.
> > Next year do the PET.
>
> PDP-8, PDP-11, IBM S/3xx, Nova, etc. Computers were not invented in 1974,
> guys.
Well, I also have a Abacus 8-) NOW THAT IS AN OLD HARDWARE DESIGN!
Yes, I realized that. The PDP-8 and PDP-11 are
definitely worthy of
mention, but did they really make the impact and have significance equal
to the Altair and the others? I'm sure you could argue to that effect.
Care to?
Well, I think the point the mini's made was fundamental to the micros
history. Coming from the 60's (oops) I remember the ?joy? of realizing
that you didn't need a powerplant and a huge room of boxes with spinning
tape drives chilled to just above freezing to have a computer 8-)
That is what the minis did, for me and businesses. There were
technological advances sure, but if you wheren't IN the know, very few
people know the processor was that desk over there and not all that
*other* stuff. Once seeing a PDP-8, it kind of hit home that, Yes you
could pack all the power of a room full of stuff into one half hieght
19" rack with a mini and a tape reader with one ASR-33. It changed the
way people *viewed* the computer.
Classic
Computer Pioneer - every year an
computer industry, but is not necessarily active
anymore (ie. this precludes Bill Gates from
qualifying). Nominees: Gary Kildall, creator of
CP/M; Steve Wozniak; ???
How about Babbage??? I'd bet a dollar anyone
running Winders never heard of the guy 8-)
Naw - go for Gary - without him there would
not have been a home computer (pulling up the
zipper on my flame proof suit)
5:06 p.m.
On Tue, 29 Apr 1997, Brett wrote:
Well, even though I am proposing a micro as the Computer of the Show, it
does not mean that this is to the exclusion of all other systems.
Definitely the PDP will be featured (if we can get one at the show) and
will enjoy a billing equal to the other systems. Your next point is
compelling though...
This would be attractive to Cray. But isn't Cray gone now? Anyhow, if
we tell the plight of one manufacturer, other manufacturer's will get a
black eye that we didn't choose THEIR system and will hold a grudge
against the show for ever more. I don't think you can win unless you
highlight ALL the systems and have ample history on ALL the players in
the computer industry. So this is what I plan on doing, except I still
want to showcase a micro as the show highlight because: 1) I grew up on
them and 2) they brought computers into the hands of the masses. Mini's
made them accessible to businesses, etc. But micro's made computing
power accessible to just about anyone. They would be the systems that
people would most readily identify with. I think as long as we have a
mix of all the different platforms, it will be a show for all.
Sam
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Computer Historian, Programmer, Musician, Philosopher, Athlete, Writer, Jackass
Yes, I
realized that. The PDP-8 and PDP-11 are definitely worthy of
mention, but did they really make the impact and have significance equal
to the Altair and the others? I'm sure you could argue to that effect.
Care to?
Well, I think the point the mini's made was fundamental to the micros
history. Coming from the 60's (oops) I remember the ?joy? of realizing
that you didn't need a powerplant and a huge room of boxes with spinning
tape drives chilled to just above freezing to have a computer 8-)
That is what the minis did, for me and businesses. There were
technological advances sure, but if you wheren't IN the know, very few
people know the processor was that desk over there and not all that
*other* stuff. Once seeing a PDP-8, it kind of hit home that, Yes you
could pack all the power of a room full of stuff into one half hieght
19" rack with a mini and a tape reader with one ASR-33. It changed the
way people *viewed* the computer. Good
suggestions. But for the first year, recognizable names from the
annals of computer history would go a longer way towards gaining support
from sponsors and such. This is in my opinion. Anyone care to offer a
challenge to this?
I don't know Sam, (as I stated before 8-) maybe if you specialized you
could get support from those involved. I mean Cray is loosing market
share but might fork over some bucks/equipment/mock-ups if you said -
"Look, we want to feature Cray as founding father who help make desktop
computers a reality. Without his foresight, we could not have gotten
where we are today." Gee, advertizing! And then find out who he had a
running battle with and ask them too! Explain how the *battle* improved
the world for everyone. Nobody was right - nobody was wrong. It's just
how things went.
30 Apr
30 Apr
2:23 a.m.
On Tue, 29 Apr 1997, Sam Ismail wrote:
Are they? Was that recent? Who is supporting the hardware/software now?
Gee, isn't MITS gone? Isn't Commodore gone? Isn't the Home Computer
Products Division at TI gone? I don't know about MITS but Rockwell
might like some words since they still(?) source 65XX products, and TI
wouldn't mind some interest. Motorola did/do the 6800/68000.
On Tue, 29 Apr 1997, Brett wrote:
> > Yes, I realized that. The PDP-8 and PDP-11 are definitely worthy of
[Snippy]
> *other* stuff. Once seeing a PDP-8, it kind of
hit home that, Yes you
> could pack all the power of a room full of stuff into one half height
[Snippy]
Well, even though I am proposing a micro as the
Computer of the Show, it
does not mean that this is to the exclusion of all other systems.
Definitely the PDP will be featured (if we can get one at the show) and
will enjoy a billing equal to the other systems. Your next point is
compelling though...
Gee, Sam, I thought ALL my points were compelling 8-)
> > Good suggestions. But for the first year,
recognizable names from
> > the annals of computer history would go a longer way towards gaining
[Snippitty]
running battle
with and ask them too! Explain how the *battle*
improved the world for everyone. Nobody was right - nobody was wrong.
It's just how things went.
This would be attractive to Cray. But isn't Cray gone now? Anyhow, if we tell the plight of one manufacturer,
other manufacturer's
will get a black eye that we didn't choose THEIR system and will hold a
grudge against the show for ever more. I don't think you can win unless
you highlight ALL the systems and have ample history on ALL the players
in the computer industry.
You'll still miss SOMEBODY 8-) There's no way around it if you plan on
keeping the show to any KNOWN display area (you don't have a Tardis do
you?)
So this is what I plan on doing, except I still want
to showcase a micro
as the show highlight because:
1) I grew up on them and
Well, my kids grew up on Minis. There was just no other place to put them,
the kids I mean 8-) Used a PDP 11/23 as a changing table 8-)
2) they brought computers into the hands of the
masses.
What! This is a good thing? 8-)
Mini's made them accessible to businesses, etc.
But micro's made
computing power accessible to just about anyone. They would be the
systems that people would most readily identify with. I think as long
as we have a mix of all the different platforms, it will be a show for
all.
Kidding aside, have you thought about the layout of the show? Are you
going to try a "Trip Throught Time" style (linear) with the oldest up
front and then walk thru to the present? Are you going to try a *cross*
with seperate arms Minis down one way 65/68 stuff down another and Intel
down the long one and the *selected* machine at the top? Or aren't you
thinking that far ahead yet?
BC
3:34 a.m.
On Wed, 30 Apr 1997, Eric Fischer wrote:
Brett <danjo(a)xnet.com> said,
A year or so ago, I think. Silicon Graphics bought the company.
That will teach me to stick my head into these damn PeeCees! I must of
missed a LOT of stuff. I just wish it wasn't always an obituary that
brought me back to my senses 8-(
BC
This
would be attractive to Cray. But isn't Cray gone now?
Are they? Was that recent? Who is supporting the hardware/software now?
3:02 p.m.
On Wed, 30 Apr 1997, Brett wrote:
I believe they folded and were swallowed up by some other company.
Someone correct me here.
I haven't started on the actual planning yet. I plan on sitting down and
planning it in a month or so. First I have a wedding to deal with :)
Sam
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Computer Historian, Programmer, Musician, Philosopher, Athlete, Writer, Jackass
This would be
attractive to Cray. But isn't Cray gone now?
Are they? Was that recent? Who is supporting the hardware/software now? Mini's
made them accessible to businesses, etc. But micro's made
computing power accessible to just about anyone. They would be the
systems that people would most readily identify with. I think as long
as we have a mix of all the different platforms, it will be a show for
all.
Kidding aside, have you thought about the layout of the show? Are you
going to try a "Trip Throught Time" style (linear) with the oldest up
front and then walk thru to the present? Are you going to try a *cross*
with seperate arms Minis down one way 65/68 stuff down another and Intel
down the long one and the *selected* machine at the top? Or aren't you
thinking that far ahead yet?
3:56 p.m.
On Wed, 30 Apr 1997, Sam Ismail wrote:
On Wed, 30 Apr 1997, Brett wrote:
Now - I wonder WHO'S getting married 8-) Just remember, it's not like
collecting computers. You can't sell them off, but you might find someone
else who will take them 8-) They talk back AND spend all your money -
Nope - NOTHING like computers. 8-)
BC
Kidding aside, have you thought about the layout
of the show? Are you
going to try a "Trip Throught Time" style (linear) with the oldest up
front and then walk thru to the present? Are you going to try a *cross*
with seperate arms Minis down one way 65/68 stuff down another and Intel
down the long one and the *selected* machine at the top? Or aren't you
thinking that far ahead yet?
I haven't started on the actual planning yet. I plan on sitting down and
planning it in a month or so. First I have a wedding to deal with :)
2:48 a.m.
On Tue, 29 Apr 1997, Sam Ismail wrote:
This would be attractive to Cray. But isn't Cray
gone now? Anyhow, if
I recall that Seymour Cray left Cray Computers back in the eighties.
we tell the plight of one manufacturer, other
manufacturer's will get a
black eye that we didn't choose THEIR system and will hold a grudge
against the show for ever more. I don't think you can win unless you
highlight ALL the systems and have ample history on ALL the players in
the computer industry. So this is what I plan on doing, except I still
Well, the safest way to avoid such jealousy is to showcase a system
from a long-defunct company (not merely one that was
acquired by
another company that's still viable), preferably one whose founders
have since died. What's the status of the principals of Altair,
Imsai and SWTPC? (Especially the last -- I prefer Motorola to Intel).
--
Ward Griffiths
"Men will never be free until the last king is strangled with the entrails
of the last priest." [Denis Diderot, "Dithyrambe sur la fete de rois"]
28 Apr
28 Apr
5:24 p.m.
On Mon, 28 Apr 1997, Brett wrote:
Naw...Livermore is actually a great spot for a classic computer faire.
Nearby Pleasanton offers a plethora of high-tech corporations to hit up
for sponsorship. The Lawrence Livermore Labs is (literally) right across
the street, and we are a short freeway drive to the Silicon Valley.
Also, since I live in Livermore, it's offers the least hassle to host the
show. I don't expect a big turnout the first year. I don't even expect
a nominal turnout. I figure if I'm lucky, 50 people will show up, but
these types of shows always start off small. We are on the cutting edge
of a budding movement to preserve a part of the worlds digital heritage.
These things take time to grow.
The historical promotion of Babbage is better left to the Smithsonian.
On Mon, 28 Apr 1997, Sam Ismail wrote:
I'm sure I'll be a bit more descriptive when approaching potential sponsors.
*** Preliminary Announcement ***
First Annual Classic Computer Collector Conference
Why?
Next question...
Wait a minute - still a good question that must be
answered for any backer to take on the show. Where?
Livermore, California (tentative...actual venue TBD)
Well, THAT cuts out about 99% of the world 8-) How about
a Travelling Show? Classic
Computer Pioneer - every year an
computer industry, but is not necessarily active
anymore (ie. this precludes Bill Gates from
qualifying). Nominees: Gary Kildall, creator of
CP/M; Steve Wozniak; ???
How about Babbage??? I'd bet a dollar anyone
running Winders never heard of the guy 8-)
Naw - go for Gary - without him there would
not have been a home computer (pulling up the
zipper on my flame proof suit) Well, I think it's a neat idea - but you have to
do
some followup work too. Release videos of the seminars
and do hardcopy of the show as well as most of us aren't
going to make it 8-(
I planned media coverage and will document it for those unable to
attend. Of course a web page will accompany the show.
Also, as for what machine to pick, just pick one that
I have.
Nothing ups the price of a system like a good news article 8-)
I'm not really doing this to increase the perceived value of my
collection. I'm doing it because I love classic computers.
Sam
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Computer Historian, Programmer, Musician, Philosopher, Athlete, Writer, Jackass
29 Apr
29 Apr
2:10 a.m.
On Mon, 28 Apr 1997, Sam Ismail wrote:
Naw...Livermore is actually a great spot for a classic computer faire.
Nearby Pleasanton offers a plethora of high-tech corporations to hit up
for sponsorship. The Lawrence Livermore Labs is (literally) right across
the street, and we are a short freeway drive to the Silicon Valley.
Also, since I live in Livermore, it's offers the least hassle to host the
show. I don't expect a big turnout the first year. I don't even expect
a nominal turnout. I figure if I'm lucky, 50 people will show up, but
these types of shows always start off small. We are on the cutting edge
of a budding movement to preserve a part of the worlds digital heritage.
These things take time to grow.
Ya but I'd be there 8-) (Now let's see - how do I move my vacation time
around again) Aside:[I wonder if you can get an educational grant for
the Travelling idea tho - you know schools and stuff so the kids can see
what it all started from. You could start small on that too.]
The historical promotion of Babbage is better left
to the Smithsonian.
Well, from a *media* standpoint, there is more info already available
to newspaper idiots^H^H^H^H^H^Hreporters on Babbage (plus the Enquirer
can take the Ada twist 8-) so they don't get it too wrong 8-)
Well, what I really want to see is all the info on restoring cases,
kwyboards(!), and paper docs.
*I* didn't think so Sam, but YOU KNOW what will happen 8-(
Another problem with the idea is after the first one - what's left?
Maybe it would be better to - more or less - specialize. Cover one
machine exclusively. Cover everybody that worked on it - the history
behind the processor, the design, try to talk to the people involved
why they did one thing or the other. Get this documented before they
are all gone 8-( Just ike some of the books about DEC and Apple -
except you get to TALK to these people (I see a room with huge coffee
pots and 30 gallon butt cans, dimly lit, slight murmuring as we all
ask deep *meaning of life* questions like "Why did the KIM-1 use 6530
RIOTs instead of 6522 and a seperate ROM?" 8-) (That one always bugged
me!) And then follow that with a bright glitsy show on what you use
NOW that has all the same stuff in it!
Boy am I starting to ramble!
BC
On Mon, 28 Apr 1997, Brett wrote:
> On Mon, 28 Apr 1997, Sam Ismail wrote:
[Snip]
Where?
Livermore, California (tentative...actual venue TBD)
Well, THAT cuts out about 99% of the world 8-) How about
a Travelling Show? Classic Computer Pioneer - every year an
computer industry, but is not necessarily active
anymore (ie. this precludes Bill Gates from
qualifying). Nominees: Gary Kildall, creator of
CP/M; Steve Wozniak; ???
How about Babbage??? I'd bet a dollar anyone
running Winders never heard of the guy 8-)
Naw - go for Gary - without him there would
not have been a home computer (pulling up the
zipper on my flame proof suit) Well, I think
it's a neat idea - but you have to do
some followup work too. Release videos of the seminars
and do hardcopy of the show as well as most of us aren't
going to make it 8-(
I planned media coverage and will document it for those unable to
attend. Of course a web page will accompany the show. Also, as for
what machine to pick, just pick one that I have.
Nothing ups the price of a system like a good news article 8-)
I'm not really doing this to increase the perceived value of my
collection. I'm doing it because I love classic computers.
1 May
1 May
6:05 p.m.
On Tue, 29 Apr 1997, Brett wrote:
Another problem with the idea is after the first one -
what's left?
Um, another show! This thing will (hopefully) grow year after year until
it becomes just another one of those great shows to go to. I want to
give the show some prestige and recognition, but this is something that
comes over time, and as long as it's done right.
Sam
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Computer Historian, Programmer, Musician, Philosopher, Athlete, Writer, Jackass
29 Apr
29 Apr
2:54 a.m.
At 10:24 PM 4/28/97 -0700, you wrote:
Naw...Livermore is actually a great spot for a classic
computer faire.
Nearby Pleasanton offers a plethora of high-tech corporations to hit up
for sponsorship. The Lawrence Livermore Labs is (literally) right across
the street, and we are a short freeway drive to the Silicon Valley.
Also, since I live in Livermore, it's offers the least hassle to host the
show. I don't expect a big turnout the first year. I don't even expect
a nominal turnout. I figure if I'm lucky, 50 people will show up, but
these types of shows always start off small. We are on the cutting edge
I am one of those 50 people. I am in Pleasanton. 8-)
George
--
George Lin "Accelerating your business through
Network Architect, MIS enterprise document managment."
Documentum, Inc. (Nasdaq: DCTM) http://www.documentum.com
Email Fax mailto:remote-printer.George_Lin@4.3.8.6.3.6.4.0.1.5.1.tpc.int
My PGP Public Key for encryption is at http://george.home.ml.org/pgp.htm
28 Apr
28 Apr
10:22 a.m.
It would be a very good idea to make sure you have your
collection nicely filled out before you do this. After
the media tags 40 sec report to the end of a few news
broadcasts Apple IIs really will cost $400. ;) ;)
Maybe you'll be able to buy a house with an Altair.
A while back I bought a spare CompuPro from a guy who
collected computers as a curiosity. He was getting
rid of the machine because it didn't fit in with the
rest of the collection (wasn't an all-in-one micro).
He didn't use the machines - just displayed them. It
scares me that there are people who collect computers
for looks and scares me more that they might find out
that these things are "hot collectibles". :) The guy
did have a really nice display though - hand-built
wood shelving with various risers and built-in lights
cartridge/disk/manual racks, etc.
When exactly did it become cool to be a computer geek?
Wasn't there a time when people posessing large numbers
of computers were ridiculed in public?
Bill
----------------------------------------------------
Bill Whitson - Classic Computers ListOp
bill(a)booster.u.washinton.edu or bcw(a)u.washington.edu
http://weber.u.washington.edu/~bcw
On Mon, 28 Apr 1997, Sam Ismail wrote:
*** Preliminary Announcement ***
First Annual Classic Computer Collector Conference
Why?
<snip,snip>
12:01 p.m.
He didn't use the machines - just displayed them.
It
scares me that there are people who collect computers
for looks
This does not scare me. Many things in my collection I never use, and do
not plan on it (some I can not, for various reasons). What is important
is that a collector respect the engineering and history of machines, and
ignore the dollar values others place on them.
Those that do place big dollar values (reasonable ones I have no problem
with) are evil, and should be stopped. Dealers have ruined or crippled many
hobbies due to greed (the radio/electron tube scene is a crying shame).
William Donzelli
william(a)ans.net
5:37 p.m.
On Mon, 28 Apr 1997, Bill Whitson wrote:
These are the guys that scare me. Did he at least know how to use some
of his machines?
It would be a very good idea to make sure you have
your
collection nicely filled out before you do this. After
the media tags 40 sec report to the end of a few news
broadcasts Apple IIs really will cost $400. ;) ;)
Media damage control will be foremost in my mind. I realize no matter
what you tell a reporter, they'll always turn your words around 180
degrees and the story will end up being about how we repair broken
computers or something equally banal.
Maybe
you'll be able to buy a house with an Altair.
A while back I bought a spare
CompuPro from a guy who
collected computers as a curiosity. He was getting
rid of the machine because it didn't fit in with the
rest of the collection (wasn't an all-in-one micro).
He didn't use the machines - just displayed them. It
scares me that there are people who collect computers
for looks and scares me more that they might find out
that these things are "hot collectibles". :) The guy
did have a really nice display though - hand-built
wood shelving with various risers and built-in lights
cartridge/disk/manual racks, etc. When exactly did it become cool to be a computer
geek?
Wasn't there a time when people posessing large numbers
of computers were ridiculed in public?
Yeah, but then people realized a lot of computer geeks make a lot of
money, and they stopped laughing at them.
Sam
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Computer Historian, Programmer, Musician, Philosopher, Athlete, Writer, Jackass
9853
days inactive
9857
days old
28 comments
9 participants
participants (9)
-
alexios＠vennea.demon.co.uk -
bill＠booster.bothell.washington.edu -
danjo＠xnet.com -
dastar＠crl.com -
eric＠fudge.uchicago.edu -
george.lin＠documentum.com -
gram＠cnct.com -
jimw＠agora.rdrop.com -
william＠ans.net