You are seriously off-topic (again). For your possible enlightenment, here is a FREE copy of the FAQ: 1.1 What is ClassicCmp? It's a mailing list for the discussion of classic computers. Topics center on collection, restoration, and operation. It is also an appropriate place for stories and reminiscences of classic computers. Lofty discussions dealing with the philosophical and/or metaphysical aspects of computers are often better handled in private e-mail. 1.2 Why is ClassicCmp? Uh, why not? There are lots of people who love these old machines and it seems like a fun idea to get together and talk about them. 1.3 What is a Classic Computer? _Any computer_ that has not been manufactured for 10 years is a classic. This definition is one I made up and it's entirely arbitrary. It seems to work OK, so I've kept it. 1.4 Who runs this thing? That would be me, Bill Whitson - email bcw(a)u.washington.edu. 1.5 How come I can never reach this so-called list operator? Sorry. It does often take me several days (sometimes weeks!) to respond to e-mail. I am often away for days at a time and when I'm not I'm still probably busy doing real work. I receive more than double the amount of mail that goes to the list in the form of spam, bounced messages, odd user requests, general bitching, etc. and I still have to filter out the messages I actually have to respond to, to remain employed ;). I will get back to you eventually. 1.6 Do you know you're just duplicating work other people have done. I get a "reinventing the wheel" e-mail at least once a week. If you show me another group of computer collectors that claims a membership as large as this one I'll show you a group that must be very hard to find. Obviously there are other groups of collectors and I'm cheering them on - I don't see a problem with duplicating and reduplicating lore that's quickly disappearing anyway. 1.7 How much mail should I expect to get on this list? The daily load varies widely from about 10 messages to over 100. Average seems to be about 44 messages a day. There are times where the message load peaks for as much as a week. [][][][][][][][][] 2.1 What can I talk about? Anything related to classic computers as defined above. There are many people on this list that really know what they're talking about, so you might want to check facts before you start shooting off messages. It's also a good idea to actually read the FAQs and check the archives a little before posting. 2.2 Can I talk about PCs? Yes. PCs which haven't been manufactured for 10 years. Even then, be aware that in many cases you would get a better response posting to PC newsgroups. 2.3 Can I talk about Minis/MainFrames/WorkStations/Gigantic Talking Boxes with Flashing Lights & Coundown Timers/Robots from Alien Civilizations? There has apparently been some misconception that this is a list for micros/home computers only. You'll note I said "misconception". 2.4 Can I post advertisements? Sure. As long as they're related to _classic_ computers. And, of course, use your brain - don't spam. Also, please state up-front whether or not you are willing to ship the items you sell outside your country as there are members of this list in a number of different countries. 2.5 Can I ask people to sell/give me their computers? Sure. But you're not likely to get a very nice response. Mine, for

would be: Get your own f***ing computer! There are several people on usenet who will vouch for this. When someone posts about one of their machines without offering to sell it - it's really a pretty good bet that they're not secretly trolling for offers. See section 5 for info on how to find yourself a computer. 2.6 Can I ask for help fixing item x. Yes. Be aware that it may be difficult to help you fix things if you don't have much knowledge of how computers work or of how to use basic electronics tools (VOM/DMM, soldering iron, EPROM burner, etc). I'm no whiz with this stuff and the little knowledge I have has come from asking questions and then buying books to find out what "Simple... Just check the voltage on the caps in the PS to make sure one of them isn't flaking out!" exactly means. 2.7 Where can I look before posting a dumb question? It might be a good idea to take a look at what's available in the Archive section of the ClassicCmp web site (see below). 2.8 Can I type obscenities about Microsoft in ALL CAPS!?! (Or, in general, be unreasonable with reagard to advocacy posts?) Check your anti-MS baggage at the door, please. For that matter, drop any posts that serve only to perpetuate the holy wars. 2.9 Can I post trophy lists? Ahem. Er... I'm not going to go to the extent of banning this practise but it is considered bad manners. Don't whine to me because I used to be guilty of this and curbed myself ;). Post lists of newly acquired goods if you actually need info on them, not just to show off. 2.10 Can I use obscene language in my posts? Yes. Although I'm sure many people would prefer you did not. A number of people have complained about this. I'm not going to outlaw swearing - now that I've informed you that it bothers people you can make your choice. On Wed, 18 Mar 1998, Joe wrote: > Hi Everyone, > > I have tried to drop this arguement with Sam but he insists on > perpetuating it. It may be embarrassing to read this stuff but it should be > kept public since it does concern the operation of this list. Sam is now > complaining that this tread is off topic for this list, but he convenently > forgets that he is the one that started it! In his latest tirade, Sam has > accused me of using this list for profit (I wish!). I should note that > selling items on the list is permitted according to the FAQs, and yes I > have probably made a grand total of $50 in the last six months (net not > profit). Anthony is right, Sam seems to be interested in nothing more than > harassing others and tearing down this list. > > What I would like to know is who appointed Sam to police this list? > > Joe > > At 05:59 PM 3/18/98 -0600, you wrote: > > > > > >Again I warned you. I was responding publicly to a public posting by the > >OWNER AND MODERATOR of the mailing list, Sam. You are so out of line > >here that I can't believe anymore that your purpose on the mailing list > >is to do anything other than to harass others. > > > >Anthony Clifton - Wirehead > > > >PS: And I'm not going to allow you to do this privately...even if it > >does annoy the group because I think everyone needs to see what kind of > >person you really are and how petty and small-minded your little games > >are becoming. I think this has bearing on any project that you undertake > >and the extent to which others should participate in it. > > > > ---------- Forwarded message > >---------- Date: Wed, 18 Mar 1998 15:03:04 -0800 (PST) > >From: Sam Ismail <dastar(a)wco.com> > >To: Wirehead Prime <wirehead(a)www.retrocomputing.com> > >Subject: Re: Apology, Info, Etc... > > > > > >Again, you are in violation of Section 1.1 of the FAQ which reads: > > > > > >1.1 What is ClassicCmp? > > > >It's a mailing list for the discussion of classic computers. Topics

> >on collection, restoration, and operation. It is also an appropriate

> >for stories and reminiscences of classic computers. Lofty discussions > >dealing with the philosophical and/or metaphysical aspects of computers

> >often better handled in private e-mail. > > > >Please post only on-topic messages in the future. Your cooperation would > >be greatly valued by all. > > > >Have a nice day! > > > >On Wed, 18 Mar 1998, Wirehead Prime wrote: > > > >> > >> Personally I think the list is great and have noticed NO difficulties > >> whatsoever in its administration. > >> > >> I would hate to see it pass into the hands of someone who clearly does > >> not have the best interests of others in mind but merely wishes to > >> control it for the purposes of ego inflation. > >> > >> I think the list is wonderful Bill and, aside from one person who is > >> clearly incapable of behaving in a rational and courteous manner,

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Computer Historian, Programmer, Musician, Philosopher, Athlete, Writer,

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