history is hard (was: Microsoft open sources GWBASIC)

[Fred Cisin]

> Some don't matter; some can be enough to ruin a good anecdote; some create
> a different story.
>
> I'm saddened that Jim Adkisson and Don Massaro of Shugart have changed
> their story and now deny that the size of the 5.25" disk was based on Dr.
> Wang pointing to a bar napkin.  The "Bar Napkin Disk" was a GREAT
> anecdote; now ruined.
> <http://archive.computerhistory.org/resources/access/text/2013/05/102657925-
> 05-01-acc.pdf>

On Sun, 24 May 2020, Tom Gardner via cctalk wrote:
> It's probably OK for Fred to be saddened at the demise of a good story but
> isn't it better to have the true story?

"better", yes.
but still sadder

> Neither Jim Adkisson nor Don Massaro of Shugart ever promulgated the urban
> legend of Dr. Wang and the napkin in the bar - as near as I can tell it was
> invented from whole cloth by Jim Porter who repeated it so many times that
> it became legend.

I read it in one of the popular magaazines decades ago.

> The final media size was determined by Shugart Engineering led by Al Chou
> from the size of the 8-track tape drive that the 5¼-inch FDD was to replace
> in Wang and other systems.  As near as I can tell it was not the same size
> as a “standard” cocktail napkin.

"standard"??!?
"I believe in standards.  Everyone should have [a unique] one [of their 
own]." - George Morrow
I have seen napkins that are about 5.25".


I wanted to track down which bar, and get napkins from them.
And/or get napkins commercially printed (and give them a supply) with the 
bar personalization on one side, and an outline picture of a 5.25" disk 
jacket and the story on the other.  optional signatures of those 
involved, and provide to CHM to sell in the giftshop.


> The idea for a smaller FDD with cocktail napkin sized medium did come
> through Adkisson but it originated at his customers such as Lanier,
> Phillips and Varisyst among others before it was taken to Wang.
> History is hard - I researched this for the Computer History Museum and
> prevented the legend from making it into their exhibits.

I have to thank you for debunking a cherished legend.

Myths and legends can be nice, even if they have to be disproven.  Even 
nonexistent characters can be handy, such as Santa Claus and \newline


--
Grumpy Ol' Fred     		cisin at xenosoft.com