karl@cbrma.UUCP (04/22/86)
From: cbrma!karl@seismo.CSS.GOV I happened to glance at the file etc/DISTRIB. I almost never look at it, since I don't need to worry much about how to get a copy when I need it. But I was noticing the order form at the end; could someone describe for me the difference between the "strong" and "innocuous" covers? Or will I have to satisfy my curiosity by buying a copy? -- Karl Kleinpaste
maddox@renoir.berkeley.edu (William Maddox) (04/23/86)
I have seen two versions of the GNU Emacs manual. One has a plain cover without any illustration. The other, presumably the 'strong' one, depicts Richard Stallman as a knight in armor, riding a gnu, chasing after a sleazy character gripping a software license, dropping money and floppies everywhere, and running for his life. Bill ucbvax!renoir!maddox
phr%ucbvax@ucbvax.UUCP (04/26/86)
> I have seen two versions of the GNU Emacs manual. One has a plain cover > without any illustration. The other, presumably the 'strong' one, depicts > Richard Stallman as a knight in armor, riding a gnu, chasing after a sleazy > character gripping a software license, dropping money and floppies everywhere, > and running for his life. > FSF shipped some xeroxed manuals with unillustrated covers before the current (very attractive!) batch came in. The one you describe is indeed the strong version, but you didn't mention that the knight riding the gnu (who semi-accidentally resembles RMS) is on the front cover, and the sleazy character being chased is on the back cover; there's nothing on the front cover to indicate that someone is being chased. The innocuous version has the same front cover, but instead of the back cover illo has some text describing what Emacs is. This is partly intended for bookstore browsers who have never heard of Emacs. Most people tell me that the software hoarder picture is more humorous than offensive, but I could imagine diehard corporate pinheads getting upset by it. I had a hand in producing the printed copies of this manual, so of course I want you to all go buy copies (see etc/DISTRIB). They are trade paperback size (i.e., like the K&R C book), phototypeset and offset printed, and include a reference card. You have your choice of GBC spiral or regular paperback binding. (I recommend the spiral binding for easier handling).