JAFFE@RUTGERS.ARPA (01/07/85)
From: Tom Perrine <tom@LOGICON.ARPA>
I first read True Names several years ago in the Binary Star #5
edition. I recently read it again. Vinge has an *excellent* grasp of
where computer technology is taking us, and the possible effects on
society.
For example, he mentions hackers (before the media blitz), "worldnet",
and most astonishingly, "interactive novels," which only became
available recently (Fahrenheit 451 and HitchHiker's Guide to the Galaxy).
His grasp of comouter technology is not surprizing, considering that he
is a professor of computer science. FORTH hackers may recall an
article he wrote about teaching FORTH in "FORTH dimensions."
"True Names" *should* have been out by now, from Bluejay books, but due
to non-computer-error, it isn't. It *WILL* be illustrated and will
have an afterword by Dr. Marvin Minsky.
I am told that a sequel to "The Peace War" is in the works. I'm ready
to buy a copy.
Tom Perrine
Logicon - OSD
{tom\@logicon}