wmapple@BRL.ARPA (Info-Apple-Request) (05/27/87)
Folks, Info-Apple (comp.sys.apple on UseNet) serves a very active community, providing a forum for lively and useful discussions on all sorts of topics of interest to users of Apple computers. These topics include those relating to programming languages for use on Apple computers. However, of late a sub-discussion regarding the merits, readibility, utility, etc of one language over another has evolved. Might I humbly suggest that this discussion move to the appropriate computer language discussion groups and mailing lists? These include: USENET: comp.lang.c comp.lang.c++ comp.lang.pascal comp.lang.ada ARPANET/MILNET: INFO-ADA INFO-C INFO-MODULA-2 INFO-PASCAL In addition to keeping the message traffic on the Apple list (group) relevant to a broad set of Apple users, moving these discussions would enrich them by expoure to other folk interested in programming language issues. _Brint Cooper Info-Apple-Request@brl.arpa
jperry@UNIX.SRI.COM (John Perry) (05/28/87)
I understand why you want to keep INFO-APPLE free for apple-related
discussion. The problem, however, with INFO-ADA, INFO-C, INFO-MODULA-2,
and INFO-PASCAL is that these netmail lists are largely "tips and tricks"
lists for those interested in that language only. If you wrote a
controversial message to INFO-C about why you think Modula-2 is a better
language, it is quite possible that the manager of that netmail list
will send you a polite memo saying that if you think Modula-2 is a
superior language then you ought to belong to the INFO-MODULA-2
mailing list and keep INFO-C free for information only.
Thus, I don't see a better forum for broad-based language discussions
than INFO-IBMPC or INFO-APPLE i.e. netmail lists based on a type of
computer which has available compilers for ALL languages. If you really
believe that this discussion is not "relevant to a broad set of Apple
users" then I will respect your wishes and move to INFO-C (which Arpanet
computer is it on, as well as INFO-MODULA-2??) and stir up a hornets nest
there. However, given that several Apple list members have responded to
my memos (and my memos were in response to a non-Apple-related memo on
INFO-APPLE), it seems at least possible that many INFO-APPLE members feel
that this discussion is relevant right here.
John Perrywmapple@BRL.ARPA (Info-Apple-Request) (05/28/87)
John, Although I have stated my position and stand by it, I do not own the Info-Apple mailing list. I maintain the subscription list but do not moderate the discussion. Thus, my wishes about what is and is not discussed (so long as they do not violate the Arpanet rules or the bounds of decency and honor) should carry no more weight than any other users. If the majority are satisfied with continuing the language discussion on Info-Apple, then so be it. If the majority feel led to move to a language list, then perhaps they will do so. _Brint Cooper <info-apple-request@brl.arpa>
gviernes@WHEELER-EMH.ARPA (05/29/87)
If the participants could limit the emotionalism and stick to the facts as they believe them to be (personal bias accepted), I wouldn't mind such discussions. I found this latest one to be quite educational. I guess this is a 'for' vote if anyone is counting.
LYMAN@IASSNS.BITNET.UUCP (05/29/87)
While, legion, I will keep my opinions on languages off this list. I, for one, would encourage others to do the same, especially since it has degenerated to some extent into a series of ad hominem attacks. On the positive side, I would like to add my vote for a repository, preferably bitnet-accessible for public domain Apple II software (I gaze enviously at the Mac programs, friends cull from the net). I wish that I had the ability to offer a place, but alas, on this machine at least I am a guest. Lyman