eric@snark.thyrsus.com (Eric S. Raymond) (12/06/90)
I want to add a Jargon File entry for DEC WARS along the following lines:
DEC WARS n. A famous 1978 large-format comic by ???? chronicling the attempts
of the brainwashed androids of ``IPM'' (Impossible to Program Machines)
to conquer and destroy the peaceful denizens of HEC (Human Engineered
Computers). This rather transparent allegory featured many references
to ADVENT (q.v.) and the immortal line ``Eat flaming death, minicomputer
mongrels!'' (uttered, of course, by an IPM stormtrooper). There is a legend
that the author subsequently received a letter of appreciation on IBM
company stationary from the then-head of IBM's Thomas Watson research
laboratories (then as now one of the few islands of hackerdom in the
IBM archipelago). The lower loop of the `B' in the IBM logo, it is said,
had been carefully whited out.
If anyone can supply the author's name (wasn't it `Chaz Andrews' or something?)
and confirm the year of publication I'd appreciate it. A full bibliographic
reference would be nice, and more juicy details suitable for the entry would
be utterly wonderful. I haven't seen a copy in more years than I care to
think about...
--
Eric S. Raymond = eric@snark.thyrsus.com (mad mastermind of TMN-Netnews)