bzs@bu-cs.UUCP (02/09/87)
Several years ago I remember a very popular INFO node (for Emacs/Info) was the TERMS topic which was a comparison of dozens of terminals, in those days the discussions comparing terminals were at least as heated as these micro discussions (who remembers what N-key roll-over means?) I suggest that these flame wars are not idiocy but reveal a real and serious need of the technical community; to choose between various products. The problem right now is that it's high volume with little direction or organization, although some of the comments are obviously important even they are being buried and lost in the noise. It does seem to somehow fit the criteria for a new group (high volume, technical content, appearing undirected in other groups causing complaints etc.) I think what is sorely needed is a moderated group with a highly motivated moderator who could glean the comments with the goal of producing summary comparisons by users of various products which could then somehow be retrieved at a later date by interested individuals, like a source archive. I'm not sure how it should be organized, that would be the moderator's job (anything would be better than this.) Any volunteers for a moderator? Or are we doomed to just see these comparison wars break out with little utility in random groups forever? (I *don't* volunteer, I don't really use micros much and don't have the time.) As a rallying cry I suggest 'comp.reviews' with the possibility of later forming sub-groups if needed (comp.reviews.68k or whatever.) -Barry Shein, Boston University
ihm@minnie.UUCP (02/11/87)
> >Several years ago I remember a very popular INFO node (for Emacs/Info) . . . >The problem right now is that it's high volume with little direction >or organization, although some of the comments are obviously important . . . >I think what is sorely needed is a moderated group with a highly >motivated moderator who could glean the comments with the goal of . . . >As a rallying cry I suggest 'comp.reviews' with the possibility of later >forming sub-groups if needed (comp.reviews.68k or whatever.) How about talk.religion.microcomputers > > -Barry Shein, Boston University -- uucp: ihnp4!nrcvax!ihm
werner@aecom.UUCP (02/17/87)
In article <4031@bu-cs.BU.EDU>, bzs@bu-cs.BU.EDU (Barry Shein) writes: > > I suggest that these flame wars are not idiocy but reveal a real and > serious need of the technical community; to choose between various > products. In this month's Dr. Dobbs Journal, an article on Editors begins with the following comment which is just as applicable to computer systems, etc ...: "Editors? You wanna talk editors? How's about something trivial like life after death, religion, or politics?" - Don Watkins, sysop on CompuServe's IBM NET. -- Craig Werner (MD/PhD '91) !philabs!aecom!werner (1935-14E Eastchester Rd., Bronx NY 10461, 212-931-2517) "Why is it that half the calories is twice the price?"