RT-11 - An Open letter to Mentec?

From: Jerome Fine <jhfine_at_idirect.com>
Date: Mon Apr 16 16:40:48 2001

Is this a duplicate message? I sent it at 16:04:04 - 04:00 (EDT) just over 92 minutes
ago! Either <classiccmp_at_classiccmp.org> did not receive it or (more likely) my ISP
did not send it! Or my ISP lost the reply! The test message I sent at 17:12:55 took
about 20 minutes round trip - not too bad, but since it has been over an hour and
a half for this message, here it is again! I suspect the most likely possibility is
that the original was lost since I have received many e-mails from classiccmp today!!!

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Of all the individuals of whom I am aware of that are still interested in any aspect
of RT-11, about half subscribe to this list. Since this is still essentially a private as
opposed to a public list (such as a news group), I would like some help plus an
opinion on whether or not anyone would still be interested in an RT-11 News Letter?

Also, should Mentec be approached to possibly support, provide a forum or
at the very least provide its blessing?

Obviously, I could just send a brief request via this list along with the "alt.sys.pdp11",
and "vmsnet.pdp-11" news groups before I even contacted Mentec to find out if
enough people are interested. But if some suggestions and feedback are useful prior
to that inquiry, then Mentec might be more receptive.

Note that the News Letter could be for both hobby and commercial users. Topics
could be Y2K compliance for the hobby V5.03 as well as bug fixes for current
V5.07 and enhancements for all versions.

DEC used to publish an RT-11 status document each month, but there are obviously
no funds as well as no need at this point due to the internet making distribution costs
zero. However, I suspect there are not many more years left before interest may
dip below a self-sustaining level. Consequently, it might be helpful to find someone
who will attempt to assist new converts as well as helping with bugs and enhancements.
I know that some interest remains in RT-11 and I would like to pass on my information
so that it can be preserved.

By the way, has anyone heard anything more about the hobby license issues for all
PDP-11 software from Mentec along with anything specific about RT-11?

I would appreciate any and all comments along with suggestions on how to proceed
with getting Mentec involved (Is that a plus or a minus?) although at this point I feel
the chances are very low and I would be more than satisfied if Mentec was just neutral.

Sincerely yours,

Jerome Fine
Received on Mon Apr 16 2001 - 16:40:48 BST