Is it time for an International Vintage Computer Association? Was: Yo

From: William Donzelli <aw288_at_osfn.org>
Date: Tue Jun 27 16:38:18 2000

> Nice, but individual ownership is a much more valuable experience
> (to the individual). Not possible once these systems become
> 'Museum Pieces'.

Not true. Nearly every museum will welcome volunteers with open arms, and
as long as the artifcats are not abused, they can be worked on and used.
Just about anyone on this list is welcome at RCS/RI to play with any of
our machines. Once we know people well enough, machines can be taken home
on a loan basis. In this we are not some odd organization - many museums
work exactly in this fashion. And the price is zero.
 
> We have forums like this one. But I guess you'll *need* an
> 'official' organization now: It's becomming apparent that only
> certain opinions are now considered 'acceptable'.

The official organizations don't publish opinions, but research.
Check out the *Analytical Engines* from CHAC - real research that really
has no place on a forum like this (too long and heavy, basically), but is
really valuable.
 
> Groups of caring individuals have always worked together towards
> this end. In the past, the money wasn't a motivation. I don't
> know if this will reman the case in the future.

Here I am talking about big systems. Most people just don't have the
resources to even go get them, but in a museum resources can be pooled.
 
> I always figured that the real {hobbyists | enthusiasts} weren't
> (by definition) 'professionals'. The original developers? Write
> one a letter, thanking them for their contribution. I did.

Many companies and organizations often look down on (or even ignore)
amateur historians, no matter how profound the work. With even a silly
thing like credentials that really are not worth much (really, what is
"RCS/RI" worth?), many people's views can be changed.

> Keep your {door|gate|porticullis} locked.

Not just physical (theft) security, but the well being of the artifacts.
A door won't stop a heart attack.
 
> You know, I could get really angry at this last remark, but it just
> makes me sad. (Retro)computing was a 'joy' thing. It was so
> awesome because just about anyone could experience it. It was
> really something special because it's only major cost was the time
> and effort you put into it.

Well, things really have not changed that much. You can still play with
old computers - good old computers - for a song.

William Donzelli
aw288_at_osfn.org
Received on Tue Jun 27 2000 - 16:38:18 BST