On Sun, 28 Oct 2001, Gunther Schadow wrote:
> I think this can start with a web site. [...]
>
> Another question is if this should not be a DEC/VAX only group but
> rather a vintage computer stuff group, like Sellam Ismail's site.
I think that what is needed most is an international organization that
covers *all* vintage computers, software, and docs. We need something
that's implemented well enough that most of us would be convinced to join.
The best starting point I can think of is Sellam's VCF organization:
* He already has one of the largest inventories of us all. That's a good
start towards a "Noah's ark" collection, which I think should be one
function of the organization.
* He's got www.vintage.org, which would be a primo domain name for the
organization.
* He's got www.vintagetech.com, which would be the fundraising part of the
organization. Dues could be another.
* He's got experience running VCFs.
Of course, Sellam would have to be interested in being the organization's
fearless leader!
Other things the organiztion could do:
* A central, Yahoo-like web site that would become the world's foremost
resource for vintage computer information. It would try to replicate
all available information for preservation. Individual members would
also be given a mechanism to have their collection hosted on the site
under a uniform interface. Those who resist assimilation could still
have their sites linked to. You could get to info either by
collector name or a category/manufacturer/series/model tree. It would
be wonderful...
* SIGs would, of course, solidify according to demand. I imagine the VAX
SIG (VSIG?) would be quite well represented. Each SIG could have its
own mailing list. The whole thing would be not unlike the FreeBSD
mailing list system.
* Rename itself from VCF to IVCA. "International Vintage Computing
Association" to outsiders, "International Vintage Computing Asylum"
for insiders. :-)
* I don't know... other stuff.
As you can see, I'm all about grandiose ideas. Now won't someone rise up
and implement them? :-)
--
Jeffrey S. Sharp
jss_at_subatomix.com
Received on Tue Oct 30 2001 - 01:01:21 GMT