Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 6/24/83; site ucbvax.UUCP Path: utzoo!linus!wivax!decvax!tektronix!ucbcad!ucbvax!mo From: mo@ucbvax.UUCP Newsgroups: net.usenix Subject: Re: On the floor of summer USENIX 83 Message-ID: <237@ucbvax.UUCP> Date: Wed, 20-Jul-83 11:26:35 EDT Article-I.D.: ucbvax.237 Posted: Wed Jul 20 11:26:35 1983 Date-Received: Thu, 21-Jul-83 19:37:43 EDT References: <5520@watmath.UUCP> Organization: U. C. Berkeley Computer Science Lines: 32 On the contrary - I suspect and hope that over time, people will see some convergence between BTL and UCB systems. There will probably always be incompatabilities, but the order of magnitude can be dramatically reduced, and the parties involved are all interested in seeing that happen. As for Rob's talk being viscious, I heartily disagree (even being on the receiving end of things). Most of his points are truly right and large systems do suffer from "excessive creativity" over large time. Rob used his usual flair for hyperbole to make a strong point, but I certainly agree much more than I disagree. I do disagree with the abstract included in the schedule (for my money, autoconfig alll by itself is a factor of 10 improvement, but arguing that is another day), but the real content of his talk hit several nails squarely on the head. From looking at other "computer science mainstreams" (dare I say ADA?), I am glad we have people strong enough in conviction and intellectual integrity to stand up and point out "truths which may be unpleasant". Whether they are truths may be the subject of vigorous debate, but I thank Rob for the service he did. -Mike O'Dell PS - the quote from the Lion books was priceless. PSS - my old boss had a saying well worth repeating in a world where some people seem to find it easier to pogram than to think about what they are trying to do: "Creativity is no substitute for knowing what you are doing."