Newsgroups: comp.lang.scheme
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From: bakul@netcom.com (Bakul Shah)
Subject: Re: Unix Weenies (formerly: Removing READ)
Message-ID: <bakulD4MvL5.AG4@netcom.com>
Organization: NETCOM On-line Communication Services (408 261-4700 guest)
References: <bakulD4L23y.I25@netcom.com> <26Feb1995.015316.Alan@LCS.MIT.EDU>
Date: Mon, 27 Feb 1995 00:48:41 GMT
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Alan@lcs.mit.EDU (Alan Bawden) writes:

>Doesn't matter why it won't happen.  It's a good idea that would make life
>easier for everyone.  There are a lot of good ideas that won't happen for
>various practical reasons.  That doesn't change the fact that they are good
>ideas.

It *is* a good idea but I don't think it is good for everything or
everyone.

>I use the phrase "Unix weenie" to make fun of people who will stretch to
>any lengths to defend the way Unix does something today.  A Unix weenie is
>someone who tells you that it is a GOOD THING that you have to learn a new
>language every time you want to do the slightest bit of customization to
>your environment.  That's such a laughable assertion that you can only
>laugh at the people who make it.  "What a Unix weenie!" is what you say
>when you have given up hope of having any kind of reasonable discussion.

Sorry but I was not defending Unix.  I was questioning your
assertion it is good for everyone and it will make everyone's
life easier.  *IF* everything used s-exprs then yes, it is a good
idea (but then we wouldn't even be discussing it).  But it has
not happened under DOS, Unix, Windows, MacOS, plan9, MVS, CMS,
OS/2, VMS, ....  I also gave you a number of examples where the
user does customization in the same language that he needs to
know anyway to use the program in question.  The `laughable
assertion' is something you came up with by misreading or
misinterpreting what I said and then combining it with your
prejudices.

>Well, perhaps "uncivilized barbarians" is carrying it a bit far.  I'll bet
>you do know how to use a fork.  In fact, you're probably quite a reasonable
>fellow.  But face it: when it comes to computers, you're a Unix Weenie.  I
>-don't- respect your opinions when they're ridiculous!

There you go again, generalizing where no generalization is
possible.  I feel compelled to object.  Knowing how to use a fork
does not make you (or me) civilized.  In fact it is considered
downright uncivilized in some cultures.

Any way, ridicule all you want.  Apologies to everyone for
publicly engaging in this debate (I knew I was going to regret
it).  In future I will try to stick to Scheme.

Bakul Shah
