Re: Regarding Asmiov (was: GS Icon file Verifier released)

[jefbla@bconnex.net (Jeff Blakeney)]

rubywand@aol.com (RUBYWAND) wrote:

>In article <4t65j3$3k@news.bconnex.net>, jefbla@bconnex.net (Jeff
>Blakeney) writes:

>rder@pro-palmtree.cts.com (Richard Der) wrote:

>>Agreed, the effort should be made but it will definitely take
>>volunteers.  The asimov site is run by one person at present and I'm
>>pretty sure he has a full time job that has nothing to do with asimov.

>     Which means that, at present, Asimov is maintained by a webmaster and
>supported by users for _fun_. This is a very efficient arrangement.
>Imposing all sorts of constraints = Lots of extra work for someone. People
>expect to be paid for _work_. Who will pay? 

Well, that is the reason why I said that the effort would definitely
take volunteers.  People who would like to help out could do so
whenever they have the time or inclination.  That way, the project
would be getting a lot more manpower than if it was just left to a
small group [even if they were getting paid :) ].

>     Admittedly, it is tempting to dream up neat reforms and projects for
>_someone else_ to implement.

True.  Just the other day I was asking myself just how much I would be
inclined to contribute to such an effort.  At present, I just don't
see me having the time to do so.

>     If the idea is to create some kind of old software
>archive/clearing-house, it may be best to just do it and forget about
>messing with the Asimov. Asimov falls short of perfection; but, it remains
>the one successful Apple II 'archiving project'. 

Also true.  I mentioned this as an alternative to "reforming" asimov
because I do believe it would be a useful service.

Even with asimov being imperfect, you will not see me voting to shut
it down until a viable alternative is put into place.