[Info-vax] Long uptime cut short by Hurricane Sandy

[David Froble]

Bill Gunshannon wrote:
> In article <keqjdl$i7s$1 at iltempo.update.uu.se>,
> 	Johnny Billquist <bqt at softjar.se> writes:

>>>  The fact that it doesn't
>>> already exist in Unix pretty much shows the lack of desire for a
>>> program to specifically do it.
>> Now, wait a minute. That's a very sucky argument.
>> By that logic, no new programs are needed, since they haven't already 
>> been done.
>> I don't buy that.

I also didn't like that assertion ...

> OK, probably badly worded.  What I meant was once someone saw the
> functionality, given the time it has been around, the fact that
> a program with that functionality has not been written for Unix
> demonstrates a lack of interest.
> Much like a VMS-like HELP system.  People here are constanly knocking
> the unix manpages system while holding up the HELP system as the
> epitome of online documentation but still,no one has bothered to
> write one for Unix. To me that just shows that people on Unix don't
> hold it at the same level of esteem and writing one would be a
> waste of time.

One of the things about this "open software" is that the only way 
something gets done is if someone wants or needs it badly.  At least 
that's my perspective.

So consider the MAN stuff.  If someone doesn't really need it because 
(s)he already knows that which is needed, but who would be capable to 
perform improvements.  Then there is the person who really needs it, but 
is incapable of performing the improvements, due to lack of adequate 
documentation.

And so Unix remains cryptic to all except those who already know it.

This perspective, which may be just mine, diminishes your argument.  I'm 
fairly certain that VMS HELP can get just about anyone decently capable 
kick started, while the Unix MAN just kicks them ....