On Fri, 01 Apr 2005 23:46:22 -0500, in <alt.privacy.spyware>, shplink
<shplink@removeme.shplink.com> wrote:
>
[snip]
>
> Hi Jay, I recall your being fairly heavily involved in the first draft of
> the FAQ.
[snip]

Well, it wasn't exactly the "first draft"... I came across an early version
that you (?) had posted, and was struck by some of the obvious problems it
embodied. So I started commenting; and the comments started turning into more
of a re-write, and so on...

> I recall some differences of opinion with some of the other
> regulars, in some cases your view coming up on top, in some others being
> outvoted.
[snip]

As to be expected, especially considering that the changes were fairly
extensive (and to some extent challenged some folks' preconceived notions and
assumptions).

> If my memory serves, most of the group leaned toward a "keep it simple"
> approach. Feel free to disagree, and I think arguments and discussions are
> what Usenet is all about- So if you disagree about the KIS, how would you
> re-write those Qs?
[snip]

Heh. Part of the reason I never addressed this (and other higher-numbered
Q/As) until now is that during that earlier session of FAQ-massaging, I sort'a
"ran out of steam" after re-doing the first 6-8 (IIRC) Q/As, then (seemingly
endlessly) debating that batch of changes, etc.

It's not that I disagree with the K.I.S.S. principle, er... in principle. I'm
all for it, in fact. But when dealing with such potentially complex subjects,
often with important yet subtle distinctions, it is difficult to be both
simple/concise *and* complete/thorough.

> If you agree with KIS, er- how would you re-write those Qs?
[snip]

I'd have to go back and study it with some patience; which I don't have the
time/energy for right now. But OTOH...

> In either
> case, do you think your explanation above addresses all of the potential
> re-writes?

*All* possibilites/ramifications? No. But it's certainly a huge improvement
over the existing language.

--

Jay T. Blocksom
--------------------------------
Appropriate Technology, Inc.
usenet02[at]appropriate-tech.net

"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."
-- Benjamin Franklin, Historical Review of Pennsylvania, 1759.
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