[vcf-midatlantic] VCF East 2019 keynote suggestions?

[Tony Bogan]

> On Jan 7, 2019, at 12:14 PM, Chris Fala via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic at lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
> 
> I thought computer history did appeal to everyone.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> On Jan 7, 2019, at 11:50 AM, Evan via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic at lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
> 
> Too narrow a topic.
> 
> The keynotes need to be about things that appeal to everyone.
> 
> 
>> Actually come to think of it. Why not her?
>> 
>>> On Mon, Jan 7, 2019 at 11:44 AM Christian Liendo <cliendo at gmail.com> wrote:
>>> 
>>> I don't know about Keynote but Sandy Fisher a chip technician at Commodore
>>> who did the layout on Fat Agnus and many other chips lives in Pennsylvania.
>>> 
>>> https://www.facebook.com/sandy.fisher.52
>>> 
>>> I'm always down for Commodore stories.
> 

I understand Evan’s desire for mass appeal but at the same time I can say without a doubt I and many others had zero interest in hearing about the development of C or C+ and similar topics.

Not everyone who is into computers or even vintage computers is a programmer. I know I’m not, nor was I back then. I dabbled, still do, but I’m a user not a programmer, as most people are I would imagine. While obviously focusing on computers and computer history will certainly skew the numbers towards more programmers being involved vs. the general public, (like in this list!) many people I’ve dealt with at the past 4 VCF East events I exhibited at were in the same category as me (and of course many others were not)

So while universal appeal is a nice idea it is not practical to expect it. Until you get to BIG names (gates, Woz, etc) you will have to “settle” for someone with a narrower focus. Looking back at the past 5 primary keynotes fo the 5 VCF East shows I have attended, several we’re definitely a narrow focus compared to others in the past.

Granted, perhaps not as narrow as the person mentioned, I cannot say as I know nothing about her, but seeing as how it’s already January and the process is just starting, I wouldn’t be too quick to dismiss any potential options.

Funny side note, as I proof read my email I found it amusing my phone auto capitalized Woz but not gates! :-)

Tony