[Forwarded from Jim Cortada, who has also been hit with the mysterious mail problem when posting to the list. Given that there are more than 250 people on the list we've probably had enough messages on this topic now. We are experimenting with blog posts for some announcements, so that this kind of back and forth chat can take place among those with particular interest in the topic in the comments under the post. Tom]. Message from Jim Cortada follows: To: William McMillan <wmcmillan@emich.edu>, <members@sigcis.org> cc: Date: 08:03:10 AM Today Subject: Re: [SIGCIS-Members] Knuth vol 4A The conversation about Professor Knuth has been very interesting and all over the place. I sense a tinge of criticism for his work, e.g., doubts if vol. 4 will be published, if it has and how, importance of his work, etc. I think we need to keep something very fundamental in mind: That this gentleman did more to codify important parts of computer science and published more on his chosen subjects of importance than any of us on this siglist have so far. We need to respect this professor's lifetime of accumulated achievement and celebrate every new publication that he produces. How many of you would be able--let alone be willing--to continue contributing after the age of 70? If I were him reading the comments we have published so far, I would feel a bit concerned. One of the purposes of this sigcis group is to create a virtual community to reinforce positively each others' work and to celebrate our accomplishments. I view Professor Knuth as a founding member of the computer science community and feel privileged that he has long demonstrated interest in our work on the history of IT. Let's return the respect and affection that he deserves. Dr. Jim (James) W. Cortada IBM Institute for Business Value 2917 Irvington Way Madison, WI 53713 USA jwcorta@us.ibm.com 608-270-4462 Inactive hide details for William McMillan ---01/26/2011 07:35:25 AM---I know you aren't necessarily saying it, Dave, but sayinWilliam McMillan ---01/26/2011 07:35:25 AM---I know you aren't necessarily saying it, Dave, but saying that "...his typesetting work has had more From: William McMillan <wmcmillan@emich.edu> To: members@sigcis.org Date: 01/26/11 07:35 AM Subject: Re: [SIGCIS-Members] Knuth vol 4A Sent by: members-bounces@sigcis.org _____ I know you aren't necessarily saying it, Dave, but saying that "...his typesetting work has had more impact on the world than his TAOCP, i.e., algorithm, work" is kind of like saying that building the hanging gardens of Babylon had more impact than inventing algebra. _____ From: "dave walden family" <dave.walden.family@gmail.com> To: members@sigcis.org Sent: Tuesday, January 25, 2011 6:02:39 PM Subject: [SIGCIS-Members] Knuth vol 4A Between then and now Knuth also did multiple revisions of his first three volumes of TAOCP, put out a volume in the series updating the hypothetical machine he uses for algorithm analysis, has put out eight or so volumes of his collected papers, wrote his volume on Concrete Math, and wrote his bible study books. I have read the opinion of some people that his typesetting work has had more impact on the world than his TAOCP, i.e., algorithm, work. Sent from my iPad _______________________________________________ This email is relayed from members@sigcis.org, the email discussion list of SHOT SIGCIS. The list archives are at <http://sigcis.org/pipermail/members/> http://sigcis.org/pipermail/members/ and you can change your subscription options at <http://sigcis.org/mailman/listinfo/members> http://sigcis.org/mailman/listinfo/members__________________________________ _____________ This email is relayed from members@sigcis.org, the email discussion list of SHOT SIGCIS. The list archives are at <http://sigcis.org/pipermail/members/> http://sigcis.org/pipermail/members/ and you can change your subscription options at <http://sigcis.org/mailman/listinfo/members> http://sigcis.org/mailman/listinfo/members