Synchronet v3.19b-Win32 (install) has been released (Jan-2022).

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history:waynebell_chat [2014/12/27 00:19] digital manhistory:waynebell_chat [2021/02/17 18:47] (current) – [See Also] Add link to video digital man
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 Wayne Bell was the creator of [[wp>WWIV]] BBS Software. Due to my familiarity with WWIV, both as a user and a sysop, I originally modeled the Synchronet BBS user experience (the "look and feel", color scheme, command keys/combinations, etc.) on that of WWIV. Because of this, there were often rumors that Synchronet was a "WWIV hack" (meaning it was derived from the WWIV source code). The WWIV source code (both v3 in Pascal and v4 in C) was available for purchase from Wayne Bell and some people redistributed illegal copies of the WWIV source code leading to several "WWIV hacks" (e.g. Tag, Telegard, Renegade)... Synchronet was not one of these. Wayne Bell was the creator of [[wp>WWIV]] BBS Software. Due to my familiarity with WWIV, both as a user and a sysop, I originally modeled the Synchronet BBS user experience (the "look and feel", color scheme, command keys/combinations, etc.) on that of WWIV. Because of this, there were often rumors that Synchronet was a "WWIV hack" (meaning it was derived from the WWIV source code). The WWIV source code (both v3 in Pascal and v4 in C) was available for purchase from Wayne Bell and some people redistributed illegal copies of the WWIV source code leading to several "WWIV hacks" (e.g. Tag, Telegard, Renegade)... Synchronet was not one of these.
  
-On June 16, 1992, Wayne Bell (a.k.a. "Random") logged onto my (Digital Man's) Synchronet BBS, [[bbs:Vertrauen]] and initiated a chat session with the sysop (me). He introduced himself and explained that other people had told him that I was selling a BBS program that a derivative (hack) of his program (WWIV). I of course explained that I was not and he asked to see some of my source files, which I showed him as proof that Synchronet did not use of any of WWIV's source code. The following is a partial capture of our chat session that followed:+On June 16, 1992, Wayne Bell (a.k.a. "Random") logged onto my (Digital Man's) Synchronet BBS, [[bbs:Vertrauen]] and initiated a chat session with the sysop (me). He introduced himself and explained that other people had told him that I was selling a BBS program (Synchronet, aka SBBS) that was a derivative (hack) of his program (WWIV). I of course explained that I was not and he asked to see some of my source files, which I showed him as proof that Synchronet did not use of any of WWIV's source code. The following is a partial capture of our chat session that followed:
  
 ===== Legend ===== ===== Legend =====
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 ===== Capture ===== ===== Capture =====
 ** **
-would never try something that stupid.  But, unfortunately, for most users, the look  +would never try something that stupid.  But, unfortunately, for most users, the 
-look-and-fell is the only part they can evaluate.**+look-and-feel is the only part they can evaluate.**
  
-Yeah, well Synchronet is quite different in the type and amount of feautures as +Yeah, well Synchronet is quite different in the type and amount of features as 
-well, but I guess that isn't enough either. Sad that you released ALL of your   +well, but I guess that isn't enough either. Sad that you released ALL of your 
-source code. It makes it real hard for you to lte   tell if it's a hack or not +source code. It makes it real hard for you to tell if it's a hack or not 
-remotely. I don'give out 100% just for this reason. Someone with the source   +remotely. I don'give out 100% just for this reason. Someone with the source 
-cannot get rid  of the Synchronet name and version and registration number before the NN: prompt. That a way they could never say it was something else.+cannot get rid of the Synchronet name and version and registration number before the NN: prompt. That way they could never say it was something else.
  
 ** **
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 code that they don't have the source for.  In order to make it really code that they don't have the source for.  In order to make it really
 difficult, you'd have to distribute too much in .obj format.  In any case, I difficult, you'd have to distribute too much in .obj format.  In any case, I
-don't give out the INIT or network source code, so if someone wants to not+don't give out the INIT or network source code, so if someone wants to not
 have any of that, they'll have some fair amount of work to do.** have any of that, they'll have some fair amount of work to do.**
  
 <code> <code>
-Node  1: Dr. Seuss sent you a message:+Node  1: Dr. Seuss sent you a message:
 DM in there? DM in there?
  
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 Message: Yeah, I'll call you voice later. k? Message: Yeah, I'll call you voice later. k?
  
-Node  1: Dr. Seuss sent you a message:+Node  1: Dr. Seuss sent you a message:
 Sure... Sure...
 </code> </code>
  
-well, I made it very protected in that sense. The code that is distributed in  +well, I made it very protected in that sense. The code that is distributed in
 .obj format is not replaceable at all. .obj format is not replaceable at all.
  
 **Why?  What else is in it?** **Why?  What else is in it?**
  
-The entire wait for call and some significant internals are in ASM and I don'+The entire wait for call and some significant internals are in ASM and I don'
-give a out any ASM source. Let me just say that it's also "protected". That'+give out any ASM source. Let me just say that it's also "protected". That'
-all the detail I can give on that. On another note, I was bummed to discover +all the detail I can give on that. On another note, I was bummed to discover 
-you didn'give out technnical specs on your net format, as I was at one time +you didn't give out technical specs on your net format, as I was at one time 
-going to try and implement WWIVnet compatibility. I've since changed my mind.+going to try and implement WWIVnet compatibility. I've since changed my mind.
  
 **Actually, the file 'wwivdoc.zip' on my system is a tech doc on the network.** **Actually, the file 'wwivdoc.zip' on my system is a tech doc on the network.**
  
-cool.  Didn't know it existed. I tried looking at what network code there is in+cool.  Didn't know it existed. I tried looking at what network code there is in
 the BBS source and didn't get anywhere due to lack of comments. the BBS source and didn't get anywhere due to lack of comments.
  
 **Gee, I guess that is a kind of copy protection in itself.  I started out **Gee, I guess that is a kind of copy protection in itself.  I started out
-deciding to comment it, but that didn't last too long.  BTW, did you register  +deciding to comment it, but that didn't last too long.  BTW, did you register
 WWIV?** WWIV?**
  
-Nope. Didn't run it long enough to justify it. sadly enough. I've registered+Nope. Didn't run it long enough to justify it. sadly enough. I've registered
 every other piece of shareware I run here. Definitely worth $50 though. every other piece of shareware I run here. Definitely worth $50 though.
  
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   Node  1: Dr. Seuss logged off.   Node  1: Dr. Seuss logged off.
      
-Yeah, well the world isn't a fair place and people are dishonest. If I were  +Yeah, well the world isn't a fair place and people are dishonest. If I were  
-running WWIV (and using your source), I would have registered.. I think. I+running WWIV (and using your source), I would have registered.. I think. I
 certainly don't "give out" your source. No need. It's readily available on certainly don't "give out" your source. No need. It's readily available on
-pirate boards, as I'm sure you know.+pirate boards, as I'm sure you know.
  
   Node  3: Ant Man logged on at 2400bps.   Node  3: Ant Man logged on at 2400bps.
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 **I didn't really expect you to say anything else.** **I didn't really expect you to say anything else.**
  
-Just making me feel guilty.. well... I probably should. I do have to say that  +Just making me feel guilty.. well... I probably should. I do have to say that
 reading your source was the first 'C experience I ever had. Look what reading your source was the first 'C experience I ever had. Look what
 happened? Oh no. happened? Oh no.
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 parts got written first too.** parts got written first too.**
  
-yeah, I can still tell what's old in my code. I heard that you converted it +yeah, I can still tell what's old in my code. I heard that you converted it 
-from Pascal to C using a conversion program.+from Pascal to C using a conversion program.
  
-**No, it was all written from scratch in C, although I did look at the pascal so   +**No, it was all written from scratch in C, although I did look at the pascal so
 source when writing some of the routines.** source when writing some of the routines.**
  
-  Node  3: Ant Man sent all nodes a message:+  Node  3: Ant Man sent all nodes a message:
   Help Me.   Help Me.
  
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 **Whatever.  I could never really get into that multi-node stuff, the few **Whatever.  I could never really get into that multi-node stuff, the few
-systems like that I've been on, it's always annoyed me when those messages+systems like that I've been on, it's always annoyed me when those messages
 popped up in the middle of doing something.  can you turn them off?** popped up in the middle of doing something.  can you turn them off?**
  
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 </code> </code>
  
-now the activity messages won't show up and no one can page you.+now the activity messages won't show up and no one can page you.
  
 **Well, that at least is a relief.** **Well, that at least is a relief.**
  
-yeah, I'd be flattered if you'd check out Synchronet a bit. It really is quite +yeah, I'd be flattered if you'd check out Synchronet a bit. It really is quite 
-different from WWIV externally as well.+different from WWIV externally as well.
  
 **Well, I've always had fun writing stuff without seeing any of the **Well, I've always had fun writing stuff without seeing any of the
-'competition', having written the WWIVnet stuff without seeing fidonet,+'competition', having written the WWIVnet stuff without seeing fidonet,
 internet, usenet, or anything.  Amazing it works as well as it does.  But, I internet, usenet, or anything.  Amazing it works as well as it does.  But, I
-will probably take a look at it, if not now, then sometime this week.**+will probably take a look at it, if not now, then sometime this week.**
  
-that's cool. I am always trying to examine other BBS packages and see what +that's cool. I am always trying to examine other BBS packages and see what 
-they have and don't have. Speed is always an issue with measwell.+they have and don't have. Speed is always an issue with me as well.
  
 **Well, on a BBS, there isn't much that takes very long, but whatever.** **Well, on a BBS, there isn't much that takes very long, but whatever.**
  
-Well, you might be curious at the bench marks of WWIV vs. Synchronet. Just +Well, you might be curious at the bench marks of WWIV vs. Synchronet. Just 
-viewing messages or menus, searching 154,000 files for a text string or 20,000 +viewing messages or menus, searching 154,000 files for a text string or 20,000 
-posts for a string (I don't think WWIV does that anyway). But there are+posts for a string (I don't think WWIV does that anyway). But there are
 certainly many things that require speed. The faster and smaller, the better. certainly many things that require speed. The faster and smaller, the better.
  
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 important to me, although I obviously want to avoid stupid code.** important to me, although I obviously want to avoid stupid code.**
  
-obviously. Well you want a tour, or do you want to cut your bill?+obviously. Well you want a tour, or do you want to cut your bill?
  
-**Probably better get going now, a few other things I have to do tonight.  Good  +**Probably better get going now, a few other things I have to do tonight.  Good
 to resolve that issue, at least.** to resolve that issue, at least.**
  
-yes, I appreciate your um... looking in to it. I don't want anyone (especially the +yes, I appreciate your um... looking in to it. I don't want anyone (especially the 
-author) to think I'm guilty of copyright infringement - though I would consider+author) to think I'm guilty of copyright infringement - though I would consider
 it a bigger crime as plagiarism. it a bigger crime as plagiarism.
  
 **Yeah, I'm always more concerned about that.  It really gets me when these **Yeah, I'm always more concerned about that.  It really gets me when these
-people think to call it theirs when actually they couldn't even come close to  +people think to call it theirs when actually they couldn't even come close to
 getting something to work that well if they started from scratch.** getting something to work that well if they started from scratch.**
  
-Yes, very disturbing. But they say that imitation is the greatsest form of +Yes, very disturbing. But they say that imitation is the greatest form of 
-flattery. I don't believe hacking someone else's code is an imitation - it'  +flattery. I don't believe hacking someone else's code is an imitation - it's 
-plagiarism. I say Synchronet is an imitator to a degree. So I guess you should+plagiarism. I say Synchronet is an imitator to a degree. So I guess you should
 be flattered? be flattered?
  
-**Well, it is as similar to WWIV as WWIV was to the Apple II "Networks" BBS of+**Well, it is as similar to WWIV as WWIV was to the Apple II "Networks" BBS of
 so many years ago.** so many years ago.**
  
-True. I believe the Forum interface is very similar as well.+True. I believe the Forum interface is very similar as well.
  
 **That would be a coincidence (unless they did that from WWIV or Networks), **That would be a coincidence (unless they did that from WWIV or Networks),
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   Node  3: Ant Man chatting with The Guru at 2400bps   Node  3: Ant Man chatting with The Guru at 2400bps
  
-oh.... well glad to know that bit of history. well I'll let you go. This is   +oh.... well glad to know that bit of history. well I'll let you go. This is 
-costing some dough. Also, just curious. I read a post on your system saying+costing some dough. Also, just curious. I read a post on your system saying
 4.22 or something was going to be the last WWIV version? 4.22 or something was going to be the last WWIV version?
  
-**That was true at the time, but now that Filo is handling the registrations of  +**That was true at the time, but now that Filo is handling the registrations of
 WWIV, that probably won't be the case.** WWIV, that probably won't be the case.**
  
-how manyregistered WWIV owners are there?+how many registered WWIV owners are there?
  
 **I don't know offhand.  In any case, the number who have registered is **I don't know offhand.  In any case, the number who have registered is
 certainly larger (by a factor of 2 or 3) than the number still running it.** certainly larger (by a factor of 2 or 3) than the number still running it.**
  
-that's great. (I think). I forget, is there a time limit on the non-source+that's great. (I think). I forget, is there a time limit on the non-source
 code version running as a BBS? code version running as a BBS?
  
-**Yes - 3 months.  There is now a restriction in WWIVnet such that you can only  +**Yes - 3 months.  There is now a restriction in WWIVnet such that you can only
 be in the net, and unregistered, for 3 months, then you have to either be in the net, and unregistered, for 3 months, then you have to either
 register or you get dropped from the net.  Pretty effective, the number of register or you get dropped from the net.  Pretty effective, the number of
 registrations went up pretty significantly after that was announced.** registrations went up pretty significantly after that was announced.**
  
-So it's really a WWIVnet rregistration. If someone weren't using WWIVnet (maybe +So it's really a WWIVnet registration. If someone weren't using WWIVnet (maybe 
-a member of a smaller net using the ssame technology), they wouldn't have any+a member of a smaller net using the same technology), they wouldn't have any
 pressure to register. Is that right? pressure to register. Is that right?
  
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 (such as VBBS systems), you have to register the WWIVnet software after 3 (such as VBBS systems), you have to register the WWIVnet software after 3
 months ($20).  If you are using your own software unrelated to WWIV and months ($20).  If you are using your own software unrelated to WWIV and
-WWIVnet (and there are a few), you don't have to register anything.**+WWIVnet (and there are a few), you don't have to register anything.**
  
 Do you want other BBS packages supporting WWIVnet internally? Do you want other BBS packages supporting WWIVnet internally?
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 hit 30 systems (being at 1188 now).** hit 30 systems (being at 1188 now).**
  
-That's great. WWIV has been a pretty significant success. Is it your only mean     +That's great. WWIV has been a pretty significant success. Is it your only
 means of income? (if you don't mind me asking) means of income? (if you don't mind me asking)
  
 **No, I work full-time as a programmer also.** **No, I work full-time as a programmer also.**
  
-How a sad. I've been working full-time (Multiuser Networked apps, Unix and +How sad. I've been working full-time (Multiuser Networked apps, Unix and 
-X/Motif, etc.) for years and recently gave up it all up to do Synchronet +X/Motif, etc.) for years and recently gave it all up to do Synchronet 
-full-time. I sure hope the income is enough. I don't like putting all that+full-time. I sure hope the income is enough. I don't like putting all that
 creative energy into something that someone else controls the destiny of. creative energy into something that someone else controls the destiny of.
  
-**Well, the main point is that you get to play with lots of expensive equipment  +**Well, the main point is that you get to play with lots of expensive equipment
 at work, and have access to a lot of stuff that I would never buy.** at work, and have access to a lot of stuff that I would never buy.**
  
-True. My last job was High-speed data acquisition on CDC M R6000 (88mhz)+True. My last job was High-speed data acquisition on CDC R6000 (88mhz)
 machines. I wouldn't buy that on my own. I wouldn't use it either. machines. I wouldn't buy that on my own. I wouldn't use it either.
  
-**Well, I get to interface with 20 year old computers.  Maybe they're older.  On+**Well, I get to interface with 20 year old computers.  Maybe they're older.  On
 their last legs, though.  You get a different view there, let me tell you.** their last legs, though.  You get a different view there, let me tell you.**
  
 I bet. you work with System 36s or PDP11s? I bet. you work with System 36s or PDP11s?
  
-**No, we have these old Gould machines, one day the air conditioning broke down  +**No, we have these old Gould machines, one day the air conditioning broke down
 and they had to shut down the computer room.  The Sun 4/380's could out  and they had to shut down the computer room.  The Sun 4/380's could out 
 compute them easily.  Pretty scary, they were fairly reasonable, in their day, compute them easily.  Pretty scary, they were fairly reasonable, in their day,
 I hear.** I hear.**
  
-So were Cybers (CDC's stuff). I used to work for Control Data.+So were Cybers (CDC's stuff). I used to work for Control Data.
  
 **Well, I've never had that opportunity, but we'll see what happens.  The **Well, I've never had that opportunity, but we'll see what happens.  The
 expensive stuff is now becoming pretty cheap.** expensive stuff is now becoming pretty cheap.**
  
-Yeah, and software development is suffering. Bigger code (C++ is a joke) and+Yeah, and software development is suffering. Bigger code (C++ is a joke) and
 faster development, because the hardware will take up the slack. faster development, because the hardware will take up the slack.
  
 **Well, these old Gould machines have like 64k (65536 bytes) of memory.  The **Well, these old Gould machines have like 64k (65536 bytes) of memory.  The
-systems we're designing for now, we do things like assume it has 256 MB of+systems we're designing for now, we do things like assume it has 256 MB of
 memory, maybe we'll have 1GB on-line memory by the time it is actually done.** memory, maybe we'll have 1GB on-line memory by the time it is actually done.**
  
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 **and 300mips.** **and 300mips.**
  
-No matter what (even at 300mips), a faster program will do more +No matter what (even at 300mips), a faster program will do more 
-in less time. This higher-level language idea of bigger is better, and object   +in less time. This higher-level language idea of bigger is better, and object 
-orientation will die when the scientists need more data in less time and the +orientation will die when the scientists need more data in less time and the 
-only way is better code.   Not better hardware. Someday that'll happen.+only way is better code. Not better hardware. Someday that'll happen.
  
 **Well, like my father says (who is a performance manager/engineer), "all **Well, like my father says (who is a performance manager/engineer), "all
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 spreadsheet so that they can work themselves into bankruptcy, or the secretary spreadsheet so that they can work themselves into bankruptcy, or the secretary
 making out the coffee fund sheet), it doesn't matter.  What matters for most making out the coffee fund sheet), it doesn't matter.  What matters for most
-applications now is getting it out 6 months before the competition.**+applications now is getting it out 6 months before the competition.**
  
-exactly. That's sad. I'm glad I had plenty of time without pressure to work on +exactly. That's sad. I'm glad I had plenty of time without pressure to work on 
-SBBS. My favorite computer idiot (over-user?) is "crunching numbers". They +SBBS. My favorite computer idiot (over-used?) terms is "crunching numbers". They 
-don't even know what the fuck it means.+don't even know what the fuck it means.
  
 **Well, it's hard to tell.  There are some systems where you have to process a **Well, it's hard to tell.  There are some systems where you have to process a
-lot of data, but mostly, in the future, I think they're goign to be going to be more +lot of data, but mostly, in the future, I think they're going to be going to be more 
-concerned with I/O.  I   D Computer hardware development now is really stressing CPU+concerned with I/O. Computer hardware development now is really stressing CPU
 power and ignoring IO bandwidth.  Oh well.** power and ignoring IO bandwidth.  Oh well.**
  
-true. 8mhz AT bus is such a joke - and on a 50mhz 486. What a mist match. (this  +true. 8mhz AT bus is such a joke - and on a 50mhz 486. What a mismatch. (this 
 discussion could go on forever, of course). I'll let us break it here if you discussion could go on forever, of course). I'll let us break it here if you
 wish. It's your bill. wish. It's your bill.
  
-**(business expense anyway).  But, I'better get going.  Probably call back+**(business expense anyway).  But, I'd better get going.  Probably call back
 later this week or next to look around some.** later this week or next to look around some.**
  
-cool. It's a bit of a validation (?) having you on the boardsLess people +cool. It's a bit of a validation (?) having you on the boards. Less people 
-would believe that you'let me slide on a WWIV hack (selling it nationwide, +would believe that you'd let me slide on a WWIV hack (selling it nationwide, 
 etc.) etc.)
  
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 WWIVnet tech doc if you want).** WWIVnet tech doc if you want).**
  
-I just might. You say 1188 nodes on WWIVnet? (That probably justifies support.+I just might. You say 1188 nodes on WWIVnet? (That probably justifies support.
  
 **Yeah, and a few hundred on other WWIVnet-type networks (it seems there are **Yeah, and a few hundred on other WWIVnet-type networks (it seems there are
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 **No, I mean more and more separate networks using WWIVnet software.** **No, I mean more and more separate networks using WWIVnet software.**
  
-Maybe they don'want a million netted posts every day. I can understand  +Maybe they don't want a million netted posts every day. I can understand  
-wantingto be a part of a smaller network.+wanting to be a part of a smaller network.
  
 **It's not like usenet, you only get those posts you ask for, so if you wanted **It's not like usenet, you only get those posts you ask for, so if you wanted
-to just be a node without any netted subs, you wouldn't have much traffic at a  +to just be a node without any netted subs, you wouldn't have much traffic at
 all.  But, whatever.** all.  But, whatever.**
  
 It's not the traffic. They may want a netted sub that only gets netted It's not the traffic. They may want a netted sub that only gets netted
-messages from two or there other BBSs (local, probably) so there aren't a+messages from two or there other BBSs (local, probably) so there aren't a
 million posts every day. I don't think the traffic is an issue. WWIVnet million posts every day. I don't think the traffic is an issue. WWIVnet
 supports routing, I believe. supports routing, I believe.
  
 **Yeah.  But, you can set up a sub yourself that only has 3 systems in it.  I do **Yeah.  But, you can set up a sub yourself that only has 3 systems in it.  I do
-agree though that some number of separate nets makes sense, but there are too  +agree though that some number of separate nets makes sense, but there are too
 many already (as far as I can tell).** many already (as far as I can tell).**
  
-Probably. And there's no push for them to register if they're not on WWIVnet.  +Probably. And there's no push for them to register if they're not on WWIVnet.
 Maybe you should integrate some sort of protection in the future. Maybe you should integrate some sort of protection in the future.
  
 **Well, the two other largest WWIVnet-type networks are pushing for registration **Well, the two other largest WWIVnet-type networks are pushing for registration
-also, so it's not like I'm completely out in the dark.  But, I'm too paranoid   +also, so it's not like I'm completely out in the dark.  But, I'm too paranoid 
-about the protection not working, and cutting off someone that it shouldn't.   +about the protection not working, and cutting off someone that it shouldn't.
 But, really should be going now.** But, really should be going now.**
  
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 ===== Epilogue ===== ===== Epilogue =====
-Although I use to be a user on Wayne Bell's BBS (Amber) and participated at one time on his BBS network (WWIVnet), the above chat was my one and only interaction with him, ever.+Although I used to be a user on Wayne Bell's BBS (Amber) and participated at one time on his BBS network (WWIVnet), the above chat was my one and only interaction with him, ever.
  
 From my exposure to Wayne's software, its documentation, and its source code, I had assumed that he was no older than I (a teenager at the time). It was only later that I realized the he was actually about 10 years older than me and much more experienced in the professional world of software development, though you could not tell that by looking at the WWIV source code. From my exposure to Wayne's software, its documentation, and its source code, I had assumed that he was no older than I (a teenager at the time). It was only later that I realized the he was actually about 10 years older than me and much more experienced in the professional world of software development, though you could not tell that by looking at the WWIV source code.
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 ===== See Also ===== ===== See Also =====
   * [[:history:|history index]]   * [[:history:|history index]]
 +  * [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XT9QlRXYN0|Wayne and Rob interview comments regarding WWIV (video)]]
  
-{{tag>}}+{{tag>wwiv chat}}