Dear Super Beings @ DDJ

I just read your (Ray Duncan's) pithy but paltry review (on Amazon) of Neil Gershenfeld's book " When Things Start to Think". blah, blah, BLAH!

Neil, And -- YOUR -- reviewer have both neglected to observe that; "THINGS" (WE) already THINK. Or at least, some of us try to.

Of course, if we are not "THINGS," but some form of Super Sentience then the point is moot. But evidence of Sentience is scant. Certainly at DDJ.

Don't bother us with "Lip Flap." Instead, propose a REAL solution to insanity.

Propose a way to deal with child molesters, school/church shooters, drug dealers, homeless people, THE AMERICAN EGO, fanatical terrorists, etc. and WE will beat the proverbial path to YOUR doorway.

Your Home Page states emphatically that you are the best. "Since 1976, DDJ has led the computer press in covering practical technology."

Your review of this book indicates that you are intrested in topics beyond the scope of your stated purpose."Covering practical technology."

But your proficiency pales in comparison to your braggadocio.

Perhaps, you should stick SRICTLY to software, as you seem overwhelmed with questions beyond mathematical explanation.

MSP

Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999
From: DDJ Editorial Staff
To: biglogs@goldrush.com
Subject: Re: Thinking Things?

Mark,

Thanks for your letter. Actually, it sounds like you ought to take your complaint up with the author and book publisher if you don't like the title and premise. You've chosen to shoot the messenger who told you about the book -- both the reviewer (Ray Duncan) and DDJ. Have you read the book, by the way? Also, I'd be curious to know if you regularly read Dr. Dobb's Journal. You do seem familiar with the magazine, but is it from simply visiting the web site or reading it month in and month out? Finally, you seem very much interested in programming and technical books. Why don't you write book reviews for us. We're always looking for more reviews (and we do pay for them). Looking forward to hearing from you.

Jon Erickson

Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999
From: Mark Patton
To: DDJ Editorial Staff
Subject: Re: Thinking Things?

Dear Jon:

Your reply was perfect. Couldn't have said it better myself! No I haven't read the book. Never heard of DDJ before last night and I couldn't programm my way out of a paper bag.

Signed,

The real "Lip Flapper"

p.s. Just finished 25th anniversary edition of Harry Browne's classic, "How I Found Freedom in a Unfree World". I'd love to send you a review of this one. It applies to everyone, Techno Nuts like you guys and just plain Nuts like me. Thanks for your time. Mark