And they whined because a legitimate user thought to use the technology to promote his company's products? albeit in "violation" of their supposed rules?

Compared to what your legislators have done to the US Constitution, I would call it trivial at best? And it wasn't as if he was selling physical enhancements or performance improvers? Hell, he was inviting people to a "jolly"..............

I was around back then, and if you went on vacation for a fortnight you almost needed C4 to get the door open when you returned because of the "junk mail".

Everyone else spammed via snail mail............. this guy had the foresight and vision to seize upon the new (embryonic) technology. I have nothing but respect for him. Hell, he was trying to sell high technology kit, so what better than to (ab)use, the new communications technology?

I actually get a lot of "spam"............ but if I didn't, I would actually be p1$$ed off. If I am good business to people and they don't tell me about any good deals, then I feel that my business is not appreciated.

I guess it is how you look at it?............. I want any information on deals that are available (from reputable hardware and software suppliers of course)...... I represent regular and reasonably sizable business to them each year............ I cannot see a problem with that.......... it is not "spam" to me, but information I am quite happy to receive; in fact, I would go so far as to say that it is their duty to provide it to regular and loyal customers?

I used to like the DEC PDP11, and their desktop stuff was fine (although rather overpriced).......... Still have a Venturis 5133 that runs Win98SE like $41t off a shiny shovel............. we have a public holiday weekend over here so I will dig it out and load Win2000 just for the amusement.

I know how to get Millennium to run on a PI........... never tried with 2K

Yeah, I am a DEC fanboy, and not ashamed of it............ it was a fine outfit in its day IMHO.

Gettin old and closer to being one year older