3.306 electronic texts (67)

Willard McCarty (MCCARTY@VM.EPAS.UTORONTO.CA)
Mon, 31 Jul 89 20:20:32 EDT


Humanist Discussion Group, Vol. 3, No. 306. Monday, 31 Jul 1989.


(1) Date: Sat, 29 Jul 89 10:42:34 CDT (18 lines)
From: "Michael S. Hart" <HART@UIUCVME>
Subject: Re: 3.301 e-texts (65)

(2) Date: Fri, 28 Jul 89 22:52 EDT (28 lines)
From: GUEST4@YUSol
Subject: the shift to e-texts

(1) --------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Sat, 29 Jul 89 10:42:34 CDT
From: "Michael S. Hart" <HART@UIUCVME>
Subject: Re: 3.301 e-texts (65)

In response to Bob Kraft's inquiries on this subject, we are preparing a
posting for the HUMANIST, HUMBUL, RPDIST, GUTNBERG, and LITERARY listserv
discussion groups. If any HUMANIST member would forward me the names of
those running the LITERARY and HUMBUL groups, I would like to communicate
with them directly about making such a posting.

Briefly: The National Clearinghouse for Machine Readable Texts had its
beginnings in 1971 on a Xerox Sigma V mainframe. The first text posted
was the Declaration of Independence which was followed by the Constitution.
In the early 80's the project was moved from mainframes to micros. The
Clearinghouse is dedicated to the creation and distribution of machine
readable texts for users of all ages and interests. One of our most popular
items is a children's library which receives much encouragement from our users
who are interested in getting their children involved with computers.
(2) --------------------------------------------------------------36----
Date: Fri, 28 Jul 89 22:52 EDT
From: GUEST4@YUSol
Subject: RE: 3.303 queries (68)

RE: On the supposedly benign effect of shifting from printed to electronic
texts (How long can Humanists teaching at "Bombay State U." pretend to be
immune?)

(Reuters dispatch from Bombay, byline Moses Manoharan) Quoted from Toronto
Globe and Mail, 28 July 1989, page C3:

"The Indian film industry, the world's largest, is on the brink of financial
disaster as videotapes and television dim the charisma of movie stars.... Seven
movie theaters have closed in Bombay alone this year. "We have no choice but
to tighten our belts. The rapid spread of video and television has reduced the
awe in which fans hold the stars. THis has caused the crisis," said producer
and actor Randhir Kapoor... The film stars are having to support their opulent
lifestyles with less and less work... .In the past few years stars often worked
two- to three-hour shifts on three or four different films every day..... Now
even the poor, 70 percent of India's 850 million people, are becoming choosy.
"With the advent of video, you could freeze the most terrifying or
awe-inspiring character by pressing a button. It destroyed the bond of
make-believe existing between audience and film. We can no longer suspend
reality," said director Parvati Menon...

Sterling Beckwith
Humanities and Music
York University, Toronto