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\F5\CL\F1ISP \F5USERS\F1
\F1\CNewsletter Number 1
\F1\CApril 3, 1979


\JThis newsletter  announces the beginning of a loose organization 
(no pun intended) to spread
information about applications, implementations, and general information
on LISP-like languages. It will  pay particular attention to those
LISP-ish things which are within the realm of currently available micro-processor
systems. 

Though LISP is now considered in the province of mainframe computation,
remember that LISP was first implemented on an IBM704, and until the mid '60s
this LISP was the main AI research tool. 
The 704-7090 series machines would be considered somewhere between a weak mini
and a strong micro in today's market. Therefore viable, though small, 
LISP systems \F2are\F1 feasible within the current constraints. 
Several  small LISP systems are either available or being planned. One
purpose of this LUSER group is to spread the word on LISP implementations.

The programs written in LISP represent the most innovative, bizarre, and
exciting ways to "misuse a computer"! They make Wumpus look like tic-tac-toe.
Surely we could fill pages of such newsletters with hints, tricks, and clever
games, but I'd rather see some reasonable discussions of the AI techniques
which lead to the cleverness. In a similar vein, the implementation
techniques which underlie LISP itself have much to offer the budding
computer devotee.

The "philosophical" side of computation should also be exposed. LISP
is an excellent pedagogical vehicle; not in the "preaching sense", but
in the best sense of the word. An understanding of LISP can develop 
an unique perspective on computation as a real discipline, worthy
of study and respect. 

As an initialization process I would like to form a mailing list
of prospective interested-ees. If you  fit this category please
jot down name and  address; background; interest in, and knowledge of LISP;
what system (if any) you own, memory capacity (internal and mass storage).
If you know of other candidates, pass the word.

Please include any suggestions you have about organization or topics
you'd like to see discussed. Until expenses get unbearable I will try to finesse
the postage and duplication problem by asking for a dollar, guaranteed
to be used for nothing other than LUSER's services.
You might also include an
indication of you much you'd consider the LUSER service worth (of course
\F2that\F1 will depend on how winning the LUSER is, but ...)
\.
\←L\→S\←R\-L\/'2;\+L\→L

Yours sincerely,



John R. Allen
18215 Bayview Dr.
Los Gatos Ca, 95030

\←S\→L