Almost 21 years ago, Jody and I found one another on the 'Net, with
our common interest of mechanical music.  I had a modest personal
e-mailing list of like minded people, as did Jody.  We decided to
develop a special interest discussion group dedicated to supporting
the preservation of a very unique slice of musical heritage.

I would like to think of myself as one of MMD's parents, but reality
is that Jody did all the heavy lifting.  He is to be commended for
his foresight, commitment and technical skill.  He came up with the
original format which has withstood the test of time.

What is of critical importance is the "content" of MMDigest; it's
appearance is secondary.  Let us never lose sight that before MMD,
all we had were association journals printed every two months, within
which letters to the editors would appear from people seeking help
and/or information.  Two to three months might elapse between asking
a question and getting a reply.  God help me if I asked the wrong
question!

'Way beyond MMD, there emerged something called the "Internet".
It was text based, no graphics, and it only linked universities at
a painful 300 baud.  A classmate at the University of Manitoba
introduced me to this wonder of all wonders some 'leventy-7 years
ago.  I was smitten by the possibilities.

Eventually MMDigest appeared as if by magic, beginning with our joint
mailing lists, which grew dramatically over the years.  It is still
magical that a question to MMD today may well provoke a response
tomorrow.  How good is that!

MMD's format is perfectly fine, links us all together, provides us
all with critical help and information, and we still have a wondrous
Archive.  The daily maintenance of keeping the discussions going and
supporting the Archive must by now be a significant task.

I do not disagree that the pretty faces of Facebook and YouTube have
their place in the evolution of the Internet.  Each in their own way
serve a purpose, and do it well.  There is absolutely nothing wrong
with MMD's format.  It's evolution over the past 21 years has never
wavered from the critical issue of "content".  For that, we should be
most grateful.

Say "Gee, Thanks" to Jody for his foresight, commitment and technical
prowess, and to Robbie for his daily support and commitment.  They are
doing an amazing job, very much appreciated.

Regards,

Terry Smythe
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
smythe@shaw.ca.geentroep [delete ".geentroep" to reply]

 [ Gee, Terry, where's the "Like" button when I need it!  Thanks
 [ for the encouragement to start the Automatic Music Mailing List
 [ (soon to be re-named Mechanical Music Digest) and helping to seed
 [ the list with most of the original subscribers.  If we hadn't met
 [ on-line, I don't think the MMD would have ever happened.  -- Jody