John writes:

> Is it just me that feels rankled that hp (not HP) expects to continue to
>  extract revenue from an installed base that they have abandoned.
>  In my somwhat naive mind (in my dreams), a "goodwill" gesture from hp
>  towards the previously loyal installed base could take the form of one or
>  all of the following :
>
>  1. Release the MPE source code (e.g. to open source or reputable
custodian).
>  2. Uncripple ALL hp3000s.
>  3. Waive any license fees for new or transferring of existing licenses.
>  4. Not charge a fee for using an Emulator.
>  5. Allow 9000s to be converted to run MPE.

I'm absolutely sure that the HP that I first began to work with 40 years ago
would have done exactly that. And because I'm sure that that HP would have
done this, they built an incredible sense of loyalty with me, a loyalty that
still has a bit of carryover even now. But that HP died a long time ago --
and it's hard to describe how much sadness I feel for the current situation.

Wirt Atmar