Reply to Perry

[wet!naga (Peter Davidson)]

In reply to:
 
> >Date: 14 Jul 93 19:50:26 EDT
> >From: Michael Glazer <72440.2236@CompuServe.COM>
> >Subject: PGP
> >
> >Folks,
> >
> >    I'm trying to learn more about practical cryptography in general
> >    and PGP and similar programs in particular.  Any advice?
>
> @article{Nathan92,
>    author = {Paco Xander Nathan},
>    journal = {Fringeware Review},
>    month = {July},
>    number = {1},
>    pages = {17--18},
>    title = {Tutorial: PGP},
>    volume = {1},
>    year = {1992}
 
BTW the year should be 1993.  This issue of Fringeware Review
has just been released.
 
>
> Fringeware Review is available for $3.50 from
> Fringeware Inc., P. O. Box 49921, Austin, TX 78765
> (512-477-1366, fringeware@wixer.bga.com)
>
> This issue also has articles on inter-experiential snorkeling,
> cruzin' the internet, email lists, tom jennings, the abolition
> of work, mind control, cyborganics, melt-o-media and even cypherpunx.
 
Perry Metzger writes:
 
>Rather than pointing people to strange publications we've never heard
>of written by authors without credentials, might I suggest...
>
>1) The PGP docs themselves are very good and far better as a tutorial
>   on cryptography than any of the "PGP tutorials" that have appeared
>   in the fringe literature. They are also free.
>
>2) Read a real text on cryptography. It isn't a childrens game. Its a
>   real branch of math and computer science, and really bright people
>   devote their lives to it. If you wanted to learn about medicine,
>   would you pick up a professional medical text, or something written
>   in a 'zine by people you hadn't heard of?
 
Over the last few months I have noticed that Perry loses no opportunity
to say something negative.  It looks like you have a personality
problem, Perry.  Have you talked with your therapist lately?
 
Since you saw fit to post this criticism in public, I'll reply here.
 
1.  Many cypherpunks, being cypherpunks, are interested in "strange
publications" - especially those containing reports on the emerging
alternative culture - which you are apparently contemptuous of
(as of much else).
 
2.  If you've never heard of Fringeware then why display your ignorance?
 
3.  If you've never seen the article mentioned, and know nothing of
the author, on what basis do you claim that the author is without
credentials?  Because he publishes in a magazine with "Fringe" in
the title?  You're obviously prejudiced, Perry.
 
4.  Does it require an advanced degree in mathematics to write a clear
and lucid tutorial for those interested in using PGP?
 
5.  Is reading "a real text on cryptography" necessary in order to
learn to use PGP?  Your remark suggests it is, which is likely to
discourage people from using PGP rather than encourage them.
 
6.  Is the exchange of encrypted messages a branch of computer
science?  Why suggest that one has to study math to use PGP?
 
7.  Why don't you try to make a positive contribution to cypherpunks
instead of being continuously obnoxious?  I'm probably not the only
one here who thinks you're an asshole.