Yesterday we pointed to a treatise entitled “Learn 10 good UNIX usage habits” by author/consultant Michael Stutz, which included a stern warning that any such self-improvement effort should most certainly include a pledge to “stop piping cats.”
Some of us who don’t speak UNIX found the phrase amusing.
I had tried to contact Stutz prior to posting that item, but he was apparently out piping cats and his reply only reached me afterward. Here’s what he has to say for himself:
Hello,
Having been just directed to your editorial, I thought it best to assure you that while the battle against piping cats is an old one, many reputable UNIX authorities say that the ban has simply lost its relevance in today’s world — that in fact the very reason and necessity for having to avoid the act of cat-piping is no longer a plausible issue for concern, and proscriptions against it best left to the quiet archives of computer folklore.
While prudence gives cause to hesitate before endorsing such sentiment, I’ll take the moment to admit that I do, on certain occasion, still pipe cats myself. Old habits die hard, and too much refinement stirs the brain — or so they say.
But for what it’s worth, you might be interested to know that I just finished an upcoming piece that advises new UNIX users on several fundamental problems of manner, including when and how to bang things in the shell.
Truly yours,
Michael Stutz
The mind boggles.
(Update: For a more serious discussion of the tips you might try Slashdot.)
