Another programmer poll ?

[Rebel]

I am pessimistic but you are right about those who never attended, they can't know the atmosphere meeting people with the same passion with whom they perhaps have discussed for years in a (this) forum.

Through the years there is this funny pattern I noticed, some folks sometimes act like real jerks online, IRL they may carry your PC for you 2 stairs up.

[hgm]

I am sure I count as one of those folks.

[jdart]

he fact that all the interesting engines are not allowed to compete

It is not just that. Some are not interested. Rybka isn't competing because it's been banned. But even if you allowed Vas back in, I am not sure he would come. And Houdart has shown no interest in participating.

--Jon

[jdart]

You mention "freeware" but most open source programs are not exactly "freeware" but are provided under a license. If someone takes an existing program and improves it, whether and how they can release it depends on the license. I think derivatives that violate the license terms could be prohibited on that basis. (That doesn't however necessarily validate the treatment of Rybka. And even if you agree with the similarity analysis you can disapprove of the sanction ultimately chosen by the organization (lifetime ban)).

--Jon

[hgm]

Rybka should be considered dead. It is no longer being developed, it is no longer the strongest. There will be no active Rybka participation in any tournament, irrespective of rules.

That 'all the interesting engines are not allowed to compete' doesn't seem to be based on any printed rules.

[Rebel]

I am sure I count as one of those folks.

You are not the particular one I had in mind, but now that you mention it...

[Rebel]

First 5 entrees are in.