hang vol_ser=123456 file=mytape mode=read_write density=1600

[Dave Sherman]

~|  From: idallen at watmath.UUCP
~|  Subject: hang vol_ser=123456 file=mytape mode=read_write density=1600
~|  > From dave at utcsrgv.UUCP (Dave Sherman) Fri, 9-Mar-84 13:52:22 EST
~|  > 
~|  > As Mark Callow points out, that's hardly UNIX-like. 
~|  > ...
~|  > hang -w -s 800 mytape
~|  > 		(put a write ring in, and mount for 800bpi)
~|  
~|  Unlike your UNIX-like syntax, the given syntax needed no explanation.

I know. If I want explanation I'll look at the manual. The same
goes for all other UNIX commands. If you're going to introduce
a new command to UNIX, you should keep its syntax reasonably like
that of other UNIX commands. If you want to type all that drivel
every time you type any command, use some other operating system
(or write yourself a shell that takes all those options, looks them
up in the manual, and calls "hang -w -s 1600 123456").

Seriously, if you can't remember all the options, you should be
able to type "hang" alone and get a list. I'm sure none of us
can really remember the arguments to /etc/mknod - so what?
We get our devices configured somehow.

Unrepentant,

Dave Sherman
-- 
 {allegra,cornell,decvax,ihnp4,linus,utzoo}!utcsrgv!dave