I tried to contact him to ask that exact question. He didn't answer my email.

I've thought of just calling him. But I'm intimidated of him to be honest. He wrote the webserver that ran whitehouse.gov during the Clinton administration, I can barely program in Lisp.

Maybe getting an AI lab person to do it (early Akamaite or maybe a MIT faculty member?) would be helpful.

What is the worst thing that can happen? I know they are called Lisp ninjas, but they are 40-50-60 year old guys with neck beards...

I think "ignoring it due to being overworked or misaddressed" is the most likely -- and if it's either, try fedex/ups mailing a physical item (like a book or other gift, or food, or whatever -- something which doesn't fit in an envelope, and which is obviously nice enough that 1) dude feels guilt if he doesn't respond and 2) intermediaries will try to pass it along.

I've used this trick quite successfully ($20-50 items from appropriate gift vendors -- Cabelas for outdoor type people, gourmet food vendors for other people).

It's like the next-level of conference schwag.

You're probably right. I'll bet I'm over thinking this. I like the idea of sending him something nice. I'll do that.

Are you sure it's John Mallery that's the current owner now? He's not that hard to get a hold of.

No, I'm not sure. That's what David Schmidt told me a year or so ago when I bought my MacIvory from him.

It seems very plausible though, given John's background.

Also, someone should make an AMI of this. Lisp machine by the hour :)

In that case history really does repeat, rather than only rhyme.