I have on several occasions observed that I seem to exhibit a degree of self-absorption that might lead me to be compared to Mr Toad of Toad Hall in The Wind in the Willows. I have now conceived a new project to occupy me in my declining years, and I am afraid it will simply confirm this diagnosis. It has occurred to me to create a searcheable CD of everything I have ever published, together with all of the tutorials, mini-tutorials, and appreciations I have posted here, my three volume memoir, and a selection from the file drawer full of unpublished lectures, essays, and drafts, plus perhaps a selection of correspondence from notable or interesting people, all to be accompanied by brief introductions or explanations newly written. Once this task was complete [and it is rather daunting to think about it], I could offer it to anyone who was interested in having it for roughly the cost of reproduction and mailing, which is to say maybe five dollars.
The biggest challenge would be scanning into a first rate OCR program all of the materials that exist only on the page and not in electronic form.
I mean, how many more series are there like Alias and House of Cards with which I can wile away the hours?
