Date   : Fri, 02 Dec 1983 11:27:43 EST
From   : David Towson (CSD) <towson@amsaa>
Subject: Re: Dysan note: Using floppy backside

Mike - I was going to let this issue pass without comment, but since you have
pulled my chain, I just can't keep my big mouth shut any longer.  I totally
agree with your position.  The Dysan arguments are wholly theoretical, and do
not even allude to the existence of ANY corroborating test results.  In
contrast to this, the early Shugart position regarding their opposition to
the use of head cleaning diskettes WAS based on test results, and furthermore,
they then changed that position when better cleaning diskettes became available.
The ON\lY diskettes that have ever given me trouble are made by Dysan, and
that experience includes a considerable number of really cheap (10 disks for
$16) disks.  Furthermore, Dysan disks are among the most expensive available.
(No, I made a mistake there; I did have an experience with early Paragon
Magnetics "Gold" diskettes that were the worst junk I have ever encountered
floppy-wise.  They were so bad that I could see the imperfections with the
unaided eye, and I'm LEGALLY BLIND!)  Anyway, moving right along...
If Dysan had quoted SOME data in support of their position, I'd be a
lot more receptive to their argument.  As it is, I too believe that they are
merely trying to propagate a scare in order to boost their sales.  I have
disassembled several brands of floppies to see how they were made, and the
open weave liners that I have seen certainly appear to be symmetrical in their
ability to trap particles regardless of direction of rotation.  Two closing
comments:  First, many thanks to Keith Petersen for putting forth the effort
to type-in that long article by Dysan.  It has sparked an interesting exchange.
Second, In all fairness, I must admit that I have only experimented with
flippies in a trivial way.  In my very limited experience, I have had no
difficulties, but I don't consider the effort of modifying and cataloging
flippies to be worth the advantages obtained.  Therefore, my treatment of this
subject is also theoretical.


Dave