What were the previous format wars like?

[GregBlu5]

Originally Posted by Grisle

I'm interested to know what it was like during the previous format wars. For those of you who were involved in the VHS v BETA and DVD v Laserdisc wars give us some of your experiences and some similiarities with the current war. How did you get your information during the VHS v BETA time? It seems like it would have been hard. I'm only 26 so this whole early adopter thing is new to me.

Honestly, it wasn't anything like this. The Internet has added a whole other vicious dimension to this war. In the past, it was more like a gentleman's duel, with seconds and all kinds of polite activities--removing the glove before slapping one's opponent with it and not with one's hand. Now, it's bare knuckle fisticuffs and assault rifles at close range.

Sorry for the levity. You've been posting a lot longer than I, but we really have discussed this thread elsewhere quite extensively--but I really don't know how to point you in the right direction yet. (Also, it seems that I went to bed last night and folks were debating yesterday's good news and this morning I wake up early to find intense anger, suspensions and a generally somber mood all over this forum.)

Sorry I couldn't be more helpful.

-Greg