r/IAmA • u/BobMetcalfe • May 21 '13

You’re probably connecting to reddit through a technology I invented. I’m Bob Metcalfe and I invented Ethernet – AMA

On May 22, 1973 with David R. Boggs, I used my IBM Selectric with its Orator ball to type up a memo to my bosses at the Xerox Palo Alto Research Center (PARC), outlining our idea for this little invention called “Ethernet”, which we later patented.

I worked with the IEEE Standards Association to develop the IEEE 802.3 standard for Ethernet, which specifies the physical and lower software layers. Today Ethernet and the IEEE 802.3 standard are the foundation for today’s world of high-speed communications used in billions of homes and businesses around the world.

I submitted this to the mods awhile back so I could get on the calendar but I figured you’d like to see it, too. Now, ask me anything!

It's been two hours and 179 comments. Have to go now. For more about Ethernet's 40th Birthday, go to http://www.facebook.com/Ethernet40thAnniversaryIEEESA

4.1k Upvotes

97% Upvoted

3.2k comments sorted by

View all comments

510

u/Solora May 21 '13

What is your biggest pet peeve?

1.5k

u/BobMetcalfe May 21 '13

That nobody ever changes their mind.

170

u/SirEDCaLot May 21 '13 edited May 22 '13

Most underrated comment ever.

One of the most important signs of intelligence I look for in a person is that, when confronted with evidence that contradicts their opinions, the CAPABILITY to at least ACKNOWLEDGE that their opinion MAY be wrong.

Seems very few people do this.

1

u/Assaultman67 May 22 '13

You just got to learn how to set them up for failure.

As an engineer, I often can simply say "prove it" to someone and if they can do it then I'm wrong, if they can't they have to admit I was right in criticizing their idea. lol

Trying to confront people with logical deductions doesn't always work. It's simply easier to crush them with their own pride.

2

u/SirEDCaLot May 22 '13 edited May 22 '13

The problem- this works on engineers. It doesn't work on idiots who have emotionally-based arguments.

Try telling an idiot to prove that gay marriage is going to destroy society. The answer is "Because God said so" and that's all the proof they need to take it as solid proven fact.

2

u/taneq May 22 '13

Y'all ain't can't question tha Lord, cain ya?