My friend Dave Skinner participated in the early research and development of the technology which helped Howard Hornstein to write his book. Skinner was a mountaineer, educator, activist and environmental advocate. Although ALS caused his body to fail him miserably, his wit and intellect never did. When it became possible for him to write again, write he did, and I treasure the long clever letters which survive him. In matters technological I'm usually in the camp of General Ludd, but when it fosters communication and expression I'm proud of what humans can do. Skinner would have been pleased to see a book of chanteys and pleased to see that his early efforts laid groundwork for what's now possible.

Dave