For almost 2 decades now I followed the writings of Robert X. Cringely. Admittedly I used to read his column every week between the late eighties and mid nineties. As my own publishing and writing career started to take off I spent less time reading his columns.

 

I did write about Robert earlier today and Andy Abramson pointed out the person behind Cringely is none other than Mark C. Stephens. No, I have not heard of Mark either. This is likely why he uses the name Robert X. Cringely as it is more popular than his own name and the names of most tech writers for that matter.

 

What is shocking to me is the amount of legal wrangling taking place between IDC and Stephens over this fictitious character. Moreover who would believe IDG has no lawyers on staff? A $1.4 billion company with no lawyers is an amazing feat.

 

For more information on Robert C. and IDG and the souring relationship of the two, check out this article.