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IP: Computer unmasks Anonymous writer...
From: Dave Farber <farber () central cis upenn edu>
Date: Fri, 16 Feb 1996 11:06:21 -0500
Date: Fri, 16 Feb 1996 10:25:06 -0500 From: Peter Wayner <pcw () access digex net> The Feb 16, 96 edition of the Baltimore Sun announces that a computer program similar to one used to attribute unknown poems to William Shakespeare has been turned to solving the mystery of who wrote the best selling book, _Primary Colors._ The work was apparently done by Donald Foster a professor at Vassar College who discovered that both Joe Klein and the author of _Primary Colors_ used these adjectives quite often: especially, entirely, fiercely, incredibly, mortally, particularily, precisely, profoundly, reflexively, relentlessly, seriously, subtly, surprisingly, ultimately, utterly, vaguely, wistfully More information will be published in an article slated to run in the copy of _New York_ magazine that goes on sale on Monday. This article seems to be the major source for the Sun piece. If Joe Klein, a well-known political writer, is indeed the author, it is clear that he didn't learn one of the first lessons of Washington. If you're going to leak information or quotes to the world, make sure you use the diction of your enemy. That's ventriloquism Washington style. -Peter Wayner
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